Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, refers to any of a number of mushrooms that cause hallucinations and other psychedelic effects. The most common variety of mushroom used is psilocybe semilanceata, commonly referred to as the liberty cap mushroom.
Magic mushrooms vary in strength and toxicity. The ‘fly agaric’ or amanita muscaria mushroom is significantly stronger than the more common liberty cap mushroom.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten raw, or can be dried out for storage. Fly agaric mushrooms are more often dried, as the raw mushroom can make the user quite ill and the risk of poisoning, even death, is higher with this variety. Some people like to drink a tea made of the dried mushrooms. Drying the mushrooms reduces their weight, though the strength is unchanged.
What Do They Look Like?
Magic mushrooms look much like many other varieties of mushroom that has been dried.
How Are They Used?
Dried magic mushrooms can be eaten or brewed into a tea. Raw mushrooms can be eaten as they are or cooked into food.
Short-Term Effects of Magic Mushrooms
Using magic mushrooms causes a ‘trip’ which is milder than that caused by LSD, and usually lasts about four hours. Magic mushroom are very relaxing and users typically laugh a lot. Some varieties of magic mushroom may cause stomach ache, nausea, or diarrhoea. Because magic mushrooms resemble some poisonous varieties of mushrooms, taking one of these poisonous mushrooms can make users very sick, and can even be fatal.
Users who are anxious or depressed before they start using magic mushrooms are more likely to experience a bad trip. These experiences can be scary and, once started, cannot be stopped.
Long-Term Effects of Magic Mushrooms
Although many individuals use magic mushrooms for therapeutic reasons, there is still a need for caution. Psilocybin is a powerful substance that can cause changes in perception and affect mood for an extended period. Studies have shown that the use of psilocybin can lead to a change in brain connectivity, which can last for up to a year after use.
Another concern about the long-term effects of magic mushrooms is the potential for addiction. While psilocybin is not physically addictive, some individuals may become psychologically dependent on the substance. This can lead to a compulsion to use magic mushrooms, which can have a detrimental effect on mental health.
It is also observed that usage of hallucinogenic mushrooms may cause shifts in personality. Studies suggest that people under influence of psilocybin become more receptive towards novel experiences and concepts. Although this could appear to be a good thing, there are cases where it has resulted into risky behaviors.
Long-term impacts of magic mushrooms on psychological well-being remain an issue too. Although psilocybin has been revealed to alleviate some disorders such as low moods and high anxiety levels, it might worsen mental illness already present in individuals suffering from these conditions. Therefore, those who have had past incidents related to mental illnesses should take heed when consuming psilocybin and seek advice from professionals.
The Cultural Impact of Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms have left an indelible mark on culture, inspiring art, music, and spiritual practices for millennia. From ancient shamanic rituals to the psychedelic revolution of the 1960s, these fungi have shaped human consciousness and creativity in profound ways.
Take our favourite mop tops, the Beatles. The fab four’s LP “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was heavily influenced by psychedelic experiences, including those induced by magic mushrooms. This cultural shift didn’t just stop at music – it seeped into visual arts, literature, and even fashion.
Legal Debates and Social Change
But it’s not all peace and love. Not by a long chalk. The criminalisation of magic mushrooms has sparked heated debates about personal freedom, medical research, and the war on drugs. As some cities and countries begin to decriminalise or legalise their use, we’re witnessing a new chapter in the complex relationship between society and these mystical fungi. Who’ have thought that a simple mushroom would cause so much to kick off?
Current Usage and Legal Status
Next time you see a mushroom growing in your garden, remember – it might be more than just a simple toadstool. It could be a tiny ambassador from a world of cultural revolution and controversy!
Magic mushrooms have been used by humans for centuries for their hallucinogenic effects and are still one of the most commonly used drugs in the UK. They contain the active ingredient, psilocybin, which alters the user’s perception and can evoke mystical or spiritual experiences. However, the possession, sale, and use of magic mushrooms are illegal in the UK under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. They are a Class A drug.
Despite their illegality, magic mushrooms are still widely used and sold in the UK. They can be found in various forms, such as fresh or dried, and can be eaten, brewed in tea, or mixed with other substances. The laws surrounding their use and possession are often murky and unclear, leading to confusion among users and authorities alike.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
In 2005, a magic mushrooms controversy occurred in the UK in which a group named “Friends of the Mushroom” expressed their views that psilocybin is a natural substance which should not be illegal. The case was brought to court, however, the judge finally stated that magic mushrooms were illegal according to the Misuse of Drugs Act.
On the flip side, there have been some positive changes concerning magic mushrooms in the UK recently. In 2018, researchers at Imperial College London conducted a clinical trial using psilocybin as a treatment for depression. The findings were encouraging, indicating a noticeable improvement in mood of at least half of the participants. This has caused some to ask for the revision of the status of magic mushrooms in the case of therapeutic purposes.
Similarly, more and more increasing number of people are of the opinion that magic mushrooms should be outlawed just like any other drug. They say that banning the substance only results in unreliable and dangerous usage, and that the government should adopt a more liberal stance on drug policies.
While the legal framework remains unchanged, it is essential for people to be aware of the dangers that come with the use of magic scales. They can adversely affect one’s mental health, particularly if one has pre-existing conditions. What’s more, they are not easy to measure precisely due to the fact that they differ so much in power and influence, which can cause some surprising outcomes.
Photo Credit: Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
This post was originally published in January 2014 and has been updated since.
