Magic Mushrooms: What Are They, What Do They Do and What Are the Risks?

What are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic Mushrooms are mushrooms that contain psilocybin and psilocin, compounds that can produce psychedelic effects. They belong to the group of substances known as psychedelics.

The mushroom itself is actually only one part of a much larger fungal organism. Beneath the surface grows a network of extremely fine fungal threads known as mycelium. When conditions are suitable, mushrooms can grow from this mycelium. These mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of the fungus and are used, among other things, to spread its spores.

There are many different species of psychedelic mushrooms. Psilocybe cubensis is one of the best-known species. Golden Teacher is a well-known name among cultivated varieties of Psilocybe cubensis. The amount of active compounds can vary between species and even between individual mushrooms.

What are psilocybin and psilocin?

Psilocybin and psilocin are the main psychedelic compounds associated with Magic Mushrooms. After ingestion, much of the psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which is responsible for a large part of the psychedelic effects.

Psilocin interacts with serotonin systems in the brain, including the 5-HT2A receptor. As a result, perception, mood, thoughts and the sense of time can temporarily change. Because Magic Mushrooms are natural products, individual mushrooms do not always contain exactly the same amount of active compounds. Their potency can therefore be less predictable than that of a product with a precisely measured amount of an active substance.

What is the difference between Magic Mushrooms and magic truffles?

The main difference is that Magic Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of a fungus, while magic truffles are compact underground structures formed by the mycelium. Both can contain psilocybin and psilocin.

• Magic Mushrooms are the mushrooms themselves, or the fruiting bodies of the fungus.
• Magic truffles are technically known as sclerotia: dense structures formed by the mycelium in which the fungus stores nutrients.

The term “magic truffle” is a popular name rather than a strict biological definition. Biologically speaking, these structures are sclerotia rather than true truffles.

Magic Mushrooms and magic truffles can both contain psilocybin and psilocin and may therefore produce similar psychedelic effects. How intense an experience becomes does not depend solely on whether mushrooms or truffles are involved. The amount of active compounds, the individual and the surrounding circumstances can all play a role.

Want to learn more about the differences? Read our guide to the differences between Magic Mushrooms and magic truffles.

What are the effects of Magic Mushrooms?

Magic Mushrooms can temporarily cause significant changes in perception, thoughts, emotions and the sense of time. The experience can vary considerably depending on the individual, the amount consumed and the circumstances.

Possible effects include:

• colours appearing more intense;
• seeing patterns or movement on surfaces;
• objects appearing to wave or change shape;
• an altered sense of time;
• music, sounds and touch feeling more intense;
• thoughts becoming unusually associative or complex;
• a strong feeling of connection with other people or the surrounding environment;
• or, conversely, a feeling of distance from yourself or your surroundings.

Magic Mushrooms can also cause physical effects. These may include nausea, headaches, dilated pupils, dizziness and problems with balance. Not everyone experiences the same effects, and even two experiences involving the same person can differ considerably.

How long does it take for Magic Mushrooms to work?

The effects of Magic Mushrooms are often first noticed within approximately 20 to 60 minutes, while the most noticeable effects may last for around 3 to 6 hours. Exactly how quickly the effects begin and how long they last varies from person to person and depends on the circumstances.

Even after the strongest effects have faded, a person may not immediately feel completely sober or fully alert. Driving or operating machinery should therefore be avoided for as long as someone still feels affected.

What do set and setting mean?

Set and setting describe a person's state of mind and the environment in which a psychedelic experience takes place. Both can have a significant influence on how the experience is perceived.

• Set refers to a person's physical and mental state. This includes factors such as mood, expectations, stress and tiredness.
• Setting refers to the surrounding environment. This includes the location, how busy it is, music and the people who are present.

Someone who feels tense, low or anxious may experience psychedelics differently from someone who feels calm and comfortable. An unfamiliar, crowded or unsafe environment can also increase feelings of fear or confusion.

What is a bad trip?

A bad trip is a psychedelic experience in which fear, panic, confusion or other negative feelings become dominant. Someone may, for example, become anxious, suspicious, disoriented or panicked.

Because perception and thought processes can be significantly altered during a trip, it may be difficult for someone to reassure themselves that the effects are temporary. A calm environment and a sober, trusted person nearby can therefore be important. A sober person who stays with someone during a psychedelic experience is often referred to as a tripsitter.

What are the risks of Magic Mushrooms?

The main risks associated with Magic Mushrooms include anxiety, panic, a temporary loss of touch with reality, physical discomfort and the possibility of triggering or worsening psychological problems.

The fact that Magic Mushrooms are a natural product does not mean that they are risk-free.

Possible risks include:

• anxiety, panic and confusion;
• a temporary loss of touch with reality;
• unsafe situations caused by incorrectly judging distances or risks;
• nausea, vomiting or dizziness;
• temporary problems with concentration or memory;
• triggering or worsening psychological problems in people who are susceptible to them.

Particular caution is important for people with existing mental health problems or a personal or family history of psychotic disorders. Psychedelic substances may worsen existing symptoms or trigger serious psychological reactions in susceptible individuals.

Combining psychedelics with alcohol, other drugs or certain medications may also create additional risks.

Can you become addicted to Magic Mushrooms?

The dependence potential of Magic Mushrooms is generally considered to be relatively low. That does not mean their use is without risks.

Tolerance can also develop quickly with repeated use. This means the body temporarily becomes less responsive to psilocybin.

Are Magic Mushrooms legal?

The legal status of Magic Mushrooms differs considerably from one country to another. Psilocybin and psilocin are internationally controlled substances, but individual countries do not all regulate mushrooms containing these compounds in exactly the same way.

Some countries specifically prohibit psilocybin-containing mushrooms, while others regulate them through laws covering psilocybin and psilocin themselves. The legal treatment of fresh mushrooms, dried mushrooms, magic truffles, spores, mycelium and grow kits can also differ depending on the country.

Magic truffles should therefore not automatically be assumed to have the same legal status everywhere simply because they are biologically sclerotia rather than mushrooms.

Magic Mushroom grow kits also require a separate legal assessment. Grow kits generally consist of a substrate colonised by mycelium rather than mature mushroom fruiting bodies. This biological distinction does not automatically determine their legal status, as laws concerning mycelium, cultivation materials and intended use differ between jurisdictions.

Always check the current laws in your own country before purchasing, possessing, importing or transporting Magic Mushrooms, magic truffles or related cultivation products.

What is a Magic Mushroom grow kit?

A Magic Mushroom grow kit is a cultivation kit that typically contains a growing substrate colonised by mycelium. Mycelium is the living network of fungal threads from which fruiting bodies can develop when environmental conditions are suitable.

Mycelium and mushroom fruiting bodies are therefore different stages or structures of the same fungal organism. Their composition can also differ considerably.

Want to learn more about mycelium and grow kits? Take a look at our Magic Mushroom grow kits. Always make sure you are familiar with the laws and regulations that apply in your country.

What does research say about psilocybin?

Psilocybin is being studied for its potential therapeutic role in areas including depression and different forms of addiction. However, this research takes place under controlled conditions with professional supervision.

Participants in these studies are generally screened in advance and receive professional support surrounding the psychedelic experience. This is fundamentally different from independently using Magic Mushrooms or magic truffles.

Research in several areas has produced promising results, but important questions about effectiveness, risks and long-term outcomes remain. Psilocybin should therefore not be viewed as a substance for self-treating a mental health condition.

Frequently asked questions about Magic Mushrooms

Are Magic Mushrooms and magic truffles the same?

No. Magic Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of a fungus. Magic truffles are sclerotia: compact storage structures formed by the mycelium. Both can, however, contain the same main psychedelic compounds.

Which compound causes the psychedelic effects?

Psilocin is primarily responsible for the psychedelic effects. Magic Mushrooms can contain both psilocybin and psilocin. After ingestion, much of the psilocybin is converted into psilocin.

How quickly do Magic Mushrooms take effect?

The first effects are often noticeable after approximately 20 to 60 minutes. The exact onset can vary depending on the individual and the circumstances.

How long do Magic Mushrooms last?

The most noticeable effects may last for approximately 3 to 6 hours. Some after-effects can remain after this period, and a person may not immediately feel completely sober or fully alert.

What is a bad trip?

A bad trip is a psychedelic experience in which anxiety, panic or confusion becomes dominant. This can make the experience feel extremely intense, overwhelming or frightening.