Sarah Brown
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, or trip, is strongly dependent on the user's mental state and the setting in which the mushrooms are consumed. While psilocybin mushrooms have not been known to cause physical or psychological dependence, there is a risk of experiencing negative effects such as a bad trip or flashbacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin, β-carbolines |
| Genera | Psilocybe, Cyclocybe, Hygrophorus, Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, Pholiotina |
| Species | Psilocybe azurescens, Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe Mexicana, Psilocybe hispanica |
| Effects | Hallucinations, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, lack of coordination, dilated pupils, nausea, vomiting, yawning, anxiety, fear, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, flashbacks, "psychedelic hangover" |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Legality | Illegal in Canada and Australia |
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What You'll Learn
What are magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, also known as 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. Psilocybin and psilocin are the active ingredients in magic mushrooms and are classified as hallucinogens and psychoactive substances.
There are over 200 species of magic mushrooms, and 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. The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and can be unpredictable, depending on factors such as the mushroom species, the setting, and the user's mental state. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip can vary depending on the strength of the mushrooms and the amount consumed.
Magic mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including fresh or dried whole mushrooms, extracts, or food products such as mushroom edibles or mushroom tea. The effects of magic mushrooms typically appear within 15-45 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. The early effects of magic mushrooms often include nausea, vomiting, excessive yawning, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. As the trip progresses, users may experience hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality.
It is important to note that the consumption of magic mushrooms carries certain risks and negative effects. In some cases, users may experience a ""bad trip,"" which can include terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. Additionally, magic mushrooms can cause physical and psychological side effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, and fatigue. In rare cases, consuming a large amount of magic mushrooms can lead to severe side effects and even death. Furthermore, magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, and their production, sale, and possession may be prohibited or controlled under drug regulations.
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How do they work?
Psychedelic 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 is broken down by the liver in a process called dephosphorylation, resulting in the compound psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary considerably among individual users, but they typically include hallucinations, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination.
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 have gained attention for their potential therapeutic benefits.
The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis may occur, particularly with larger doses. The experience, often referred to as a "trip," is strongly influenced by the user's mindset and environment. A negative environment can contribute to a bad trip, while a comfortable and familiar setting can lead to a more positive experience.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms may be consumed in whole form, such as dried or fresh mushrooms, or they may be turned into extracts or food products like mushroom tea. The effects typically appear around 20 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. It is worth noting that psilocybin mushrooms have not been found to cause physical or psychological dependence.
In addition to their recreational and spiritual uses, psilocybin mushrooms have gained attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic benefits. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, when administered in a therapeutic setting, can bring about positive and long-lasting changes in people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. This has led the US Food and Drug Administration to designate 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. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down by the liver and converted into psilocin, the chemical responsible for the drug's psychedelic effects.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are subjective and can vary considerably among individual users. The experience, often referred to as a "trip," is strongly dependent on the user's set and setting. Set refers to the user's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of the experience. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. The setting is the environment in which the drug is taken, including factors such as the user's location, the people they are with, the music, and the lighting. A calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience, while a noisy and crowded place may lead to a negative experience.
The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations, sensory distortion, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception, as well as regions regulating arousal and panic responses. As a result, users may experience extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia, which can lead to a bad trip.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically appear around 20 minutes to 30 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 4 to 6 hours. Psilocybin and psilocin create short-term increases in tolerance, making it difficult to misuse them as the effects weaken with frequent use within a short period. However, some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous experiences, emotions, or hallucinations. These flashbacks can occur weeks, months, or even years after the last use and can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures for religious, divinatory, or spiritual purposes, with potential historical use in rock art from c. 9000–7000 BCE in Algeria and 6,000 years ago in Spain. In modern times, psilocybin use may be recreational or sought by those desiring a transcendent spiritual experience. Research is also exploring the potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin in treating depression, anxiety, and cancer-related mental health issues. However, it is important to note that the risks associated with psilocybin mushroom use include accidental poisoning from misidentifying mushrooms and severe illness from consuming commercial products containing toxic chemicals.
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What are the risks?
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or 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.
Physical and Mental Health Risks
Psychedelic mushrooms can cause various physical and mental health effects that may be harmful to some individuals. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality, which can lead to panic reactions and psychosis, especially with large doses.
Bad Trips
The "trip" experienced while under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms is heavily influenced by the user's mental state, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, expectations, and the environment they are in. A negative environment or a user's anxious state of mind can contribute to a bad trip, which may include heightened anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis.
Flashbacks
Regular users of magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks, which are typically visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception. These flashbacks can occur weeks, months, or even years after the last use and can be triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise.
Poisoning
There is a risk of accidental poisoning from mistaking poisonous mushrooms for psychedelic mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and even death in some cases.
Addiction and Tolerance
While current research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive, regular use may lead to tolerance, where individuals become tolerant of the drug's effects and may require higher doses to achieve the desired effect.
Legal Consequences
In many places, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, the possession, use, and sale of psychedelic mushrooms are illegal and can result in penalties. For example, Australian federal and state laws impose penalties for possessing, using, selling, or driving under the influence of magic mushrooms.
Unknown Substances
When purchasing psychedelic mushrooms illegally, there is a risk of consuming unknown substances or mushrooms that have been laced with other drugs. This can lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects, especially when combined with other drugs or medications.
It is important to note that the effects of psychedelic mushrooms vary widely among individuals, and further research is needed to fully understand the risks and potential benefits of psilocybin.
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Are they legal?
The legality of psychedelic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, varies worldwide. 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" or drugs that have "no recognized medical uses". However, the mushrooms containing the drugs were not specifically included in the convention, and many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms. For example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
In some jurisdictions, Psilocybe spores are legal to sell and possess because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. A loophole further complicates the legal situation, and the spores of psilocybin mushrooms are legal to possess in many areas. However, jurisdictions like Germany, California, Georgia, and Idaho have specifically amended laws to criminalize the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of localities, particularly in North America, revising their legal frameworks regarding psychedelics. This includes making the enforcement of psychedelics' illegality the lowest law enforcement priority in a given city, right through to state-wide legalization of specific psychedelics. For example, in 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act, which came into effect in 2021 and allows for the possession and non-profit gifting or distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. In 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, and in 2023, Australia approved psilocybin for prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
It is important to note that the legal status of unauthorized actions with psilocybin mushrooms can vary between states and provinces, and a drug charge can have serious penalties if their use violates local laws. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.
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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 psychosis. In rare cases, consuming a large amount of psychedelic mushrooms can lead to death.
Psychedelic mushrooms are illegal in some jurisdictions, such as Canada and Australia. In other places, they may be purchased at smart shops or psychedelic mushroom stores. However, it is important to note that buying mushrooms can be risky, as some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can cause violent illness or even death.
