Mushrooms🍄 have been utilized for centuries due to their medicinal & nutritious benefits, but certain species are also hallucinogenic. But what mushrooms make you high?
Despite the fact that the term “magic mushrooms” is commonly used for all mushrooms with psychedelic qualities, not all types have the same effects.
In this article, we will explore the types of hallucinogenic mushrooms that make you high, their active compounds, & their effects on the human body.
The History of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
Hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used since ancient times, with proof of their usage in Mesoamerica dating back to 2000 B.C. The effects of these mushrooms were believed to be a means to communicate with the gods and were frequently used for spiritual & religious motives.
The consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms turned more common in the 1950s and 1960s, as part of the rebellion against authority. It gave rise to research into the effects of the active substances in these mushrooms on the human🧑🤝🧑 body.
The Active Compounds in Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
The compounds that are active in hallucinogenic mushrooms are psilocybin, psilocin, norbaeocystin, and baeocystin. Similar in shape to the neurotransmitter serotonin, these substances belong to a category of chemicals🧪 known as tryptamines.
1. Psilocybin
Psilocybin is the most popular and explored of the hallucinogenic mushrooms’ active compounds. It gets transformed to psilocin, which is liable for the psychedelic effects, within the body.
2. Psilocin
Psilocin is the main substance responsible for hallucinogenic mushrooms’ psychedelic effects. It produces altered states of consciousness by acting on the receptors for serotonin in the brain🧠, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor.
3. Baeocystin
Baeocystin is a tryptamine that resembles psilocybin and psilocin structurally. It is thought to have identical effects on human🧑🤝🧑 beings, although less research has been conducted.
4. Norbaeocystin
An additional tryptamine discovered in hallucinogenic mushrooms is norbaeocystin. It is believed, like baeocystin, that it has similar effects to psilocybin and psilocin, but additional research📜 is required to confirm this.
What Mushrooms Make You High: Types of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
Not all psychoactive mushrooms produce identical effects. The following are a few of the best-known hallucinogenic mushroom varieties: 👇
1. Psilocybe Cubensis
The most widespread species of hallucinogenic mushrooms is Psilocybe cubensis, also referred to as “golden teacher” or “philosopher’s stone,”. It is indigenous to tropical and subtropical areas of the world🌎 but can be found in other regions.
Psilocybe cubensis carries significant concentrations of the hallucinogens psilocybin & psilocin, which cause intense hallucinations and changed states of consciousness.
2. Psilocybe Mexicana
Another popular variety of hallucinogenic mushrooms🍄 is Psilocybe mexicana, which is native to Mexico and other regions of Central America. It has been utilized for many years in religious rituals and conventional treatment.
It generates considerable hallucinations and changed states of consciousness but has lesser levels of psilocybin & psilocin than Psilocybe cubensis.
3. Psilocybe Semilanceata
Psilocybe semilanceata is a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that is often referred to as “liberty caps,” and it may be found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Intense hallucinations and changed levels of consciousness are produced by its high concentrations of psilocybin & psilocin.
4. Amanita Muscaria
The mushroom species Amanita muscaria, sometimes called “fly agaric,” has been utilized for its hallucinogenic qualities for many centuries. It contains an ingredient called ibotenic acid, which the body changes into muscimol.
Despite being less researched and having more unpredictable effects, muscimol has similar effects to psilocybin and psilocin.
5. Gymnopilus Spectabilis
A type of mushroom🍄 called Gymnopilus spectabilis can be found in both North America and Europe. It carries the psychoactive substance psilocybin, but it additionally includes other psychoactive substances that have different effects.
Even though it is less popular than other varieties of hallucinogenic mushrooms, some people still use it for its psychoactive effects.
Also Read: How to Tell If a Mushroom Is Poisonous?
How Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Work in the Brain
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms on human beings are not entirely known, but research has thrown some insight into how they function in the brain. Some of the more established theories are as follows:
The Serotonin Connection
Hallucinogenic mushrooms🍄 are thought to work by stimulating the brain’s serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that controls mood, hunger, and other physiological activities.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms cause substantial changes in perception, mood, and mental processes by stimulating these receptors.
Effects on Brain Networks
Studies have also demonstrated that hallucinogenic mushrooms affect the connection of brain🧠 networks. They appear to reduce activity in certain brain regions while increasing activity in others, resulting in changed levels of consciousness and increased creativity.
The Effects of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms on the Human Body
The impacts of hallucinogenic mushrooms🍄 differ based on the species, dosage, and person’s physiology and mentality. Some of the most prevalent short-term and long-term impacts are as follows:
Short-Term Effects
- Changed perception of time and space
- Both visual and audible hallucinations
- Feelings of euphoria and wellness
- Increased reflection and creativity
- Panic attacks, anxiety, and paranoia (in some people)
Long-Term Effects
- Enhanced mood and wellness (in some people)
- Enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities (in some people)
- Changes in perception, emotion, and thinking process that persist
- Improved empathy and openness (in some people)
- Recollections of memories & lasting perceptual disturbances
Also Read: How to Store Morel Mushrooms
Risks and Precautions
While using hallucinogenic mushrooms🍄 carefully and under controlled conditions is generally considered safe, they still present certain risks. You should take a few of the most significant precautions when using hallucinogenic mushrooms as follows: 👇
Dosage and Set & Setting
The dose of hallucinogenic mushrooms consumed is essential for analyzing the effects and risks. It is essential to start with a modest dose and gradually increase it until achieving the desired results.
The set and setting, along with the mindset and physical surroundings in which you consume the mushrooms, have an important influence in defining the experience.
Health Risks
Hallucinogenic mushrooms can be harmful to a person’s health, especially if they have severe mental or physical disorders. They can trigger paranoia, anxiety, and panic attacks, as well as increase depression or bipolar disorder symptoms.
Legal Status
Hallucinogenic mushrooms are prohibited🚫 in several nations, including the United States. Ownership, sale, and consumption can all result in legal consequences such as fines & jail.
Conclusion: What Mushrooms Make You High
Hallucinogenic mushrooms🍄 are an interesting and complicated class of psychoactive compounds that people use to alter their minds. Despite the risks and the fact that they are illegal in many countries, some people still use them for their creative, reflective, & spiritual effects.
Also Read: How to Make a Mushroom Soup
FAQs: What Mushrooms Make You High
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms,” can make you feel high.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary from person to person, but they can include changes in perception, visual hallucinations, euphoria, & alterations in mood.
The use of psilocybin mushrooms carries certain risks, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and changes in perception or mood that can cause anxiety or panic attacks.
The legality of psilocybin mushrooms differs depending on the region or country. In some places, they are completely legal, while in others, they are illegal or strictly regulated.
The active compound in psilocybin mushrooms is psilocybin, which is transforming into psilocin in the body, and this is responsible for producing the psychedelic effects.
There is no evidence to suggest that psilocybin mushrooms are physically addictive, but some people may develop a psychological dependence on them.
You can consume psilocybin mushrooms in various ways, such as eating them raw, dried, or cooked in food. You can also make a tea or capsule out of them.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can last several hours, usually between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the dose and individual tolerance.
The recommended dosage of psilocybin mushrooms varies depending on the person, but a typical dose is between 1 to 2 grams for a mild experience and 3.5 to 5 grams for a more intense high.
Yes, psilocybin mushrooms can lead to a bad trip, which can cause feelings of fear, paranoia, and anxiety. It is essential to use them in a safe and comfortable environment with trusted individuals.
Psilocybin mushrooms are currently being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, such as treating depression, anxiety, & addiction.
It can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes for psilocybin mushrooms to take effect, depending on how you’re consuming them.
It is essential to prepare for taking psilocybin mushrooms by researching their effects, creating a safe and comfortable environment, and having a trusted friend or guide present.
Possible side effects of taking psilocybin mushrooms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, & confusion.
Yes, psilocybin mushrooms can interact with some medications, such as antidepressants, so you should not ingest psilocybin mushrooms if you are currently taking such medications. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before taking psilocybin mushrooms.