Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin. While some people advocate for their use due to their potential health benefits, there are several reasons not to take them. Firstly, they are illegal in most places. Secondly, they can be easily mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness or even death. Thirdly, while they are not considered addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance and cross-tolerance with other drugs. Additionally, there is a risk of a bad trip, which can include feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. Furthermore, magic mushrooms can alter one's sense of reality and affect judgment, making activities like driving dangerous. Lastly, they should not be taken by people on psychiatric medications as they could cause a relapse or worsening of the condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Poisonous mushrooms can resemble psilocybin mushrooms | Poisonous mushrooms can make you severely ill and can even be fatal |
| Risk of a bad trip | Feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis |
| May not be safe for people on psychiatric medication | May cause a relapse or worsening of the condition |
| Illegal in most places | Classified as a class A drug in the UK |
| May not be safe for teenagers | N/A |
| May cause flashbacks | N/A |
| May cause gastrointestinal illness | N/A |
| May cause hallucinations | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
They are illegal in most places
Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance found in certain types of mushrooms, is illegal in most places. In the UK, for example, it has been a class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act since 1971, placing it in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine. In the US, it is illegal in most states, though a few cities have decriminalised possession of psilocybin mushrooms, allowing residents to possess a limited amount without facing criminal charges.
The illegality of psilocybin mushrooms is largely due to their potential risks and side effects. While research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive and does not cause physical withdrawal symptoms, it can lead to adverse psychological experiences, such as anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. The risk of a ""bad trip"" is also present, which can be influenced by factors such as dosage, mental health, setting, and individual expectations. Furthermore, there is a danger of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, as some toxic varieties closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms. These poisonous mushrooms can have severe consequences, including kidney failure and even death.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms also reflects the lack of comprehensive research and understanding of their effects. While some studies indicate potential benefits in treating psychiatric and behavioural conditions, these treatments have not been approved by regulatory bodies such as the FDA. Additionally, the long-term effects of psilocybin use are not yet fully understood, and further research is needed to assess all factors that influence the risk of adverse experiences.
It is important to note that the legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies across jurisdictions, and it is the responsibility of individuals to abide by the laws and regulations in their respective locations. While some places have decriminalised possession, consumption, and personal use, it remains illegal in most places, carrying potential legal consequences. As such, it is crucial to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations pertaining to psilocybin mushrooms in your area.
In summary, the illegality of psilocybin mushrooms in most places stems from their potential risks, side effects, and the need for further research. While some jurisdictions have begun to decriminalise their possession and use, it is essential to respect the legal framework in your specific location and make informed decisions regarding these substances.
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Poisonous mushrooms look similar and can be fatal
While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, there are several reasons why one should refrain from consuming them. One of the main risks of consuming magic mushrooms is that some of them look deceptively similar to certain types of poisonous mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can make one severely ill and can even be fatal.
Even professionals sometimes mistake these mushroom types. It can be very dangerous to attempt to identify psilocybin mushrooms on your own. If you are not 100% sure the mushrooms you have are psilocybin, don’t take them. Many people choose to work with a guide or grow and cultivate their own mushrooms at home for safety.
Some of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world include the Death Cap, Web Cap, Destroying Angel, Deadly Webcap, Deadly Dapperling, Panther Cap, Conocybe Filaris, and Angel's Wings. The Death Cap, for instance, contains alpha-amanitin, a toxin that can cause liver and kidney failure within 6 to 24 hours of ingestion. Even consuming half a cap of this mushroom can be fatal. Destroying Angel, a species of all-white mushrooms, is often mistaken for edible button mushrooms or meadow mushrooms. Deadly Dapperling, on the other hand, resembles the edible Grey Knight mushroom.
The onset of symptoms from consuming poisonous mushrooms can vary. For instance, symptoms of consuming Conocybe filaris may occur within 6-24 hours, while symptoms of consuming the Destroying Angel may take 5-24 hours to appear. Poisonous mushrooms can cause vomiting, delirium, convulsions, diarrhea, liver and kidney failure, and even death.
While the adverse side effects of consuming magic mushrooms are often mild or moderate, some people may require medical treatment. Factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations may affect the experience someone has after consuming psilocybin. It is also advised not to consume shrooms and alcohol together.
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They can cause negative experiences, including anxiety and paranoia
While psilocybin mushrooms have been found to have minimal harmful effects, they can cause negative experiences, including anxiety and paranoia. The risk of a bad trip may increase if a person takes higher doses of psilocybin or has feelings of anxiety before taking it. Factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations may affect the experience someone has after using psilocybin. For example, a person's mood, personality, and expectations can influence the nature of their trip. While some trips may be enjoyable, others may lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
In addition to the risk of a bad trip, there is also a risk of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms. Several types of poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, and even professionals sometimes mistake these mushroom types. Poisonous mushrooms can make individuals severely ill and can even be fatal. Therefore, it is important to know what you are consuming, and if in doubt, it is best not to take the mushrooms.
While magic mushrooms are the safest "recreational" drug to take, according to the 2017 Global Drug Survey, and only 0.2% of users needed emergency medical treatment, they are still illegal in most places and can lead to negative experiences and adverse health effects. Therefore, it is important to consider the risks and potential consequences before consuming magic mushrooms.
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They may have adverse side effects requiring medical attention
While psilocybin mushrooms have been found to have minimal harmful effects, there are still adverse side effects that may require medical attention. The risk of a "bad trip" may increase if a person takes higher doses of psilocybin or has feelings of anxiety before taking it. Factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations may affect the experience someone has after using psilocybin. Feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis may be experienced. In very rare cases, if someone takes a huge amount of mushrooms, the side effects can be severe enough to cause death.
In addition, there is a big risk of accidentally consuming the wrong kind of mushroom. Poisonous mushrooms can make you severely ill and can even be fatal. Psilocybin mushrooms have long and thin stems with wide caps that are typically dark brown around the edges and lighter in the center. However, poisonous mushrooms can share these exact traits, so it is not safe to make a decision simply based on looks.
Furthermore, magic mushrooms should not be taken with alcohol or certain psychiatric medications, as this could result in a relapse or worsening of the condition. Mixing mushrooms with alcohol or other drugs is an example of polydrug use, which can be dangerous. It is also not recommended to drive while under the influence of mushrooms, as they alter a person's sense of reality and affect judgment.
While magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, regular use may cause people to become tolerant to the effects of psilocybin. This can lead to the need for higher doses to achieve the desired effect, which increases the risk of adverse side effects. In addition, some people may experience mild psychological effects or feelings of tiredness upon discontinuing use.
To reduce the risk of adverse side effects, it is important to be careful about the amount of mushrooms consumed and the environment in which they are taken. Checking the identity of the mushrooms and having a sober buddy present are also recommended harm reduction strategies.
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They can be dangerous when mixed with other substances
While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, mixing them with other substances can be dangerous. Firstly, it is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms should not be consumed with alcohol. Mixing these substances can lead to adverse effects and increase the risk of a ""bad trip". A bad trip can include feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis.
Additionally, magic mushrooms should not be taken with certain psychiatric medications as they may cause a relapse or worsen the condition. This is an example of polydrug use, which involves the use of multiple drugs or types of drugs simultaneously or in succession. Polydrug use can include both illicit substances and legal medications. It is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with combining magic mushrooms with other substances, as it can lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful consequences.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that even consuming magic mushrooms alone can be risky due to the possibility of accidentally ingesting poisonous mushrooms. Some mushroom species that resemble psilocybin mushrooms are extremely toxic and can cause severe illness or even death. Therefore, it is always recommended to be cautious and refrain from consuming mushrooms unless they have been properly identified by an expert.
While magic mushrooms are often considered a relatively safe recreational drug, it is important to remember that they can still have negative effects, especially when mixed with other substances. It is always advisable to seek professional medical advice before consuming any substance, especially when combining multiple drugs. Additionally, it is important to have a sober companion present when using hallucinogens to ensure safety and provide support in case of a bad trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are potential health risks associated with consuming magic mushrooms. While it is not physically addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance, resulting in reduced effects over time. Additionally, there is a risk of experiencing a "'bad trip,'" which may include feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. Other adverse effects may include gastrointestinal issues, increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, and muscle twitches.
Magic mushrooms are considered illegal in many places, such as Canada and most of the United States. Possession, sale, and consumption of these mushrooms can result in significant legal penalties. However, there is ongoing advocacy for decriminalization, and some cities in the U.S. have already relaxed restrictions.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely and depend on factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and individual expectations. Common effects include hallucinations, sensory distortion, euphoria, and perceptual changes. The onset of effects typically occurs within 30 to 45 minutes and can last up to six hours.
Yes, combining magic mushrooms with certain psychoactive drugs can lead to unpredictable interactions and pose additional risks. Polydrug use, which involves taking multiple substances together, can be especially dangerous. It is important to be cautious and avoid mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs or medications without proper medical guidance.
If you suspect that you or someone else has accidentally ingested poisonous mushrooms, it is crucial to act promptly and seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as some poisonous mushrooms can cause severe gastrointestinal illness or even lead to life-threatening complications.
