Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin include hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms may vary depending on the type and potency of the mushroom, the dose ingested, and the person's body type and state of mind. While some people use psilocybin mushrooms as a recreational drug, they may also have negative side effects, such as anxiety, panic, and paranoia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Active compound | Psilocybin, which converts into psilocin |
| Other compounds | Norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin, β-carbolines |
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, sensory distortion, anxiety, panic, paranoia, nervousness, flashbacks, delusions, altered sense of time and self, inability to distinguish fantasy from reality |
| Dose | Subthreshold or microdose (2.5 mg), low (5-10 mg), intermediate (20 mg), high (30-40 mg) |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Onset of effects | 30-45 minutes |
| Forms | Fresh, dried, extracts, edibles, tea |
| Legality | Schedule I substance, considered to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose |
| Risks | Poisoning, accidental ingestion by children, bad trips, psychosis, long-term mental health conditions |
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What You'll Learn
The chemical compound psilocybin
Psilocybin, also known as 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-PO-DMT), is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid and prodrug of psilocin. It is found in more than 200 species of mushrooms, with hallucinogenic and serotonergic effects. Psilocybin is the principal component of magic mushrooms, which are commonly known as shrooms. It is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose.
The effects of psilocybin include euphoria, changes in perception, a distorted sense of time, and perceived spiritual experiences. It can also cause adverse reactions such as nausea, panic attacks, anxiety, and disturbing hallucinations. The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis may also occur, particularly with larger doses. The quantity of the drug consumed, the user's past experiences, and their expectations of the experience will all affect their reaction to psilocybin.
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. The activation of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors appears to inhibit the hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin and other psychedelics. The serotonin 5-HT1B receptor has been found to be required for psilocybin's antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects.
Psilocybin is most commonly consumed orally in the form of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, such as Psilocybe cubensis. It can also be prepared synthetically, but this is uncommon outside of research settings. Microdoses of psilocybin range from 0.1 g to 0.3 g, while psychedelic doses range from 1.0 g to 3.5–5.0 g in the case of dried mushrooms. The effects of psilocybin usually occur within 30 minutes of ingestion and last between four and six hours.
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How psilocybin affects the brain
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is a classic psychedelic compound that affects serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptors. These receptors are prevalent in brain networks associated with emotional processing and internal awareness, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. By binding to and activating these receptors, psilocybin can alter brain function and produce a range of psychological effects.
One of the key effects of psilocybin on the brain is the disruption of slow brain wave activity, which is responsible for communication between distant brain regions. This disruption hinders the normal flow of information between different areas of the brain, leading to a chaotic neuronal response. Specifically, psilocybin reduces slower oscillations (delta, theta, and alpha waves) while increasing the power of faster gamma waves. This shift in brain wave activity may contribute to the altered state of consciousness and perception associated with the psychedelic experience.
Psilocybin also affects the anterior cingulate cortex, a region involved in emotional processing and cognition. The reduction in slow brain waves in this area may result in decreased information exchange with other brain regions, potentially impacting top-down processing functions. Additionally, psilocybin influences the activity of single neurons, with approximately 40% showing increased activity. The coordination between brain waves and neuronal activity, known as phase-locking, is disrupted under the influence of psilocybin.
The effects of psilocybin on the brain can lead to altered emotional states, sensory distortions, and hallucinations. It can induce feelings of euphoria, heightened anxiety, panic, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. The intensity of these experiences depends on factors such as dosage, individual expectations, and environmental settings. Psilocybin may also have therapeutic benefits, particularly in the treatment of mood and substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety. It has been found to reduce negative affect, increase positive affect, and enhance emotional and brain plasticity.
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The effects of psilocybin on humans
Psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms, has a range of effects on humans. It is a prodrug that turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin on humans depend on the set and setting, the amount taken, and the potency and type of mushroom used. The effects of psilocybin also depend on a person's age, unique biology, sex, personality, and history of drug use.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. These parts of the brain affect mood, cognition, and perception. Psilocybin can cause profound behavioural changes, such as decreased locomotor and investigatory behaviour in rodents, and this appears to be dependent on serotonin 5-HT1A receptor activation. Psilocybin also activates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, though it has a much higher affinity for the 5-HT2A receptor in humans than in rats due to species differences.
The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis may also occur, particularly if a user ingests a large dose. However, psilocybin has a low level of toxicity, and there is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms.
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The dangers of consuming psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. While the effects of psilocybin can be euphoric and spiritually meaningful for some, there are several dangers associated with consuming this substance.
Firstly, psilocybin mushrooms can be easily mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can lead to accidental poisoning. Poisonous mushrooms may cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion, delirium, and in severe cases, respiratory distress or heart failure. As the appearance of psilocybin mushrooms varies greatly across over 200 species, it can be challenging to distinguish them from toxic varieties accurately. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and refrain from consuming any mushrooms unless their safety is certain.
Secondly, consuming psilocybin mushrooms carries the risk of adverse psychological consequences, including disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and short-term psychosis. The likelihood of experiencing these negative effects increases in individuals who are anxious or stressed before taking the mushrooms, as psychedelics amplify existing emotions. Additionally, the effects of psilocybin can distort one's perception of reality, potentially leading to dangerous behaviours such as walking into traffic or driving erratically.
Thirdly, the potency of psilocybin mushrooms varies significantly, and it is challenging to determine the precise dosage or concentration of active ingredients in each mushroom. As a result, it is easy to unintentionally consume a high dose, increasing the risk of a "bad trip" and adverse psychological reactions. Furthermore, combining psilocybin mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescription medications, can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous interactions.
Finally, while current research suggests that psilocybin is not physically addictive, regular users may develop a tolerance to its effects, leading to cross-tolerance with other drugs such as LSD and mescaline. Additionally, some individuals may experience flashbacks or visual distortions involving previous psilocybin experiences, which can be disturbing and distressing.
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The legality of psilocybin mushrooms
In the United States, psilocybin and psilocin were first regulated at the federal level by the 1965 Drug Abuse Control Amendments, and they are classified as Schedule I substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms are illegal under federal law, but there is ambiguity in the legal status of the mushrooms themselves in some state laws. Some US states and cities, such as Oregon, Colorado, Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Washington, have decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms to varying degrees, while others like California, Georgia, and Idaho have specifically prohibited the possession and sale of psilocybin mushroom spores.
In other countries, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies. For example, Germany has banned the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores, while Canada includes psilocybin mushrooms in its Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The United Kingdom's Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971 also addresses psilocybin mushrooms.
While the legality of psilocybin mushrooms is complex and evolving, it is clear that their legal status is under constant debate and subject to change as more jurisdictions consider the potential benefits and risks associated with their use.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin is the main hallucinogenic component in magic mushrooms. It is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. It turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
The effects of consuming magic mushrooms vary from person to person. They can range from euphoria, hilarity, muscular relaxation, and sensory distortion to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. In some cases, it can also lead to a long-term mental health condition called psychosis.
The main risk of consuming magic mushrooms is that they can be easily confused with poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them. Consuming magic mushrooms can also lead to disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. Regular use may also cause people to become tolerant to the effects of psilocybin.
