Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. There are over 100 species of magic mushrooms, with the majority being members of the genus Psilocybe. Other genera with psilocybin-containing fungi include Agrocybe, Copelandia, Galerina, Gerronema, Gymnopilus, Hypholoma, Inocybe, Panaeolus, Pholiotina, and Pluteus. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15-45 minutes and can last approximately four to six hours. These effects include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, changes in perception, thought, and mood, and impaired judgment. While magic mushrooms are not considered to be physically or psychologically addictive, they can produce many unwanted physical and psychological effects, and there is a risk of experiencing a bad trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin, norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin, β-carbolines, harmine, harmane, tetrahydroharmine (THH), harmaline |
| Effects | Hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, fear, nausea, excessive yawning, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, drowsiness, relaxation, impaired judgement, flashbacks, psychosis |
| Dosage form | Fresh, cooked, brewed into tea, mushroom edibles, mushroom tea, powder |
| Duration of effects | 3–6 hours |
| Onset of effects | Within 5–10 minutes (tea), 30–45 minutes (consumed directly) |
| Legality | Illegal in the US (except a few cities) and Canada |
| Risk factors | Poisonous mushrooms that resemble psilocybin mushrooms, polydrug use, pre-existing psychiatric conditions, cardiac diseases |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are mostly illegal in the US
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybin mushrooms are used as recreational drugs and are depicted in prehistoric art in Africa and Europe. They have also been represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in the US is complex and ambiguous, with some loopholes in place. While the federal government considers psilocybin mushrooms illegal, certain states have enacted laws to specifically criminalize the possession and sale of psilocybin mushroom spores, such as California, Georgia, and Idaho. On the other hand, New Mexico's Court of Appeals ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms for personal use is not considered "manufacturing a controlled substance." This variation in legal status across different jurisdictions has resulted in an active underground economy for the sale of spores and cultivation materials.
The shift in societal attitudes toward psychoactive substances and the growing recognition of psilocybin's therapeutic potential have propelled the topic of magic mushroom legalization into the mainstream. Research suggests that psilocybin is non-addictive and causes fewer emergency visits compared to other illegal drugs. Additionally, psilocybin has shown potential in treating mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, nicotine dependence, anxiety, and PTSD. These factors have influenced policy changes and increased support for psychedelic reform in the US.
Despite the growing momentum for decriminalization, it is essential to approach the use of magic mushrooms with caution. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can lead to perceptual changes, such as hallucinations. While rare, consuming large amounts or a strong batch of mushrooms can result in life-threatening symptoms. Additionally, magic mushrooms can cause bad trips, and combining them with certain medications or other drugs can be unpredictable and dangerous. It is crucial to be well-informed and aware of the potential risks associated with their consumption.
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Shrooms are a common term for psilocybin mushrooms
"Shrooms" is a common term for psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms. They are mostly illegal in the US, but a few cities permit their use. Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. In Central America, Aztec and Mazateca cultures believed these mushrooms had divine properties and used them during coronations and other important events.
Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic and contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been isolated from a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina. Magic mushroom composition varies from genus to genus and species to species.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten or within 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, lasting approximately 4 to 6 hours. The length and intensity of each trip can vary depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and the strength and amount of mushrooms consumed. Some trips may be enjoyable, while others may lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms carries risks. Poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, and consuming the wrong type can be dangerous and even fatal. Additionally, magic mushrooms can have unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, excessive yawning, anxiety, paranoia, and distorted senses of time, place, and reality. In rare cases, consuming a large amount of mushrooms can lead to severe side effects and even death. Furthermore, combining magic mushrooms with other substances, such as psychiatric medications, cannabis, amphetamines, or alcohol, can elevate the risks of serious side effects.
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Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic. They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin and psilocin are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. Other substances present in magic mushrooms include norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin. The effects of these substances can vary from person to person and depend on the dose and type of mushroom used.
Magic mushrooms are typically consumed in the form of dried or fresh mushrooms, but they can also be turned into extracts or food products such as edibles or tea. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15-45 minutes and can last approximately four to six hours. However, it is important to note that the effects can vary depending on the individual and the dose and type of mushroom consumed.
Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality. They can also affect a person's thoughts, emotions, and senses. Some people may experience heightened emotions, creativity, and a sense of mental and emotional clarity. However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms can also have negative effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, and nervousness. In some cases, a ""bad trip" may occur, which can be frightening and involve intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
The use of magic mushrooms also carries certain risks. Firstly, it is difficult to distinguish between magic mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms, and consuming the wrong type of mushroom can be dangerous and even fatal. Additionally, magic mushrooms can interact with other substances, such as psychiatric medications and recreational drugs, leading to unpredictable and dangerous effects. It is important for individuals with existing psychiatric or cardiac conditions to be cautious, as there may be an elevated risk of side effects.
While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for ceremonial and medicinal purposes, they are currently illegal in most places. However, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits. It is important for individuals to be informed and cautious when considering the use of magic mushrooms due to the potential risks involved.
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The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, and there are over 200 species of them. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been isolated from around a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, and Gymnopilus. The effects of magic mushrooms can also depend on the dose and type of mushroom used.
Magic mushrooms are typically eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. The effects include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, and sensory distortions. However, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on a person's mental state, mood, personality, and immediate environment. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a "bad trip". Being in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience, while being in a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can also lead to negative consequences, such as flashbacks, disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. Additionally, there is a risk of mistaking magic mushrooms for poisonous mushrooms, which can have serious health consequences. Tolerance to the effects of magic mushrooms can also develop rapidly with continued use, and discontinuing use for a week or so is typically required to return to normal tolerance levels. While there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence on magic mushrooms, ongoing research is investigating the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin in treating various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Magic mushrooms can be dangerous when mixed with other drugs
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are fungi that produce the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. While the effects of magic mushrooms on their own are typically not life-threatening, mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs can be dangerous and even fatal in some cases.
One of the primary risks of combining magic mushrooms with other substances is the potential for adverse interactions. For example, psilocybin mushrooms should not be taken with stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, or MDMA, as both psilocybin and stimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to dangerous hypertension and tachycardia. In extreme cases, this combination can even cause heart attacks or seizures. Psilocybin also interacts negatively with depressants like alcohol and opioids, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, magic mushrooms should not be taken with other hallucinogens or antidepressants, as the combination could lead to dangerously high levels of serotonin, resulting in a condition known as serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
Another concern when mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs is the increased likelihood of experiencing a "bad trip". A "bad trip" is a negative psychedelic experience characterised by anxiety, paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. While "bad trips" can occur with magic mushrooms alone, the risk is elevated when combining them with other substances. This may be due to the unpredictable nature of mixing drugs, as the effects of magic mushrooms can vary significantly from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as dose, type of mushroom, and individual physiology.
It is also important to note that magic mushrooms can sometimes be sold in powdered form, and this powder may be cut with other drugs without the user's knowledge. This practice further increases the risk of adverse effects and highlights the importance of being cautious when consuming magic mushrooms, especially when mixed with other substances.
While there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence on magic mushrooms, it is possible to develop a tolerance to their effects with regular use. This tolerance may lead individuals to increase their dosage or combine magic mushrooms with other drugs in an attempt to achieve the desired effects, further elevating the risks associated with their consumption. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the use of magic mushrooms with caution and be aware of the potential dangers when mixing them with other substances.
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