Psilocybin mushroom

Psilocybin mushrooms are a special group of fungi that contain a natural compound which can change how a person thinks and feels. They are found in many different types of mushrooms across several groups, with the most well-known being in the Psilocybe group, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Other groups like Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina also contain these compounds.

These mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, especially in places like pre-Columbian Mexico, where people used them for spiritual and special purposes. After European colonization, such practices were often stopped.

In modern times, people became very interested in these mushrooms in the middle of the last century, thanks to people like R. Gordon Wasson and Timothy Leary. Today, scientists are studying them to see if they can help people with problems like sadness, worry, and difficulty stopping certain habits. The rules about these mushrooms differ in many places, with some areas allowing careful use for help, while others have stricter guidelines.

Natural occurrence

Main article: Psilocybin § Natural occurrence

See also: List of psilocybin mushroom species

Psilocybin mushrooms are found in many places around the world. They grow in different kinds of places, like fields, forests, and even near animal droppings. These mushrooms are part of many different groups of fungi. Some common places they grow include Mexico, Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

These mushrooms usually grow in warm, moist areas with lots of plant material. They can be found in many different environments, from grassy fields to wooded areas. Scientists study these mushrooms to learn more about how they grow and where they live.

Composition

Magic mushrooms have different ingredients depending on the type. The main ingredient is psilocybin, which changes into psilocin and causes mind-altering effects. Other ingredients like norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin might also be present and can change how the mushrooms affect you. Studies in animals show that pure psilocybin or psilocin might work differently than when these mushrooms are eaten together, suggesting that all the ingredients work together in a special way.

Some mushrooms also contain β-carbolines, such as harmine, harmane, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline. These can block an enzyme that breaks down certain compounds, possibly making the effects of psilocybin stronger. These β-carbolines are found in different groups of mushrooms, including Psilocybe, Cyclocybe, and Hygrophorus.

Uses

See also: Psilocybin § Uses, and Psilocin § Use and effects

People may eat psilocybin mushrooms whole, either dried or fresh, or turn them into extracts or foods like mushroom edibles or mushroom tea. In some places, these mushrooms and related products can be found in special shops called smart shops, such as psychedelic mushroom stores. There are also related products called magic truffles, which are not mushrooms but parts of the mushroom's growth.

The amount of psilocybin in these mushrooms can change a lot, depending on the type and even the individual mushroom. Usually, dried mushrooms contain about 0.5% to 1% psilocybin. When eaten, psilocybin turns into psilocin, which creates mind-changing effects. These effects usually start about 20 minutes after eating and can last up to 6 hours. They may include changes in how colors and sounds are experienced, feelings of relaxation, and altered time perception. The strength of the effects depends on how much is eaten and the person's individual response. Some research suggests these mushrooms might help with certain mental health issues, but more study is needed.

Contraindications

Some people should be careful when using psilocybin mushrooms. This includes individuals with certain health conditions or those taking specific medications, as these can affect how the body reacts. It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before trying anything involving psilocybin mushrooms.

Main article: Psilocybin § Contraindications

Adverse effects

See also: Psilocybin § Adverse effects

Psilocybin mushrooms can cause some uncomfortable feelings in people who use them. These feelings might include anxiety or a sense of unease. It’s important to use these mushrooms only in safe and controlled settings, and always with the guidance of a trusted adult. Remember, these effects vary for each person, and it’s best to learn more about safety before trying anything new.

Toxicity

See also: Psilocybin § Overdose

The most common type of mushroom that people use contains two main substances that can change how the mind works: psilocybin and psilocin. It would be very hard to take too much of these mushrooms because you would need to eat a very large amount.

While it’s unlikely to take a dangerous amount, too much of these substances can sometimes cause problems in the brain related to a chemical called 5-HT2A, leading to a condition called serotonin syndrome.

Another worry is accidentally picking the wrong kind of mushroom, as some look like the ones that can change how the mind works but might be harmful.

Interactions

See also: Psilocybin § Interactions, Psychedelic drug § Interactions, and Trip killer § Serotonergic psychedelic antidotes

Psilocybin mushrooms can react differently when mixed with other substances. It is important to understand these interactions to stay safe. Certain substances can change the effects of psilocybin mushrooms, either making them stronger or weaker. This is why it is best to talk to a healthcare professional before combining any medicines or substances.

Pharmacology

See also: Psilocybin § Pharmacology, Psilocin § Pharmacology, and Psychedelic drug § Mechanism of action

Psilocybin mushrooms contain a special substance called psilocybin. When someone eats these mushrooms, psilocybin changes into another substance called psilocin. This psilocin can affect how a person feels and thinks, creating what some call a "psychedelic" experience. These mushrooms may also have other compounds that can change how strong these effects are.

History

See also: Psilocybin § History

The use of psilocybin mushrooms by humans in religious ceremonies thousands of years ago is debated. While many think these mushrooms were used a long time ago by many people, careful studies show that their use was actually limited and recent, depending on specific cultures. Reliable evidence shows they were used in rituals in Mexico before European contact, but claims of widespread ancient use are often exaggerated.

Some argue that a figure found in Algeria and old drawings near Villar del Humo in Spain show early mushroom use. Scholars also point to items from Mexico and Guatemala as possible signs of mushroom use in Mayan and Aztec cultures. The hallucinogenic mushrooms of the Psilocybe group have been used by people in Mesoamerica for religious and healing purposes from before European contact until today. After the Spanish arrived, they tried to stop these traditions, but some areas still kept the practice.

In more recent times, Europeans first wrote about these mushrooms in 1799. In 1955, two people named Valentina and R. Gordon Wasson took part in a mushroom ceremony in Mexico and shared their experience widely. This led to more interest and research. By the 1970s, many types of these mushrooms were found and collected around the world, and books on how to grow them were published. Today, interest in these mushrooms continues to grow, especially for scientific research.

Society and culture

Legal status

Main article: Legal status of psilocybin mushrooms

See also: Psilocybin § Legal status, and Psilocybin decriminalization in the United States

The rules about growing, owning, and selling mushrooms that contain a special substance called psilocybin change depending on where you live.

After Oregon Measure 109 in 2020, Oregon became the first U.S. state to make psilocybin legal for certain health uses. But selling these mushrooms without the right license can still lead to fines or going to jail. In 2022, Colorado allowed people to grow and share these mushrooms for personal use, though selling them is not allowed yet while rules are being made. Some other places in the United States have also made it easier to possess these mushrooms.

Also, in the United States, it is legal to buy spores of these mushroom species online in most states, except Georgia, Idaho, and California. This is because only the grown mushrooms and the part under the soil called mycelium contain psilocybin, which is banned by federal law. However, the spores can only be sold for studying under a microscope, not for growing mushrooms.

United Nations

Main article: Convention on Psychotropic Substances

Globally, certain substances like mescaline, DMT, and psilocin are listed as very strict drugs under international agreements. However, the plants or mushrooms that naturally contain these substances are not controlled by these agreements. This means that while the substances themselves are tightly regulated, the actual plants like Peyote cactus, roots of Mimosa hostilis, and Psilocybe mushrooms are not included in these strict lists. Only the specific substances mescaline, DMT, and psilocin are controlled.

Research

See also: Psilocybin § Research

Because of rules in the United States, scientists had a hard time studying psilocybin mushrooms until the early 2000s. Since then, these mushrooms have been tested to see if they might help people with problems like drug use, feeling very worried, or having a bad mood. In 2018–19, a group called the Food and Drug Administration gave special support for studies on psilocybin to help with sadness.

Recently, more scientists have become interested in studying psilocybin. They are looking at how it might help with mental health issues, but they stress that more careful studies are still needed.