John Miller
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world. The name 'fly agaric' is derived from its traditional use as an insecticide, where it is powdered and sprinkled in milk to kill flies. A. muscaria is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere and has been used in religious ceremonies, particularly in Asia, for over 4,000 years. It is also known for its psychotropic and hallucinogenic effects, which have been linked to Santa Claus, Viking berserkers, Vedic soma, and early Christianity.
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What You'll Learn
Psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is one of the most recognizable fungi in the world. The name 'fly agaric' comes from its traditional use as an insecticide, specifically killing flies.
A. muscaria has been used for thousands of years in religious ceremonies, particularly in Asia. It was used in a sacred and hallucinogenic ritual drink called 'soma' in India and Iran, and Siberian shamans would give it out as a gift in late December.
A. muscaria is a psychoactive species of mushroom, containing muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine as its main active compounds. It does not contain psilocybin or psilocin, which are the psychedelic compounds found in magic mushrooms. The difference between psychedelic and psychoactive compounds lies in the mechanism of action and the experience felt by the user. Classic psychedelics, like psilocybin, typically engage serotonin receptors in the brain, resulting in perceptual changes, emotional shifts, and even spiritual experiences.
The wide range of psychoactive effects of A. muscaria has been described as depressant, sedative-hypnotic, psychedelic, dissociative, or
A. muscaria is a hallucinogen and has been linked to fairy tales, children's books, and media due to its distinctive appearance. It has been featured in Super Mario games, Disney's Fantasia, and Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, where Alice eats some of the mushrooms. However, it can be toxic when consumed raw and is related to several deadly varieties of mushrooms, including the 'Death Cap'. Poisoning has occurred in young children and those seeking its hallucinogenic effects, and while fatal poisonings are rare, they are possible.
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Toxicity and health risks
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a highly toxic and hallucinogenic mushroom. It is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap covered with distinctive white warts. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world and is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere.
Amanita muscaria contains psychoactive alkaloids, including muscarine, ibotenic acid, and muscimol, which are responsible for its toxic effects. Ibotenic acid interacts with glutamate receptors, making it more stimulating and energizing. When ingested, these compounds can cause poisoning, especially in children and those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. Symptoms of poisoning include hallucinations, psychotic reactions, confusion, agitation, and euphoria. In addition, muscarine acts on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system, leading to salivation, sweating, sexual arousal, crying, urination, digestion, and defecation.
While fatal poisonings from A. muscaria are extremely rare, they can occur, especially if the mushroom is mistaken for the similar-looking edible species Amanita caesarea. The distinctive appearance of A. muscaria makes accidental poisoning uncommon, but it is important to correctly identify the mushroom to ensure optimal risk assessment and treatment.
The rise in popularity of A. muscaria as a legal hallucinogen has sparked concerns about its potential health risks. The lack of federal regulation and clear labelling on products containing this mushroom poses a significant danger to consumers. There is a knowledge gap regarding the substance they are consuming and the potential health benefits and risks associated with it.
Furthermore, the increasing interest in A. muscaria may be fuelled by emerging clinical research supporting the use of psilocybin, a different type of hallucinogenic mushroom, as a treatment for depression. However, it is important to distinguish between the two types of mushrooms, as they have different active compounds and produce varying psychotropic effects.
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Cultural significance and popularity
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a widely recognised mushroom. It is often described as remarkable and beautiful due to its scarlet red cap with white spots and white gills. It is native to the temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, but has now also been naturalized in the Southern Hemisphere.
Amanita muscaria has a long history of use in religious ceremonies, particularly in Asia. For over 4,000 years, it was used as a sacred and hallucinogenic ritual drink called 'soma' in India and Iran. Siberian shamans also used it as a gift in late December. It has also been associated with northern European shamans and their rituals, especially during the winter solstice. The collection, preparation, and use of these mushrooms were central to many northern European and Asian peoples' winter solstice celebrations. In Central Asia, shamans wore special red and white garments to collect the fly agaric mushrooms.
The mushroom has also appeared in fairy tales and stories, such as Alice in Wonderland, where Alice is given some fly agaric to eat. It is also said that the flying reindeer of Santa Claus could symbolize the use of A. muscaria by Sámi shamans, although the Sámi people refute any connection.
In modern times, Amanita muscaria has gained popularity as a "magic mushroom" or "legal psychedelic", with companies marketing it as an ingredient in edibles and gummies. However, it is important to note that it differs from traditional magic mushrooms in appearance and effects, acting primarily on GABA receptors rather than serotonin receptors. While it is not listed as a controlled substance, the FDA has taken action against its use in edibles due to safety concerns and lack of authorisation for use in food.
Amanita muscaria has also made its way into popular culture, appearing in the Mario video game franchise and as emojis.
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Legal status and regulations
Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a well-known mushroom with a distinctive appearance and a long history of use in ceremonies worldwide. The legal status of Amanita muscaria varies across different regions and states, with some places allowing its use while others have imposed restrictions or bans.
In the United States, Amanita muscaria is not specifically listed as a controlled substance at the federal level under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, substances like psilocybin and psilocin found in "magic mushrooms" are classified as Schedule I drugs, indicating a high risk of abuse and lack of recognised medical benefits. While Amanita muscaria has not attracted federal regulation thus far, its psychotropic properties and potential health risks may lead to future oversight and regulation.
At the state level in the US, the legal status of Amanita muscaria varies. For example, in Louisiana, it is illegal to grow, sell, or possess Amanita muscaria under the Louisiana State Act 159, unless it is for strictly decorative purposes. In contrast, states like Alabama, Alaska, and Arizona have no restrictions on the product type, strength, purchase quantity, or possession limits of Amanita muscaria. Texas state law also does not specifically mention Amanita muscaria in its controlled substances regulations. However, due to the potential ambiguity in the legal status of Amanita muscaria, it is recommended to exercise caution and consult experts before engaging with the substance in any state.
Outside of the US, the legal status of Amanita muscaria also differs internationally. For instance, in Australia, Amanita muscaria is considered a controlled substance. As the regulation of these mushrooms may change over time due to their possible health impacts, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to stay informed about the legal status of Amanita muscaria in their specific region or state.
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Natural habitat and distribution
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a fungus native to the temperate and boreal forest regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is also now naturalized in the Southern Hemisphere, forming symbiotic relationships with various trees and spreading invasively in some regions. It is found in woodland and heathland with host trees, particularly birch trees, but also pines, spruces, firs, and larches. It is widely distributed and can be found worldwide in Brazil, South Africa, Central Asia, North America, and Europe.
The fly agaric is a distinctive mushroom with a bright red or orange cap, sometimes with white wart-like spots, and white gills. It can grow to 20 cm across and 30 cm tall and has a savoury smell. It is often seen as the home of fairies and magical creatures in fairy tales and children's books.
The fruiting season for fly agaric is late summer to early winter. It grows in large forests under the boughs of host trees. The mushroom forms a symbiotic relationship with its host trees, helping them by transferring nutrients to their roots.
The name 'fly agaric' comes from its traditional use as an insecticide, where it was sprinkled in milk to kill flies. It is highly toxic to humans and can cause poisoning, especially in those seeking its hallucinogenic effects, due to psychoactive compounds like muscimol and ibotenic acid. Despite this, it is not currently listed as a controlled substance, and there is a growing market for Amanita muscaria products.
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Frequently asked questions
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is native to the temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere.
Amanita muscaria is a psychoactive mushroom that can cause hallucinations, euphoria, confusion, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, and seizures. It has been used in religious ceremonies and as an inebriant by indigenous peoples of Siberia.
No, Amanita muscaria mushrooms are highly toxic and can cause poisoning, especially in children. There have been several published case studies of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from their consumption.
