Emily Johnson
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, 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. They are used as recreational drugs and have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. They may be depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe, but are more certainly represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs seen throughout the Americas. Psilocybe cubensis grows naturally in tropical and subtropical conditions, often near cattle due to the ideal conditions they provide for the growth of the fungus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin |
| Common species | P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, P. cyanescens, P. cubensis |
| Genera | Conocybe, Gymnopilus, Panaeolus, Pluteus, Psilocybe, Stropharia |
| Effects | Hallucinations, perceptual changes, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure |
| Legality | Illegal in Australia, Canada, and the United States |
| Historical use | Rock art from c. 9000–7000 BCE in Tassili, Algeria; Pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs in the Americas; Used in religious rituals in Mexico and Central America |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinogenic mushrooms in Mexican and Central American cultures
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains hallucinogens, primarily psilocybin and psilocin. They are often consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The use of hallucinogenic mushrooms for spiritual and religious purposes has a long history in Mexican and Central American cultures.
In Mexico, hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used by indigenous groups such as the Mazatecs and the Aztecs. The Mazatecs refer to these mushrooms as "genius mushrooms" or "wondrous mushrooms", while the Aztecs knew them as "teonanacatl," which translates to "divine mushroom" or "the flesh of God" in the Nahuatl language. The use of these mushrooms was often associated with ritualistic practices and spiritual experiences.
The discovery of hallucinogenic mushrooms in Mexico is credited to Robert Gordon Wasson, a North American banker with a passion for mycology. In 1953, Wasson explored the village of Huautla de Jimenez in the state of Oaxaca, where he encountered the shaman María Sabina and learned about the ongoing ritual use of hallucinogenic mushrooms among the Mazatecs. This discovery shed light on the continuation of ancient traditions despite centuries of suppression by Spanish colonial powers and Catholic missionaries.
In pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, hallucinogenic mushrooms played a significant role in religious and spiritual practices. Archaeological evidence, including mushroom stones dating back to 3000 BC, suggests their importance in ritual contexts. The use of these mushrooms was documented by chroniclers such as Fray Bernardino de Sahagún, who described their effects in the 16th century. Even today, local shamans and healers in Mesoamerica continue to use hallucinogenic mushrooms in their ceremonies.
The ecological distribution of hallucinogenic mushrooms in Mexico is diverse. Many species of Psilocybe, a potent genus of hallucinogenic mushrooms, can be found in cloud forests, coniferous forests, tropical meadows, and rainforests. These mushrooms thrive in regions with high humidity and varied altitudes, often growing on mountain slopes along the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.
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Prehistoric rock art suggests religious use
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains hallucinogens, primarily psilocybin and psilocin. They are often depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe.
Prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago. In addition, rock art from Tassili, Algeria, dating back to 9000–7000 BCE, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and the transformation of the user under their influence.
The rock art of the Pegtymel river, produced by the ancient Chukchi populations of the local Bronze Age, features human figures with mushrooms on their heads. This art, dating back to around 1500 BCE, suggests the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms in prehistoric rituals.
In California, the rock art of the Chumash and Yokut regions has been associated with the "toloache" cult, which centred around the use of "Jimsonweed," a hallucinogenic plant known to have been used by several Californian and Mexican Indian tribes.
The discovery of microscopic fragments of a superior mushroom in the dental calculus of a woman who lived 18,700 years ago in northern Spain provides further evidence of the prehistoric use of hallucinogenic mushrooms.
These findings suggest that early humans may have incorporated hallucinogenic mushrooms into their religious and spiritual practices, with the use of these mushrooms dating back to the Paleolithic Period.
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Magic mushrooms as recreational drugs
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are commonly consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. 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 for approximately four to six hours. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, and an altered state of consciousness.
Magic mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. Rock art from c. 9000–7000 BCE from Tassili, Algeria, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and their effects on users. In addition, a statuette dating from c. 200 CE, found in the Mexican state of Colima, depicts a mushroom resembling Psilocybe mexicana.
Today, magic mushrooms are often used as recreational drugs. According to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019, 1.6% of Australians aged over 14 years had used psychedelics in the past year, with 61% of this group having used psilocybin. However, it is important to note that the use of any drug carries risks. Magic mushrooms can affect individuals differently, and consuming a large amount or a strong batch can lead to negative experiences, such as a ""bad trip"" or delayed headaches. Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs, including some over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can also be dangerous and increase the likelihood of a bad trip.
In terms of legality, activities involving magic mushrooms, such as sale, possession, and production, are often illegal or controlled. For example, in Canada, these activities are prohibited under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) unless authorized by Health Canada. Similarly, Australian federal and state laws provide penalties for possessing, using, or selling magic mushrooms.
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Clinical research and therapeutic uses
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. They are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects, which can cause users to see, hear, and feel things that are not there, or to experience reality in a different way. 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.
Magic mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures for thousands of years in religious, spiritual, and healing contexts. There is also evidence of their use in prehistoric times, with rock art from Tassili, Algeria, dating back to c. 9000–7000 BCE, believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and their effects on users.
While the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms for therapeutic purposes is not a new concept, it has gained increasing attention and interest from the scientific and medical communities in recent years. The molecular structure of psilocybin allows it to penetrate the central nervous system, and researchers are now exploring its potential therapeutic benefits for various mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is at the forefront of this exploration, with studies suggesting that psilocybin may have the potential to treat a wide range of mood and substance disorders. In one notable study, researchers found that two doses of psilocybin, combined with supportive psychotherapy, produced rapid and significant reductions in depressive symptoms in adults with major depression. Additionally, an online survey of over 300 people with Alcohol Use Disorder reported a reduction or abstinence from alcohol use after taking psilocybin.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is also supporting research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, particularly for substance use disorders and other mental illnesses. While clinical trials have shown promising results, there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin. The risk of mental health problems such as psychosis or suicidality in supervised clinical settings is low, but poor mental health outcomes may be more likely with unsupervised use. Therefore, clinical trials are essential to advance research and protect the health and safety of patients.
In terms of dosing, microdosing has become a popular technique where users consume less than 1 gram of dried mushrooms for a milder experience that is still recreationally enjoyable and potentially beneficial for symptoms of depression. Higher doses of psilocybin, such as the “heroic dose” of 5 grams, can lead to more intense hallucinogenic effects, including feelings of ego dissolution and connection to everything.
Overall, the clinical research and therapeutic potential of hallucinogenic mushrooms, specifically those containing psilocybin, is an emerging field that requires further investigation. While the potential benefits for mental health and substance use disorders are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of psilocybin on the brain and mind and to develop safe and effective therapeutic treatments.
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Hallucinogenic mushrooms in Danish and German markets
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 a long history of use in Mexican and Central American cultures for religious, divinatory, or spiritual purposes.
In German markets, hallucinogenic mushrooms, including Psilocybe and Panaeolus species, are illicit drugs. German consumers often obtain their supplies through the internet or by purchasing material in Dutch 'Smart-Shops'. Psilocybe cubensis was the most popular mushroom in a sample collective, followed by Psilocybe semilanceata, Panaeolus cyanescens, and Psilocybe tampanensis. Macroscopic examination of dried hallucinogenic mushrooms can be challenging, and microscopic examination may be necessary for definitive identification.
The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are the hallucinogenic compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. Psilocybin and psilocin are psychoactive alkaloids with chemical structures similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Activation of the serotonin system by these compounds can induce hallucinations, feelings of euphoria, and temporary changes in brain function.
While the use of magic mushrooms is illegal in many countries, there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic applications. Clinical trials with psilocybin have shown promising results, but currently, there are no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin in Denmark, Germany, or elsewhere. However, companies or organizations interested in conducting activities with controlled substances such as psilocybin must obtain a license or authorization from the relevant authorities.
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Frequently asked questions
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains the hallucinogens psilocybin and psilocin.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms grow naturally in tropical and subtropical conditions, often near cattle due to the ideal conditions provided for the growth of the fungus. They are also found in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe and pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas.
The effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms include hallucinations, perceptual changes, and an altered state of consciousness. They can also cause anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches, accompanied by increased heart rate and blood pressure.
While the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, they can lead to negative experiences such as \"bad trips\" and \"flashbacks." Overconsumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms can result in fatal events related to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis.
The active ingredients in hallucinogenic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. The production, sale, and possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms are illegal in some countries, such as Canada and Australia.
