Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, booms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps, and shrooms, are a group of fungi grown naturally in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, North America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. They contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which changes into psilocin when ingested, which causes hallucinations. It makes you see, hear or feel nonexistent things. Around 150-200 species of mushrooms are estimated to exist.
This blog will closely examine the different types of magic mushrooms and their effects. We will explore the science behind these unusual fungi, examining their various characteristics and impact on the mind and body.
Effects of Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms encompass a diverse array of species, each distinguished by its unique characteristics, appearance, colors, and duration of effects. Despite their variations, these mushrooms share strikingly similar physiological and mental impacts. When consumed, they can induce effects [5] such as:
- hyperventilation,
- increased heart rate and blood pressure,
- heightened sensory and emotional responses,
- dizziness,
- altered perception,
- intensified colors and sounds,
- a sense of weightlessness,
- and a surge of intense emotions.
Types of Magic Mushrooms
Let’s explore some of the most popular types of magic mushrooms.
Psilocybe Cubensis
One of the most common types of magic mushrooms is psilocybe cubensis, also known as golden teacher mushrooms, cubes, gold caps, and golden halos. It is found in warm and humid South and Central America and Southeast Asia regions. It has a sizeable cinnamon-brown cap ranging as large as 80mm in diameter. It can cause powerful hallucinations, altered sense of perception, and spiritual experiences. It has multiple strains, including Penis Envy and Golden Teachers, which vary in color, appearance, and strength.[1]
Psilocybe Semilanceata
They are commonly found in the northern Hemisphere with mild and wet temperatures and in damp fields like meadows and pastures. Some species are also known to be grown in the Southern Hemisphere. Other names include Liberty Caps, Witches Hats, Pixie Caps, or Psilocybe Semilanceata. These mushrooms are light yellow and brown and have bell-shaped pointed caps with varying diameters of around 5-25mm. The intense psychoactive effects of consuming Psilocybe semilanceata include strong visual hallucinations, over-responsive reflexes, increased heart rate, and pupil dilation.
- Panaeolus Cyanescens
These are saprophytic mushrooms, also known as wavy caps and blue Meanies. Panaeolus cyanescens are characterized by distinctive wavy-shaped caps ranging between 15-50mm in diameter. They naturally occur in tropical and subtropical regions, such as the West Coast of North America, Central & Western Europe, and New Zealand. They also have intense psychoactive effects such as spiritual encounters, a body high, auditory and visual hallucinations, nausea, and euphoria. The stems, gills, and caps of these mushrooms turn blue due to the rapid oxidation of psilocybin when touched or bruised.[2]
Psilocybe Azurescens
They are one of the most potent magic mushrooms, having extremely high concentrations of psychoactive biochemicals, psilocybin, and psilocin. Also known as Flying saucers, Psilocybe azurescens are native to the US West Coast, from California to Washington. Their caps resemble saucers which are caramel colored and have twisted stems. Long-lasting psychoactive effects are observed within 30 minutes of ingestion in individuals who have consumed Psilocybe azurescens. The effects are more or less similar to those of other magic mushrooms, including intense visual experiences, a powerful physical sensation, and extreme hallucination.
Psilocybe Mexicana
A Mexican mushroom commonly known as Psilocybe Mexicana or Mexican liberty cap is found in Central and South America. In appearance, it looks like a bundle of tightly packed mycelium that varies in size from as small as a pea to as large as an ostrich egg. They have a conical and bell-shaped cap that is brown but turns blue when touched. Its effects are comparatively mild compared to other magic mushrooms, i.e., visual hallucinations, extreme overall moods, euphoria, and happiness. Some consumers have also reported feeling giggly, or they laugh a lot after consuming it. [3]
Psilocybe Baeocystis
These mushrooms are dark brown or black and have a cap with a thick stem. Commonly found in wooded moist areas, such as fallen tree stumps. Psilocybe Baeocystis naturally occur in certain regions of the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Washington, and some parts of California. They cause strong psilocybin effects such as intense sensory distortions, reflective experiences, powerful hallucinations, euphoria, mood enhancement, and altered thought patterns.
The Legality of Magic Mushrooms
The legality of magic mushrooms varies across different regions of the world. In some countries, magic mushrooms and their psychoactive compounds are considered illegal, while in others, they may be decriminalized, strictly regulated, and even legal for medical reasons. It is crucial to know the rules and restrictions when consuming magic mushrooms. The laws of a region continuously change over time, so it is necessary to verify the current legal status in your particular country before consumption. Do not engage in illegal activity, and keep yourself safe from any serious legal action. [4]
Conclusion
In summary, magic mushrooms can elicit positive and negative physiological and mental effects influenced by dosage, duration of use, and an individual’s medical history. By respecting the importance of responsible usage, seeking professional guidance, and acknowledging the rich cultural significance of magic mushrooms, individuals can approach their experiences with mindfulness and make informed decisions.
FAQS
- How would you know if mushrooms go bad?
They are fresh if mushrooms are dry, smooth, firm, and smell pleasant. On the other hand, if they are mushy, sticky, slimy, and have an unpleasant odor, it means they are not good.
- Who should avoid mushroom consumption?
Individuals who have autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, asthma, lupus, and multiple sclerosis shouldn’t eat mushrooms, as wild mushrooms can lead to severe health problems and can even cause death in extreme cases.
- Are magic mushrooms excellent or bad for you?
Magic mushrooms have good and bad effects on the human body depending onthe kind of mushroom you consume, duration, dose, and the individual’s medical condition. The possible adverse effects include nausea, cramping, diarrhea, increased heart rate, hallucinations, etc. On the other hand, some edible mushrooms are very healthy and contain many nutrients such as vitamin B: riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which the human body needs for normal functioning.
- What is the difference between cultivated and wild mushrooms?
Cultivated mushrooms are grown under controlled conditions such as a farm or a greenhouse and then are chosen for desirable features. On the other hand, wild mushrooms grow naturally in the wild, such as in forests and meadows. Their growth varies depending on the environment provided.
References:
[1]https://www.veriheal.com/blog/psilocybin/types-of-magic-mushrooms/
[2]https://thethirdwave.co/psilocybin-mushroom-types/
[4]https://blog.retreat.guru/types-of-psychedelic-mushrooms
[5]https://www.drugscience.org.uk/drug-information/psilocybin/#1612864174690-53e9e9ed-893f
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