Emily Johnson
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a large, white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is one of the most recognizable fungi in the world and is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere. The active compounds in Amanita muscaria, including ibotenic acid and muscimol, are largely unregulated and do not exist on the DEA's drug scheduling list, making it federally legal in the US. However, there have been reports of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from its consumption, and it is illegal in the state of Louisiana. While it is often marketed as a dietary supplement or in products such as gummies and chocolates, the FDA has not approved Amanita muscaria for human consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Fly Agaric, Fly Amanita |
| Scientific Name | Amanita Muscaria |
| Appearance | Large, conspicuous mushroom with a bright red cap and white spots |
| Active Compounds | Ibotenic Acid, Muscimol, Muscarine |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Gastrointestinal upset, Agitation, Seizures, Weightlessness, Visual and Auditory hypersensitivity, Space distortion, Unawareness of time, Euphoria, Relaxation, Loss of equilibrium |
| Legality | Not included on Controlled Substances list except in Louisiana and not on DEA's drug scheduling list |
| Use | Marketed as dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychedelic gummies |
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What You'll Learn
Amanita muscaria is not a DEA schedule I substance
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large, conspicuous mushroom with a bright red cap and white spots. It is widely distributed and native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere. This mushroom has been used for intoxicating and religious purposes by various cultures, particularly in Siberia. While it is known to cause poisoning, especially in those seeking its hallucinogenic effects, fatal poisonings are extremely rare.
Amanita muscaria is not currently listed as a Schedule I substance by the DEA. Unlike other hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the DEA Schedule I substance psilocybin, Amanita muscaria contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, which are not considered psychedelic but are classified as deliriants. These compounds are unregulated and do not exist on the DEA's drug scheduling list, making Amanita muscaria federally legal in the US, except in the state of Louisiana.
The lack of regulation around Amanita muscaria has led to concerns about the unrestricted sales of these toxic and hallucinogenic mushrooms, which pose risks to public health. There have been reports of hospitalizations and even deaths resulting from Amanita muscaria consumption. Additionally, products such as gummies and chocolates containing these compounds are being marketed with health-related claims, often without providing evidence to support their therapeutic benefits.
While Amanita muscaria is not a DEA Schedule I substance, some authors recommend placing it on the Controlled Substances list to allow for evaluation of its medical potential and abuse liability before widespread sales. In the meantime, commonsense precautions, such as age restrictions, accurate dosing standards, and child-resistant packaging, are suggested to mitigate the risks associated with the unrestricted availability of these mushrooms.
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Amanita muscaria is legal in most places
Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric, is a red-and-white-speckled mushroom that is widely recognised. It is commonly associated with garden statues and emojis. Unlike psilocybin-containing mushrooms, which are classified as Schedule I substances in the US, A. muscaria is not listed as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This means that it is legal to possess and distribute the mushroom in most places.
However, it is important to note that A. muscaria is not approved for human consumption by the FDA, and there have been reports of adverse health effects, including hallucinations, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, and seizures. In addition, the sale of A. muscaria products may be subject to local laws and regulations, and companies selling these products should ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
While A. muscaria is not specifically listed as a controlled substance, its active compounds, muscimol and ibotenic acid, can be more toxic than drugs like fentanyl and cocaine. There have been reports of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from A. muscaria consumption. As a result, there have been calls for A. muscaria to be placed on the Controlled Substances list, where its medical potential and abuse liability can be evaluated.
Currently, A. muscaria is illegal only in the state of Louisiana, where sales are restricted under the Louisiana State Act 159. In other states, such as Texas, it has been largely unregulated at the state level. However, as awareness of A. muscaria products grows, other states may decide to impose regulations or scheduling. Companies selling A. muscaria products should stay apprised of any changes in regulations and ensure compliance with all federal and local laws.
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Amanita muscaria is a hallucinogen
Amanita muscaria, also known as "fly agaric", is a hallucinogenic mushroom. It is often marketed as a "magic mushroom", but it is a different type of mushroom from those that contain psilocybin, the compound that produces psychedelic effects. Instead, the active compounds in Amanita muscaria are muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine. These compounds are not regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and are currently legal in most places. However, there are concerns about the unregulated sale of Amanita muscaria products, as they can be toxic and have been linked to hospitalizations and deaths.
Amanita muscaria mushrooms are native to the temperate and boreal forest regions of the Northern Hemisphere and can be found worldwide, including in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are large and distinctive, with scarlet red caps covered in small white plaques, making accidental ingestion rare. Despite their recognizability, cases of accidental ingestion do occur, sometimes due to confusion with the edible Amanita caesarea mushroom.
The psychotropic effects of Amanita muscaria include a feeling of weightlessness, visual and auditory hypersensitivity, space distortion, unawareness of time, and coloured hallucinations. In addition, the compounds in these mushrooms can be more toxic than fentanyl, cocaine, and PCP. Ingesting Amanita muscaria can cause gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and seizures, and has been linked to hospitalizations and deaths. There have been reports of people requiring hospital evaluation after ingesting products labelled as containing Amanita muscaria, which instead contained unlabelled, potentially harmful substances, including DEA Schedule I substances psilocybin and psilocin.
Due to the risks associated with Amanita muscaria, there have been calls for it to be placed on the Controlled Substances list. In the United States, it is not included on the DEA's drug scheduling list, except in the state of Louisiana, where sales are restricted. However, Amanita muscaria products are often marketed as dietary supplements or nootropics, which are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission. There are concerns that manufacturers of these products are not following the required processes for bringing supplements to market, and that consumers are not being adequately informed about the substances they are taking.
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Amanita muscaria is toxic
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a highly poisonous mushroom. It contains psychoactive alkaloids, including muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine. These compounds can produce psychotropic effects such as hallucinations, a feeling of weightlessness, visual and auditory hypersensitivity, and distortion of space and time.
Amanita muscaria is not currently listed as a controlled substance in most places, although its active compounds are unregulated and do not exist on the DEA's drug scheduling list. This has resulted in the legal sale of Amanita muscaria products, including gummies, chocolates, and non-psychoactive extracts, often marketed with health-related claims. However, there is limited clinical evidence supporting the use of Amanita muscaria as a therapy, and several case studies have reported hospitalizations and deaths resulting from its consumption.
The toxicity of Amanita muscaria is well-documented, with symptoms including gastrointestinal upset, agitation, seizures, and even coma. Rapid identification of the mushroom is crucial for optimal risk assessment and treatment. In cases of poisoning, general supportive measures and decontamination should be undertaken as soon as possible, and gastric lavage can help eliminate mushroom fragments from the stomach.
Due to the risks associated with Amanita muscaria consumption, some have recommended commonsense precautions, such as age restrictions, accurate dosing standards, childproof packaging, and marketing aimed at adults. These precautions aim to ensure consumer safety and provide accurate information about the potential health risks and benefits of the substance.
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Amanita muscaria is used for medicinal purposes
Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric, is a hallucinogenic mushroom that has been used for intoxicating, religious, and medicinal purposes in several cultures. While it is currently legal in most places, there have been reports of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from its consumption. The active compounds in Amanita muscaria, including muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine, are largely unregulated and do not exist on the DEA's drug scheduling list. However, the FDA has not approved it for human consumption.
Amanita muscaria has been ingested as a treatment for various ailments, with a focus on conditions affecting the central nervous system and neuroinflammation. It has also been used to address sleep disorders, anxiety, and pain. Additionally, it has been explored for its potential in treating a broader range of conditions, such as depression, insomnia, migraines, allergies, gingivitis, heartburn, eczema, psoriasis, epilepsy, hypertension, and hormonal dysfunction.
The psychotropic effects of Amanita muscaria are attributed to the naturally occurring compounds muscimol and ibotenic acid. While these compounds can induce hallucinations, a feeling of weightlessness, visual and auditory hypersensitivity, and distorted perception of time and space, they are also associated with toxic effects. In fact, Amanita muscaria is considered poisonous, and its consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues, CNS depression or excitation, confusion, dizziness, dysphoria, agitation, seizures, and in severe cases, coma.
Despite the potential risks, Amanita muscaria has gained attention in the form of gummies, chocolates, and dietary supplements, with manufacturers making health-related claims. However, it is important to note that these products may not have undergone the necessary safety evaluations, and their marketing often fails to distinguish between Amanita muscaria and psilocybin mushrooms, which have different chemical compositions and effects. As a result, there is a growing concern about the unregulated sales of Amanita muscaria products, highlighting the need for informed consumer choices and potential regulatory measures.
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Frequently asked questions
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large, conspicuous mushroom with a bright red cap and white spots. It is one of the most recognizable and distinctive mushrooms in the world.
Amanita muscaria is not included on the Controlled Substances list in most places and is federally legal in the U.S. However, it is illegal to sell in the state of Louisiana.
Amanita muscaria is a hallucinogenic mushroom that can cause a range of effects, including hallucinations, gastrointestinal upset, agitation, seizures, and poisoning. It has been used for intoxicating and religious purposes by various cultures, particularly in Siberia.
