You might have heard about magic mushrooms from a film or a friend, but have you ever been curious about what they truly are? These mushrooms are a psychoactive substance that can alter your senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. They can also influence your emotions and thought processes. At Buy CBD Hub, we provide information on magic mushrooms to ensure you feel empowered and knowledgeable when making decisions about substance use.
What Are Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms refer to a specific group of fungi. Despite their name, they aren’t "magical" in the literal sense, and unlike common mushrooms, you won’t find them in a grocery store. These mushrooms are harder to come by and are typically obtained unlawfully in Canada. Their key ingredient is a psychoactive compound known as psilocybin, which is found in the caps and stems of over 200 different mushroom species. Magic mushrooms fall under the drug category known as hallucinogens, often referred to as psychedelics.
Why do people use magic mushrooms?
Individuals might turn to magic mushrooms for various reasons, such as:
- Elevating their mood
- Managing emotional struggles
- Addressing mental health conditions
- For recreational purposes at social events
- As part of spiritual or religious rituals
- And more.
How are magic mushrooms used?
There are several methods people use to consume magic mushrooms, such as:
- Eating them, either raw, dried, or cooked
- Grinding them into a powder and brewing as tea
- Inhaling them in their powdered form
- Taking them in capsule form
How might magic mushrooms affect me?
The effects of magic mushrooms can start to kick in about 15 to 45 minutes after consumption and typically last between four to six hours. However, how you feel can vary based on several factors, such as:
- The potency of the mushrooms (how much psilocybin they contain)
- The amount you consume
- Frequency of use
- Your mood, mindset, and environment at the time
- Your age
- Any existing physical or mental health conditions
- Whether alcohol or other substances, including medications, are used alongside them
Emotional effects:
Magic mushrooms can lead to a range of emotional experiences, such as:
- Heightened emotions
- Feeling euphoric or excited
- Enhanced creativity
- Uncontrollable laughter
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- Sensory confusion (e.g., "hearing colors" or "seeing sounds")
- A distorted sense of time (minutes might feel like hours)
- Shifts in mood
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Confusion or disorientation
- Fear or paranoia
- Deep personal or spiritual insights
Physical effects:
The physical side effects may include:
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Sweaty palms
- Numbness
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle weakness or twitching
- Enhanced reflexes
- Sweating
- Fluctuations in body temperature (feeling hot, then cold with shivering)
- Loss of bladder control
- Lack of coordination
- Dilated pupils
- Diarrhea
Are magic mushrooms dangerous?
Using magic mushrooms can alter your perception and judgment, which might result in undesirable experiences such as paranoia, risky behaviors that could lead to injury, or even a distorted sense of identity (believing you’re someone or something you’re not). These negative experiences are often referred to as a “bad trip.” After a bad trip, some people may experience flashbacks, where they feel as if they're reliving the event, which can persist for days, months, or even years.
A bad trip or unwanted side effects are more likely if a person has:
- A pre-existing mental health condition
- Consumed alcohol or other drugs, including prescription medications
- A heart condition
Because magic mushrooms affect your senses, driving while under their influence is dangerous. Additionally, injecting magic mushrooms can lead to severe and possibly life-threatening health issues.
It's important to note that some mushrooms are poisonous, and consuming them can be harmful. If you're considering using magic mushrooms, it’s a good idea to educate yourself about what you're taking to minimize unwanted effects. Planning ahead can also reduce risks, and MindYourMind offers an interactive tool to help you feel more prepared.
Can magic mushrooms be addictive?
There’s limited evidence suggesting that people can develop a physical addiction to magic mushrooms. Unlike some substances, there are no documented withdrawal symptoms when you stop using them. However, psychological dependence may occur if someone starts feeling like they need the drug or can’t function without it. Regular use may also lead to increased tolerance, meaning that over time, the same dose may no longer produce the same effects.
If you choose to use substances, it’s important to take steps to prioritize your safety and reduce potential risks. Learning to recognize the signs of a drug or alcohol overdose and understanding what to do in those situations can help protect both you and others.
What is microdosing?
Microdosing psychedelics, including magic mushrooms, has been gaining attention in the media. You might have come across a documentary or news article discussing it. Microdosing refers to taking very small, “sub-hallucinogenic” amounts of a psychedelic substance—doses that are low enough not to alter the senses—on a regular basis, often with the intention of improving mood.