Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms, or 'shrooms', are hallucinogenic and mind-altering when ingested. The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dosage, surroundings, mood, personality, and expectations. While some people experience mild hallucinations, others may have terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, and the biggest risk associated with their use is the possibility of mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms, which can be fatal. However, research suggests that psilocybin mushrooms may have benefits for mental and physical health, such as easing depression and anxiety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effects | Hallucinations, perceptual changes, distorted sense of time, place, and reality, flashbacks, delayed headaches, changes in emotions or perception |
| Time taken to kick in | 30 minutes when eaten, 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Risks | Poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, can cause severe illness or even be fatal, can worsen mental health issues, can cause psychosis, can lead to a "bad trip" |
| Benefits | Non-addictive, may have benefits for physical and mental health, may help with depression, anxiety, and cluster headaches, may make people "nicer" |
| Legality | Illegal in most of the U.S. and Australia, a Class A drug in the UK with severe penalties for possession and supply |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms cause hallucinations
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are hallucinogenic. They contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic that can cause hallucinations. The effects of magic mushrooms 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 strength of magic mushrooms varies depending on their freshness, the season, and where they grow. It's very difficult to predict the strength of magic mushrooms.
For most people, the world appears distorted when they take mushrooms. Colours, sounds, objects, and even time can all seem very different. Some people get mild hallucinations, which are also called 'visuals'. However, the hallucinations can also be disturbing. The quantity of the drug a person consumes, their past experiences, and their expectations of how the experience will take shape may all affect their reaction to psilocybin.
The main risk of taking magic mushrooms is that some look very similar to certain types of poisonous mushrooms. So, it’s important to know what you’re taking – and if in doubt, do not take them. If you believe you or someone else may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Contact your local poisons information centre immediately. If the person has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a fit, or is suffering an anaphylactic reaction, immediately call an ambulance.
Magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, but users can become tolerant of the effects quite quickly, meaning they need to take more to get the same effect as before. They are also illegal to have, give away, or sell. Possession can result in prison time, an unlimited fine, or both.
Marine Mushrooms: Their Unique Reproductive Strategies
You may want to see also
They can induce a bad trip
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", are hallucinogenic fungi that can induce a bad trip. A bad trip on magic mushrooms can lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. The length and intensity of a bad mushroom trip can vary depending on the strength of the mushrooms, the amount consumed, and individual factors such as mood, personality, and expectations.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes to an hour of consumption and can last for approximately four to six hours. During a bad trip, individuals may experience disturbing hallucinations, extreme fear, mood swings, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. In some cases, individuals may feel as if they are losing themselves or going crazy, a phenomenon known as ego dissolution.
The unpredictability of a mushroom trip makes it challenging to determine whether it will be enjoyable or turn into a bad trip. While most participants in a study on bad trips described frightening experiences, they also believed that these unpleasant experiences provided valuable insights. Some individuals may benefit from therapy to help process and integrate their challenging experiences.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms carries certain risks. Firstly, it is difficult to distinguish between magic mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms, which can lead to serious health consequences or even death. Secondly, magic mushrooms can worsen existing mental health issues and trigger long-term mental health conditions such as psychosis, especially if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, it is crucial to be well-informed about the potential risks and seek help if needed.
While magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, users can develop a tolerance to their effects, leading to increased consumption over time. Mixing mushrooms with other drugs or engaging in activities such as driving while under the influence can be extremely dangerous. It is always advisable to seek medical assistance promptly if any adverse effects are experienced.
Mushroom Nucleus: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
They are often mistaken for poisonous mushrooms
Some mushrooms are considered illegal drugs because they contain substances that cause people to hallucinate. These are commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms". The effects of magic mushrooms 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 strength of magic mushrooms varies depending on their freshness, the season, and where they grow. It's very difficult to predict the strength of magic mushrooms and how a trip will turn out. It depends on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and surroundings. Some trips may be enjoyable, while others lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. In very rare cases, if someone takes a huge amount of mushrooms, the side effects can be severe enough to cause death.
Magic mushrooms are not addictive, but as with LSD, users can become tolerant of the effects quite quickly, meaning they will need to take more to get the same effect as before. The main risk of taking magic mushrooms is that some look very similar to certain types of poisonous mushrooms. It is important to know what you are taking—if in doubt, do not take them. If you believe you or someone else may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Contact your local poisons information center immediately. If the person has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a fit, or is suffering an anaphylactic reaction, immediately call an ambulance.
There are many poisonous mushrooms that look like edible mushrooms. The top mushrooms that often confuse mushroom hunters are:
- Death cap (Amanita phalloides) – One of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world, responsible for most mushroom-related deaths. It is found in many parts of the world and has been misidentified as the edible straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea), field mushroom (Agaricus campestris), and when young, a puffball.
- Destroying angel (Amanita verna) – Another highly poisonous species found in many parts of the world. This mushroom is often confused with the edible meadow mushroom (Agaricus campestris).
- False chanterelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca) – Found in North America and Europe, this mushroom resembles the edible chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius).
- Autumn skullcap (Galerina marginata) – Sometimes mistaken for hallucinogenic mushrooms, autumn skullcap mushrooms are poisonous and can be deadly if eaten. They are common throughout the Northern Hemisphere and parts of Australia.
- Deadly dapperling (Lepiota brunneoincarnata) – Found in Europe and parts of Asia, this mushroom is fairly innocuous and has been mistaken for edible varieties. Poisonings are not very common, but accidental consumption leads to severe liver toxicity and can be lethal if immediate treatment is not received.
- Conocybe filaris – An innocent-looking lawn mushroom that is especially common in the Pacific Northwest. It features the same mycotoxins as the death cap mushroom and is potentially fatal if eaten.
- Shaggy Mane – One species that survivors of Amanita poisoning have cited as the mushroom they thought they were collecting.
Raw Enoki Mushrooms: Are They Safe to Eat?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They may have mental health benefits
While the effects of magic mushrooms on mental health are still being studied, some research indicates that they could be useful in treating mental and behavioural health conditions.
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, may rewire the brain to ease depression, anxiety, cluster headaches and more. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, when taken in a therapeutic setting, can make dramatic and long-lasting changes in people suffering from mental health issues. Surveys of microdosers have also shown significantly positive benefits from the practice of taking small doses.
However, it is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and can be unpredictable. The experience depends on various factors, including the user's mood, personality, expectations, surroundings, and the amount consumed. While some people may have enjoyable experiences, others may have terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
Magic mushrooms are also not without risks. They can be easily mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness and even death. Additionally, consuming a large amount of magic mushrooms can lead to a long-term mental health condition known as psychosis. Mixing drugs is always risky, and driving under the influence of magic mushrooms is dangerous and illegal.
While magic mushrooms show potential in treating mental health conditions, more research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety. It is always important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming any substance that may impact your mental health.
Flowerchecker: Your Mushroom Identification Friend
You may want to see also
They are illegal in many places
Psychedelic mushrooms, often simply referred to as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," contain the naturally occurring psychoactive compound psilocybin. This substance is known to induce a range of effects on the human mind and body, primarily altering and often significantly distorting the user's perception, mood, and sense of time and reality. The effects can be highly variable and unpredictable, depending on factors such as the type of mushroom, the amount consumed, and the individual's body chemistry and psychological state. While some users may experience a sense of euphoria, heightened sensory perception, and a distorted sense of time and space, others may encounter unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects, including anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
Due to these potent and often unpredictable effects, psychedelic mushrooms are illegal in many places. The possession, use, and distribution of these fungi are strictly regulated or outright banned in a significant number of countries and regions. This is primarily due to the potential risks associated with their use, including the possibility of adverse psychological reactions and the lack of standardized dosage and purity control. In places where they are illegal, strict penalties and fines are often imposed on those found in possession or involved in the distribution of these mushrooms. The enforcement of these laws varies, however, and in some places, there may be a degree of tolerance or a focus on treatment rather than punishment for personal use.
The legal status of psychedelic mushrooms can vary widely depending on the region. For example, in the Netherlands, while psilocybin is a controlled substance, the sale of magic truffles, which also contain psilocybin, is legal and regulated. In contrast, countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan have strict laws prohibiting the cultivation, possession, and use of psychedelic mushrooms, often classifying them as Schedule I drugs, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. In these jurisdictions, penalties for possession or trafficking can be severe and may include lengthy prison sentences.
The illegal status of psychedelic mushrooms in many places also stems from cultural and societal perceptions. There is a long history of negative associations with these substances, often fueled by misinformation and fear-mongering campaigns. Public opinion has often been influenced by concerns about the potential for abuse, particularly among young people, and the belief that these substances are inherently dangerous and without legitimate medical value. This has resulted in a significant stigma surrounding their use, which has, in turn, influenced the legislative approach to regulating them.
Despite the illegality of psychedelic mushrooms in many places, there is a growing body of research and changing public perception regarding their potential therapeutic benefits. Several studies have explored the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In controlled therapeutic settings, psilocybin has shown promising results in helping patients confront and process difficult emotions and experiences, leading to lasting improvements in mental health. These developments have prompted some jurisdictions to reconsider their approach, with a few countries and US states enacting laws that permit the use of psilocybin for medical purposes under strict supervision.
It is important to recognize that the legal status of psychedelic mushrooms is subject to change and that there are ongoing debates and efforts to reform these laws in many places. As research continues to explore the potential benefits and risks associated with their use, both for therapeutic purposes and responsible adult recreational use, public opinion and policy may evolve. However, for now, individuals interested in exploring the effects of these substances must be aware of the legal implications and restrictions in their respective locations, as the possession and use of psychedelic mushrooms remain prohibited and punishable by law in a significant number of jurisdictions worldwide.
Mushrooms: Superfood or Super-Myth?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic. They are illegal in most places.
Magic mushrooms alter a person's sense of reality and affect their judgment. They can cause hallucinations, perceptual changes, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.
The biggest risk associated with magic mushrooms is that they look very similar to some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can make you severely ill or even kill you. There are also potential side effects from consuming magic mushrooms, such as a bad trip or negative psychological effects.
Magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, but users can become tolerant to their effects quite quickly, meaning they will need to take more to get the same effect.
