Shades of Magic is a fantastical book series written by V.E. Schwab. It is set in a universe where there are parallel versions of London, each with a different level of magic. The story follows a young magician named Kell, who has the ability to travel between these different Londons. The main idea of the series is the exploration of different worlds and the consequences of magic.
The Effects, Risks, and Potential Health Benefits of “Magic Mushrooms”
“Shrooms” or “magic mushrooms” can produce euphoric feelings and possibly relieve mental health conditions. However, there are some risks to be aware of, and only a few U.S. cities where use is legal.
Archeological evidence suggests that humans have been using “shrooms,” also called magic mushrooms, for ceremonial and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
In Central America, Aztec and Mazateca cultures believed these mushrooms had divine properties and used them during coronations and other important events until at least the 1500s.
Although their use was discouraged and criminalized by many church institutions and governments, especially after the colonization of the Americas, these mushrooms were still grown, cultivated, and used privately around the world. In the 1960s, mushroom use became associated with psychedelia and youth counterculture.
Today, people still use shrooms for a variety of purposes. Modern medical research is studying their potential use as a treatment for some mental and behavioral health conditions. As this research continues to show promise, there is advocacy for removing some of the longstanding legal restrictions on mushroom possession in the United States.
Shrooms are a type of mushroom that contain hallucinogenic drugs called psilocin or psilocybin. Shrooms are also known as magic mushrooms or simply as mushrooms. Taking shrooms causes hallucinations and can affect a person’s thoughts and emotions.
Shrooms can be consumed in a variety of ways including:
- eating dried mushrooms
- consuming powdered mushrooms by injection
- steeping mushrooms as tea
- cooking with dried or powdered mushroom
- adding powdered mushroom to juice and other beverages
- taking a capsule of powdered mushroom
How do you pronounce “Psilocybin”?
Psilocybin isn’t a word most people use every day. Even when psilocybin mushrooms are the topic of conversation, people typically just say shrooms or magic mushrooms. It’s likely many people have never heard the word psilocybin out loud. So, how is it pronounced?
Psilocybin is pronounced: sil-uh-sahy-bin
You’ll typically begin to feel the effects of mushrooms in about 30 minutes, and they’ll last for about 3 to 6 hours. Mushrooms can have different effects on different people. Your experience with mushrooms will be affected by factors such as:
- your age
- your weight
- the amount you use
- how much you’ve eaten that day
- your surroundings
- your expectations
- your experience with any previous drug use
- your personality
You might experience some or all of the following effects:
- changes to the way you perceive the world around you
- a feeling of unusual well-being or euphoria
- visual or auditory hallucinations
- feeling that you are having a magical, spiritual, or religious experience
- feeling that your body is very light or very heavy
It’s also possible to experience unpleasant physical effects. This can include:
- feeling dizzy and light-headed
- feeling nauseous
- vomiting
- shivering or having chills
- having an increased pulse
- having a numb tongue and mouth
- having high blood pressure
Are psilocybin mushrooms legal?
Psilocybin mushrooms are a Schedule I drug in the United States. This means it’s illegal to have, sell, or give away psilocybin mushrooms for any reason. There are significant legal penalties imposed on both the possession and selling of mushrooms.
However, there is advocacy to change this. In a few cities across the country, possession of psilocybin mushrooms has been decriminalized. In these cities, residents can’t be criminally charged for the possession of psilocybin mushrooms, as long as they do not go over a set amount. These cities are:
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Denver, Colorado
- Oakland, California
- Seattle, Washington
As more evidence about the possible potential health benefits of psilocybin mushrooms becomes available, other cities and states may develop similar legislation.
Was this helpful?Research has shown that psilocybin could be beneficial as a treatment for psychiatric and behavioral conditions, including:
- depression
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- alcoholism
- cocaine addiction
- end-of-life psychological distress related to cancer or any other fatal condition
Additionally, psilocybin could help people quit smoking and has the potential to be a treatment for cluster headaches .
However, none of these uses have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These potential health benefits have been seen in studies, but haven’t been replicated on a large scale. More data is needed to confirm that psilocybin mushrooms are a reliable treatment for these conditions.
Want to get involved?
Humans have been using these mushrooms for thousands of years, but there’s a lot we still don’t know. If you want to help researchers learn about psilocybin mushrooms and how they can affect our minds and bodies — you may be able to join a clinical study. Check out ClinicalTrials.gov to learn about what studies are currently looking for participants.
Make sure to always talk with your doctor before starting a clinical trial, especially if it would interfere with any of your ongoing treatments.
Was this helpful?The biggest risk associated with psilocybin mushroom use is that psilocybin mushrooms look very similar to some types of poisonous mushrooms. It can be easy to mistake a poisonous mushroom for a psilocybin mushroom. Always make sure to use an established guide or grower that produces mushrooms of a quality that can be trusted.
If you consume an especially large or especially strong batch of mushrooms, you might experience unwanted effects. These could include:
Sometimes shrooms can produce fear, paranoia, and other unwanted effects. This is known as a “bad trip.” Effects of a bad trip include:
- anxiety
- paranoia
- panic
- fear
- intense hallucinations
- unpleasant hallucinations
- flashbacks to previous experiences of taking mushrooms
Can the risks be avoided or reduced?
The best way to reduce your risks of unpleasant effects and bad trips is to be careful about the use of magic mushrooms. Controlling the amount of mushrooms you consume and the environment you take them in can have a big impact on your overall experience.
You can reduce your risks of a bad trip by:
- making sure you know the mushrooms you’re taking are psilocybin
- making sure you understand how much you will be consuming
- not combing magic mushrooms with other drugs
- not consuming mushrooms on a day you are feeling stressed, sad, or fearful
- consuming mushrooms with safe and trusted people
- consuming mushrooms in a pleasant, calm, and comfortable environment
If you’re not 100% sure the mushrooms you have are psilocybin, don’t take them.
Several types of poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms. Even professionals sometimes mistake these mushroom types. It can be very dangerous to attempt to identify psilocybin mushrooms on your own. Poisonous mushrooms can make you severely ill and can even be fatal.
If you already have psilocybin mushrooms and want to double-check them, it’s good to keep these identifying features in mind:
- Psilocybin mushrooms have long and thin stems.
- Psilocybin mushrooms have a wide cap that is typically dark brown around the edges and lighter in the center.
- The underside of a psilocybin mushroom cap is generally dark brown with gills.
- The edge of the cap can be wavy, flat, or pointed.
Share on Pinterest There are four types of psilocybin mushrooms:
Inocybe geophylla — top left
Gymnopilus luteofolius — top right
Psilocybe semilanceata — botton right
Panaeolus cyanescens — bottom left
However, it’s not safe to consume a mushroom just because it has all of these visual characteristics. Poisonous mushrooms can share these exact traits. It’s typically not safe to make a decision simply based on looking at mushrooms, especially if you don’t have experience identifying them.
Many people choose to work with a guide or grow and cultivate their own mushrooms at home for safety. While this is much less dangerous, keep in mind that unless you live in one of four cities in the United States, possession of psilocybin mushrooms is currently illegal.
“Shrooms” or psilocybin mushrooms are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin. Psilocybin produces hallucinogenic and other mind-altering effects.
Some research indicates that psilocybin mushrooms could also be useful as a treatment for some mental and behavioral health conditions. However, more research is needed, and these treatments aren’t approved by the FDA.
Currently, in most of the U.S., psilocybin mushrooms are still illegal, both medically and recreationally.
Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2022
Hallucinogenic mushrooms drug profile
‘Hallucinogenic mushrooms’ is the name commonly given to psychoactive fungi, containing hallucinogenic compounds, most commonly psilocybin and psilocin. At low doses, hallucinogenic drugs have as their primary effects perceptual distortions and alterations of thought, or mood, with the presence of lucid awareness and minimal effects on memory and orientation. Despite their name, the use of hallucinogenic drugs rarely results in true hallucinations. The hallucinogens are a chemically diverse class. Grouping the hallucinogens based on their chemical structure includes, but is not limited to, three major classes: indolealkylamines or tryptamines (e.g. LSD, psilocybine and psilocin), phenethylamines, including mescaline and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA); and cannabinoids.
The main idea of the series is the exploration of different worlds and the consequences of magic. Each London represents a different level of magic, from the vibrant and magical Red London to the gray and mundane White London. Kell, as one of the last Antari, magicians with the ability to travel between worlds, is tasked with maintaining balance and guarding against the dangers of black magic.
Chemistry
Psilocybin (PY, 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is the main psychoactive principle of hallucinogenic mushrooms. After ingestion, psilocybin is converted into the pharmacologically active form psilocin. Psilocin itself is also present in the mushroom, but in smaller amounts. Psilocybin and psilocin are both indolealkylamines and structurally similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT). Besides psilocybin and psilocin, two further tryptamines — baeocystin and norbaeocystin — could also be present but are thought to be less active than the former two.
Psilocybin (psilocybine, psilocibina, psilocybinum, psylosybiini) (CAS-number: 520-52-5) is 4-phosphoryloxy-NN-dimethyltryptamine. According to IUPAC, the fully systematic chemical name is [3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1H-indol-4-yl] dihydrogen phosphate. Psilocybin is the dihydrogen phospate of psilocin. Psilocybin is soluble in water, moderately soluble in methanol and ethanol, and insoluble in most organic solvents. Psilocybin is a prodrug of psilocin, in vivo the molecule is metabolised into psilocin by dephosphorylation.
Molecular structure of psilocybin
Molecular formula: C12H17N204P
Molecular weight: 284.3 g/mol
Psilocin (psilocine, psilocyn) (CAS-number 520-53-6) is 4-hydroxy-NN-dimethyltryptamine (4-OH-DMT) or alternatively 3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)indol-4-ol. According to IUPAC, the fully systematic chemical name is 3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1H-indol-4-ol. Psilocin is an isomer of bufotenine, it differs only in the position of the hydroxylgroup. Psilocin is relatively unstable in solution. Under alkaline conditions in the presence of oxygen it immediately forms bluish and black degradation products.
Molecular structure of psilocin
Molecular formula: C12H16N20
Molecular weight: 204.3 g/mol
The series delves into themes of power, identity, and sacrifice. Kell grapples with his own desires and the responsibilities placed upon him as a vessel for magic. Alongside him is Delilah Bard, a cunning thief from Grey London who becomes entangled in his adventures. Schwab's world-building is rich and immersive, with each London having its own distinct feel and culture. The magic system is intricate and mysterious, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the story. The writing is atmospheric and lyrical, transporting readers to the vivid and diverse Londons. Throughout the series, there are high-stakes battles, political intrigues, and complex relationships. Schwab masterfully weaves together different plot threads, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The crescendo of the series culminates in A Conjuring of Light, where the fate of the worlds hangs in the balance. The Shades of Magic series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. It offers a fresh and unique take on the concept of multiple parallel worlds, with compelling characters and a beautifully crafted world. Schwab's writing is enchanting, drawing readers into a universe brimming with magic and wonder..
Reviews for "The Role of Art and Expression in Shades of Magic"
1. Jane - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Shades of Magic" by V.E. Schwab, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The world-building was confusing and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to fully understand and immerse myself in the different Londons. Additionally, the plot felt predictable and lacked surprise or originality. The characters also failed to captivate me; they felt one-dimensional and lacked development. Overall, I was disappointed and struggled to finish this book.
2. Mark - 3 stars
While "Shades of Magic" had its moments, I found it to be overhyped. The pacing was inconsistent, with certain parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The magic system, while intriguing, was not fully explained or explored, leaving me with many unanswered questions. Furthermore, the writing style was rather simplistic, lacking the elegance and depth I expected from a fantasy novel. Although the concept had potential, the execution left much to be desired.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I couldn't connect with the characters in "Shades of Magic." They lacked depth and felt like mere archetypes rather than complex individuals. The protagonist, Kell, in particular, came across as bland and uninteresting. The romance felt forced and predictable, offering nothing new or exciting. The pacing was also an issue for me, with long periods of mundane activities overshadowing the more action-packed and intriguing moments. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and failed to see the appeal that so many others seem to find in it.