Sarah Brown
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as shrooms or magic mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that contain the psychoactive substances psilocybin and psilocin. They have been used for thousands of years and are found on nearly every continent. In modern times, they are used recreationally and are also being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health conditions. However, their legal status varies worldwide, with some countries and jurisdictions classifying them as controlled substances, while others have ambiguous or evolving regulations regarding their possession and use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Psilocybin mushrooms, shrooms, magic mushrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, distorted sights and sounds, loss of sense of time and space, increased heart rate, nausea, paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted sense of self |
| Recreational dose | 1.0-3.5-5.0 g of dry mushrooms, 10-50 g of fresh mushrooms |
| Microdose | <1.0 g of dried mushrooms, taken up to three times a week |
| Legality | Illegal in most places, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, and some US states. Decriminalised in certain cities in the US, the US state of Colorado, and the Canadian province of Alberta. |
| Potential health benefits | Treatment for psychiatric and behavioral conditions, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are illegal in most places. They are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit psilocybin. This means that the drug can only be used for medical and scientific research under strictly controlled conditions.
In the United States, psilocybin and psilocin were first regulated by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965, and they are considered Schedule I drugs under the US Psychotropic Substances Act. While the federal law prohibits the possession, sale, and distribution of psilocybin mushrooms, there is a growing movement to decriminalize them. Some cities have already decriminalized the possession of small amounts for personal use, and two states, New Mexico and Colorado, have gone even further. In these states, the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is not considered drug manufacturing, and in the case of Colorado, the mushrooms have been decriminalized for personal use.
Canada also regulates psilocybin and psilocin under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), making activities such as sale, possession, and production illegal without authorization. However, in January 2023, the province of Alberta became the first in Canada to regulate and allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy.
In other parts of the world, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies. For example, in Germany and some US states like California, Georgia, and Idaho, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores are specifically prohibited. On the other hand, the spores of psilocybin mushrooms are legal to possess in many areas because they do not contain the drugs themselves, creating ambiguity and selective enforcement in some jurisdictions.
While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in various cultures, they can also be dangerous. The active ingredients, psilocybin and psilocin, are hallucinogens that can cause people to experience distorted sights and sounds, heightened emotions, and an altered state of consciousness. There is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, particularly in treating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. However, there is still much to learn about its potential risks and benefits.
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They are used as recreational drugs
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are used as recreational drugs. They are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD, causing hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are chemicals called psilocybin and psilocin, which are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. Psilocybin mushrooms are considered Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which defines them as drugs with a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical uses. However, psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and have had numerous medicinal and religious purposes in various cultures.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the strength of the mushrooms can differ significantly. Users may experience heightened emotions and senses, with increased happiness and creativity, as well as a sense of mental and emotional clarity. However, magic mushrooms can also lead to negative experiences, often referred to as a ""bad trip,"" which may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. It is important to note that the consumption of magic mushrooms may pose risks, as they closely resemble some poisonous mushrooms, making it easy to consume the wrong type by mistake.
Recreational doses of psilocybin mushrooms typically range from 1.0 to 3.5-5.0 grams of dried mushrooms and 10 to 50 grams of fresh mushrooms. A dose of 2.5 to 5.0 grams of dried mushroom material is considered strong, while a 5.0-gram dose is often referred to as a "heroic dose." Microdosing has become a popular technique, where users consume less than 1.0 gram of dried mushrooms for a milder experience without intense hallucinations. Microdosing may be done with as little as 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, taken up to three times a week.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide, with many countries having regulations or prohibitions in place. In the United States, psilocybin mushrooms are considered Schedule I drugs, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute them. However, there is a growing movement to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms due to their potential health benefits, and some cities have already removed criminal penalties for possession. Similarly, in Canada, activities related to magic mushrooms are generally illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), but the province of Alberta has recently allowed their use for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. Other countries, such as Australia, are also exploring the medicinal potential of psilocybin, approving its use in prescription medications for treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
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They have been used for thousands of years
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, have been used for thousands of years. They are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD, causing hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are the chemicals psilocybin and psilocin, which are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions.
The earliest evidence of their use dates back to around 3000 B.C., when indigenous people in Central America used them for healing and spiritual rituals. Since then, mushrooms have been used medicinally and religiously by dozens of cultures worldwide.
In terms of cultivation, the earliest records of mushroom farming come from China, where farmers grew shiitake mushrooms over 1,000 years ago. However, the practice of cultivating mushrooms for food likely began much earlier, possibly as early as 600 AD. During the 17th century, mushroom cultivation became popular in France and other parts of Europe, with French gardeners pioneering the technique of growing mushrooms in caves.
Today, magic mushrooms are often used recreationally, and there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits. Some people microdose psilocybin, taking small amounts regularly to improve mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. There is also interest in using psilocybin to treat substance use disorders and other mental illnesses.
While the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide, they are generally prohibited or regulated due to their hallucinogenic properties. However, some jurisdictions have decriminalized their use, and there is a growing movement to explore their medicinal potential and integrate them into drug-assisted psychotherapy.
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They are typically consumed dried or powdered
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms", varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. However, the mushrooms themselves were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result, the legal status of magic mushrooms is ambiguous in many places, with some jurisdictions considering them illegal and others allowing their use for medicinal or religious purposes. For example, the Canadian province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes, while the US state of Colorado has decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms.
When consumed for recreational purposes, magic mushrooms are typically ingested orally and are sold illegally in various forms, including dried whole mushrooms or powder. Dried mushrooms are often reconstituted with water before consumption, which helps to remove any grit and make them more palatable. The mushrooms can then be added to various dishes, such as pasta sauces, lasagna, soups, stocks, and risottos. The liquid used to soak the mushrooms will also be infused with their flavour, which can be used to enhance the taste of a dish.
Mushroom powder, also known as functional mushroom powder, is another way to consume mushrooms recreationally. It is made from various mushroom species and can be purchased online, in health food markets, or Asian grocery stores. Mushroom powder is a convenient way to incorporate the nutritional benefits of mushrooms into one's diet without having to chew or taste them. It can be added to drinks, such as coffee or smoothies, or used in cooking. However, it is important to research brands and read labels, as some mushroom powders may contain fillers, flavourings, and artificial ingredients.
The effects of consuming magic mushrooms can vary depending on the dose, type of mushroom, and individual. They typically appear within 15-45 minutes and last for four to six hours. Common effects include heightened emotions and senses, laughter, and a sense of mental clarity. However, magic mushrooms can also cause hallucinations and distort one's sense of reality, leading to what is commonly known as a "bad trip". It is important to note that the sale, possession, and production of magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, and using them can carry severe legal penalties.
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They can cause hallucinations and distort reality
The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are chemicals called psilocybin and psilocin. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical in certain mushrooms known as magic mushrooms. Eating mushrooms that contain psilocybin can have a variety of effects, ranging from euphoria to hallucinations. Some people use psilocybin as a recreational drug. It can provide feelings of euphoria and sensory distortion that are common to hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD.
Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. However, psilocybin mushrooms have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in dozens of cultures throughout history and have a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs.
Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that people can ingest through certain types of mushrooms. It works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. These parts of the brain affect mood, cognition, and perception. Hallucinogens also work in other regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses.
Magic mushrooms may cause heightened emotions and senses, and people may feel happy and creative. They may laugh or giggle a lot and experience a sense of mental and emotional clarity. They can also cause hallucinations and affect people by distorting their sense of reality (they see and hear things that are not there) and mixing up their senses (they believe they can see music or hear colours).
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person. The strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly. One mushroom may have different concentrations of the active ingredients compared to another, and consequently, the effects of the magic mushroom can depend on the dose and type of mushroom used.
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