The magic mushrooms are a type of mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a strong hallucinogenic substance. The mushroom grows in different regions of Europe, Mexico, the United States and South America. The aboriginal people used to ingest these mushrooms for euphoria and the feeling of peace.

This is why these mushrooms are still being used these days. The hallucinogenic substance of these magic mushrooms is considered as a schedule-I substance. That means, it has a strong potential for abuse and does not serve any legitimate purpose.

Even though the medical world does not consider the hallucinogenic substance as addictive, the users have described disturbing hallucinations and anxiety after ingesting the substance. The magic mushrooms provide a strong euphoria and sensory distortion that are commonly associated with other strong hallucinogenic drugs like LSD.

What Is Psilocybin?

As we already know that psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance that is available in the magic mushrooms. After ingesting, this substance affects the serotonin receptors of the p[refrontal cortex of our brain. This is what distorts the mood of the users and causes problems in their power of perception and cognition.

It also affects other regions of our brain which generates the feeling of panic and severe anxiety responses among the users. It does not always cause auditory and visual hallucinations like most other hallucinogens. For some users, it just changes their perception of people and objects that are already present in their environment.

According to the users, the quantity of the drug, the past experiences of consumption, and the expectation from the experience, all impacts the experience of the user.

What Happens After Ingestion?

After the user takes the drug, our body digests and absorbs the substance and converts it into psilocin. The total process takes about 30 minutes to complete. After that, the user will feel the effect of the hallucinogen for the next 4-6 hours.

For some people, however, this period can be longer. The hallucinogen can change their thought patterns and perception towards the world for several days.

What Do The Mushrooms Look Like?

The magic mushrooms are very small in size and come in tan or brown color. In the wild, most people mistake the magic mushrooms for some other poisonous mushrooms and avoid them. Most of the time, people use these mushrooms to brew tea or make dishes with it.

This simple procedure helps to mask the bitter taste of the mushroom to the user. The manufacturers of these mushrooms also prepare dust for it and give it a capsule form to make it easier for the users to consume it. Some people who take the mushroom in the natural form often use chocolate to cover it up.

The Factors That Determines the Potency of the Mushrooms

The potency of the mushrooms depends on different factors. According to the manufacturers of the mushrooms, the potency depends on the species as well as the origin. The growing conditions can also have an impact on the mushrooms. The consumption style is yet another factor that affects the potency of the mushrooms severely.

According to the manufacturers, the amount of the active hallucinogenic ingredients are about 10 times higher than the fresh mushrooms.

Fats Facts

Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance that has both positive and negative psychological and physical effects on the users. However, this drug is not naturally addictive so the chances of getting addicted are less.

The users should know that the drug can kick off some heavy-duty psychotic episodes that can last for days for some people. That’s why the people who are suffering from a mental illness or have a family history of schizophrenia can have an adverse effect of this drug.

Extent of Use

Most of the time people of modern age use this drug during parties. According to the officers of law enforcement, this hallucinogenic substance is generally used in the dance clubs. Groups of people who want to enjoy a transcendental experience also consume this drug.

In the medical industry, researchers have tested this drug for the treatment for headaches, depression, end-stage cancer anxiety of the patients and the anxiety disorders. However, scientists have still questions about the safety and effects of this drug if it is used as a therapeutic measure.

Effects

The effect of this drug varies from person to person according to their mental set up. The personality of the user as well as their immediate environment also has an impact on the user experience.

While some users experience peacefulness, euphoria, and spiritual awakening, others can experience severely bad experiences. Psychological distress is a common factor that people state after using the drug. The level of distress can cause short term psychosis or extreme anxiety among users.

Risks

Most of the time people who consume this drug show a tendency towards reckless behavior. Some people can experience alterations in their perceived world which can last for weeks, and sometimes years. The doctors have now diagnosed this problem as hallucinogen persisting disorder (HPDD), which is also popularly known as the flashbacks.

Even though psilocybin is not an addictive substance and does not cause any physical distress after the user stops using it, regular users can experience a level of tolerance. However, the user can experience a psychological withdrawal after stopping the usage of the drug.