Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic substances psilocybin and psilocin. They are considered illegal drugs in many places due to their mind-altering effects, which can include hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. However, there is ongoing research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, particularly for the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral conditions. While some people use magic mushrooms recreationally or to enhance their mental health, it is important to exercise caution as they can be dangerous and even life-threatening, especially when consumed in large amounts or mistaken for poisonous mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Shrooms, magic mushrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps |
| Active ingredient | Psilocybin (converted to psilocin in the body) |
| Effects | Hallucinations, distorted senses, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, nausea, increased heart rate, flashbacks, psychosis |
| Legality | Illegal in the US and Australia, decriminalised in a few US cities |
| Treatment potential | Research suggests potential to treat psychiatric and behavioral conditions, substance use disorders, depression, PTSD, addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders |
| Risks | Poisoning from similar-looking poisonous mushrooms, bad trips, unpredictable behaviour, accidental ingestion by children or pets |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places
Mushrooms, specifically the kind that contain psilocybin and psilocin, are illegal in most places. Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms and is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties. These mushrooms are hallucinogenic and have mind-altering effects, causing users to see or hear things that do not exist or are distorted. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea.
While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in various cultures, they are currently illegal to possess, sell, or give away in many places. In the United States, psilocybin mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I drug, indicating a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. This means that it is illegal to possess, sell, or give away psilocybin mushrooms, and significant legal penalties may be imposed. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 prohibits the possession and use of psilocybin, and members of the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances are required to restrict the use of the drug to medical and scientific research under controlled conditions.
However, there have been recent developments towards decriminalization and legalization in some jurisdictions. For example, in the United States, a few cities have deprioritized arrests and prosecutions for personal possession of psilocybin mushrooms, and states like Colorado and Oregon have legalized certain uses. In Oregon, "psilocybin service centers" have been licensed for people 21 and older to consume magic mushrooms in a supervised setting. Similarly, in Canada, the province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy, and Australia has approved psilocybin for prescription medications for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
The legality of psilocybin mushrooms is evolving as more research is conducted into their potential health benefits. Some studies suggest that psilocybin mushrooms could be beneficial in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions, such as depression and PTSD. However, it is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms comes with risks, including the possibility of a "'bad trip'" with terrifying thoughts, paranoia, panic attacks, and flashbacks. Additionally, magic mushrooms closely resemble some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can be dangerous and even fatal if consumed. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in your jurisdiction and to exercise caution when consuming any type of mushroom.
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Mushrooms that aren't magic mushrooms may be poisonous
Mushrooms that are not magic mushrooms may be poisonous. Poisonous mushrooms can cause serious harm and even death. It is important to be able to distinguish between edible and toxic mushrooms to avoid accidental poisoning.
Magic mushrooms, or hallucinogenic mushrooms, contain psilocybin, a psychoactive substance that induces perceptual changes such as hallucinations. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely leads to life-threatening symptoms, adverse outcomes have been reported, including myocardial infarction, severe rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and psychosis. It is worth noting that magic mushrooms closely resemble some types of poisonous mushrooms, making misidentification a significant risk factor for poisoning.
Mushroom poisoning can occur due to the ingestion of toxic mushroom species. While only 1-2% of mushrooms contain poisonous toxins, the consequences can be severe. Poisonous mushrooms may contain toxins such as orellanine, gyromitrin, or alpha-amanitin, leading to symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, kidney pain, thirst, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and in severe cases, liver damage. The onset of symptoms can vary, with some toxins acting within hours and others taking several days to manifest symptoms.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable sources, such as supermarkets or greengrocers. For those who forage for wild mushrooms, it is essential to familiarize themselves with both edible and toxic mushroom species. Visual guides and spore print colour references can be useful tools for identification. Additionally, some methods of preparation, such as parboiling, can reduce the toxicity of certain mushrooms, but this may not always be effective.
If you suspect that you or someone else has ingested a poisonous mushroom, seek immediate medical attention. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as some toxins can cause rapid deterioration, and bring a sample of the mushroom, if possible, to aid in identification and treatment.
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Magic mushrooms can induce a bad trip
The use of magic mushrooms can induce a "bad trip", which involves negative effects and feelings. Magic mushrooms are a Schedule I drug in the United States, making them illegal to possess, sell, or give away. They contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin, which produces mind-altering effects. While some people may have positive experiences with magic mushrooms, others may encounter unpleasant side effects.
A bad trip on magic mushrooms can be influenced by various factors, including dosage, individual expectations, mental health, and the surrounding environment. Higher doses of psilocybin can increase the risk of a bad trip. Additionally, feelings of anxiety, stress, or paranoia before taking magic mushrooms can contribute to a negative experience. The setting in which the mushrooms are consumed also plays a role, with calm, quiet, and relaxed environments generally leading to more positive trips.
During a bad trip, individuals may experience intense paranoia, panic attacks, disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and fears of losing control or death. These negative effects can be further exacerbated by combining magic mushrooms with other substances, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, or certain psychiatric medications. It is important to note that the only way to guarantee avoiding a bad trip is to refrain from consuming magic mushrooms or other hallucinogenic substances.
Furthermore, it is crucial to accurately identify magic mushrooms, as they closely resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms. Consuming poisonous mushrooms can lead to severe illness and, in some cases, even death. Therefore, if there is any doubt about the identity of the mushrooms, it is strongly advised not to consume them.
To mitigate the risks associated with magic mushrooms, it is recommended to have a trusted friend present during the experience and to choose a safe and peaceful environment. Additionally, individuals should be in the right frame of mind and avoid activities that may lead to unpleasant or unexpected outcomes during the trip. While magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, regular use may lead to tolerance, and some individuals may experience flashbacks or mild psychological withdrawal effects.
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Magic mushrooms may have medicinal benefits
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms", contain psilocybin, a powerful psychedelic compound with mind-altering effects. While the drug is illegal in the United States, and classified as a Schedule I substance, some of its potential health benefits have been recognised.
Psilocybin has been used by Indigenous communities for over a thousand years, and researchers believe rock paintings in Western Australia indicate its use in Indigenous ceremonies over 10,000 years ago. In modern times, it has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating psychiatric and behavioural disorders.
Research has shown that psilocybin may be beneficial in treating depression and managing alcohol addiction. It may also have short-term and long-term antidepressant effects. In 2021, the Australian government announced $15 million in grants for researchers studying the mental health benefits of psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin. As of July 1, 2023, authorised psychiatrists in Australia can prescribe psilocybin to patients with treatment-resistant depression.
However, psilocybin may worsen symptoms in certain conditions, such as personality disorders and schizophrenia. It can also increase the risk of negative side effects in individuals with physical health conditions like heart and liver disease. Additionally, the safety and efficacy of psilocybin treatment have not been satisfactorily proven to the FDA, and more research is needed to understand its full potential as a treatment option.
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Magic mushrooms can induce flashbacks
Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, is a Schedule I drug in the United States. This means it is illegal to have, sell, or give away psilocybin mushrooms. Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin, which produces hallucinogenic and other mind-altering effects. When psilocybin is taken, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties.
The use of magic mushrooms can result in a "trip", which can be either good or bad. A trip might be mild, leaving a person feeling drowsy or relaxed. However, higher doses or stronger mushrooms can bring on hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The person may have a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.
Magic mushrooms can also induce flashbacks, which are feelings of reliving a previous trip. Flashbacks can happen days, weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken. They are usually visual distortions that involve changes in emotions or perception. Flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled. They can be brought on by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise and usually last a minute or two.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) does not include flashbacks on its list of recognized symptoms. However, the American Psychiatric Association states that to be diagnosed with HPPD (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder), a person must experience the same effects of the hallucinogen after cessation of hallucinogen use, significant distress or impairment due to the symptoms, and be generally aware that they are experiencing a drug-induced effect while sober.
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