Michael Davis
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 are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi, with the most potent species being members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in various cultures and locations across the world, with evidence of their use potentially dating back 8,000 years. Today, they are often used as a recreational drug, with users seeking feelings of euphoria and sensory distortion. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with psilocybin mushroom use, including the potential for negative experiences, known as bad trips, and the rare but disturbing occurrence of flashbacks, known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names | Mushrooms, Shrooms, Magic Mushrooms, Psilocybin Mushrooms |
| Drug Class | Hallucinogen, Psychedelic |
| Drug Type | Natural |
| Drug Form | Mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, altered perception, distorted sense of time, spiritual experiences, nausea, anxiety, and paranoia |
| Onset of Effects | 20-60 minutes when consumed orally |
| Duration of Effects | 4-6 hours, with the peak occurring 2-3 hours after consumption |
| Popularity | Used for centuries in religious rituals and recreationally since the 1960s |
| Legality | Varies by country and state. In the US, psilocybin mushrooms are Schedule I drugs, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use |
| Addiction Potential | Considered low, but can cause psychological dependence |
| Overdose Potential | Not typically life-threatening, but can cause severe panic and psychosis |
| Common Methods of Consumption | Ingesting dried or fresh mushrooms, or drinking mushroom tea |
| Detection in Drug Tests | Standard drug tests do not screen for psilocybin or psilocin |
Note: This table provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. The effects and experience can vary greatly depending on individual factors and the specific type and dosage of mushrooms consumed.
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What You'll Learn
Psilocybin Mushrooms: Hallucinogenic Effects
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into the psychedelic drug psilocin, which has psychoactive properties.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are similar to other hallucinogens, such as LSD and PCP. They can cause a range of effects, from euphoria to hallucinations, and can distort a person's senses, thinking, sense of time, emotions, and perception. The effects typically begin within 30 minutes when the mushrooms are eaten and can last between four to six hours. The quantity consumed, past experiences, and expectations can all influence the reaction to psilocybin.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. It can also affect other regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses.
The use of psilocybin mushrooms can sometimes lead to negative experiences, known as "bad trips". These can be influenced by the environment and the user's state of mind. Mixing psilocybin mushrooms with other drugs or medications can also increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes.
While psilocybin mushrooms are not considered a "harsh street drug", they can have serious physical and psychological effects. High doses may lead to psychosis or psychotic-like episodes, and some users may experience flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences, which can be disturbing.
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Magic Mushrooms: Popularity and Availability
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. Magic mushrooms have been used in various cultures and locations across the world, potentially as far back as 8,000 years ago. They are often consumed fresh, dried, or covered in chocolate, and their effects usually begin within 30 minutes, lasting approximately four to six hours.
The popularity of magic mushrooms can be attributed to several factors, including their availability, cultural significance, and recreational appeal. In terms of availability, magic mushrooms can be found in wild and cultivated sources worldwide, with the majority of species occurring in subtropical humid forests. They are also readily accessible through online spore purchases in most states in the United States, contributing to their widespread use.
The cultural significance of magic mushrooms has played a role in their popularity. They have been depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe and are represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. In Mexico, for example, native mushrooms such as Psilocybe mexicana have been used in traditional practices. Additionally, the popularization of entheogens by figures such as Timothy Leary and Terence McKenna has contributed to an explosion in the use of psilocybin mushrooms globally since the early 1970s.
The recreational appeal of magic mushrooms lies in their ability to induce hallucinations, sensory distortion, and euphoria. They are often used at dance clubs or by individuals seeking transcendent spiritual experiences. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary based on individual factors such as mood, expectations, and the environment in which they are consumed. While magic mushrooms are sought after for their psychoactive properties, it is important to note that they can also lead to negative experiences, commonly known as ""bad trips,"" and have potential risks such as flashbacks and disturbing hallucinations.
The availability of magic mushrooms is influenced by their legal status, which varies across different regions. In the United States, for example, psilocybin is considered a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), indicating a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose. However, the purchase of mushroom spores is legal in most states, as long as they are not intended for cultivation. Internationally, psilocybin is listed as a Schedule I drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, but the plants containing them are not subject to international control.
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Shrooms: Slang and Street Names
The street drug "mushrooms" refers to a group of fungi that contain the hallucinogen psilocybin, specifically those belonging to the genus Psilocybe. These mushrooms are often simply called "shrooms," and this term is commonly used and understood by those who use or deal these substances illegally. "Magic mushrooms" is another widely recognized term for these hallucinogenic fungi, often shortened to "mushies" or "shrooms." This class of drugs has a long history of use in indigenous cultures for spiritual and religious ceremonies but has also gained popularity for recreational use.
The use of slang and street names for psilocybin mushrooms is prevalent, with a variety of creative and cryptic terms used to refer to the drug. Here are some of the most common slang and street names for these hallucinogenic mushrooms:
- "Shrooms," "Mushrooms," or "Magic Mushrooms": As mentioned, these are some of the most common and widely understood terms for psilocybin mushrooms.
- "Mushies": This is a shortened, more casual term for magic mushrooms, often used among those who regularly use or deal the substance.
- "Psychedelic Mushrooms": This name emphasizes the hallucinogenic effects of the drug, and although it may be used in casual conversation, it is also the more scientific or technical term used to describe these fungi.
- "Little Smoke": This slang term likely originates from the smoke-like appearance of the mushroom's stem and cap.
- "Booomers": This slang name is a playful take on the potential "boom" of hallucinogenic effects one might experience after consuming these mushrooms.
- "Blue Meanies": This term specifically refers to a type of Psilocybe mushroom that is bluish in color and is known for its potent effects.
- "Golden Tops": This slang name refers to a specific variety of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, which have golden or yellowish caps.
- "Liberty Caps": This is the street name for Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms, which are commonly found in Europe and are named after their distinctive bell-shaped caps that resemble the liberty caps worn during the French Revolution.
It's important to note that the use of slang and street names for drugs like psilocybin mushrooms is often intentional to disguise the true nature of a conversation or transaction, especially in illegal contexts. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of these terms, especially for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals, to recognize potential code words or cryptic references to substance use.
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Laced Drugs: Combining Psilocybin with Other Substances
Psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, are naturally occurring psychedelic drugs that induce hallucinations and distort the senses. They are often consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into tea. While psilocybin has the lowest risk profile of any recreational drug when taken in isolation, it can be significantly more dangerous when combined with other substances, whether accidentally or intentionally.
One common combination is psilocybin and marijuana. A study found that nearly 60% of university students who had recently taken magic mushrooms also consumed cannabis simultaneously. Cannabis is often used to manage the nausea and anxiety that magic mushrooms can cause. However, it can also intensify the effects of psilocybin, particularly hallucinations, which may be overwhelming for inexperienced users.
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and MDMA can cause dangerously high blood pressure and heart rate when combined with psilocybin, potentially leading to heart attacks or seizures. Psilocybin may also stay in the system longer than stimulants, prolonging these adverse effects. Additionally, psilocybin should not be mixed with any substance that affects serotonin, including other hallucinogens and antidepressants, as this can lead to serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition characterised by high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, shivering, and dilated pupils.
Alcohol is another substance that should be avoided when consuming psilocybin. Psilocybin may reduce the perceived effects of alcohol, leading to excessive drinking. Alcohol can also increase the likelihood of a "bad trip" and enhance the risk of nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and dehydration. Furthermore, combining magic mushrooms with depressants like alcohol and opioids can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
It is important to recognise that psilocybin mushrooms are sometimes laced with other drugs, intentionally or unintentionally. For example, powdered mushrooms may be cut with PCP or MDMA. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious when consuming any substance that may be laced with psilocybin or other drugs to avoid adverse health consequences.
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Poisoning and Flashbacks: Risks and Side Effects
Mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, are a popular psychedelic drug, but they come with a range of risks and side effects, including the potential for poisoning and flashbacks. Here is a detailed look at these hazards:
Poisoning Risks
Mushroom poisoning is a significant risk, especially as it can be challenging to identify the specific mushroom species accurately. Many mushroom varieties are toxic and can lead to severe poisoning and even death. Amateurs and inexperienced foragers often misidentify mushrooms, ingesting poisonous ones instead of the intended psychedelic variety. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, liver damage, kidney failure, seizures, and coma. Some mushroom toxins can cause hallucinations, but these are not the intended psychedelic experience and can be dangerous and traumatic.
Flashbacks and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)
Flashbacks are a well-known phenomenon associated with psychedelic drugs, including magic mushrooms. A flashback is an unexpected recurrence of the drug's effects, typically occurring without warning, and can happen anytime, from a few days to years after mushroom usage. During a flashback, an individual may experience a sudden and brief return of the sensory distortions and hallucinations characteristic of the mushroom trip. Flashbacks can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or drug use, but they can also occur spontaneously. While usually brief and not harmful, flashbacks can be disorienting and distressing, especially if they occur during activities that require concentration, like driving.
HPPD is a more severe condition where an individual experiences persistent and recurring hallucinations or sensory disturbances similar to those experienced during a mushroom trip. This condition can last for months or years and is often triggered by stress, fatigue, or drug use. HPPD can significantly impact an individual's ability to function normally and may require medical intervention.
Other Side Effects
In addition to the risks of poisoning and flashbacks, there are other side effects associated with magic mushroom usage. These can include:
- Nausea and vomiting: This is a common acute side effect and can be severe, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Panic and anxiety: The intense psychedelic experience can trigger panic attacks and anxiety, especially in those with pre-existing mental health conditions.
- Psychosis: In rare cases, magic mushrooms can trigger psychotic episodes, particularly in those with a family history of psychotic disorders.
- Paranoia: Feelings of paranoia and suspicion are possible side effects, which can be distressing and lead to risky behaviors.
- Depersonalization: Detachment from reality and a sense of being disconnected from one's body or identity can occur.
It is important to approach magic mushrooms with caution, being aware of the potential risks and side effects. The effects of mushrooms are highly variable and depend on numerous factors, including dosage, setting, and individual brain chemistry. Responsible usage and harm reduction strategies, such as having a sober trip sitter present, can help mitigate these risks.
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Frequently asked questions
"Mushroom" street drug, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, refers to psilocybin mushrooms. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain types of mushrooms.
Consuming "mushrooms" can lead to a range of effects, including euphoria, hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and intense changes in mood and feelings. The effects typically begin within 30 minutes when eaten and last approximately four to six hours.
"Mushrooms" are typically consumed fresh or dried. Some people cover them with chocolate or take them as a soup or tea. They can also be purchased in capsules or taken with other substances, which can enhance or alter their effects.
There are several risks associated with consuming "mushrooms". These include disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, and flashbacks involving previous "mushroom" experiences. Consuming large amounts or strong batches can lead to negative experiences known as "'bad trips'. Additionally, mixing "mushrooms" with certain medications or other drugs can be unpredictable and dangerous.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.8 million Americans ages 12 and older used hallucinogens, including psilocybin, in 2023. Adults ages 18 to 25 were the most frequent users. "Mushrooms" have been used in various cultures worldwide, with evidence of use dating back thousands of years.
