Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic drugs that contain psilocybin, which is converted to the psychoactive chemical psilocin in the body. They are commonly consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into tea, and their effects can vary from perceptual changes to intense paranoia and panic attacks. The onset time of magic mushrooms ranges from 20 to 60 minutes, influenced by factors such as dosage, metabolism, and consumption method. While some people take magic mushrooms for their hallucinogenic effects, others explore their potential medicinal benefits, such as nutritional support and stress relief. However, it's important to approach magic mushrooms with caution as they closely resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms, and consuming a large quantity can lead to severe consequences or even death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps |
| Active ingredient | Psilocybin, which is converted to psilocin in the body |
| Effects | Hallucinations, perceptual changes, feelings of stress or anxiety, flashbacks |
| Onset time | 10-60 minutes, influenced by factors like dosage, metabolism, consumption method, and whether taken on an empty stomach |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Risks | Poisoning from similar-looking poisonous mushrooms, bad trips, death in rare cases of high dosage |
| Legality | Mostly illegal in the US |
| Nutritional benefits | Vitamins, minerals, protein, dietary fiber, beta glucans, triterpenes, antioxidants, peptides |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms typically start to take effect within 20-40 minutes
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, typically start to take effect within 20 to 40 minutes of consumption. However, the onset time can vary depending on several factors, including dosage, individual metabolism, consumption method, and whether they are taken on an empty stomach. For example, consuming magic mushrooms on an empty stomach can lead to a faster onset time as there is less food in the digestive system to interfere with absorption.
The effects of magic mushrooms can also be influenced by the consumption method. For instance, making mushroom tea or soaking them in lemon juice (a technique called lemon tekking) can accelerate the effects, with users starting to feel the effects within 10 to 20 minutes. This is because liquids pass through the digestive tract more quickly than solids. Additionally, grinding the mushrooms into a powder before consumption can potentially accelerate the effects by increasing the surface area for absorption.
The quantity of mushrooms consumed also plays a role in how quickly the effects are felt. A heavier individual may experience smaller peak impacts and a more gradual onset of effects. It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and different varieties of magic mushrooms have distinct quantities of psilocybin and psilocin, the chemicals responsible for the psychoactive effects.
Magic mushrooms are considered a powerful psychedelic with a long history of recreational, medicinal, and spiritual use worldwide. However, they can be unpredictable, and it is recommended that inexperienced users have a "trip sitter," or someone not under the influence of drugs, to help navigate the challenges of the trip. It is also advised that users start with a low dose and seek counseling from a medical professional.
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They are mostly illegal in the US but have health benefits
While magic mushrooms are illegal in the US, there is growing support for their decriminalization. In 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for supervised non-medical use. Since then, several other states and cities have followed suit, including Colorado, New Mexico, and Denver. These changes in policy reflect a recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms.
Despite their illegal status in most parts of the US, magic mushrooms have been used for their perceived health benefits. Proponents of psilocybin mushrooms believe they can be beneficial for mental health and well-being. Research has indicated that psilocybin may have potential benefits in treating treatment-resistant depression and nicotine dependence. Additionally, decriminalization advocates argue that redirecting law enforcement resources away from policing private psychedelic usage can allow for a greater focus on higher-priority issues affecting the general public.
However, it is important to distinguish between psilocybin mushrooms and the typical culinary mushrooms added to meals. Culinary mushrooms, with over 2000 edible species, offer a wide range of health benefits. They are nutrient-dense and low in calories, making them a versatile ingredient that enhances the nutrient content of meals. Culinary mushrooms are a good source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They are also rich in vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and boosting immune function. Additionally, culinary mushrooms are low in sodium and can help reduce cholesterol levels, making them a heart-healthy food.
The health benefits of culinary mushrooms extend beyond physical health. Certain varieties, such as Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, and Lion's Mane, are believed to have extra brain-boosting benefits due to their higher bioactive nutrient content. Studies suggest that consuming two cups of mushrooms each week may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment by half. Furthermore, mushrooms are rich in potassium and contain compounds that help prevent plaque buildup on arterial walls, promoting cardiovascular health.
While magic mushrooms and culinary mushrooms both fall under the broader category of mushrooms, it is important to distinguish between their effects and legal status. Magic mushrooms, known for their psychoactive properties, are largely illegal in the US, while culinary mushrooms are widely available and celebrated for their nutritional and health benefits.
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They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea
Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea, each method offering its own unique experience and benefits.
Eating Fresh Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms can be enjoyed as they are, without any additional preparation. This is a simple and convenient way to experience their natural flavour and texture. Fresh mushrooms are often used in salads or as a topping on various dishes, adding a savory umami taste.
Cooking Mushrooms
Cooking mushrooms unlocks a range of flavours and textures, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, roasting, grilling, and stir-frying. Cooking mushrooms in olive oil or butter can add a golden brown crust and enhance their flavour. It is recommended to cook mushrooms in a single layer in a wide pan to prevent them from steaming and to achieve a desirable golden brown colour.
When cooking, it is best to add salt towards the end, as salt draws out moisture and can prevent browning. For a simple yet delicious recipe, sauté mushrooms in olive oil or butter, and season with salt and pepper. For added flavour, include ingredients such as thyme, lemon, and garlic.
Different varieties of mushrooms offer distinct flavours and textures. Common types include white button, crimini, portabella, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms. Each variety can be used in various dishes, such as grilled portabella mushrooms as the star of a meatless meal or sliced raw mushrooms in a salad.
Brewing Mushroom Tea
Mushroom tea, often associated with magic mushrooms, can be made by steeping powdered or chopped mushrooms with herbal tea in hot water. This method allows the mushrooms' therapeutic and medicinal properties to be experienced. The tea is prepared by bringing water to a boil, adding tea bags, and then including the mushrooms. The tea is allowed to steep for a few minutes, and the mushrooms are left in for a longer duration, typically around 30 minutes.
The effects of mushroom tea can be felt within 10 to 20 minutes due to the faster absorption of liquids. The dosage and preparation method, such as grinding the mushrooms, can influence the onset and intensity of the effects. It is important to note that consuming mushrooms, especially magic mushrooms, should be approached with caution, as various factors can impact the experience.
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They can cause hallucinations and affect thoughts and emotions
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical that induces hallucinations and affects thoughts and emotions. Once ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, a chemical with psychoactive properties.
Magic mushrooms can induce hallucinations, causing people to see or hear things that aren't there or are distorted. These hallucinations can be so intense that they lead to a ""bad trip", an overwhelming experience that can be frightening and dangerous. The risk of a bad trip is increased by higher doses or feelings of anxiety before taking the drug.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, and while adverse side effects are often mild or moderate, some people may require medical treatment. The hallucinations caused by magic mushrooms can be so intense that they lead to a condition called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, where people experience flashbacks, even weeks, months, or years after the drug was last taken. These flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled.
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. This is why magic mushrooms can affect thoughts and emotions, leading to feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and sensory distortion. According to Professor David Nutt, Head of the Imperial Centre for Psychedelic Research, psilocybin works differently from conventional antidepressants, making the brain more flexible and fluid and less entrenched in negative thinking patterns associated with depression.
It is important to note that the consumption of magic mushrooms comes with risks. They should not be consumed by people on psychiatric medications as it could lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition. Additionally, magic mushrooms closely resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms, which can cause serious illness or even death.
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They should not be taken with psychiatric medication
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are not generally rapid-acting. The time they take to kick in varies from 20 to 120 minutes, with the average being between 30 and 60 minutes. The effects can last for four to six hours. The onset time is influenced by factors such as dosage, individual metabolism, and whether the mushrooms are consumed on an empty stomach.
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a psychedelic compound that is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is the chemical that causes the psychoactive effects associated with magic mushrooms, such as hallucinations.
While magic mushrooms are being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they should not be taken with psychiatric medication. Mixing magic mushrooms with psychiatric medication can lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition. This is because the effects of combining mushrooms with other drugs, including prescribed medications, can be unpredictable and dangerous.
A case study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry highlighted the risks of mixing psilocybin with antidepressants. The patient in the study experienced serotonin toxicity, also known as serotonin syndrome, which occurs when there is a buildup of excessive serotonin in the brain. Serotonin toxicity can lead to potentially life-threatening symptoms, including excessive sweating, tremors, flushing, involuntary muscle contractions, nausea, and heightened anxiety.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms carries risks, and they should not be consumed without knowing exactly what they are and where they came from, as some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or even death.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are mushrooms that contain hallucinogenic drugs called psilocybin or psilocin. They are mostly illegal in the U.S. but are being studied for their potential use as a treatment for some mental and behavioral health conditions.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 20-60 minutes of consumption. However, this timeframe can be shorter (as quick as 10-20 minutes) or longer (up to 90 minutes or even 2 hours) depending on factors such as the dosage, consumption method, individual metabolism, and whether they are taken on an empty stomach.
Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations and affect a person's thoughts and emotions. While some trips may be enjoyable, others may lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. In very rare cases, consuming a huge amount of mushrooms can cause severe side effects and even death.
Yes, there are several risks associated with taking magic mushrooms. Firstly, magic mushrooms closely resemble some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them. Secondly, taking magic mushrooms can lead to a ''bad trip', which involves unpleasant effects such as overwhelming experiences, terrifying thoughts, and negative feelings. Thirdly, magic mushrooms can cause flashbacks, where individuals relive parts of their drug trip, even when they are no longer high. Finally, consuming magic mushrooms with certain psychiatric medications may cause a relapse or worsening of the condition.
