Magic mushrooms are a pop culture favorite that features in everything from folklore to Hollywood films. There are many different species of mushrooms, but not all of them share the ability to create ‘magic.’ If you have some interesting fungi growing on your back fence, you may be interested to learn more about magic mushrooms and their potential benefits and risks. This article will cover the basics of magic mushrooms, including what they are, how they may affect your body, and their legal status in the United States.
What are Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms are a type of mushroom that contains psychedelic compounds called psilocybin and psilocin. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring chemical compound that reacts with serotonin receptors in the brain to produce hallucinogenic effects or psychedelic experiences. These are commonly referred to as ‘trips.’ While Western cultures and science have only recently started to study psilocybin, the use of this substance dates back thousands of years. It has a long history of use in rituals and healing ceremonies by indigenous cultures such as the Mayans and Aztecs.
Are Magic Mushrooms Legal?
In the United States, magic mushrooms are currently illegal at the federal level. Although the mushrooms themselves are not illegal per se, their active compounds psilocybin and psilocin are. These compounds are classed as Schedule 1 substances under the Controlled Substances Act due to their psychoactive properties. That said, psilocybin spores are legal since they do not contain any psychoactive compounds yet.
Some cities such as Denver and Washington, DC have decriminalized magic mushrooms. However, Oregan is the only state that has legalized it for therapeutic use. In Oregon, adults are permitted to possess small amounts of magic mushrooms for medicinal purposes. However, heavy penalties still apply to anyone who tries to sell magic mushrooms to others. As more bills are introduced across the country, we can expect decriminalization and legalization to be hot topics in the years to come.
How Did Magic Mushrooms Become Popular?
Magic mushrooms moved from the cultural fringes to mainstream culture in the 1960s when their use became associated with the counter-culture movement. People started experimenting with recreational drug use as a way to express their individuality and explore new experiences. The term ‘psychedelic’ was coined to describe these experiences because they often involved hallucinations and visual patterns. Along with peace signs, magic mushrooms soon became a symbol for the hippie movement in the Western world.
Today, magic mushrooms are being researched in many countries in the West for their medicinal properties. They have been used to treat depression in several clinical trials with promising results. They are also being explored as a potential option for end-of-life care and addiction treatment. The effect of magic mushrooms on human consciousness has also been studied by scientists using brain imaging technology. These findings may help researchers develop new forms of treatment for some common mental health conditions.
What are the Effects of Magic Mushrooms?
The effects of magic mushrooms on the human body vary depending on dosage and a person’s physiological and psychological characteristic.
Most people who take magic mushrooms report feelings of deep relaxation, heightened awareness, and a sense of spiritual connection with the world. They may also experience altered states of consciousness, time distortion, or synesthesia—a condition in which different senses blend to produce additional sensations such as being able to hear colors. The psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms are often depicted, including shifting shapes or colors, visual distortions, and geometric patterns.
For some people, the effects can last for several hours, while others find that the effects wear off very quickly.
What are the Risks?
As with any substance, there are risks associated with using magic mushrooms. Psilocybin can cause paranoia and panic attacks in people with a predisposition to anxiety as well as side effects such as nausea and dizziness. In very rare cases, people who take high doses of magic mushrooms may experience hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), a condition of persisting altered perception that can last for several weeks.
In addition, magic mushrooms are known to interact with medications, particularly those with their own psychoactive effects such as Xanax or Adderall. People who take these medicines should not use magic mushrooms unless they have consulted their doctor first.
How to Enjoy Magic Mushrooms
Taking an appropriate dosage of magic mushrooms should not cause health problems or addiction. However, there is always a risk of accidentally taking too much of the substance. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that first-time users should use magic mushrooms under the supervision of an experienced therapist to minimize the risk of adverse effects and maximize their enjoyment of the experience.
The wrong type of mushroom can be toxic or even deadly, so make sure that you are sourcing your mushrooms from a reputable store. Many other types of mushrooms look similar to magic mushrooms so foraging in the wild is extremely dangerous unless you have expert training. One way to avoid potential foraging problems is to cultivate mushrooms from spores—although you must first ensure that cultivation is legal in your area.
The final tip for enjoying magic mushrooms is to be in a safe and comfortable environment with a sober companion who can look after you. By sticking to reliable sources and trusted companions, you can have an out-of-this-world experience on magic mushrooms.