Emily Johnson
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, with evidence of their use in Central America for healing and spiritual rituals as far back as 3000 BC. Today, they are often used recreationally or for self-treatment of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms include hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and changes in perception, emotions, and senses. While there is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, it is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, and possession and sale are illegal in many places.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin, norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, "bad trips", "flashbacks" |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Onset of effects | 5-45 minutes |
| Forms | Fresh, cooked, dried, powder, tablets, capsules, tea, soup, mushroom edibles |
| Legality | Illegal in Australia, Canada, and the United States. Decriminalized in some cities in the US. |
| Research | Studied for potential therapeutic uses and to treat mental health disorders. |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinogenic effects
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as the dose, type of mushroom, personality, expectations, age, unique biology, sex, and history of drug use. The effects typically begin within 15-45 minutes and last for about 3 to 6 hours.
Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, including distorted sights and sounds, and an altered state of consciousness. They can also affect a person's thoughts, emotions, and senses, leading to heightened emotions and senses. People may experience intense emotions ranging from happiness and creativity to fear, paranoia, and anxiety. They may also experience a distorted sense of reality, mixing up their senses, such as believing they can see music or hear colours.
In some cases, the consumption of magic mushrooms can lead to "bad trips," which are frightening experiences that may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. The risk of a bad trip is higher when consuming a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms.
While there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence on magic mushrooms, regular use can lead to tolerance, where even high amounts of the drug will no longer produce the desired effect. Additionally, there may be mild psychological withdrawal effects or feelings of tiredness.
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Active ingredients
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is the principal active ingredient in magic mushrooms, and psilocin is responsible for the mushrooms' psychoactive effects.
The potency of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, even between mushrooms of the same species. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly. 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%.
In addition to psilocybin and psilocin, other active ingredients may be present in magic mushrooms, including norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin. These compounds may modify the effects of magic mushrooms and result in what is known as an entourage effect. Certain mushrooms are also found to produce β-carbolines, such as harmine, harmane, tetrahydroharmine (THH), and harmaline, which inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that breaks down tryptamine alkaloids.
Magic mushrooms are typically consumed in their whole form, either fresh or dried, or they may be turned into extracts or food products such as edibles or tea. 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 approximately 3 to 6 hours. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dosage, potency, age, unique biology, sex, personality, and history of drug use.
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Forms and consumption
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the prodrug psilocybin. This is converted into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion, which produces psychoactive effects. Other substances that may be present include norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed in a variety of forms, including:
- Fresh or dried mushrooms
- Mushroom edibles
- Mushroom tea
- Powder
- Tablets or capsules
- Liquid form, dissolved in water
The mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. 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 3 to 6 hours. The duration of effects may be as long as 4 to 6 hours, according to some sources.
The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which varies 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%.
It is important to note that the production, sale, and possession of psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in some places, such as Canada and the United States. However, there is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, particularly in the treatment of various mental health disorders.
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Therapeutic uses
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the prodrug psilocybin. This is converted into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion, causing psychoactive effects.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for healing and spiritual rituals as far back as 3000 BC. Indigenous people in Central America used them in traditional ceremonies, and they are still used for this purpose by some religious groups today.
Research suggests that psilocybin may have therapeutic potential for treating depression and anxiety, particularly in people with cancer. A 2022 review found that psilocybin may help to regulate the brain's reward system in people with depression or suicidal ideation. The National Cancer Institute is funding a follow-up multi-site clinical trial to investigate the use of psilocybin to treat cancer-related mental health issues.
Psilocybin is also being studied as a possible treatment for psychiatric disorders such as substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and cluster headaches. It is in late-stage clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression and has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for this use in Australia as of 2023.
Psilocybin may also have short-term and long-term antidepressant effects. A 2023 study found that adults who took a single 25mg dose of psilocybin with psychological support experienced a clinically significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to adults who took a placebo.
It is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms can affect everyone differently, and there are potential risks associated with their use, including psychological distress, anxiety, and hallucinations. Possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been outlawed in most countries, and cultivation is considered drug manufacture in most jurisdictions. However, some countries and one US state (New Mexico) have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance.
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Legality
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in the United States, which means it is deemed to have no medicinal benefit and a high potential for abuse and addiction. Psilocybin and psilocin are also listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit psilocybin and restrict its use to medical and scientific research under controlled conditions.
However, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide, and there is ambiguity in many national, state, and provincial drug laws. While the United Nations Convention does not specifically include mushrooms containing psilocybin, most national drug laws have been amended to reflect the terms of the convention. For example, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the US Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978, the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 1996, and the Japanese Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law of 2002 have all been amended to comply with the United Nations Convention. In these countries, the possession and use of psilocybin are prohibited under almost all circumstances, and violations can carry severe legal penalties.
In the United States, psilocybin is illegal under federal law, but state laws vary. Currently, psilocybin is legal only in Oregon and Colorado, and it is decriminalized or legal for medicinal or therapeutic purposes in some other states. In Oregon, for example, psilocybin has been legalized for mental health treatment in supervised settings. In contrast, smaller-scale offences are often handled at the state level, and penalties vary from state to state. Additionally, while psilocybin mushroom spores are not technically illegal as they do not contain psilocybin, possessing them could be considered intent to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms, which is punishable under state or federal law.
In other countries, the legality of psilocybin mushrooms is also evolving. For instance, in Australia, federal and state laws provide penalties for possessing, using, selling, or driving under the influence of magic mushrooms. However, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has recently moved to decriminalize the personal use of several drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms, and other states are considering similar measures. In Germany, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores have been illegal since 1998.
The legality of psilocybin mushrooms is a complex and evolving issue, with ongoing debates and changing legislation worldwide. While the substance is illegal in many places, there is also a growing recognition of its potential therapeutic and medicinal benefits, leading to decriminalization and legalization in some jurisdictions. It is essential to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations in your location.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Other substances that may be present include norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin.
Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can cause perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and distort a person's sense of reality. They can also heighten emotions and senses, and induce laughter. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes of consumption and can last for approximately 3 to 6 hours.
Psilocybin mushrooms are not known to cause physical or psychological dependence, and there are no known withdrawal effects. However, they are illegal in many places, and consuming them can carry significant legal penalties. Additionally, there is a risk of mistaking poisonous mushrooms for psilocybin mushrooms, which can lead to serious health risks.
