Psilocybin mushrooms, sometimes known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are one of the most well-known psychedelic drugs on the planet. We’ll go through everything you need to know about psilocybin mushrooms, including how to identify if they’re safe and pure, what to anticipate, and more in this thorough guide.
What Are Magic Mushrooms?
The phrase “mushrooms” refers to any fungus that contains the psychedelic compound psilocybin or its derivative psilocin. These chemicals bind with serotonin receptors in the brain, producing a psychedelic experience known as a “trip.”
Magic mushrooms exist in a range of shapes, colors, and sizes. Over 180 distinct species have been discovered thus far, but their effects are quite similar. They can produce anything from moderate euphoria to strong hallucinations and spiritual encounters depending on the dosage.
Since time immemorial, humans have utilized peyote in religious ceremonies and rituals owing to its usage as a psychoactive sacrament by indigenous people. They’ve grown more popular as a recreational drug in recent years, and researchers are investigating their therapeutic applications.
Magic Mushrooms Effects and Dosage
The effects of magic mushrooms are unpredictable, depending on the person who uses them, the surroundings, and the amount consumed. Users frequently report a greater emotional state and self-awareness. Some users also experience time dilatation and synesthesia, in which the senses become muddled, such as tasting colors.
Psilocybin also has the ability to create visual effects. Halos or rainbows around items, and geometric patterns when closing the eyes are all common symptoms. There may be a sensation of rhythm or breathing in the environment, as well as feelings of inner calmness, satisfaction, or connection.
Taking the correct amount of magic mushrooms is crucial to having a pleasant experience. While the impact of each dose varies from person to person, many users claim that first-time users should start with a microdosing. More experienced mushroom eaters can ingest up to 5 grams at once, although this enormous quantity is likely to produce powerful psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects, making it hazardous for novices.
It’s also essential to have a good attitude and take the drug in a secure and comfortable atmosphere. Having a buddy or expert available as a “trip sitter” might add to the experience. They should have previous psychedelic exposure and remain drug-free so they can assist if necessary.
What is the Best Kind of Psychedelic Mushroom?
Psilocybin is the active component in all types of magic mushrooms. As a result, one cannot claim that one variety is superior to the others. Wavy caps, also known as psilocybe cyanescens, has one of the most powerful kinds of psilocybin. Another species with a high quantity of psilocybin is Psilocybe azurescens (also known as blue caps).
Some other common types of magic mushrooms include:
- Psilocybe semilanceata
- Psilocybe cubensis
- Psilocybe subcubensis
What Kind of Mushrooms Get You High?
The Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a poisonous fungus that’s frequently confused with psilocybin mushrooms. This mushroom works in a different way than the others we’ve mentioned. Instead of producing psilocybin, it contains ibotenic acid and muscimol.
The fly agaric high is comparable to being intoxicated on alcohol, producing euphoria and poor coordination. Fresh fly agaric is poisonous; it must be processed in a specific manner to avoid significant harm.
What Do Magic Mushrooms Look Like?
There are many different types of magic mushrooms, each with its own distinct look. As a result, while learning how to identify them, it’s advised to research the local varieties of psilocybin mushrooms. Psilocybe semilanceata may be found in numerous locations across the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Liberty Caps are tiny psilocybin mushrooms with a bell-shaped cap that turn blue when bruised. When they’re handled roughly, blue bruising can occur.
Psilocybe cubensis is a psychoactive mushroom that may be found in various parts of the globe. They range from light to golden brown and have parasol-shaped caps with short stems and caps. The caps get bigger and deflate as the fruits mature, seeming to be inflated and flattened.
The following are the most frequent species of magic mushrooms, but there are several more. Mushrooms with psilocybin have thin, long stems and caps that are white to grayish-white and dark brown. Dried mushrooms are rusty brown with patches of white.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms may be consumed in a variety of meals or brewed as tea from them. They may also be combined with marijuana or cigarettes to make smoking. Another variation is liquid psilocybin, which contains the naturally occurring psychedelic chemical within it and has an unpleasant scent and creamy-white color.
How to Find Magic Mushrooms
Mushrooms thrive in conditions that offer a lot of nutrients and moisture. As a consequence, magic mushrooms like to grow in woods near decaying trees’ nutrients. They are most likely to appear near major bodies of water.
Psilocybe semilanceata prefers open grassland, although it should be avoided on pesticide-treated fields. It’s also critical to pick only when you know what to look for. Picking the incorrect species, on the other hand, may result in sickness and death; fortunately, this is uncommon.
Magic Mushrooms Side Effects
Psilocybin has a minimal risk of toxicity, addiction, or overdose, according to scientific research. It can, however, induce a number of side effects.
The following are the most frequent adverse effects of mushrooms:
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Increased tendon reflexes
- Dilated pupils
Mushrooms can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and mood swings. By preparing properly and maintaining a positive attitude while tripping, one may minimize the chances of these negative effects taking place.
Individuals with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which is a rare disease, can experience this symptom. This may happen after taking a psychedelic for weeks or months, resulting in altered perceptions.
Finally, magic mushrooms may react with a range of drugs, especially those that cause hallucinations. It’s essential not to take psychotropic medicines like Adderall, Xanax, or SSRI antidepressants at the same time since they can have dangerous side effects.
How to Use Magic Mushrooms
Mushrooms are often consumed for the medicinal or psychoactive effects of magic mushrooms, although their flavor and texture are unpleasant. People frequently consume them as a tea, combining them with peanut butter or Nutella, or blending them into smoothies to make them more appetizing. It is also feasible to convert dry mushrooms into a powder and encapsulate them using this technique. This method may be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to microdose psychedelics for medical reasons.
Magic Mushrooms Medical Use
Over the last several years, a number of papers on the medical usage of magic mushrooms have been published. Researchers are looking at the following illnesses:
- Cluster headaches
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Addiction
The psilocybin mushrooms are listed as a Schedule I narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act. As a result, individuals who wish to utilize psilocybin therapeutically may be prevented from doing so. People wanting to use psilocybin for therapeutic reasons should inquire about any ongoing clinical trials being done in their region or whether they can visit sanctuary locations in countries where it is permissible to do so.
Mushrooms have a long history of being linked to spiritual encounters and self-discovery. Many people believe that naturally occurring chemicals, such as magic mushrooms, marijuana, and mescaline, are sacred plants that assist individuals in reaching higher spiritual dimensions. Others use magic mushrooms to attain a sense of euphoria, connection, and altered perception of time.
Mushrooms containing psilocybin have been used by indigenous people in North America and Europe for spiritual and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Researchers at John Hopkins University called for rescheduling the drug from Schedule I to Schedule IV in 2018 so that it might be utilized as a medicine. Psilocybin has shown promise as a therapy for anxiety, sadness, nicotine addiction, and other ailments related to cancer.
In 2019, the city of Denver became the first in the United States to decriminalize mushroom use. Oakland was soon followed by this, less than a month later. This does not indicate that mushrooms are legal, but it does signify that the city is prohibited from “using resources to impose criminal penalties” on individuals who consume them.
Are Magic Mushrooms Addictive?
According to the most up-to-date information, there have been no cases of magic mushroom addiction. There is ample evidence that magic mushrooms can aid those suffering from other addictions, such as alcoholism.
Mushrooms have been used to cure a variety of illnesses since the dawn of humanity. They’re also utilized in a number of religious and spiritual traditions, as well as by recreational users. Furthermore, an increasing number of individuals are using magic mushrooms for therapeutic purposes.
Mushrooms that include the psychedelic chemicals psilocybin and psilocin have been found to help with a variety of ailments, including depression, anxiety, addiction, and more. We believe there will be further evidence in the near future. Until then, keep in mind that magic mushrooms are still illegal in a lot of areas of the world. As a result, people who wish to utilize them must do so at their own risk.
