Emily Johnson
The term boomer is used to refer to baby boomers as well as magic mushrooms. While some people use the term boomer to refer to mushrooms, others find it stupid and associate it with uneducated hicks and white trash. One theory suggests that the term boomer for mushrooms comes from the way and rate at which they grow, as boomer can refer to something that grows vigorously. However, others argue that this sounds far-fetched and prefer terms like magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms. These mushrooms are known for their hallucinogenic effects, and their active compound, psilocybin, has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating anxiety and depression and improving the mental health of cancer patients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for the term | The term "boomers" is used to refer to baby boomers and the vigorous growth rate of mushrooms |
| Other names | Shrooms, magic mushrooms, psychedelic mushrooms, psilocybin mushrooms |
| Appearance | Stalks are 1½–6″ (4–15 cm) tall and ⅛–½″ (4–15 mm) around; caps are ½–3″ (1.5–8 cm) in diameter and may be conical, oval, or bell-shaped |
| Color | Usually white or yellowish-brown, sometimes darkening with age; caps are whitish to yellowish to cinnamon brown |
| Bruising | Flesh turns bluish or blue-green when bruised due to oxidation of psilocybin |
| Taste | Mealy |
| Effects | Hallucinogenic, containing substances such as psilocybin, psilocin, or muscimol |
| Medical uses | Treating cluster headaches, anxiety, depression, and autoimmune conditions of the brain |
| Safety | Toxic physical reactions and overdoses are rare, but people taking MAOIs may experience stronger effects |
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What You'll Learn
Slang and common usage
The slang term "boomers" is used to refer to "magic mushrooms", specifically the species Psilocybe cubensis. Magic mushrooms are fungi that contain psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, psilocin, or muscimol, which can induce hallucinations and other neurotropic effects. They are native to southern North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and many other localities worldwide.
The term "boomers" is often used in texting and on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. However, its usage is controversial within the mushroom community. Some people associate the term with uneducated hicks and white trash and believe it makes one look unintelligent. They argue that mushrooms should be referred to as "shrooms", "magic mushrooms", or simply "mushrooms".
Others speculate that the term "boomers" may have originated from the way mushrooms grow. "Boomers" could be derived from the word "booming", which means growing vigorously. This refers to the rapid growth rate of mushrooms. However, some find this far-fetched and believe the term is unrelated to the effects of mushrooms.
Additionally, there is a play on words with the term "baby boomers". Some people joke about calling this generation of people baby shroomers, further integrating the slang term "boomers" into the mushroom context.
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Growth rate
The growth rate of mushrooms, or "boomers", varies depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some species of mushrooms grow very quickly, which may be the reason why they are sometimes referred to as "boomers". The term "boomer" is slang for something that grows vigorously.
Psilocybe cubensis, a species of "magic mushroom", is known for its rapid growth. This species has stalks that can grow to be 1½–6″ (4–15 cm) tall in just a few days. The caps of these mushrooms are ½–3″ (1.5–8 cm) in diameter and may be conical, oval, or bell-shaped. The caps may also have a raised area in the center called an umbo. The color of the caps can range from whitish to yellowish to cinnamon brown.
The growth rate of mushrooms can be influenced by various factors, including temperature, humidity, and substrate composition. Mushrooms typically grow best in warm, humid environments with a substrate that provides adequate nutrients.
In addition to environmental factors, the growth rate of mushrooms can also be affected by the age of the mushroom. For example, the concentration of psilocin, a hallucinogenic compound found in magic mushrooms, breaks down fairly quickly, while psilocybin, another active compound, is more stable. This means that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on how long they have been growing.
The growth rate of mushrooms has been a subject of interest for researchers, who are studying the effects of these fungi on the brain and their potential therapeutic benefits. For example, psilocybin has been shown to have the potential to improve the mental health of cancer patients when accompanied by psychotherapy. Additionally, researchers are working on creating non-psychedelic compounds that target the same serotonin receptors as psychedelic drugs, with the goal of developing new treatments for depression and other mental health conditions.
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Alternative names
The use of the term "boomers" to refer to mushrooms is not universal. Some people consider the term uneducated or unintelligent. Alternative names for mushrooms include "shrooms", "mushies", "magic mushrooms", "psilocybin mushrooms", "psychedelic mushrooms", and "hallucinogenic mushrooms". The scientific name for the species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin is "Psilocybe cubensis".
Some people refer to mushrooms as "friendly fungus" or just "fungus". Another suggestion for an alternative name is "fruits", based on the logic that the buds of cannabis are smoked, so the part of the plant that is used is referred to as "buds". Mushrooms, on the other hand, are a type of fungus that produces fruit, so they could be referred to as "fruits".
Other names for mushrooms that are used in a recreational context include "tripping balls", "teonanancatl", and "baby shroomers".
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Effects and benefits
The slang term "boomers" for mushrooms may have originated from the way and rate at which they grow, as "boomer" can refer to something that grows vigorously. Some people consider this term to be uneducated or lacking in sophistication. However, the term "boomer" is also used to refer to Baby Boomers, individuals born within a specific range of years in the middle of the last century.
Psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, has been shown to have potential benefits for mental health. Research suggests that one or two doses of psilocybin, when combined with psychotherapy, may improve the mental health of cancer patients. Additionally, psilocybin has been found to enhance nerve growth.
The use of psilocybin has also been linked to increased brain hyperconnectivity, which is associated with ego-modifying experiences. This could potentially be beneficial for treating anxiety and depression, as these conditions are currently being actively researched for possible benefits.
While toxic physical reactions and overdoses are rare, individuals taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) may experience excessively strong effects. It is important to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks associated with the consumption of psychedelic mushrooms.
Wild magic mushrooms are quite rare, and vendors often substitute them with other species, which may be chemically treated. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious when purchasing magic mushrooms to ensure their authenticity and safety.
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Risks and safety
While the term "boomers" has been used to refer to "magic mushrooms", it is important to note that the use of this slang term primarily refers to the rapid rate of growth of these fungi. "Boomers", in this context, is indicative of something that grows vigorously.
The use of "boomers", or magic mushrooms, carries several risks that individuals should be aware of. Firstly, it is important to distinguish between different types of mushrooms, as not all mushrooms are safe for consumption. Wild magic mushrooms are quite rare, and vendors often substitute them with other species, which may be chemically treated. This makes purchasing magic mushrooms risky.
Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms are unpredictable and can vary significantly. The concentration of hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin depends on the mushroom's age and growth conditions. Psilocin breaks down much faster than psilocybin, which is more stable. This variation in concentration can lead to unpredictable experiences.
It is also crucial to consider potential interactions with other substances. For instance, individuals taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) may experience excessively strong effects, approximately double the typical intensity.
Furthermore, while toxic physical reactions and overdoses are rare, the potential risks associated with the use of magic mushrooms cannot be understated. As with any substance, it is essential to approach with caution and be well-informed about the potential benefits and drawbacks.
The potential benefits of psilocybin, the compound found in magic mushrooms, are currently being explored in the field of mental health. Studies suggest that psilocybin, when combined with psychotherapy, may improve the mental health of cancer patients. Additionally, research in animal models has led to the creation of a non-psychedelic compound that targets the same serotonin receptors as psychedelic drugs, offering potential as an antidepressant.
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Frequently asked questions
Some people refer to mushrooms as "boomers" because of the way and rate at which they grow. The only definition of boomer is something that grows vigorously.
Yes, mushrooms are also commonly referred to as "shrooms". Other names include “baby shroomers”, "magic mushrooms", “friendly fungus”, or simply “fungus”.
Yes, there are many varieties of mushrooms with hallucinogenic or other neurotropic effects. One well-known type is "magic mushrooms", which are native to southern North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and other localities around the world. There are at least 140 known species of Psilocybe, the scientific name for magic mushrooms, and dozens or hundreds of other psychoactive mushrooms.
Mushrooms that contain hallucinogenic properties, such as psilocybin and psilocin, can cause hallucinations. There is also research that suggests that psilocybin may have positive effects on mental health when accompanied by psychotherapy. However, it is important to note that mushrooms can also cause toxic physical reactions and overdoses, especially when consumed with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
