Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The active ingredients in magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, and can last approximately four to six hours. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip vary depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and how much they took. While some trips may be enjoyable, others may lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Magic mushrooms, Shrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, Psilocin, Norpsilocin, Baeocystin, Norbaeocystin, Aeruginascin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Anxiety, Fear, Nausea, Muscle twitches, Increased heart rate and blood pressure, Hilarity, Lack of concentration, Muscular relaxation, Heightened senses, Happiness, Creativity, Giggling, Sense of mental and emotional clarity, Distorted sense of reality, Mixing up senses, Flashbacks, Inability to discern fantasy from reality, Panic reactions, Psychosis, Heightened anxiety, Paranoia, Panic attacks, Fear of death |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Onset of effects | 5-45 minutes |
| Dose | Subthreshold or microdose (2.5 mg), Low dose (5-10 mg), Intermediate or "good effect" dose (20 mg), High or ego-dissolution dose (30-40 mg) |
| Therapeutic uses | Treatment of major depressive disorder, Cluster headaches, Anxiety, Anorexia, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Substance abuse |
| Legality | Illegal in Canada |
| Poison control | Victorian Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) |
| Emergency services | 000 |
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What You'll Learn
The active ingredients in magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. This is converted 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 isolated from a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15-45 minutes of ingestion and can last approximately four to six hours. The duration of the effects depends on the dose and type of mushroom used. A 5.0 g dose of dried mushroom is often referred to as a "heroic dose", while subthreshold or microdoses are considered to be less than 2.5 mg. Microdosing has become a popular technique, where users consume less than 1.0 g of dried mushrooms for a less intense experience that is still recreationally enjoyable.
In addition to psilocybin and psilocin, other compounds that may be present in magic mushrooms include norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin. These compounds may modify the effects of magic mushrooms and contribute to an entourage effect.
There is increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms and psilocybin. Limited studies have shown promise in using psilocybin in conjunction with talk therapy to help with issues such as smoking cessation, anxiety in people with terminal cancer, and major depression. However, it is important to note that the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, including Canada, unless authorized by the appropriate regulatory body.
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How magic mushrooms are consumed
Magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms, have a long history of use for their hallucinogenic properties. The active compounds in magic mushrooms, such as psilocybin and psilocin, are responsible for the altered states of consciousness and visual hallucinations experienced by consumers. When it comes to consuming magic mushrooms, there are several methods and factors to consider to ensure a safe and positive experience. Here are some common ways magic mushrooms are consumed:
One common method is to simply eat the mushrooms directly. Fresh magic mushrooms can be chewed and swallowed, although some people may find the taste and texture unpleasant. To improve the taste, some people may soak the mushrooms in lemon juice or mix them with sweet foods like chocolate or peanut butter. Another option is to dry the mushrooms and then grind them into a powder, which can be sprinkled on food or mixed into drinks. This method allows for more precise dosing and can make it easier to consume larger amounts.
Another popular way to consume magic mushrooms is to make a tea. This method can help mask the bitter taste of the mushrooms and make the experience more pleasant. To make mushroom tea, grind or chop the mushrooms and add them to hot water, allowing them to steep for 10-15 minutes. Some people also add lemon juice to the tea, as the acidic environment can help convert psilocybin to psilocin, enhancing the effects.
Additionally, magic mushrooms can be infused into various foods to create "magic edibles." This method involves cooking the mushrooms into foods like chocolate bars, cookies, or candies, which can make it easier to consume larger doses without tasting the mushrooms directly. It's important to remember that the effects of edibles can take longer to onset (30 minutes to 2 hours) compared to other methods, so it's important to start low and go slow to avoid overconsumption.
Some people also choose to make a tincture, which involves extracting the active compounds into a solvent like alcohol or vegetable glycerine. Tinctures are made by soaking the mushrooms in the solvent for several weeks, resulting in a concentrated liquid that can be added to drinks or dropped directly under the tongue. Tinctures offer a convenient and discreet way to consume magic mushrooms and allow for precise dosing.
It's important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on factors such as dosage, individual biology, and set and setting (one's mental state, environment, and surroundings). Therefore, it is crucial to start with a low dose and gradually increase it if needed, ensuring a comfortable and controlled experience. Additionally, consuming magic mushrooms on an empty stomach can lead to more intense and faster-acting effects, so some people may prefer to eat a light meal beforehand.
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The effects of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of magic mushrooms are varied and can be positive or negative depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and environment. The effects usually 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, an inability to discern fantasy from reality, and heightened emotions and senses. Users may feel happy, giggle a lot, and experience a sense of mental and emotional clarity. They may also experience hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, dilated pupils, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
In some cases, the consumption of magic mushrooms can lead to negative experiences, or \"bad trips", which can include terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. Panic reactions and psychosis may occur, particularly if a user ingests a large dose. In very rare cases, if someone takes a huge amount of mushrooms, the side effects can be severe enough to cause death.
There is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms and psilocybin. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, given in a therapeutic setting, can make dramatic and long-lasting changes in people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Psilocybin is also showing promise in combating cluster headaches, anxiety, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and various forms of substance abuse.
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The risks of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are often sold raw or dried, and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually 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.
While magic mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts, and are currently being investigated for their potential therapeutic uses, they carry risks that people should be aware of. Firstly, the strength of magic mushrooms varies depending on their freshness, the season, and where they grow, and it is very difficult to predict their strength. This means that users may unintentionally take a higher dose than intended, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Magic mushrooms can affect everyone differently, depending on factors such as mood, surroundings, and who they are with. Common effects include hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation (including dilated pupils), heightened emotions and senses, and hallucinations. However, they can also cause anxiety, fear, paranoia, nausea, and muscle twitches, accompanied by increased heart rate and blood pressure. In some cases, magic mushrooms have even been known to cause seizures.
Since magic mushrooms look similar to poisonous mushrooms, poisoning is another significant risk associated with their consumption. Mushroom poisoning can cause severe illness, organ damage, and even death. It is also common for magic mushroom products to be contaminated with other substances, such as LSD or phencyclidine (PCP). Consuming contaminated mushrooms may result in signs of poisoning, including a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, high body temperature, nausea, and vomiting.
In addition, regular use of magic mushrooms may lead to the development of tolerance, meaning that higher doses are required to achieve the same effect. This can be particularly risky as consuming large amounts of magic mushrooms can result in overdose symptoms, such as overdose-induced psychosis and emotional distress, which can be fatal. Furthermore, magic mushrooms may cause long-term changes in personality and flashbacks, known as "hallucinogen persisting perception disorder" (HPPD), which can occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
In the United States, the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin are illegal under federal law. However, there have been recent moves to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin in some states. For example, in 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised non-medical use. In 2022, Colorado followed with a similar measure, and in 2024, Washington, D.C., decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms.
In Canada, the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). However, there is increasing interest in the therapeutic uses of psilocybin, and clinical trials are ongoing.
In the United Kingdom, magic mushrooms are regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and in Australia, they are listed under the Poisons Standard. In Germany, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores have been illegal since 1998.
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Frequently asked questions
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are mushrooms that contain hallucinogens, usually the chemicals psilocybin and psilocin.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, but can include hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, heightened emotions and senses, hallucinations, and an altered state of consciousness.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30-45 minutes of consumption and can last approximately four to six hours.
Yes, there are risks associated with taking any type of drug, including magic mushrooms. While fatal events due to overdose are uncommon, they can occur as a result of over-consumption of magic mushrooms. Additionally, magic mushrooms can cause negative experiences such as a ""bad trip"" or "flashbacks".
There is increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms and psilocybin. Small clinical trials have shown that psilocybin, when used in a therapeutic setting, can produce positive results in treating treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
