What to Know About Magic Mushroom Use

Psilocybin mushrooms- shrooms, mushies, or hongos- are used for creating psychedelic experiences and can be consumed directly or brewed into tea for consumption. The actual Interesting Info about POLKA DOT CHOCOLATE BARS.

Mind-altering substances have the power to alter how we see, hear, feel, and taste things – Kids Help Phone wants you to be safe and informed before taking them.

1. What are they?

Magic mushrooms (commonly referred to as shrooms) contain the mind-altering drug psilocybin (information from the Government of Canada). While wild varieties exist, people have also grown them as hallucinogens that can be taken via swallowing, smoking, or making tea; in most of the United States containing four cities, possessing or growing mushrooms containing this substance is illegal.

Psilocin and psilocybin compounds found in mushrooms produce their psychoactive effects, with other chemicals like biocytin, aeruginascin, and psilocin potentially playing an influencing role.

Mushrooms have long been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. An integral part of many religious traditions, indigenous cultures have long utilized mushrooms as healing agents that connect to nature. Furthermore, mushrooms are still commonly used today in modern religious ceremonies and for those looking for spiritual experiences.

Short-term effects of mushroom use depend on their strength and dose; typically, individuals experiencing mushroom use will feel relaxed, tired, or giddy and experience changes in perception and thinking as well as feelings of connectedness with others. Some individuals have reported experiencing anxiety-provoking psychedelic experiences, which lead to loss of control, fear, paranoia, or delusions.

2. How do they work?

Magic mushroom effects come from the compound known as psilocybin; when consumed, this is converted to psilocin by your body and enters your brain, producing an altered state known as “a trip or journey.” The amount of psilocin required can depend on both species and dose. However, typically, feelings of euphoria, altered perception (for instance, nearby objects may seem distant), and visual hallucinations are the hallmarks of success on these excursions.

The duration and intensity of trips depend heavily on an individual’s mood, expectations, and environment. Psilocybin may cause them to lose track of time or have trouble focusing on tasks; this may result in confusion or anxiety for some users; however, most experience positive outcomes, which leave them feeling relaxed and content afterward.

Numerous individuals have reported the effectiveness of psilocybin for treating depression and related conditions like anxiety and addiction. A 2022 study demonstrated this by providing two low doses of psilocybin every other week over 12 weeks as treatment, leading to reduced depression levels after treatment had finished.

Studies have demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of micro-dosing–taking small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelic drugs on an ongoing basis–in treating depression and other mental illnesses, including cluster headaches. Some people use magic mushrooms for this treatment.

3. What are the risks?

Of all the different fungi, some varieties with psychoactive properties stand out. Commonly known as magic mushrooms (or shrooms), they usually contain the hallucinogen psilocybin. As each type differs in potency and effect, consuming just one gram could bring different results than taking that amount in another array.

Experts generally consider mushrooms safe, though all drugs carry some risk of side effects. Common symptoms associated with mushrooms include nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, altered sense of time, and altered perception. When mixed with alcohol or other psychoactive substances, they can increase these risks significantly and potentially result in an unpleasant trip experience.

Though mushrooms in moderate doses can generally be considered safe for consumption by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, magic mushrooms’ active compound, psilocybin, may lead to congenital disabilities and neurological problems in babies.

However, research suggests that psilocybin may provide significant healing properties and could aid in treating various mental health conditions like depression. Many are turning to magic mushrooms despite still being classified as Schedule I drugs in the US.

4. What are the benefits?

Many people take magic mushrooms for spiritual reasons or to feel more connected to themselves and each other. Some have also reported using magic mushrooms for depression, PTSD, and anxiety relief. Even taking one trip of this nature can help change perspectives on life.

Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, can produce visual and sensory distortions or hallucinations that alter perception and judgment, leading to risk-taking behaviors or injuries. Sometimes users have an “off trip” where they think they’re someone or something they aren’t; they may experience fear, anxiety, and paranoia due to this change.

Mushrooms can cause you to quickly build tolerance in three or four days of continuous use, leading you to require higher doses to feel their effects. Furthermore, mushrooms may alter memory function; you might struggle to concentrate or recall details.

Psilocybin can help ease depression and anxiety and aid people suffering from chronic pain or terminal illness. A recent study demonstrated its efficacy by reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer patients and survivors after just one dose.

Some healthcare professionals are using psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, or the combination of psilocybin with talk therapy and other forms of treatment, to address mental disorders. This treatment option isn’t yet widely available in Canada, and only certain healthcare professionals have access to it through clinical trials or Health Canada’s Special Access Program.

Read Also: Moon Rocks: What Are They and How Do You Smoke Them?