Emily Johnson
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which induces hallucinogenic effects. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for centuries in various cultural and spiritual contexts and are currently being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to sensory, emotional, and neural changes, it is not considered physically addictive, and treatment for misuse primarily focuses on addressing the psychological aspects of its use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, Shrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, Psilocin, Norpsilocin, Baeocystin, Norbaeocystin, Aeruginascin |
| Genera | Psilocybe, Gymnopilus, Panaeolus, Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, Pholiotina, Galerina, Hygrophorus, Cyclocybe |
| Species | P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, P. cyanescens, P. cubensis, P. mexicana |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Distorted senses, Enhanced senses, Euphoria, Introspection, Nausea, Pupil dilation, Increased heart rate, Anxiety, Fear, Muscle twitches, Increased blood pressure |
| Uses | Recreational, Spiritual, Therapeutic, Treatment for chronic mental disorders (anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD) |
| Treatment for misuse/addiction | Cognitive-behavioral therapy |
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What You'll Learn
Genera of psilocybin-containing mushrooms
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that produce two primary psychoactive compounds, psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds are responsible for the mind-altering effects experienced by users, including sensory, emotional, and neural changes. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or even thousands of years by Indigenous groups worldwide and are often considered sacred in various cultures.
The most potent species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms belong to the genus Psilocybe, with species such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens being well-known examples. Psilocybe species commonly found in tropical areas include P. cubensis and P. subcubensis. P. semilanceata is considered the world's most widely distributed psilocybin mushroom, found in temperate parts of Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
However, psilocybin has also been isolated from several other genera, including:
- Panaeolus (including Copelandia)
- Inocybe
- Pluteus
- Gymnopilus
- Pholiotina
- Galerina
- Agrocybe
- Hypholoma
- Conocybe
- Panaeolina
- Gerronema
These genera are distributed worldwide, with the majority of species found in subtropical humid forests. The mushrooms typically grow in meadows and woods, in soils rich in humus and plant debris. The potency of psilocybin mushrooms varies greatly between species and even within the same species, with younger, smaller mushrooms generally having higher concentrations of the drug.
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Effects of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, are naturally occurring psychedelic drugs that people have been using for thousands of years, including in religious rituals. They are typically consumed orally, either fresh or dried, or brewed into a tea. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms usually begin within 15 to 50 minutes and can last approximately four to six hours.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which affect mood, cognition, and perception. The activation of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is specifically responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dose, potency, age, sex, and individual biology. The most common effects include hallucinations, an altered sense of time and space, and intense changes in mood and emotions. Some people may experience what is called a mystical experience, where they enter a dreamlike, euphoric state, perhaps having visions or reliving memories. They may feel a sense of "oceanic self-boundlessness", where personal boundaries disappear and they feel one with the universe. This experience can be blissful, but it may also be frightening.
In addition to the psychological effects, psilocybin can also cause physical side effects such as increased heart rate or nausea. While psilocybin has a low level of toxicity and is not known to be physically addictive, there is a risk of accidental poisoning from consuming poisonous mushrooms. There have also been reports of serious medical complications, including systemic mycological infection and hospitalisation, from intravenous injection of mushroom extracts.
Psilocybin is currently being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. Research suggests that psilocybin may have short-term and long-term antidepressant effects and can reduce negative affect and increase positive affect, even up to one month after a single high dose. However, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects and potential risks associated with psilocybin use.
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Therapeutic uses of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in "magic mushrooms", has a variety of therapeutic uses. It is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain types of mushrooms that are known as magic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies and spiritual rituals. They are also used recreationally or to try and improve mental health.
Psilocybin is being studied as a possible medicine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions such as cluster headaches. Research suggests that psilocybin can reduce anxiety and depression in people with cancer, and can promote well-being, quality of life, and acceptance of their illness and related issues. The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, is funding a follow-up multi-site clinical trial to investigate the use of psilocybin to treat cancer-related mental health issues.
Psilocybin may also be useful in treating other mental illnesses. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is conducting and supporting preclinical (laboratory) research into psilocybin’s effects on the brain and body, and whether there are similar substances that may have the same benefits without side-effects such as hallucinations. NIDA is also supporting clinical investigations into psilocybin as a therapeutic substance, including its effectiveness and safety as a treatment for substance use disorders and to help people quit smoking.
Psilocybin is usually ingested orally by consuming fresh or dried mushrooms, although it can also be injected intravenously or prepared synthetically. It is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, which means that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose. However, some U.S. states, such as Colorado and Oregon, have more relaxed laws regarding psilocybin, and it is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression in Australia.
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Negative effects of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin, often referred to as "magic mushrooms", is a hallucinogenic substance that can induce a range of negative effects. While it is naturally occurring and has been used in various cultures and settings, including spiritual rituals, recreational use, and medical applications, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with its consumption.
One of the primary concerns regarding psilocybin mushrooms is their similarity in appearance to poisonous mushrooms. Accidental consumption of toxic mushrooms can result in mushroom poisoning, exhibiting symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, which may require immediate medical attention. Additionally, the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms carries the risk of experiencing a "bad trip", characterised by fear, paranoia, and other distressing psychological effects. The likelihood of a bad trip may be influenced by factors such as dosage, individual expectations, and underlying anxiety.
The consumption of psilocybin mushrooms can also lead to short-term mental and physical effects. These effects can vary significantly from person to person and may include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, distorted senses, and an altered sense of time and space. While the occurrence of life-threatening symptoms is rare, consuming a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms can result in unwanted physical reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and higher body temperature.
Furthermore, psilocybin mushrooms can induce persistent and distressing alterations in perception, known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. This disorder involves the occurrence of visual flashbacks or traumatic recalls of intensely upsetting experiences, which can persist from weeks to years after ingesting the hallucinogen. Although cases of this disorder are rare, it underscores the potential long-term negative consequences of psilocybin mushroom consumption.
It is important to note that the safety, efficacy, and quality of psilocybin-containing products have not been comprehensively assessed or approved by regulatory bodies in many regions, including Canada and the United States. Therefore, individuals considering the use of psilocybin mushrooms, whether for recreational or self-medicinal purposes, should exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks and negative effects associated with their consumption.
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History of psilocybin mushrooms in human culture
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin and psilocin are highly subjective, depending on the type of mushroom, how it is prepared, the dosage, and the psychological state and environment of the user. Users may experience sensory, emotional, and neural changes, including distorted and heightened sensory impressions, such as vivid colours or auras, objects morphing, and sounds becoming more complex.
The use of psilocybin mushrooms in human culture has a long and varied history. Evidence suggests that these mushrooms have been used by humans in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Cave paintings and rock art in North Africa and Europe, dating back to 9000 BC, may allude to the use of magic mushrooms. Similarly, archaeological artifacts from Mexico and the Mayan "mushroom stones" of Guatemala suggest the ceremonial use of psychoactive mushrooms in Mesoamerican cultures, including the Mayans and Aztecs. The Aztecs referred to these mushrooms as "the flesh of the gods" or "teonanacatl" in their native language, reflecting their sacred nature.
In the 16th century, Spanish chroniclers documented the use of psilocybin mushrooms in Mesoamerica, and Spanish missionaries attempted to destroy all records and evidence of their use. Despite these efforts, a Spanish Franciscan friar and historian mentioned teonanacatl in his writings, sparking interest in the 20th century. In 1957, a photo essay in a popular magazine introduced the use of these mushrooms to the Western world, and specimens were obtained for further study. In 1958, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann isolated psilocybin and psilocin from the mushroom Psilocybe mexicana, and his employer, Sandoz, marketed and sold pure psilocybin for psychedelic therapy worldwide.
In the late 20th century, the recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms became more widespread, prompting strict government controls in many places. Despite this, the popularity of psilocybin mushrooms as an entheogen or spiritual sacrament grew, with advocates such as Timothy Leary, who started the Harvard Psilocybin Project to study psychedelic drugs. In 1976, writer and ethnobotanist Terence McKenna published "Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide," which contributed to the increasing accessibility and popularity of psilocybin mushrooms.
In recent years, there has been a push for the medicinal use of psilocybin mushrooms, with research suggesting their potential in treating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In 2018, researchers at Johns Hopkins University confirmed the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms in treating conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. While the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide, with possession outlawed in most countries, some jurisdictions have moved towards decriminalization, recognizing their traditional medicinal and religious uses.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
Psilocybin is found in several species of mushrooms, primarily in the Psilocybe genus, including P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybin has also been identified in a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms vary depending on the type of mushroom, dosage, individual sensitivity, and the environment in which they are consumed. Common effects include altered perception of time and space, enhanced sensory experiences such as brighter colours and sharper sounds, and hallucinations, both visual and auditory. Psilocybin mushrooms have also been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
