Magic Mushrooms are hallucinogens or psychedelics and contain a substance known as psilocybin. Psilocybin and psilocin are the chemical components responsible for mind-altering effects and are found in about 40 different mushroom species. Mushrooms require warmth and sunshine for growth and so the abuse of magic mushrooms is generally seasonal.
There are two different types of plant groups/fungi that magic mushrooms fall under. The first one is Liberty Cap. This is a small pale yellow to light brown fungus with a slender stem and conical cap. The second one is Fly Agaric. This is a larger bright red mushroom with white spots and a thick white stalk. This mushroom is more easily found. Nearly all magic mushrooms are small, brown or tan in colour once dried. Many other mushrooms or toadstools that are poisonous look similar to this and if they are mistaken for magic mushrooms the outcome could be fatal!
Also known as Shrooms
How are Magic Mushrooms used?
Magic mushrooms can be used fresh but are usually dried in slices or a flaky powder, depending on how dry the mushrooms are. They are eaten fresh or dried, boiled into a tea and drunk, or rolled into a cigarette/pipe and smoked.
What are the effects of Magic Mushrooms?
1-5 grams is generally the amount used in order to experience a ‘trip’ (where one hallucinates). Any more than this could potentially be fatal! The effect of this ‘trip’ is similar to an LSD ‘trip’ but does not last as long – about 4-6 hours. It is difficult to predict whether or not a ‘trip’ will be good. Once a ‘trip’ has begun it cannot be stopped until the mushrooms wear off.
Possible Physical Effects:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Large pupils
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Blood clots
- Prickly, burning sensations of the limbs and face.
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness
Possible Negative Emotional/Psychic Effects:
- Paranoia
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Feeling of panic
- ‘Bad trip’ (terrifying hallucinations and feeling overwhelmed/scared)
- ‘Flashbacks’ (experiencing the trip over again) which can occur even years afterwards.
- Potential death if too much is taken (overdose) or if it is mixed with other drugs
- Mental illness
Possible Positive Emotional/Psychic Effects:
- Feeling happy and joyful
- Giggling
- Feeling ‘detached’ from the world or ‘outside’ of themselves
- Feeling able to think in different ways to other people (special powers)
- Becoming excited and engrossed (overly focused) in whatever they are doing
- Hallucinations – They see and hear things that are not real or even feel things (e.g. on their skin) that aren’t real. Sound and colours may also become different or more intense. They may also see objects changing shape.
- They lose track of time
- A sense of spiritual enlightenment
What happens when you STOP using?
- Nausea
- Depression
- Aggression
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Stomach cramps
- Back pain
- Drowsiness
- Increased appetite