Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are fascinating organisms that have captivated humans for thousands of years. They are neither plants nor animals, but belong to the kingdom of fungi, closely related to humans. With their unique characteristics and abilities, mushrooms have played a significant role in our world, offering a plethora of benefits, from culinary delights to medicinal marvels and ecological wonders. They are a mysterious and intriguing part of our planet's biodiversity, with their own secrets to uncover and stories to tell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Composition | Psilocybin, psilocin, norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, distorted senses, mild hallucinations, visuals, perceptual changes, flashbacks, drowsiness, relaxation, nausea, excessive yawning, diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting |
| Dosage | 1.0 to 3.5–5.0 g of dry mushrooms, 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms, 10 to 50 mg psilocybin |
| Forms | Fresh, cooked, brewed in tea, liquid psilocybin, capsules, tablets |
| Legality | Class A drug, illegal to possess, supply, or sell |
| Risks | Poisonous mushrooms that look similar, accidental ingestion, addiction, withdrawal, adverse effects on mental health |
| Support | National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline, health care provider, local health department websites |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They contain 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. However, psilocybin has also been found in a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, and Gymnopilus.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically 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. The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations, perceptual changes, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, and dilated pupils are all normal effects. However, a negative environment or an anxious state of mind can contribute to a "bad trip", leading to heightened anxiety, panic reactions, and psychosis.
The active ingredients in magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are classified as hallucinogens and produce effects similar to LSD. They are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, fatal events have occurred in rare cases of over-consumption, leading to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis.
Despite the risks, there is increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms and psilocybin. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting can lead to dramatic and long-lasting improvements in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Additionally, psilocybin has shown promise in combating anxiety, cluster headaches, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance abuse.
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They can be dangerous and unpredictable
Mushrooms can be dangerous and unpredictable, as evidenced by the many reports of mushroom poisoning and the adverse effects of consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even death, and it can be challenging to distinguish them from edible varieties. Mushroom poisoning typically results from misidentifying toxic mushrooms as edible, with symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal upset to liver and kidney failure, and even death. The most common toxin causing severe poisoning is amatoxin, found in the "'death cap' mushroom", which can lead to cell death and liver failure. Other toxins like orellanine can cause kidney failure and even death.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance. Consuming these mushrooms can lead to unpredictable and dangerous behaviour, including disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, and injuries. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, and while they are not considered addictive, they can lead to adverse side effects that may require medical treatment. Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs or medications can also be dangerous and increase the chances of a "bad trip."
The close resemblance between psilocybin mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms adds to the unpredictability and danger. Even professionals sometimes mistake these types, and consuming the wrong variety can have severe consequences. To reduce the risk of poisoning, it is recommended to only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable sources and to seek expert identification if unsure.
While modern medical research explores the potential therapeutic benefits of hallucinogenic mushrooms for mental and behavioural health conditions, their use remains largely illegal and unregulated. The potential risks and benefits of magic mushrooms are still being studied, and it is important to approach their consumption with caution due to their unpredictable nature.
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They have been used for thousands of years
Mushrooms have been consumed and used for medicinal and spiritual purposes for thousands of years. They are naturally occurring fungi, with some varieties inducing hallucinations when ingested.
The earliest evidence of mushroom use can be found in prehistoric cave paintings. Rock art from around 9000–7000 BCE in Algeria may depict psychedelic mushrooms and their effects on users. Similarly, ancient cave paintings in North Africa and Europe, dating back to 9000 BC, are believed to allude to magic mushrooms. Prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago.
Mushrooms have been used medicinally and spiritually by various ancient cultures worldwide. The Ancient Greeks drank ergot mushrooms during ceremonies and reported visions and apparitions. The Romans also wrote about wild fungi. The Ancient Egyptians considered mushrooms the "food of the gods", believing they granted immortality. The Mayans, Aztecs, and Mixtecs of Central Mexico consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms in religious rituals and to communicate with their gods.
In the 20th century, magic mushrooms arrived in the United States, popularized by figures like Timothy Leary and Terence McKenna. In 1957, R. Gordon Wasson published an article in Life magazine about his experiences with magic mushrooms in Mexico, sparking widespread interest. By the early 1970s, psilocybin mushrooms were widely collected and cultivated in North America, Europe, and Asia. Despite being outlawed in many places, they remain a staple in certain cultures and are now being studied for their potential medicinal benefits.
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They may have health benefits
Mushrooms are nutrient-dense, offering a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. Mushrooms also contain vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, and vitamin B2, B3, B5, and B9 (folate), which are essential for cell growth and formation. Selenium, found in high amounts in mushrooms, helps the body make antioxidant enzymes, preventing cell damage.
Mushrooms are also a good source of potassium, which helps to reduce the negative impact of sodium on the body and lower blood pressure. They are naturally low in sodium themselves, so they can be used to reduce salt intake and lower blood pressure. Mushrooms are also a source of fiber, which promotes gut health by feeding the "good" bacteria in the intestines. These bacteria produce neurotransmitters that promote mood stability, concentration, brain health, and mental well-being.
Some studies suggest that eating mushrooms may reduce the risk of cancer by up to 45%. This is attributed to the presence of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Mushrooms are also being researched for their potential therapeutic properties in lowering cholesterol, particularly in overweight adults.
Certain varieties of mushrooms, such as lion's mane, are referred to as 'medicinal' and are thought to have specific healing properties. They may be beneficial in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.
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They are mostly illegal
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms", are illegal in most countries due to their classification as a Schedule I drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as substances with a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical uses. While magic mushrooms have been used for medicinal and religious purposes in various cultures throughout history, their potential for abuse and their ability to induce hallucinations and alter consciousness have led to their prohibition in many parts of the world.
In countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan, the possession, sale, and production of magic mushrooms are generally illegal. For example, in the US, the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965 and subsequent legislation like the Psychotropic Substances Act have regulated psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms. Similarly, Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) prohibits activities related to magic mushrooms unless authorised by Health Canada.
However, there have been recent legal changes and growing social acceptance in some jurisdictions. For instance, the US state of Oregon passed legislation in 2020 to decriminalise magic mushrooms, and Colorado followed suit in 2022. These decriminalisation efforts do not legalise the substances but instead deprioritise prosecuting individuals for their possession or use. Additionally, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act in 2020, allowing the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms.
It is worth noting that some countries have specific regulations regarding psilocybin mushroom spores. While the mushrooms themselves are illegal, the spores may be legal to sell and possess in certain jurisdictions because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, in other places, the sale and possession of spores are explicitly prohibited, as in some US states.
The legal status of magic mushrooms is evolving as research into their therapeutic potential gains momentum. Studies have shown promising results for treating depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders with psilocybin. As a result, organisations are conducting final rounds of trials, which could lead to the substance's approval by regulatory agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration. While magic mushrooms remain illegal in most places, the ongoing research and shifting social attitudes may contribute to further legal changes and decriminalisation efforts worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are considered illegal drugs because they contain substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause hallucinations and distort a person's perception of reality. Possession of these mushrooms can result in severe legal consequences, including prison time and fines.
Mushrooms can be dangerous because some varieties are extremely poisonous and can cause violent illness or even death. Even non-poisonous mushrooms can have adverse effects, such as nausea, excessive yawning, and distorted senses. Additionally, the effects of mushrooms can vary depending on dosage, individual physiology, and environmental factors.
Mushrooms that contain psilocybin are commonly referred to as "magic" mushrooms due to their hallucinogenic properties. The term "magic" highlights the perceived supernatural or transformative nature of the experiences induced by these mushrooms.
