John Miller
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which induces hallucinogenic effects. They are commonly used as recreational drugs and have been important for healing, divination, and spiritual rites in a number of cultures. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybin mushrooms have been tested as a treatment for chronic mental disorders, and their active components may have the ability to break old neural connections and create new ones, potentially reducing negative or obsessive thinking. However, the abuse of psilocybin mushrooms, especially among younger populations, is a growing concern, and psychological dependence can develop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, Shrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Type | Hallucinogenic mushrooms, fungi |
| Active compounds | Psilocybin, Psilocin, Norpsilocin, Baeocystin, Norbaeocystin, Aeruginascin, β-carbolines, Harmine, Harmane, Norharmane, Tetrahydroharmine (THH), Harmaline |
| Genera | Psilocybe, Cyclocybe, Hygrophorus, Gymnopilus, Panaeolus, Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, Pholiotina, Galerina |
| Species | Psilocybe azurescens, Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe mexicana |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Distorted and heightened sensory impressions, Synesthesia, Euphoria, Introspection, Dilated pupils, Increased heart rate, Nausea, Muscle weakness, Vomiting, Flashbacks, Enhanced sensory experiences, Changes in mood and perception, Intense emotional experiences, Cravings, Loss of control, Withdrawal symptoms, Tolerance |
| Uses | Recreational, Spiritual, Therapeutic, Medicinal |
| Treatment for misuse/addiction | Psychological support, Therapy, Cognitive-behavioral therapy |
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What You'll Learn
Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic
Psilocybin mushrooms, also 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. Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that people can ingest by consuming certain types of mushrooms. 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 approximately a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can cause distorted and heightened sensory impressions. Users may experience visual and auditory hallucinations, seeing vivid colours or auras around objects and people, witnessing objects morphing into other forms, and perceiving sounds as more complex and profound. They may even experience synesthesia, a "scrambling" of the senses, where they see sounds, hear colours, and taste forms. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically occur within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last between four and six hours. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly between and within the same species.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in various cultures and locations worldwide, with evidence of their use potentially dating back 8,000 years. They have been considered sacred and important for healing, divination, and spiritual rites in several cultures. In modern times, psilocybin mushrooms are used recreationally, often at dance clubs or by people seeking transcendent spiritual experiences. Despite their potential for inducing hallucinogenic experiences, psilocybin mushrooms have also been studied for their therapeutic potential. Researchers have investigated their potential in treating various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms can have side effects, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, agitation, confusion, vomiting, and nausea. Additionally, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms, as hallucinogenic mushrooms can resemble poisonous ones, leading to accidental poisoning. Regular users may also develop tolerance to the effects of psilocybin, and cross-tolerance with other drugs like LSD and mescaline may occur. While psilocybin is not considered addictive, some individuals may experience mild psychological effects or fatigue upon discontinuation.
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They contain the prodrug psilocybin
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, contain the prodrug psilocybin, which induces hallucinogenic effects. These mushrooms are hallucinogenic fungi that produce psychoactive compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can have mind-altering effects. 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 (Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for centuries in various cultural and spiritual contexts, and they are currently being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits. The therapeutic use of psilocybin has become a focus of recent international research, with preliminary data showing promise in addressing treatment-resistant mental health conditions. In the 21st century, psilocybin mushrooms have been tested as a treatment for chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The active components of these mushrooms may have the ability to break old neural connections and create new ones, potentially reducing negative or obsessive thinking and fostering more positive behaviours.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are highly subjective and depend on various factors, including the type of mushroom, its preparation, the dosage, and the psychological state and environment of the user. Common psychological effects of psilocybin mushrooms include altered perception, changes in mood, hallucinations, and enhanced sensory experiences such as brighter colours and sharper sounds. Physical effects may include dilated pupils, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. It's important to note that while psilocybin mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, psychological dependence can develop, and there can be negative consequences associated with their use.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, such as fresh or dried mushrooms, extracts, edibles, or mushroom tea. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly within and between different species. Psilocybe cubensis, one of the most popular species, has been reported to contain approximately 0.63% psilocybin and 0.6% psilocin, or about 1.2% combined. However, there is significant variation among different strains of P. cubensis.
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This turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. This turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound that induces hallucinogenic effects, including altered perception, changes in mood, and, in some cases, hallucinations. The mushrooms have been used for centuries in various cultural and spiritual contexts and are currently being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits.
The most potent species of psilocybin mushrooms belong to the genus Psilocybe, including P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in several other genera, such as Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina. Psilocybe cubensis, or "Liberty Caps," is known for its abundance and potency, while Psilocybe azurescens is recognised for its strength.
Psilocybin mushrooms produce psychoactive compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, which can have mind-altering effects. The effects of these compounds are highly subjective and depend on various factors, including the type of mushroom, the preparation method, the dosage, and the psychological state and environment of the user. Users may experience distorted and heightened sensory impressions, such as vivid colours or auras around objects and people, objects morphing into other forms, and enhanced sound complexity. They may even experience synesthesia, where they see sounds, hear colours, or taste forms.
The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly between and within the same species. Psilocybin content typically ranges from 0.5% to 1% of the dried weight of the mushroom, while psilocin content can be between 0% and 0.59%. Psilocybe cubensis, a popular species, has been reported to contain approximately 0.6% of each compound, resulting in a combined content of about 1.2%.
In the 21st century, psilocybin mushrooms have been studied as a potential treatment for chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research suggests that the active components in these mushrooms may break old neural connections and create new ones, potentially reducing negative or obsessive thinking and improving overall mental health. While psilocybin mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, psychological dependence can develop, and treatment for misuse focuses on providing psychological support and therapy to address the underlying causes of substance use.
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They are used as recreational drugs
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the prodrug psilocybin. This drug is converted into the psychedelic psilocin in the body upon ingestion, producing psychoactive effects. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used by various cultures for centuries and are often considered sacred, with a long history of use in traditional ceremonies. They have also been researched for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders. However, they are also widely used as recreational drugs.
When used recreationally, psilocybin mushrooms can induce sensory, emotional, and neural changes, causing users to perceive distorted and heightened sensory impressions. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are highly subjective and depend on various factors, including the type of mushroom, its preparation, the dosage, and the psychological state and environment of the user. Recreational users may experience vivid colours or auras around objects and people, witness objects morphing into other forms, and perceive sounds as more complex. They may even experience synesthesia, where senses become "scrambled," leading to experiences like seeing sounds or tasting forms.
Magic mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including eating them fresh, cooking them, or brewing them into tea. They can also be consumed in dried or powdered form, with microdosing being a popular technique for recreational use. Microdosing involves taking less than 1 gram of dried mushrooms for a mildly enjoyable experience without intense hallucinations. Synthetic psilocybin is also available, which can be processed into tablets or capsules or dissolved in water.
While psilocybin mushrooms have been widely collected and used recreationally, they are controlled substances in many places due to their hallucinogenic properties. Possession, use, and sale of these mushrooms may incur legal penalties, and driving under their influence is prohibited. Despite the risks, psilocybin mushrooms remain a popular choice for recreational drug users.
Psilocybin mushrooms are just one example of the many types of mushrooms that contain hallucinogenic or psychoactive compounds. Other mushrooms, such as those in the Psilocybe genus, are also known for their psilocybin content and are widely distributed globally.
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They are also used for healing and spiritual purposes
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. They are often considered sacred and have been used for healing, divination, and spiritual purposes in a number of cultures.
The use of psilocybin mushrooms for spiritual and healing purposes dates back thousands of years. Rock art from Tassili, Algeria, dating back to around 9000–7000 BCE, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and the transformation of the user under their influence. Similarly, prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago.
In Mesoamerica, the native peoples have a long history of using psilocybin mushrooms for religious communion, divination, and healing. The Aztecs, for example, referred to these mushrooms as "the flesh of the gods." In Central and South America, curanderos (healers or shamans) consider the fungi as teachers who can inspire, instruct, and even discipline their users.
In modern times, some people continue to use psilocybin mushrooms for spiritual and healing purposes. Some seek meaningful or spiritual experiences, hoping to gain insight or enlightenment. Others engage in microdosing, taking very small amounts regularly to improve their mental state and productivity.
Additionally, psilocybin mushrooms have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits. Researchers are investigating their potential to treat various mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Department of Veterans Affairs in the United States, for example, has been testing psilocybin and psilocin to address mental health issues and reduce suicide rates among veterans.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, also 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 is found in several species of fungi, including Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, or Liberty Caps, Psilocybe azurescens, and Psilocybe mexicana.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms vary depending on dosage, individual sensitivity, and the environment in which they are consumed. Common effects include altered perception of time and space, enhanced sensory experiences, and hallucinations.
Psilocybin mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, but psychological dependence can develop. Treatment for misuse or addiction focuses on psychological support and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been tested as a treatment for chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research suggests that psilocybin may be able to break old neural connections and create new ones, potentially reducing negative or obsessive thinking.
