Sarah Brown
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The molecular structure of psilocybin mimics serotonin and binds to serotonin receptors, especially 5-HT2A, which is a famous receptor onto which many psychedelic drugs bind. The psilocybin content of mushrooms varies depending on species, strain, growth and drying conditions, and mushroom size. The lethal dose of psilocybin for a 60-kilogram person is estimated to be 2,000 to 6,000 mg, which is significantly higher than the effective dose of 6 mg and the typical recreational dose of 10 to 30 mg.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms, Psilocybe |
| Active chemical | Psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion |
| Other chemicals | Baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin, norpsilocin, β-carbolines (e.g. harmine, harmane, tetrahydroharmine, harmaline) |
| Molecular formula | C12H17N204P |
| Molecular weight | 284.3 g/mol |
| Effect | Psychoactive, hallucinogenic |
| Lethal dose | 2,000 to 6,000 mg |
| Typical recreational dose | 10 to 30 mg |
| Therapeutic index | 641 |
| Occurrence | Worldwide, especially in Mexico, Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa |
| Habitat | Subtropical humid forests, meadows, woods, tropical and subtropical conditions |
| Appearance | Small, brown or tan mushrooms |
| Identification | Flesh turns blue or green when bruised or cut |
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What You'll Learn
- Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain mushrooms
- Hallucinogenic mushrooms are available in fresh, dried, cooked, frozen, powdered, or capsulated forms
- The effects of magic mushrooms depend on a person's mood, previous encounters with psychedelics, and the environment they're in
- The main risk of taking magic mushrooms is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms
- The human lethal dose of psilocybin is estimated to be 2,000 to 6,000 mg, which is 1,000 times greater than its effective dose
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain mushrooms
Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain mushrooms. It is a hallucinogen that people can ingest by consuming specific types of mushrooms. Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, and when ingested, it is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is the chemical compound responsible for the psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms.
The psilocybin content in mushrooms varies, ranging from almost nothing to 2.5% of the dry weight. It depends on factors such as species, strain, growth and drying conditions, and mushroom size. Cultivated mushrooms tend to have less variable psilocybin content compared to wild mushrooms. Psilocybin is more stable in dried mushrooms, retaining their potency for months or even years. On the other hand, fresh mushrooms stored for four weeks contain only traces of psilocybin.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in various cultures and locations worldwide, with potential historical use dating back thousands of years. They are often depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe and are represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. In modern times, psilocybin use can be recreational or spiritual, and it may also show potential in medical settings for treating specific conditions.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are subjective and can vary among individuals. They typically include hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and intense changes in mood and feelings. Psilocybin works by binding to serotonin receptors in parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception. The experience, often referred to as a "trip," can be positive or negative, depending on factors such as set (an individual's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelics, and expectations) and setting (the environment in which the drug is taken).
While psilocybin mushrooms are not known to cause physical or psychological dependence, there are risks associated with their consumption. Accidental poisoning can occur from misidentifying and consuming poisonous mushrooms. Additionally, regular use can lead to tolerance, and combining psilocybin with certain other drugs can increase the chances of a negative experience.
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Hallucinogenic mushrooms are available in fresh, dried, cooked, frozen, powdered, or capsulated forms
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, contain the psychedelic chemical psilocybin. They are typically ingested by being eaten, brewed into a tea, or prepared with food to mask their bitter taste. They are available in a variety of forms, including fresh, dried, cooked, frozen, powdered, or encapsulated.
Fresh mushrooms are often covered in chocolate to improve their taste. However, fresh mushrooms only retain their potency for about four weeks, whereas dried mushrooms can remain potent for months or even years. Dried mushrooms can be crushed into a powder and prepared in capsule form.
The psilocybin content of mushrooms varies depending on species, strain, growth and drying conditions, and mushroom size. Wild mushrooms tend to have greater variability in psilocybin content compared to cultivated mushrooms. Mature mycelia contain some psilocybin, while young mycelia lack significant amounts.
The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin typically occur within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last between four and six hours. At low doses, hallucinogenic mushrooms can induce perceptual distortions and alterations of thought or mood, with minimal effects on memory and orientation. Higher doses or feelings of anxiety before ingestion may increase the risk of a "bad trip".
It is important to distinguish hallucinogenic mushrooms from non-psilocybin species, as they may resemble common store mushrooms. Additionally, accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms can result in mushroom poisoning, with symptoms including muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium.
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The effects of magic mushrooms depend on a person's mood, previous encounters with psychedelics, and the environment they're in
The effects of magic mushrooms are determined by a combination of factors, including an individual's mood, prior experience with psychedelics, and their physical environment.
Mood:
An individual's mood, or 'set', plays a crucial role in shaping their experience with magic mushrooms. Set refers to a person's state of mind, encompassing their current mood, previous encounters with psychedelics, and expectations of the forthcoming experience. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before consuming magic mushrooms may increase the likelihood of a 'bad trip'. Similarly, expectations and past experiences can influence an individual's reaction to psilocybin, the psychoactive chemical found in magic mushrooms.
Prior Experience with Psychedelics:
Prior encounters with psychedelics can also impact the effects of magic mushrooms. Regular users may develop a tolerance to psilocybin, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects. Additionally, cross-tolerance may occur with other psychedelic substances, such as LSD and mescaline. Furthermore, previous experiences with magic mushrooms can shape expectations and influence the overall experience.
Physical Environment:
The physical environment, or 'setting', in which magic mushrooms are consumed can significantly influence the effects experienced. Setting includes factors such as the familiarity of the surroundings, the company kept, the indoor or outdoor location, lighting, and music. Consuming magic mushrooms in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a positive experience, while noisy and crowded places may increase the likelihood of a negative experience. Being in a positive state of mind, surrounded by trusted individuals in a safe environment, can reduce the risk of a bad trip.
The effects of magic mushrooms are attributed to the presence of psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic chemical. When consumed, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects. These effects can include euphoria, hallucinations, sensory distortion, altered perception of time and space, and intense mood changes. While magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, individuals may experience negative side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. It is important to note that the risks associated with magic mushrooms can be mitigated by correctly identifying the mushroom type, as some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble magic mushrooms.
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The main risk of taking magic mushrooms is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms. It is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. However, some argue that psilocybin mushrooms may have potential benefits, such as helping with depression.
Magic mushrooms have a range of effects on individuals, including euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. They are often consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. While magic mushrooms are considered to have a low risk of addiction, one of the main risks associated with their consumption is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms.
Magic mushrooms closely resemble some types of poisonous mushrooms that can cause severe illness or even death. This similarity poses a significant risk, as accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms can lead to poisoning and serious health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify mushrooms before consumption to avoid potential harm.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on individual factors such as mental health, setting, quantity consumed, and expectations. While most experiences are reported as positive, some individuals may have negative experiences, including feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. Additionally, consuming magic mushrooms with certain other drugs or medications can lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects, increasing the chances of a ""bad trip"" and causing potential harm.
To reduce the risks associated with magic mushroom consumption, it is essential to be well-informed and take necessary precautions. This includes being in a good state of mind, having trusted companions, and creating a safe and comfortable environment. It is also crucial to accurately identify the mushrooms and be aware of the potential risks and side effects to make informed decisions regarding their consumption.
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The human lethal dose of psilocybin is estimated to be 2,000 to 6,000 mg, which is 1,000 times greater than its effective dose
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. It is a psychoactive drug that can affect a person's mental state. The psilocybin content of mushrooms varies depending on species, strain, growth, drying conditions, and mushroom size. Generally, cultivated mushrooms have less variability in psilocybin content than wild mushrooms.
The human lethal dose of psilocybin is estimated to be 2,000 to 6,000 mg, which is approximately 1,000 times greater than its effective dose of 6 mg. This effective dose of 6 mg is also significantly lower than the typical recreational dose of 10 to 30 mg. The lethal dose of psilocybin has been determined through animal studies and limited human case reports.
It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin can depend on a person's mood, state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations. The environment in which psilocybin is consumed, including the familiarity of the surroundings, company, and sensory stimuli, can also influence the experience.
Research has shown that psilocybin can be safely administered at doses of 10 mg or 25 mg to healthy individuals with no detrimental short-term or long-term effects. Higher doses of psilocybin have been associated with increased positive effects, but there is also a sharp increase in negative aspects at very high doses. For example, a dose of 30 mg/70 kg was associated with a sixfold increase in anxiety, stress, and fear episodes in a study.
While the lethal dose of psilocybin is substantially higher than the effective dose, it is important to exercise caution when consuming mushrooms containing psilocybin. The main risk is the potential consumption of poisonous mushrooms that resemble psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Additionally, psilocybin should not be combined with certain substances, such as specific psychiatric medications, as it may lead to adverse effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin is the naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms. It is a prodrug that turns into the psychoactive compound psilocin when ingested.
Psilocybin mimics serotonin and binds to serotonin receptors, especially 5-HT2A, which is a receptor that many psychedelic drugs bind to. This results in unnatural and altered behaviours.
At low doses, psilocybin causes perceptual distortions and alterations of thought or mood, with minimal effects on memory and orientation. It rarely results in true hallucinations.
The use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms. However, consuming a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms may lead to a bad trip. Magic mushrooms should also not be consumed with certain drugs, such as ice, speed, ecstasy, or psychiatric medications.
