Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of psychedelic fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. These mushrooms have been used for centuries by various cultures for their hallucinogenic effects and spiritual purposes. Psilocybin mushrooms usually have a distinct appearance, with caps that range in color from brown to light yellow or white. They can be found in various regions around the world and have different species and strains, each with their own potency and effects. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, which results in altered perception, enhanced sensory experiences, and distorted time perception.

Magic mushrooms Category: Psychedlics

‘Magic mushrooms’ or ‘hallucinogenic mushrooms’ are the names commonly given to mushrooms containing the psychedelic psychoactive compound psilocybin or psilocin.

After ingestion, psilocybin is converted into the active form psilocin in the body.

There are many different types of magic mushrooms, some of which grow in the wild in Ireland usually in Autumn time.

Picking wild mushrooms comes with risks and there have been situations of poisonings following people ingesting wild toxic mushrooms that were incorrectly identified or confused with edible species in Ireland.

There are many species of mushroom in Ireland and many psilocybin containing mushrooms are small brown or tan mushrooms which could be mistaken for a number of non-psychoactive, inedible, or poisonous mushrooms in the wild. Some toxic varieties can cause irreversible damage.

Potency

Mushroom potency can depend on a number of factors such as the species or variety used, their origin, growing conditions and age. Drying magic mushrooms reduces the weight but not necessarily the potency (strength).

Appearance

When sold, mushrooms are often sold raw or dried. They may also come in capsules or as a liquid in vials (small bottles). It’s made by extracting psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic drug found in mushrooms like liberty caps, and is a clearish pale brown colour

How they are used

They can be eaten raw, dried, cooked, stewed, brewed in tea taking as a capsule or as a liquid.People don’t tend to eat fly agaric mushrooms raw as they can make you feel very sick.

Effects

Drugs can effect each person differently. The effects will depend on personal factors such as your physical and mental health as well as the dose and potency of a substance. With mushrooms, your existing mood, mental health and setting will impact the effects.

The effects and duration of effects will also depend on the strength of the mushroom which can be difficult to predict.

• The effects of magic mushrooms (and other psychedelics) can also be known as a ‘trip’.
• Effects vary and begin around 60 minutes or longer after you take them and can last for a number of hours. This will depend on personal factors and the type of mushroom and how it’s taken.
• They can cause a change in perceptions, distort colour, sound and objects
• Some people may feel euphoria, giddiness, uncontrollable laughter, energy, joy
• They can speed up and slow down time and movement
• Some people can feel relaxed, energised or creative
• Some people may feel stomach discomfort and nausea
• Sweating and high body temperature, often followed by chills and shivering
• Your experience depends on how you are feeling when you take them so it may be good or bad ‘good trip’ or a ‘bad trip’ which could cause panic reactions and psychosis-like states.
• Impaired judgement during may lead to risk-taking behaviour, traumatic injuries
• Effects can cause anxiety, a sense of unreality or depersonalisation
• Some people may find a bad trip difficult or experience a ‘come down’ in the days after use. It is important to talk about how you’re feeling

Long-term effects

Frequent use of mushrooms can impact on perceptions and mood. It is important to take breaks in between use.

Other risks

• • Fly agaric mushrooms are different to psilocybin mushrooms. They are more toxic, have less predictable effects with higher risks
  • There are hundreds of varieties of mushroom and some are highly poisonous so you could be poisoned eating the wrong ones.
  • You can’t be fully sure of how strong the mushrooms are. The potency depends on species, origin, growing conditions and harvest period.
  • Avoid taking magic mushrooms if you are experiencing anxiety or if you have existing mental health concerns
  • For individuals with cardiac diseases, short term effects such as increased blood pressure and heart rate could be potentially harmful
  • The setting you are in and who you are with can impact on the effects.
  • Using with other substances increases the risk of unpredictable effects

Tolerance

Repeated use could lead to tolerance resulting in the drug having less of an effect with higher doses needed.

Poisoning

If you believe you or someone else may have eaten a poisonous mushroom do not wait for symptoms to occur, contact the National Poisons Information Centre or 112/999 immediately.

National Poisons Information Centre

Members of Public: +353 (1) 809 2166. (8.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. 7 days a week)

Healthcare Professionals: +353 (1) 809 2566 (24 hour service)

Other information

• Drugs and your mental health
• Overdose awareness

Magic Mushrooms: What are They, Side Effects, & Abuse

Magic mushrooms aren't commonly thought of as addictive, but drug addiction is more about behaviors and outcomes than drugs. Learn more in our blog.

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Chief Clinical Officer

February 28, 2023

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Psilocybin mushrooms, which are also referred to as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are not your regular type of mushrooms. These are hallucinogenic, potentially addictive mushrooms that contain the chemical psilocybin. Some people recreationally use magic mushrooms or refer to them as a way to relax.

However, magic mushroom addiction is real, and lately, more and more people, especially teenagers and young adults, have been seeking drug rehab care for it. To understand more about this lesser-understood type of drug addiction, you need to know a bit more about magic mushrooms and what they are.

Psilocin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, which results in altered perception, enhanced sensory experiences, and distorted time perception. Users may experience visual and auditory hallucinations, changes in mood, and a heightened sense of connection to their surroundings. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely depending on the individual, setting, and dosage.

What are Magic Mushrooms?

Indigenous people are known to have used Magic Mushrooms as a way to connect with the spirit world. During the hippie era of the 1960s, shrooms became popular. Today, they are also often used wrongly, typically as a party drug, found in abundance at events like music festivals. However, assuming magic mushrooms are not an addiction threat can be a mistake.

This is because psilocybin is a Schedule I drug, which means it has a high risk of abuse. Despite the overall sentiments often suggesting that magic mushrooms, like other psychedelic drugs, can provide a safe, herbal relief, there are no accepted medical use instances in the United States that openly advocates using magic mushrooms as a form of alternative medicine.

Since the 1970s, using psychedelic substances has been notorious. Magic mushrooms have a history to them, and they have been eaten fresh or dried, some people talk about drying them and using them in tea. Psilocybin-heavy mushrooms can be easily added to foods and served to unsuspecting people. Psilocybin mushrooms can also be dried and ground into a powder.

This powdered form of magic mushrooms can be easily put into capsules and consumed orally. Some people might even share stories about having snorted or injected with Psilocybin mushrooms, but orally consuming shrooms is the most common way of consumption. There is also a fear that psilocybin powder can be lethally dangerous to inject.

Some users describe their experiences as mystical and profound, leading to personal insights, spiritual experiences, and a sense of unity with the universe. Others may have more challenging experiences, including anxiety, confusion, or even panic. In recent years, there has been growing research interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms. Some studies suggest that these mushrooms may have therapeutic effects in treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Research also suggests that psilocybin may help people with terminal illnesses cope with end-of-life anxiety and depression. Despite their potential benefits, the use of magic mushrooms can also carry risks. High doses can lead to overwhelming experiences, known as "bad trips," which can be traumatic and induce anxiety or panic. Furthermore, the legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies in different countries and regions, with many considering them illegal substances. It is important to approach the use of psilocybin mushrooms with caution and responsibility. If considering using them, it is advisable to do thorough research, understand the risks and potential benefits, ensure a safe and supportive environment, and potentially seek guidance from experienced individuals or professionals..

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Navigating the Spiritual Journey with Magic Mushrooms as a Guide