Psilocybin (magic mushrooms): What it is, effects and risks

WHAT IS PSILOCYBIN?

Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical in certain mushrooms known as magic mushrooms. Eating mushrooms that contain psilocybin can have a variety of effects, ranging from euphoria to hallucinations. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies, percocet, nn-dmt,dmt

Some people use psilocybin as a recreational drug. It can provide feelings of euphoria and sensory distortion that are common to hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD. also xanax, dmt, chocolate bars

Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly.

Although current research does not consider psilocybin addictive, users may experience disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic after taking the drug. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

This article explains how psilocybin works, including the potential effects and risks.

Fast facts on psilocybin
Psilocybin can have both positive and negative physical and psychological effects.
Psilocybin is not naturally addictive.
The drug can trigger psychotic episodes. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Individuals with a family history of psychosis face an increased risk of an adverse psychiatric reaction to psilocybin. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin mushrooms stand ready for harvest in a humidified ‘fruiting chamber’ in the basement of a private home on July 28, 2023 in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Image credit: John Moore/Getty Images
Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that people can ingest through certain types of mushrooms. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

How it works
Psilocybin works by activating serotonin receptors, most often in the prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain affects mood, cognition, and perception. Hallucinogens also work in other regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Psilocybin does not always cause active visual or auditory hallucinations. Instead, it distorts how some people who use the drug perceive objects and people already in their environment.We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

The quantity of the drug a person consumes, their past experiences, and their expectations of how the experience will take shape can all impact the effects of psilocybin. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies, percocet, nn-dmt,dmt

According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), the hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin usually occur within 30 minutes after a person ingests it and last 4–6 hours. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies, percocet, nn-dmt,dmt

In some individuals, changes in sensory perception and thought patterns can last for several days.

Potency
The potency of a magic mushroom depends on:

species
origin
growing conditions
harvest period
whether a person eats them fresh or dried
The EMCDDA suggests the amount of psilocybin in dried mushrooms is about 10 times higher than that of their fresh counterparts.We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies, percocet, nn-dmt,dmt

CONSUMPTION

Mushrooms containing psilocybin are small and usually brown or tan. In the wild, people may mistake mushrooms containing psilocybin for any number of other mushrooms that are poisonous. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

People usually consume psilocybin as a brewed tea or prepare it with a food item to mask its bitter taste. Manufacturers also crush dried mushrooms into a powder and prepare them in capsule form. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Some people who consume these mushrooms cover them with chocolate.

Extent of use
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7.4 million Americans ages 12 and older used hallucinogens, including psilocybin, in 2021. Of this number, adults ages 18–25 were the most frequent users.

Psilocybin has been used in various cultures and locations across the world, potentially as far back as 8,000 years ago.

In modern times, psilocybin use may be recreational at dance clubs or by people seeking a transcendent spiritual experience. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

In medical settings, psilocybin may show promise in helping to treat or manage the following conditions:

addiction
depression
end-stage cancer mood disorders
However, the review authors highlight that research is ongoing. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Street names for magic mushrooms
People may also refer to magic mushrooms as:

shrooms
boomers
mushies
simple Simon
little smoke
sacred mushrooms
purple passion
mushroom soup

EFFECTS

The effects of psilocybin are generally similar to those of LSD. They include altered perception of time and space and intense changes in mood and feeling.

Other possible effects of psilocybin include:

euphoria
peacefulness
spiritual awakening
derealization, the feeling that surroundings are not real
depersonalization, or a dream-like sense of being disengaged from surroundings
distorted thinking
visual alteration and distortion, such as seeing halos of light and vivid colors
dilated pupils
dizziness
drowsiness and yawning
impaired concentration
muscle weakness
lack of coordination
unusual body sensations
nausea and vomiting
paranoia
confusion
frightening hallucinations

What impacts effects?

The effects of psilocybin vary between people, based on Source the user’s mental state, personality, and immediate environment. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

If the user has a mental health condition or feels anxious about using the hallucinogen, they face a higher risk of having a bad experience.We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

Psychological distress is a potential adverse event after recreational use of psilocybin. This distress can take the form of extreme anxiety or short-term psychosis. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Psilocybin as a treatment for depression
Researchers have investigated whether psychological specialists can use psilocybin and similar hallucinogens to treat depression. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

One study examined the ability of psilocybin to reduce depression symptoms without dulling emotions. Results indicated that psilocybin may be successful in treating depression with psychological support. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

Psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs may help Source people with depression by encouraging connections between neurons in the brain. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

However, more research is necessary for experts to understand exactly how this mechanism works and if there is a way to achieve it without hallucinogenic side effects. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

RISKS

Some people who take psilocybin may experience persistent, distressing alterations to how they see the world. These may take the form of a visual flashback, a traumatic recall of an intensely upsetting experience. we have percocet , dmt , nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people can continue to experience flashbacks anywhere from weeks to years after using the hallucinogen. This is a condition called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder and is rare. we have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Some individuals who use psilocybin may also experience fear, agitation, confusion, delirium, psychosis, and syndromes that resemble schizophrenia. we have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Finally, though the risk is small, some psilocybin users risk accidental poisoning from eating a poisonous mushroom by mistake.

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning may include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium. A person should visit an emergency room immediately if these symptoms occur. We also have mdma , chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

Because hallucinogenic and other poisonous mushrooms are common in most living environments, people should regularly remove all mushrooms from areas where children are routinely present to prevent accidental consumption. we have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Most accidental mushroom ingestion results in minor gastrointestinal illness, with only the most severe instances requiring medical attention. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

ABUSE POTENTIAL

Current research suggests psilocybin is not addictive, and no physical symptoms occur after stopping use. However, further research is necessary. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

After several days of psilocybin use, individuals might experience psychological withdrawal and have difficulty adjusting to reality. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Regular use may also cause an individual to become tolerant to the effects of psilocybin, and cross-tolerance occurs with other drugs, including LSD and mescaline. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

People who use these drugs should wait at least several days between doses to experience the full effect.

Q:
How likely is it that I will have a bad trip taking magic mushrooms?

Anonymous
A:
A “bad trip” can include feelings of despair, confusion, paranoia, anxiety, and panic. These feelings can persist for hours to days. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

To avoid this, first, you will not have a bad trip or any trip at all if you choose not to ingest the mushrooms. If the mushrooms have a higher, stronger dose than expected, this can increase your chances of having a negative experience. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

For someone going through a personal crisis or using mushrooms in an unsafe, unsupportive environment, the chances of a “bad trip” increase. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

There are no guarantees with mushrooms since they are an unprocessed plant product, and bad trips can and do happen. If someone has ingested mushrooms and is experiencing panic, anxiety, or is in any danger of harming themselves or others, seek medical assistance immediately.we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies,

SUMMARY

Psilocybin is a chemical that occurs in certain mushroom varieties. Consumption can lead to symptoms such as euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Although current research suggests psilocybin is not addictive, some people may have bad experiences, including feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. we also have percocet, dmt, nn-dmt, lsd, chocolate bars, 5meo dmt, liduid lsd, molly,

Factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations may affect the experience someone has after using psilocybin. We also have mdma, chocolate bars, xanax, gummies, percocet