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 in Mexican and Central American cultures for religious and spiritual purposes, and their history of use can be traced back to prehistoric rock art and pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms include hallucinations, altered thinking, changes in senses, and distorted emotions and perceptions. While these mushrooms are known for their potential therapeutic benefits, they also come with health risks and the potential for abuse, particularly among younger populations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Key ingredient | Psilocybin |
| Other names for the key ingredient | β-carbolines, prodrug, tryptamine alkaloids |
| Conversion product | Psilocin |
| Genera | Psilocybe, Cyclocybe, Hygrophorus, Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, Pholiotina, Conocybe, Stropharia |
| Species | P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, P. cyanescens |
| Effects | Hallucinations, synesthesia, increased clarity of sounds, euphoria, drowsiness, lack of coordination, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, flashbacks, impaired judgment |
| Use cases | Recreational, religious, spiritual, medicinal |
| Legality | Illegal in most countries, available in some US states for medicinal purposes, classified as Schedule I drug in the US |
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What You'll Learn
The evolution of psilocybin mushrooms
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. However, psilocybin has also been found in approximately a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
One theory suggests that psilocybin mushrooms evolved to deter predation by insects, such as fungi-eating insects or terrestrial slugs. Psilocybin directly interacts with the nervous system of insects, producing unnatural and altered behaviours. This altered mental state could act as a deterrent to predation, making the mushrooms less appealing to potential insect predators.
Another theory posits that psilocybin may function as a laxative or emetic, inducing vomiting to spread spores before they are fully digested. However, this theory is contradicted by the fact that psilocybin-containing mushrooms often occur infrequently in the wild, making it unlikely that animals could learn to recognize and avoid them specifically for this purpose.
The evolutionary history of psilocybin mushrooms also sheds light on their cultural and therapeutic significance. Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in Mexican and Central American cultures for religious, divinatory, and spiritual purposes. Prehistoric rock art and sculptures suggest that these mushrooms were used in ritual and healing practices as early as 9000–7000 BCE in Algeria and 6,000 years ago in Spain. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of psilocybin is being explored in international research, with promising preliminary data for addressing treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
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The effects of psilocybin
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. 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 several other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Psilocybin can cause a range of physical and psychological effects. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. Psychologically, psilocybin can alter a person's thinking, emotions, and sense of time and space. It can induce hallucinations, causing the person to see, hear, or feel things that are not real or are distorted. Some users experience synesthesia, where they may visualize colors when hearing particular sounds. Psilocybin can also lead to a mystical experience, where individuals enter a dreamlike, euphoric state, having visions or reliving memories. They may feel a loss of personal boundaries, a sense of "oceanic self-boundlessness," and increased connectedness to the world.
In addition to its recreational use, psilocybin is being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits. Research suggests that it may be effective in treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and alcohol use disorder. Psilocybin has been shown to reduce negative affect and increase positive affect, leading to improved mood and reduced sensitivity to negative stimuli. However, it is important to note that the neural and psychological mechanisms underlying the enduring therapeutic effects of psilocybin are not yet fully understood.
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The legality of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic 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 found in several other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
International Law
According to the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which was adopted in 1971, psilocybin and psilocin are classified as Schedule I drugs, indicating a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. This treaty mandates its signatories to prohibit psilocybin and restrict its use to medical and scientific research under tightly controlled conditions. However, due to pressure from the Mexican government, the mushrooms themselves were not explicitly included in this convention.
United States
In the United States, the federal government classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, deeming it illegal. However, there has been a growing movement towards decriminalization and legalization at the state and local levels.
States with Decriminalization or Legalization:
- Oregon: In November 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised non-medical use through Ballot Measure 109.
- District of Columbia: In November 2020, Initiative 81, also known as the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, was passed, decriminalizing psilocybin and other entheogenic substances.
- Colorado: In 2022, Colorado followed Oregon's lead by passing a measure to decriminalize and allow the medical use of psilocybin.
- Massachusetts: Several cities in Massachusetts, including Somerville, Cambridge, and Washtenaw County, have decriminalized the possession of entheogenic plants, including psilocybin mushrooms.
- Michigan: Washtenaw County, Michigan, decriminalized psilocybin in January 2021.
- Washington: The cities of Olympia and Tacoma in Washington have decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms and other plant-based hallucinogens.
- California: Several cities in California, including Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Berkeley, have decriminalized the possession and personal cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms for adults. However, commercial sale is still prohibited.
- New Mexico: While psilocybin remains illegal in New Mexico, the state's Court of Appeals ruled in 2005 that growing psilocybin mushrooms for personal use does not constitute "manufacturing a controlled substance."
- Denver, Colorado: In May 2019, Denver became the first city in the U.S. to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, prohibiting the use of city resources to prosecute individuals for their possession or use.
Other Countries
Outside of the United States, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies. Here are some examples:
- Germany: Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in Germany, and since 1998, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores have been specifically prohibited.
- Canada: Canada has regulations regarding psilocybin mushrooms under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
- United Kingdom: The UK Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971 addresses the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms.
- Australia: Psilocybin mushrooms are mentioned in the Poisons Standard, part of Australia's legal framework for managing poisons.
- Japan: The Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law of 2002 in Japan includes provisions for psilocybin mushrooms.
It is important to note that the legal landscape surrounding psilocybin mushrooms is dynamic, and the information provided here may not reflect the most recent changes in legislation. Additionally, the legality of these substances can vary within a country, with different regulations at the national, state, and local levels. Always refer to the most up-to-date laws and regulations in your specific jurisdiction.
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The risks of psilocybin mushrooms
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. While psilocybin mushrooms have been used in traditional ceremonies and continue to be used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts, there are several risks associated with their consumption.
One of the primary risks of psilocybin mushrooms is the potential for a ""bad trip". A bad trip can be influenced by various factors, such as the user's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, expectations, and the environment in which the drug is consumed. For example, feelings of stress, anxiety, or fear before or during the experience can lead to heightened negative emotions and a bad trip. Additionally, consuming psilocybin mushrooms in a noisy, crowded, or unfamiliar place can contribute to a negative experience.
Another risk associated with psilocybin mushrooms is the possibility of accidental poisoning. Magic mushrooms closely resemble some poisonous mushrooms, and misidentification can lead to severe illness or even death. Mushroom poisoning may cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion, delirium, and increased heart rate or blood pressure, which can be particularly dangerous for individuals with heart conditions.
Regular or frequent use of psilocybin mushrooms may also lead to tolerance, where the user becomes less responsive to the effects of psilocybin and other drugs like LSD and mescaline. Additionally, some individuals may experience flashbacks or visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception, which can occur weeks, months, or even years after the last consumption. These flashbacks can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, tiredness, or the use of other drugs.
Furthermore, consuming psilocybin mushrooms can impair an individual's ability to think clearly and make them less aware of their physical surroundings. This altered state of consciousness may lead to risky behaviours, such as dangerous driving or walking into traffic, potentially causing harm to oneself or others.
It is important to note that the effects of combining psilocybin mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can be unpredictable and dangerous. Additionally, individuals taking psychiatric medications should refrain from consuming psilocybin mushrooms, as it may lead to a relapse or worsening of their condition. While psilocybin is considered to have a low risk of addiction, further research is needed to fully understand its potential risks and benefits.
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The history of psilocybin mushrooms in Mesoamerica
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 in Mexican and Central American cultures for religious, spiritual, and divinatory purposes.
The indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, including the Mixtec, Nahua, Olmec, Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec cultures, used psilocybin mushrooms (known as teonanacatl in the Nahuatl language) in various rituals and ceremonies. These mushrooms were believed to induce altered states of consciousness and were often consumed during healing rituals and religious ceremonies.
One well-known example of psilocybin mushroom use in Mesoamerica is the Aztec ritual described in the Florentine Codex, a sixteenth-century colonial text. According to the codex, participants in the ritual consumed psilocybin mushrooms with honey, while shell trumpets were blown. The night before the ceremony, they drank only chocolate. This ritual was performed by traders to give thanks for a successful expedition.
The use of psilocybin mushrooms in Mesoamerica continued even after the arrival of European colonizers. Colonial sources describe the rituals and participants' experiences during these ceremonies. Today, local shamans and healers in Mesoamerica still incorporate psilocybin mushrooms into their ritual practices, highlighting the enduring significance of these fungi in indigenous cultures.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
The effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms include hallucinations, synesthesia, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, lack of coordination, and dilated pupils. The experience, often referred to as a "trip," is strongly influenced by the individual's state of mind and the environment in which the mushrooms are consumed.
Yes, consuming psychedelic mushrooms can lead to unwanted physical and psychological effects, including nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and impaired judgment. Additionally, some individuals may experience "flashbacks," where they relive a previous mushroom experience, even long after the drug was last used.
Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most countries, and possession, sale, or distribution can carry legal consequences. However, some states have legalized their use for medicinal or therapeutic purposes, particularly in controlled environments under the supervision of trained professionals.
Scientists believe that mushrooms evolved to produce psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound, as a defence mechanism against fungi-eating insects. Psilocybin interferes with a neurotransmitter in insects, suppressing their appetite and decreasing the chances of the fungi being consumed.
