Laura Smith
Mushrooms are picked for a variety of reasons. Some people pick mushrooms for culinary purposes, while others pick them for recreational drug use. Mushrooms that contain psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are well-known for their hallucinogenic effects and are often consumed as a recreational drug. However, there are risks associated with consuming magic mushrooms, including adverse side effects, the possibility of a 'bad trip', and poisoning from misidentification of mushroom species. Furthermore, the legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies across different jurisdictions, with some places decriminalizing their possession while others classify them as a Schedule I substance, making their possession, sale, or distribution illegal. Aside from culinary and recreational purposes, some people pick mushrooms out of curiosity or for educational purposes, seeking to identify and learn about different mushroom species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Curiosity | To learn about different types of mushrooms |
| Identification | To identify the type of mushroom |
| Culinary | To cook with or consume |
| Medical | To use for medicinal purposes |
| Recreational | To experience the hallucinogenic effects |
| Conservation | To follow the 'rule of thumb' and not harvest more than 1/3 of any population |
| Sporulation | To allow spores to flow out better by using wicker baskets |
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What You'll Learn
To identify them
People pick mushrooms for various reasons, and one of the main reasons is to identify them. This could be for educational purposes or to determine their edibility. It is important to identify mushrooms correctly, as some species are extremely poisonous and can cause violent illness or even death. Poisonous mushrooms can share the same traits as non-poisonous mushrooms, so it is not safe to rely solely on visual characteristics.
To correctly identify mushrooms, it is recommended to pick a few for identification, take pictures, and make spore prints. Some mushrooms need to be excavated from the ground to see the base of the stipe for proper identification. Using wicker baskets is also recommended for picking mushrooms, as it is believed that the spores can flow out better than if they were stored in a backpack or plastic bag.
People who are unfamiliar with mushroom identification should exercise caution and consider working with a guide or cultivating their own mushrooms at home to avoid the risk of poisoning from consuming the wrong types of mushrooms. It is also important to follow sustainable practices when picking mushrooms, such as harvesting no more than 1/3 of any population to minimise damage to the environment.
While there are concerns about the negative impact of mushroom picking on the population, others argue that there are very few people who go out foraging for mushrooms, and scientific evidence suggests that collecting mushrooms does not affect future years' harvest.
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For their hallucinogenic effects
Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms. When ingested, psilocybin binds to and activates serotonin receptors in parts of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which affect mood, cognition, and perception. The effects of psilocybin include euphoria, hallucinations, sensory distortion, and an altered perception of time.
The use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, and there is a risk of poisoning if the wrong type of mushroom is ingested. Additionally, the mushrooms may interact with certain psychiatric medications, leading to a relapse or worsening of the condition. It is also advised not to consume alcohol with psilocybin mushrooms.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use, dating back thousands of years. Rock art from Tassili, Algeria, dating to around 9000–7000 BCE, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and their effects on users. The Psilocybe genus of hallucinogenic mushrooms has been used by the native peoples of Mesoamerica for religious, divinatory, and healing purposes since pre-Columbian times.
In modern times, psilocybin mushrooms are mostly illegal in the United States and are classified as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), indicating a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose. However, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the field of mental and behavioural health. Some cities in the US have decriminalised the possession of psilocybin mushrooms for personal use in limited quantities.
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To learn about mycology
People with a passion for mycology often pick mushrooms to learn about them and identify different species. One way to learn about mushrooms is to create a mushroom scrapbook. Each page of the scrapbook should contain details about the mushroom, such as its location and date of discovery. It is also important to capture photographs of the mushroom from multiple angles, including the underside of the cap and the base of the stem. Spore prints, which can be obtained by putting the mushroom on dark and light paper with a sealed dome, are also vital for identification.
Another way to learn about mycology is to study the characteristics of each mushroom, including spore prints and spore microscopy. This helps identify the genus and broader groups that new mushrooms fall into. Some people also take multiple samples of the same mushroom to use one destructively, for instance, to see if it bruises or to observe its reaction to KOH or FeSO4. The other sample can then be used for spore collection.
People also pick mushrooms to learn about their edibility, macromorphology, scent, taste, and habitats. However, it is important to note that only a small portion of mushrooms are harmful to humans, and most of them do not taste good or digest well. Therefore, it is recommended to leave most mushrooms alone and take pictures for identification unless one intends to eat or study them.
For those interested in learning about mycology and mushroom identification, it is advised to browse various mushroom-related subreddits and books on identifying and foraging wild mushrooms. Additionally, some regions have mycological associations that provide free mushroom-checking services.
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For culinary purposes
Mushrooms are picked for a variety of culinary purposes. Some people pick mushrooms to cook with, add to teas, or mix with food to mask their bitter taste. Mushrooms are also picked to be cultivated at home, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can cause violent illness and even death, so it is important to be able to identify mushrooms correctly before consuming them.
When picking mushrooms for culinary purposes, it is important to use a wicker basket as the spores can flow out better than if you were to use a backpack or plastic bag. It is also important to only pick a couple of mushrooms for identification and to take pictures and do spore prints of the mushrooms. This is because some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can cause violent illness or even death. It is also important to remember that mushrooms have evolved to entice many animals and insects to spread. Therefore, it is recommended to not harvest more than 1/3 of any population from a conservation standpoint.
Mushrooms that are often picked for culinary purposes include morels and chanterelles. Morels are typically hunted in the woods during the spring, while chanterelles are picked en masse. When cooking with mushrooms, it is important to remember that they can have different effects on different people. Some people may experience unpleasant physical effects, such as nausea, excessive yawning, and diarrhea. Others may experience more serious side effects, such as hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. In some cases, too large a dose of mushrooms can lead to the development of a long-term mental health condition known as psychosis.
It is also important to note that the effects of mushrooms are influenced by various factors, including the type and potency of the mushroom, the dose, and the person's body type. The effects of mushrooms typically last between 3 to 6 hours and can be felt as early as 30 minutes after consumption. While mushrooms can be used for culinary purposes, it is important to consume them safely and in moderation to avoid any negative consequences.
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To cultivate and grow at home
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, and they thrive on substrates rich in organic material. They require adequate moisture, proper temperature, and limited light. By replicating their natural habitat, you can successfully cultivate various mushroom species in your own home.
Getting Started
First, you need to introduce mushroom spores or mycelium to a suitable substrate. This substrate can be hardwood sawdust, straw, or wood chips—materials that support mycelial growth. You can also create your own substrate using sterilized or high-pH-treated plant-based agricultural byproducts.
Colonization
Allow the mycelium to fully permeate the substrate. This is a critical step, as the mycelium is the body of the organism, and the mushroom is just the reproductive expression.
Fruiting
Trigger mushroom development through environmental adjustments. This is where you can exercise control over temperature, air exchange, humidity, and light to create optimal conditions for your fungi.
Harvesting
Collect mature mushrooms at the optimal time. Each species has unique requirements, so it's important to be patient and observe their development closely.
Safety
Mushrooms release spores as a way to reproduce, so when growing indoors, it's important to ensure proper ventilation to avoid breathing in the spores. A large, clear plastic tub can help catch spores while maintaining high humidity, which mushrooms thrive in.
Species to Grow
Popular mushroom species to grow at home include Oyster, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Maitake, Agaricus, and Tremella. Each species has its own unique health benefits, from supporting brain function to boosting the immune system and improving cardiovascular health.
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Frequently asked questions
People pick mushrooms for a variety of reasons, including curiosity, learning, and identification. Some pick mushrooms for culinary purposes, while others may use them as recreational drugs due to their hallucinogenic properties.
Yes, there are many different types of mushrooms, and people may choose specific varieties based on their intended use. Some mushrooms are prized for their culinary applications, while others, such as "magic mushrooms," are sought after for their psychoactive effects.
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. People may pick these mushrooms to experience euphoria, sensory distortion, and hallucinations. However, it's important to note that magic mushrooms are illegal in most places and can have adverse side effects, including disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and paranoia.
Yes, there are several risks associated with picking mushrooms. It can be challenging to identify mushrooms accurately, and consuming the wrong type can lead to poisoning or even death. Additionally, picking mushrooms without proper knowledge can negatively impact the mushroom population and the ecosystem it supports.
Yes, there are some general guidelines and best practices to follow when picking mushrooms. It is recommended to use a wicker basket for collecting mushrooms as it allows spores to flow out better than a backpack or plastic bag. Picking only a small number of any given mushroom type is advisable, and leaving enough behind to ensure the population can regenerate is essential. It is also crucial to accurately identify mushrooms before consuming them to avoid potential health risks.
