Michael Davis
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are often used as recreational drugs and have been for thousands of years. While they are illegal under federal law in the US, some states like Oregon and Colorado have decriminalized or legalized them. In Oregon, the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act establishes a regulatory framework for receiving psilocybin through licensed manufacturers, laboratories, facilitators, and service centers. Colorado is also planning to authorize healing centers where the mushrooms can be ingested under supervision. However, it is important to note that the biggest potential danger of picking and consuming magic mushrooms comes from incorrect identification, as many poisonous mushrooms look similar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Locations | Oregon, Colorado, Denver, Oakland, California |
| Legality | Illegal under federal law, except for clinical research. Decriminalized in Oregon and Colorado. |
| Cost | $1,000 to $3,000 in Oregon, not covered by insurance |
| Effects | Hallucinations, altered state of consciousness, paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted sense of self, nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness, drowsiness, lack of coordination, heightened blood pressure |
| Treatment | Used to treat depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and increase spiritual well-being |
| Safety | Safe for consumption, low toxicity, almost impossible to overdose |
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What You'll Learn
Where to find psychedelic mushrooms in the wild
It is important to exercise caution when hunting for psychedelic mushrooms in the wild, as many poisonous varieties look similar to their psychoactive counterparts. While foraging for wild mushrooms is legal, the deliberate foraging of psychedelic mushrooms is often illegal. At the federal level in the US, for example, psilocybin mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I substance, making it illegal to cultivate or possess them. However, the legal landscape is changing, and some states and cities have decriminalized magic mushrooms.
Psychedelic mushrooms can be found on every continent except Antarctica. In the United States, they can be found scattered across diverse regions, from cosmopolitan locales to pristine wildernesses. They are relatively rare, but distinct species have their own preferred climatic zones where they thrive. In the US, they are more likely to be found in urban spaces than in the backcountry or front-country wilderness. They can even be found in your backyard or local park, unwittingly propagated by municipal landscapers using wood chips. They are also often found in office parks and apartment complexes.
If you are serious about hunting for psychedelic mushrooms, it is recommended to join a wild mushroom hunting course or group to build up contacts within the hunting community and gain practical experience in hunting the many varieties of safe-to-eat mushrooms. It is also important to learn how to identify mushroom species, as some varieties are mildly poisonous or even deadly.
Once you have the knowledge and experience to identify psychedelic mushrooms, you can increase your chances of finding them by picking a few specific mushrooms to hunt and getting to know where they grow. Certain species of the Psilocybe genus, for example, prefer damp fields, such as those with cow dung in them, while others of the same genus like to grow on rotting logs. They can also be found in coastal dune grasses and along creeks in relatively humid areas of North America, such as Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.
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How to identify psychedelic mushrooms
Identifying psychedelic mushrooms in the wild can be a dangerous task, with only 3% of known mushrooms being poisonous, but some toxic lookalikes that exist being deadly. It is important to be able to differentiate between safe and unsafe mushrooms. Here are some ways to identify psychedelic mushrooms:
Spore prints
Spore prints are one of the most powerful tools to identify mushrooms. Choose a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap. Carefully remove the stem to allow the cap to sit flat. Place the cap gill-side down on half white and half black paper (or on foil if you want to preserve it). Cover the cap with a glass, bowl, or container to prevent drafts from disturbing the spores. Leave it undisturbed for 6–12 hours. Lift the cap gently to reveal the spore print left behind. True Psilocybe species typically produce purple-brown to dark purplish-black spore prints.
Cap and stem
The Psilocybe semilanceata, also known as "liberty caps," are believed to be one of the most potent kinds of psilocybin mushrooms. They are characterized by their large, leathery-brown caps and pale, curved stems. The caps of these mushrooms have a diameter between 5-22mm and a length of roughly 6-22mm. They can be either conical or bell-shaped; the cap can vary in color depending on the hydration of the mushroom. Well-hydrated caps will display darker shades of brown (sometimes with a blue or greenish tinge) and may have grooves running down them, corresponding to the gills on the underside. On the underside of the cap, Psilocybe semilanceata will have between 15-27 narrow gills.
The Cubensis, or "golden teacher," is another popular kind of magic mushroom. It has a golden, smooth, and sticky cap ranging from 1 to 8 centimeters with a white stem and grayish gills that darken with age. The cap may be conic in young mushrooms and tends to flatten out with maturity.
The Guapile mushroom typically features a golden to caramel cap that becomes lighter with age, often showing a slight umbo (raised center). The stems are sturdy and white, bruising blue when touched.
Location
Psychedelic mushrooms are more commonly found near urban spaces than in the deep wilderness. They are most commonly found in proximity to human habitation near damp wood chips. They are rarely found on freshly fallen wood and prefer to let other fungi colonize the area first. They can be found in coastal dune grasses and along creeks in relatively humid areas of North America like Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. They also grow in the southeastern United States, Central America, northern parts of South America, and throughout Southeast Asia.
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U.S. states where picking is legal
In the United States, the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin are illegal under federal law. Psilocybin is a psychedelic drug produced naturally by psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms". However, some states and cities have passed laws to decriminalize or legalize the use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms. Here are some U.S. states where picking psychedelic mushrooms is legal or decriminalized:
Oregon
Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for supervised non-medical use after the Ballot Measure 109 passed in November 2020. The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act establishes a regulatory framework for receiving psilocybin and requires the state to issue licenses for manufacturers, laboratories, facilitators, and service centers. However, it is important to note that in 2024, much of the measure decriminalizing psilocybin was repealed, effectively recriminalizing it.
Colorado
Following Oregon's lead, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122 in 2022 to legalize natural psychedelics and decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. The state is now issuing licenses for providing psychedelic mushrooms and planning to authorize "healing centers" where the mushrooms can be ingested under supervision.
California
While magic mushrooms remain highly illegal throughout most of California, several municipalities in the state have moved to decriminalize natural psychedelics, including San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and Santa Cruz. The city council of Oakland passed a resolution to make the adult possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms the lowest law enforcement priority, similar to Denver's Ordinance 301.
Washington
In July 2023, Berkeley, Washington, became the fifth city in California to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi. Additionally, in August 2024, the City Council in Olympia, Washington, decriminalized plant-based hallucinogens, including psilocybin mushrooms.
It is important to note that the legality of picking psychedelic mushrooms can vary from state to state and even within cities. While some states have legalized or decriminalized the use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms, others have strict laws prohibiting their use. Always check the local laws and regulations before engaging in any activity that may carry legal risks or penalties.
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How to prepare and consume psychedelic mushrooms
While I cannot provide information on where to pick psychedelic mushrooms, I can provide you with information on how to prepare and consume them. Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as encouragement or advice to engage in illegal activities.
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or liberty caps, contain a naturally occurring psychoactive compound called psilocybin. These mushrooms are typically consumed for their hallucinogenic effects, which can induce euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortions.
- Preparation: It is important to correctly identify the mushrooms to avoid accidental ingestion of poisonous varieties. Psilocybin mushrooms are usually small and brown or tan in color. Always exercise caution and consult a knowledgeable source to ensure accurate identification.
- Drying: Most magic mushrooms are sold or prepared in dried form. Drying the mushrooms helps extend their shelf life and makes them easier to work with.
- Grinding: Once dried, the mushrooms can be ground into a fine powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle. This powder is tasteless and can be easily incorporated into various consumption methods.
- Consumption methods: There are several ways to consume psychedelic mushrooms:
- Capsules: The mushroom powder can be filled into capsules, making it easy to consume measured doses.
- Edibles: The powder can be added to food products such as chocolate, gummies, or sprinkled on dishes. This method masks the bitter taste of psilocybin and provides a more enjoyable consumption experience.
- Tea: Psilocybin mushrooms can be brewed into a tea, which is a traditional method of consumption.
- Fresh consumption: Fresh mushrooms can be consumed directly, although some people may prefer to cover them in chocolate to improve the taste.
- Dosage: The dosage depends on individual factors such as body weight, tolerance, and desired effects. Microdosing, or consuming ultra-small doses, has become a popular trend, especially for those seeking relaxation, enhanced concentration, or self-medication for mental health issues.
- Set and setting: The environment and mindset in which you consume psychedelic mushrooms are crucial. Ensure you are in a safe, comfortable, and familiar place with people you trust. It is recommended to avoid external stimuli, such as bright lights or loud noises, and have activities available that stimulate your creativity, such as art or music.
- Integration: After the psychedelic experience, it is important to get a good night's sleep to curtail lingering physical effects. The following day, reflect on your experience and consider how it can be integrated into your life. Avoid making important decisions or performing tasks that require concentration for at least 24 hours after consumption.
It is important to remember that consuming psychedelic mushrooms comes with potential risks, including adverse reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, and nausea. Always assess your mental health and ensure you are in a positive state of mind before consuming psilocybin. Additionally, be aware of the legal status of psychedelic mushrooms in your location, as they are illegal in many places.
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The risks of picking and consuming wild psychedelic mushrooms
While psychedelic mushrooms are among the safest recreational drugs in terms of reported rates of emergency medical treatment, there are still risks associated with picking and consuming wild psychedelic mushrooms.
The biggest risk is mistaking a poisonous mushroom for a psychedelic one. Wild psychedelic mushrooms, or "shrooms", can look very similar to poisonous mushrooms, and it is easy to make a mistake when picking them. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can result in poisoning or even death.
Another risk is consuming an especially large or strong batch of mushrooms, which can lead to a "'bad trip'". A bad trip can involve extreme fear or anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. The risk of a bad trip is increased by consuming higher doses, having feelings of anxiety before taking the mushrooms, and the environment in which the mushrooms are consumed. Being in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience, while being in a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience. Consuming mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can also increase the risk of a bad trip and lead to panic. People on psychiatric medications should not take magic mushrooms, as a relapse or worsening of the condition could occur.
There are also physical side effects associated with consuming wild psychedelic mushrooms, including nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, lack of coordination, and heightened blood pressure. While it is almost impossible to overdose on shrooms, the average person would need to consume several pounds to approach fatal toxicity.
In addition to the immediate risks, there can be lingering effects from consuming wild psychedelic mushrooms. It is inadvisable to drive, perform work, or make important decisions after taking shrooms. Flashbacks involving a previous magic mushroom experience can also occur, usually weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken. These flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled.
While the risks of picking and consuming wild psychedelic mushrooms are relatively low, it is important to be aware of them and take appropriate precautions.
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Frequently asked questions
While psychedelic mushrooms are illegal under federal law in the US, some states and cities have decriminalized them. These include Oregon, Colorado, Denver, and Oakland, California. In Oregon, the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act establishes a regulatory framework for receiving psilocybin.
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.
In some jurisdictions, psilocybin-containing mushrooms and products may be purchased at smart shops like psychedelic mushroom stores.
In Oregon, the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act requires the state to issue licenses for manufacturers, laboratories, facilitators, and service centers. This means that you may be able to pick up a prescription from a licensed service center or facilitator.
In Canada, activities with magic mushrooms, psilocybin, and psilocin are illegal unless authorized by Health Canada through the issuance of a license or exemption.
