Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the substances psilocybin and psilocin. They are commonly ingested for their euphoric and hallucinogenic effects, which can include heightened emotions, creativity, laughter, and a sense of mental and emotional clarity. However, the effects of magic mushrooms vary widely, and adverse side effects may include nausea, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. While psilocybin has a low level of toxicity, there are still health risks associated with unsupervised consumption, and accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms can have severe consequences. This article will explore the potential benefits and risks associated with magic mushroom consumption, as well as the ongoing research into their therapeutic potential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, distorted senses, heightened emotions, increased heart rate, nausea, yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, distorted sense of time, place, and reality, flashbacks, gastrointestinal issues, poisoning, psychosis, death |
| Treatment | No approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin currently exist. Research is being conducted into psilocybin as a potential treatment for substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and neurodegenerative disorders. |
| Legality | Illegal in most places, including the U.S. and Canada. |
| Risks | Poisoning, accidental ingestion, psychosis, death, flashbacks, tolerance, physical harm, and risk-taking behavior. |
| Prevention | Do not consume mushrooms unless you are 100% sure they are psilocybin mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can resemble psilocybin mushrooms and even professionals sometimes mistake them. |
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What You'll Learn
Poisonous mushrooms can be fatal
Out of the 100,000 known fungi species worldwide, only about 70-80 are known to be poisonous to humans, and among those, only a few are fatal when ingested. However, the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings are attributable to the Amanita phalloides mushroom, also known as the "death cap". This species closely resembles edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms and is found throughout Europe. It contains amatoxins, which are heat-stable and quickly damage cells throughout the body. Symptoms of poisoning include violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea, which cause a rapid loss of fluids and intense thirst. Signs of severe involvement of the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system soon follow, and death occurs in more than 50% of incidents.
Another species of Amanita, A. verna, commonly known as the destroying angel, is also incredibly toxic and similar in appearance to edible button mushrooms and meadow mushrooms. It has been responsible for numerous poisonings, with symptoms including vomiting, delirium, convulsions, diarrhea, liver and kidney failure, and often death. Other mushrooms that can have similar fatal effects to the death cap include some species of Galerina, Lepiota, and Conocybe.
It is important to note that hallucinogenic mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms," can also be poisonous and cause gastrointestinal illness, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They can also lead to more serious toxicity, especially in small children. While most accidental ingestions result in minor illness, severe cases may require medical attention.
To avoid mushroom poisoning, it is recommended to only consume mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer, rather than foraging for wild mushrooms. There is no reliable home test to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms, and even experts can make mistakes in identification.
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The effects of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are hallucinogenic drugs that can cause a range of effects, including visual and auditory hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and intense emotional responses. The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 20 to 40 minutes of consumption and can last up to 6 hours. The duration and intensity of the effects depend on various factors, including dosage, age, weight, personality, emotional state, and environment.
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, works by influencing serotonin levels in the brain, specifically by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in regions such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. This leads to altered patterns of brain activity, resulting in a profound change in consciousness. The subjective experience of psilocybin can vary widely, with some individuals reporting positive effects such as euphoria, connection, and spiritual experiences, while others may have negative experiences, including anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis.
The physical side effects of magic mushrooms may include nausea, yawning, drowsiness, increased heart rate, and gastrointestinal issues. While psilocybin is considered to have a low risk of addiction and low toxicity, there is a potential risk of accidental poisoning from consuming the wrong types of mushrooms. Additionally, the risk of a ""bad trip or negative experience increases with higher doses or feelings of anxiety prior to consumption.
In some cases, individuals may experience persistent alterations in their perception, known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. This can manifest as flashbacks or traumatic recalls of drug trips, which can occur anywhere from days to years after taking magic mushrooms.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and influenced by individual factors and environmental conditions. The only way to eliminate the risk of negative consequences is to abstain from consuming magic mushrooms.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
In the United States, psilocybin and psilocin were first subjected to federal regulation by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965. The possession and use of psilocybin are prohibited under almost all circumstances and often carry severe legal penalties. However, there has been a strong element of selective enforcement, and a loophole further complicates the legal situation: mushroom spores do not contain psilocybin or psilocin and are legal to possess in many areas, including California, Georgia, and Idaho. In 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised non-medical use. Since then, several other cities and states, including Washington, D.C., Somerville, Massachusetts, Denver, Colorado, and Santa Cruz, California, have decriminalized the possession, use, or cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms for adults over the age of 21. In May 2022, Colorado followed Oregon in legalizing psilocybin for medical use.
Outside of the United States, the legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies. In Germany, it is illegal to possess psilocybin mushroom spores. In Canada, psilocybin mushrooms are regulated by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and in the UK, they are covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. In Japan, they are illegal under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law of 2002.
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How to identify magic mushrooms
It is important to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify psilocybin or "magic" mushrooms. Ingesting a wild mushroom without a mycologist's opinion could be deadly and produce adverse health consequences. While only 3% of known mushrooms are poisonous, looks can be deceiving, and many species look alike.
Magic mushrooms are consumed orally, either eaten whole or brewed as tea. They 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. 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 a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
In the United States, magic mushrooms are represented primarily by three varieties: "P. allenii," "P. cyanescens," and their cousin, whose scientific name is not provided. While they all look very similar, there are some slight tell-tale marks. "P. allenii" has a slender white stem, a brown cap, and purple spores. Its cap is dome-shaped with straight edges, and the gills attach directly to the stem. "P. cyanescens" looks very similar, with a slender white stem, a brown cap, and purple spores. However, its cap has wavy edges instead of straight ones.
To identify magic mushrooms, one can use online resources such as the Mushroom Identify app, which can automatically identify mushrooms from a picture. However, it is still recommended to check with a professional mycologist even if you think you have identified a magic mushroom.
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Medical treatment for adverse side effects
While psilocybin mushrooms are considered one of the least toxic drugs, with serious physical side effects being very rare, adverse reactions are occasionally reported. The most common symptoms leading to emergency medical treatment are psychological, including anxiety, panic, paranoia, and suspiciousness. These adverse effects can be mitigated by taking certain precautions before and during the experience.
Firstly, it is important to be in the right frame of mind and choose a safe, peaceful environment to consume the mushrooms. It is also crucial to avoid mixing substances, as polydrug use can lead to unpredictable effects and increase the risk of adverse reactions. In addition, it is recommended to have a trusted trip partner who can offer calm reassurance, remind you that you are safe, and help you navigate any challenging feelings or experiences that may arise.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a challenging trip, it is essential to remain calm and provide reassurance that the experience will pass. Helping the person meditate or relax can be beneficial. It is also important to avoid making any sudden movements or engaging in activities that could lead to unpleasant or unexpected outcomes, such as climbing on things or looking in the mirror.
In the rare case of consuming a poisonous mushroom, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, as it can result in severe illness or even death. Additionally, if you are taking psychiatric medications, it is advised to refrain from consuming psilocybin mushrooms, as it may lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition.
While serious incidents are rare and short-lived, it is always beneficial to prioritize harm reduction and safety when consuming psilocybin mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. They are also known as shrooms and are considered illegal drugs in most places.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. Generally, the effects begin after 15-45 minutes and last for 4 to 6 hours. Users may experience nausea, excessive yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.
Yes, there are several risks associated with taking magic mushrooms. It is easy to misidentify mushrooms and accidentally consume poisonous mushrooms, which can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Additionally, magic mushrooms can cause unpleasant physical and mental effects, such as gastrointestinal issues, flashbacks, and "bad trips," which can include extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia.
While magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits. Clinical research is being conducted to study the use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, as a treatment for various mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
