Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary, with some trips being enjoyable and others leading to paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. The biggest risk associated with psilocybin mushroom use is that they look very similar to some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them. Due to their psychedelic effects, magic mushrooms have been used as recreational drugs and may have been depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. In recent years, there has been advocacy to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms due to their potential health benefits in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. |
| Key Ingredient | Psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin to produce psychoactive effects. |
| Effects | Altered thinking, sense of time, and emotions, hallucinations, paranoia, panic attacks, fear of death, distorted sense of reality, fear, and other unwanted effects known as a "bad trip." |
| Dosage | Recreational doses of psilocybin mushrooms are typically between 1.0 and 3.5–5.0 g of dry mushrooms and 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms. |
| Microdosing | Involves taking < 1.0 g of dried mushrooms for a less intense experience that may be non-hallucinogenic and potentially alleviating for symptoms of depression. |
| Legality | While psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in many places, some cities have decriminalized their possession, allowing residents to possess a limited amount without facing criminal charges. |
| Poisonous Look-alikes | The biggest risk associated with psilocybin mushrooms is their resemblance to certain types of poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them. |
| Identification | Psilocybin mushrooms have long and thin stems, a wide cap that is dark brown around the edges and lighter in the center, and gills on the underside of the cap. |
| Types | Inocybe geophylla, Gymnopilus luteofolius, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Panaeolus cyanescens are some of the known types of psilocybin mushrooms. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are psychedelic drugs that alter your senses, emotions, and thinking
- The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into the chemical psilocin in the body
- Magic mushrooms are hard to distinguish from poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them
- The length and intensity of a mushroom trip depend on the strength of the mushrooms, the dosage, and the user's mood, personality, and expectations
- Magic mushrooms are used as recreational drugs and may have been depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe
Magic mushrooms are psychedelic drugs that alter your senses, emotions, and thinking
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of psychedelic drug. They contain psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin in the body to produce psychoactive effects. Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, and it is this chemical that gives the mushrooms their mind-altering properties.
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic, meaning they can cause a person to see or hear things that are not real or are distorted. They can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions. The length and intensity of a 'trip' vary depending on the strength of the mushrooms and the amount consumed. A person's mood, personality, and expectations can also influence their experience.
The effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and vary widely. Some trips may be enjoyable, while others may lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. In some cases, a ''bad trip' can occur, which can be a frightening and unpleasant experience. It is difficult to end a bad trip once it has started, and the effects can last for several hours.
The dosage of magic mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which varies between species and even within the same species. Psilocybin content typically ranges from 0.5% to 1% of the dried weight of the mushroom, while psilocin content can be anywhere from 0% to 0.59%. Recreational doses of psilocybin mushrooms are typically between 1.0 and 3.5–5.0 g of dried mushrooms and 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms carries risks. One of the main dangers is that they can be easily mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can cause serious illness or even death. Consuming a large amount or a particularly strong batch of magic mushrooms can also lead to negative effects, including delayed headaches, flashbacks, and, in rare cases, long-term mental health issues such as psychosis.
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The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into the chemical psilocin in the body
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. This is a naturally occurring psychedelic that turns into the psychoactive chemical psilocin when ingested.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies and rituals. Indigenous people in Central America, for example, have used them for healing and spiritual purposes as far back as 3000 B.C. Today, some people use magic mushrooms recreationally, hoping to have a unique, spiritual, or enlightening experience. Others take very small amounts regularly, a practice called microdosing, in an attempt to improve their mental state and productivity.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically include distorted perceptions of reality, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and a loss of the sense of time and space. People may also experience intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror and may have physical side effects like an increased heart rate or nausea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last for approximately four to six hours.
The principal component of magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin to produce psychoactive effects. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly between and within the same species. Psilocybin content is typically around 0.5% to 1% of the dried weight of the mushroom, with a range of 0.03% to 1.78%. Psilocin is also often present in the mushrooms, with a range of 0% to 0.59%.
Research is being conducted to explore the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders. However, it is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can also carry risks and adverse effects, and their use is regulated by law in many places.
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Magic mushrooms are hard to distinguish from poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them
"Doing mushrooms" refers to consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, for their psychoactive effects. These mushrooms contain psilocybin, a chemical that causes hallucinations and sensory distortion. While some cities have decriminalized the possession of psilocybin mushrooms, they are still considered illegal drugs in many places.
The difficulty in distinguishing magic mushrooms from poisonous ones poses a significant risk to those who consume them. Poisonous mushrooms can induce a range of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, to more severe complications like seizures, liver failure, and even death. Accidental poisoning from consuming the wrong type of mushroom is a real danger, and it is advised that anyone who suspects they have ingested a poisonous mushroom seek immediate medical attention, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms.
To reduce the risk of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, it is crucial to exercise caution and only obtain mushrooms from established growers or guides specializing in producing quality mushrooms. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and adverse effects associated with magic mushrooms, such as bad trips, which can induce fear, paranoia, and other unwanted psychological consequences.
While the physical characteristics of magic mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms may overlap, there are some key distinctions worth noting. Magic mushrooms typically have long and thin stems, with wide caps that are darker around the edges and lighter in the center. The underside of the cap usually features gills and is often dark brown. However, it is important to remember that relying solely on visual identification can be unreliable, and seeking expertise or guidance from a mycologist or similar expert is strongly recommended.
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The length and intensity of a mushroom trip depend on the strength of the mushrooms, the dosage, and the user's mood, personality, and expectations
"Doing mushrooms" refers to consuming psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, which are considered illegal drugs due to their hallucinogenic effects. These mushrooms contain the natural compound psilocybin, which, when ingested, is metabolized by the body into psilocin, causing a host of mind-altering effects.
The length and intensity of a mushroom trip depend on various factors, including the strength of the mushrooms, the dosage, and the user's mood, personality, and expectations. Firstly, the potency of the mushrooms is a crucial factor. Not all magic mushrooms are created equal; different mushroom species contain varying levels of psilocybin and psilocin, the compounds responsible for the psychedelic effects. The strength of the mushrooms dictates how many psychedelic compounds are present and, consequently, the number of active molecules circulating within the body.
Secondly, the dosage or amount of mushrooms consumed directly influences the length and intensity of the trip. Higher doses result in more intense hallucinations and extended trips, which can last beyond six hours. It is important to note that consuming an especially large batch of mushrooms can lead to unwanted effects and, in very rare cases, even death.
Lastly, individual factors such as mood, personality, and expectations play a role in shaping the mushroom trip experience. The user's mental state and expectations can influence the nature of the trip, with positive expectations and a positive mental state generally leading to more positive outcomes. However, it is challenging to predict what sort of trip each user will have, and negative trips or "bad trips" can occur, characterized by paranoia, fear, and intense anxiety.
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Magic mushrooms are used as recreational drugs and may have been depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are among the oldest recreational drugs that human beings have ever used, and they remain actively in use even today. They are known to induce hallucinations and a sense of euphoria. The biggest risk associated with their use is that they look very similar to some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them.
The history of magic mushrooms goes back thousands of years. They were mentioned in ancient cave paintings, manuscripts, and constructs, and continue to be referenced in pop culture, music, movies, and books. Rock art from around 9000–7000 BCE from Tassili, Algeria, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and the transformation of the user under their influence. Similarly, rock paintings in Spain created about 6000 years ago suggest that the mushroom Psilocybe hispanica was used during certain religious rituals near Villar del Humo. Rock art at Selva Pascuala in Spain, dated to around 4000 BC, also appears to depict a row of mushrooms.
In Mexico and Central America, psilocybin mushrooms have been and continue to be used in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. An 1800-year-old statuette found in a Mexican shaft and chamber tomb in the state of Colima depicts a mushroom closely resembling the hallucinogenic Psilocybe Mexicana. Mushroom stones and motifs have also been found in Guatemala.
In recent times, microdosing has become a popular technique for many users, which involves taking less than 1.0 g of dried mushrooms for an experience that is recreationally enjoyable and potentially alleviating for symptoms of depression. Magic mushrooms have also been advocated for their potential health benefits, including as a possible treatment for psychiatric and behavioral conditions. However, these potential health benefits have not been replicated on a large scale, and more data is needed to confirm their reliability.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
Magic mushrooms can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions. They can cause a person to hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip vary depending on the user's mood, personality, and expectations.
The biggest risk associated with magic mushroom use is that they look very similar to some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them. It is also hard to know how strong mushrooms are, and too large a dose can lead to a long-term mental health condition known as psychosis.
Magic mushrooms are considered illegal drugs in many places. However, some cities have decriminalized the possession of psilocybin mushrooms, meaning residents cannot be criminally charged for possession as long as they do not exceed a set amount.
Magic mushrooms may be consumed in whole form, such as dried or fresh mushrooms, or they may be turned into extracts or food products such as mushroom edibles or mushroom tea.
