John Miller
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 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, muscle twitches, euphoria, and muscle weakness or relaxation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, Shrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, Psilocin, β-carbolines (e.g., harmine, harmane, tetrahydroharmine, harmaline) |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Euphoria, Anxiety, Fear, Nausea, Muscle twitches, Increased heart rate and blood pressure, Yawning, Drowsiness, Relaxation, Inability to discern fantasy from reality, Flashbacks, "Psychedelic hangover" |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Onset of effects | 15-45 minutes |
| Forms | Fresh, Dried, Powder, Tea, Edibles, Extracts |
| Legality | Illegal in some places, including Canada and Australia |
| Species | Psilocybe (e.g., P. azurescens, P. cyanescens, P. semilanceata, P. cubensis, P. mexicana), Panaeolus, Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, Pholiotina, Hygrophorus, Cyclocybe |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are psilocybin mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of 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. However, psilocybin has also been isolated from a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic and have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for religious, divinatory, or spiritual purposes. They may be depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe, but their use is more certainly represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. For example, Psilocybe cubensis, which is one of the most common and widely known psychedelic mushrooms, has been used in native Central American spiritual rituals.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically appear within 15-45 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. The length and intensity of each trip can vary depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and the setting in which the mushrooms are consumed. While some users report positive and insightful experiences, others may encounter terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, or fears of death. It's important to note that the experience of consuming psychoactive mushrooms can be unpredictable and varies greatly between individuals.
The active ingredients in magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are classified as Schedule I drugs in the United States and are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. While magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, some individuals may develop a psychological dependency on them due to the euphoric and psychedelic effects they produce. It's crucial to approach these substances with caution and be aware of the potential risks involved.
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Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are a polyphyletic informal group of 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. However, psilocybin has also been isolated from several other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
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. They may also be depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe, but they are more certainly represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs seen throughout the Americas. Psilocybe cubensis, for example, grows naturally in tropical and subtropical conditions, often near cattle due to the ideal conditions they provide for the growth of the fungus.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms come from the active ingredients psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down by the liver through dephosphorylation, resulting in psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects. These mushrooms can be consumed in whole form, such as fresh or dried mushrooms, or turned into extracts or food products like mushroom edibles or mushroom tea. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically appear around 15 to 45 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. The length and intensity of each experience, or trip, can vary depending on the mushroom species, dosage, and individual factors such as mood, personality, and expectations.
The psychological consequences of psilocybin mushroom use include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, lack of coordination, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. While psilocybin mushrooms have not been known to cause physical or psychological dependence, there is a risk of experiencing negative psychological consequences, especially in a negative environment or with a large dose. Additionally, some individuals may develop a psychological dependency on psilocybin mushrooms, craving the profound alterations in perception, mood, and consciousness that they provide.
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They have been used for thousands of years
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 drug turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion, causing hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. They have been used for thousands of years and continue to be used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts.
One of the earliest depictions of hallucinogenic mushroom use comes from a 4000 BCE cave painting in Spain, which illustrates what appear to be Psilocybe hispanica—a species with hallucinogenic properties. Rock art from around 9000–7000 BCE from Tassili, Algeria, is also believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and the transformation of the user under their influence.
Psilocybe cubensis, a species of psilocybin mushroom, grows naturally in tropical and subtropical conditions, often near cattle due to the ideal conditions they provide for the growth of the fungus. 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 (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms may be used in whole form, such as through the consumption of dried or fresh mushrooms, or may be turned into extracts or food products such as mushroom edibles or mushroom tea. They may also be purchased in some jurisdictions at smart shops, like psychedelic mushroom stores.
Psilocybin mushrooms have not been known to cause physical or psychological dependence, and the more often they are taken within a short period, the weaker the resultant effects are. However, fatal events related to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis can occur as a result of overconsumption of psilocybin mushrooms.
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They are illegal in many places
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are illegal in many parts of the world. They are hallucinogenic and contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. However, psilocybin mushrooms have been used for medicinal and religious purposes in dozens of cultures throughout history and have a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide, with some countries and jurisdictions having specific regulations or prohibitions in place. For example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act all address the regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms. In some cases, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores may be specifically prohibited, as is the case in several US states, including California, Georgia, and Idaho.
The possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms are prohibited under almost all circumstances in most places, and violation of these laws can result in severe legal penalties. However, there have been some recent changes in legislation. For example, in 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act, which allows for the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Similarly, in 2022, the Canadian province of Alberta announced it would regulate and permit the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes. In the same year, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. These changes in legislation reflect a growing recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms.
Despite these recent changes, psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal in many places due to their classification as a controlled substance and their potential for abuse. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can include hallucinations, an inability to discern fantasy from reality, panic reactions, and psychosis, particularly if a large dose is ingested. Additionally, the use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to negative experiences or "bad trips," especially if the user is in a negative environment or has pre-existing feelings of stress or anxiety. In rare cases, fatal events related to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis have occurred due to the over-consumption of psilocybin mushrooms.
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They can cause flashbacks and 'bad trips'
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. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, and Gymnopilus.
Magic mushrooms can cause "bad trips" and flashbacks, which can be disturbing and even dangerous. A "bad trip" refers to a negative psychedelic experience characterized by extreme panic, paranoia, nausea, and scary hallucinations. The environment and the user's state of mind play a crucial role in determining whether a trip will be good or bad. Being in a negative environment, such as a noisy and crowded place, can contribute to a bad trip, while a comfortable and familiar setting can enhance the chances of a pleasant experience. Similarly, feelings of stress, anxiety, or fear before taking magic mushrooms can increase the likelihood of a bad trip.
The risk of a bad trip is always present, and it can be challenging to predict what kind of trip each user will have. In some cases, a combination of good and bad experiences may occur within the same trip. Additionally, the strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, and it is challenging to determine the potency of a mushroom beforehand. This uncertainty further contributes to the risk of an unintended bad trip.
Flashbacks are another potential consequence of consuming magic mushrooms. Flashbacks are brief episodes where individuals relive the hallucinations or emotions of a previous trip. They can involve visual distortions, changes in emotions or perception, and even frightening experiences or hallucinations. Flashbacks can occur anywhere from days to weeks, months, or even years after the last consumption of magic mushrooms. They can be triggered by various factors, including the use of other drugs, stress, fatigue, physical exercise, and certain environments or stimuli. While flashbacks usually last only a minute or two, they can be disturbing, especially if they involve recalling a negative experience.
It is important to note that the consumption of magic mushrooms and the potential for bad trips and flashbacks come with inherent risks. The effects of magic mushrooms are unpredictable and can vary significantly from person to person. Additionally, the strength of the mushrooms and the dosage consumed play a crucial role in determining the intensity of the experience. Therefore, it is essential to approach these substances with caution and be aware of the potential risks and consequences associated with their use.
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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. They can include hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, euphoria, and muscle weakness or relaxation. The effects typically appear within 15-45 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 6 hours.
Psychedelic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, but some individuals may develop a psychological dependency. There is a risk of experiencing a bad trip, which can include terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and flashbacks. In rare cases, consuming a large amount of psychedelic mushrooms can lead to death.
