John Miller
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. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and continue to be used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary from person to person and can include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches. The experience of consuming psychoactive mushrooms can be unpredictable and may result in a 'bad trip' or flashbacks. The production, sale, and possession of psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in some countries, such as Canada and Australia. However, there is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, Shrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, Psilocin, β-carbolines |
| Effects | Euphoria, Hallucinations, Anxiety, Fear, Nausea, Muscle twitches, Increased heart rate, Increased blood pressure, Flashbacks |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Time to onset of effects | 15-45 minutes |
| Forms | Fresh, Dried, Powder, Tea, Edibles |
| Legality | Illegal in Canada and Australia |
| Species | Psilocybe azurescens, Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe mexicana, Psilocybe hispanica, Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, Pholiotina |
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What You'll Learn
What are psilocybin mushrooms?
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. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms come from psilocybin and psilocin. When psilocybin is ingested, it is broken down by the liver in a process called dephosphorylation, resulting in the compound psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used as recreational drugs and may have been depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. They are also represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs seen throughout the Americas. Psilocybe cubensis, the most common Psilocybe in tropical areas, grows naturally in tropical and subtropical conditions, often near cattle due to the ideal conditions they provide for the growth of the fungus. Psilocybin mushrooms occur on all continents, but the majority of species are found in subtropical humid forests.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms may be used in whole form, for example, consumption of dried or fresh mushrooms, or may be turned into extracts or food products such as mushroom edibles or mushroom tea. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms and products may be purchased at smart shops like psychedelic mushroom stores in some jurisdictions. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly between and within the same species.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms usually begin in 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. The effects include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and physical effects such as nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. As with many psychedelic substances, the effects of psilocybin mushrooms are subjective and can vary considerably among individual users.
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How do they work?
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. This substance is converted by the liver into psilocin, which is responsible for the mushrooms' psychedelic effects. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary significantly among individual users, but typically include hallucinations, muscular relaxation, euphoria, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality.
When psilocybin is ingested, it is broken down by the liver through a process called dephosphorylation, resulting in the compound psilocin. Psilocybin and psilocin create short-term increases in tolerance, making it difficult to misuse them as the effects weaken with more frequent use. The psychedelic effects typically appear around 20 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures for thousands of years in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. They are also used recreationally and may be consumed in various forms, including dried or fresh mushrooms, extracts, edibles, or mushroom tea.
The experience of using psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as a "trip," is strongly influenced by the user's mindset and environment. A comfortable and familiar setting with trusted friends can contribute to a positive experience, while a negative environment or anxious state of mind may lead to a "bad trip." It is important to note that consuming psilocybin mushrooms with other drugs or medications can have unpredictable and dangerous consequences.
Recent studies have also explored the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, when administered in a therapeutic setting, can positively impact individuals with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. These findings have led to the US Food and Drug Administration designating psilocybin as a breakthrough medicine.
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What are the effects?
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. This 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 approximately a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms come from psilocybin and psilocin. When psilocybin is ingested, it is broken down by the liver in a process called dephosphorylation. The resulting compound, psilocin, is responsible for the psychedelic effects. The psychedelic effects appear around 20 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours.
Psilocybin and psilocin create short-term increases in tolerance in users, making it difficult to misuse them. The more often they are taken within a short period, the weaker the resultant effects are. Psilocybin mushrooms have not been known to cause physical or psychological dependence (addiction).
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are subjective and can vary considerably among individual users. However, some common effects include:
- Hallucinations: Psilocybin mushrooms can cause visual or auditory hallucinations, distorting how some people perceive objects and people in their environment.
- Altered senses and perception: Psilocybin mushrooms can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, mood, cognition, and perception.
- Physical effects: These may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination.
- Heightened anxiety: Psilocybin mushrooms can make experiences more intense, so if a person enters a trip in an anxious state of mind, they will likely experience heightened anxiety.
- Flashbacks: Some people who regularly use psilocybin mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous experiences. These are usually visual distortions that involve changes in emotions or perception and can happen weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken.
- Bad trips: A negative environment, a person's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of what will happen can all contribute to a bad trip. This may include extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia.
It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be unpredictable and dangerous when taken with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Additionally, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and accidentally consuming toxic mushrooms or commercial products containing toxic chemicals.
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Are they safe?
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are not safe and are considered a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which means they are believed to have a high potential for abuse and serve no legitimate medical purpose. They are mostly illegal in the US and Australia, with penalties for possessing, using, or selling them. However, Denver has recently become the first city in the US to decriminalize them.
Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can cause a person to hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. They can also affect a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are subjective and can vary considerably among individual users. Some people may experience feelings of euphoria, while others may have negative experiences such as anxiety, panic, or disturbing hallucinations. The risk of a bad trip may be increased by a higher dose, feelings of anxiety before taking the mushrooms, or being in a negative environment.
In addition, psilocybin mushrooms can cause physical effects such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. Although psilocybin is not considered addictive, regular users may experience flashbacks involving previous mushroom trips, and there is a risk of poisoning from picking the wrong types of mushrooms. Furthermore, the mushrooms may contain other substances that can affect their safety profile.
While psilocybin mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures for religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts, and are being studied for their potential mental and behavioural health benefits, they can also cause dangerous and unpredictable behaviour. As such, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with their consumption.
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Where can you get them?
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, can be obtained through various means, depending on your location and local laws. Here is some information on where you can get them:
Online Purchases
In some jurisdictions, you may be able to purchase psilocybin-containing mushrooms and products from online stores, such as smart shops or psychedelic mushroom stores. However, it is important to note that the legality of these purchases may vary depending on your location, and it is essential to comply with local laws and regulations.
Licensed Service Centers
In certain places, such as Oregon in the United States, there are licensed service centers or "healing centers" where individuals can consume psilocybin products in a supported and supervised setting. These centers are established under regulatory frameworks like the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act, which was approved by voters in 2020.
Growing at Home
In some regions, it may be legal for adults to grow psychedelic mushrooms for personal use. For example, in Colorado, adults 21 and older are permitted to grow, use, and share psychedelic mushrooms, although retail sales are not allowed. As a result, businesses have emerged to provide the necessary supplies, equipment, and knowledge for individuals to cultivate their own mushrooms at home.
Foraging and Natural Sources
Psychedelic mushrooms grow naturally in various environments worldwide, with certain species favoring specific conditions. For example, Psilocybe cubensis thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, often near cattle due to the suitable conditions for fungal growth. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when foraging for wild mushrooms, as many species resemble each other, and consuming the wrong type can be dangerous.
Research and Clinical Settings
Psychedelic mushrooms are also available through research studies and clinical settings. In controlled laboratory studies, participants may be recruited to investigate the effects of psilocybin mushrooms, often employing double-blind placebo-controlled methodologies. Additionally, in some places, such as Oregon and Colorado, there are plans to establish "healing centers" where individuals can legally ingest psychedelic mushrooms for therapeutic purposes under supervision.
It is important to note that the legality and availability of psychedelic mushrooms vary across different regions, and it is essential to stay informed about the laws and regulations in your specific location.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. Some common effects include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, euphoria, and muscle weakness or relaxation. The "trip" can be positive or negative, with negative trips sometimes referred to as "bad trips".
Psychedelic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, but some individuals may develop a psychological dependency. There is a risk of experiencing frightening or distressing hallucinations, and in rare cases, consuming a large amount of mushrooms can lead to severe side effects and even death. It is also possible to accidentally consume poisonous mushrooms, which can be dangerous.
The active ingredients in psychedelic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are controlled substances under international law and in many countries, including Canada and Australia. The production, sale, and possession of psychedelic mushrooms may be illegal in certain jurisdictions.
