Psilocybin mushrooms are popularly referred to as magic mushrooms or shrooms. They contain mind-altering and hallucinogenic compounds which alter the normal behavioral patterns of users. The mushrooms are normally used in sacred and religious settings by users. Psilocybin is classified as a potentially dangerous product by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The usage of Psilocybin mushrooms is heavily prohibited in most jurisdictions in the US.
This article will focus on the different types of magic mushrooms, a brief physical description as well as the effects experienced by users. There is a growing use of this type of mushrooms for recreational purposes by individuals in the US and other countries as well.
Types of Psilocybin mushrooms
- Mexican mushroom is one of the most prominent Psilocybin mushrooms. Its scientific name is Psilocybe cubensis. Its cap is russet in color while its stem has an amber complexion. Its flesh revolves to pale blue when the mushroom is punctured. This type of mushroom thrives well in humid conditions.
- Bottle cap mushroom. Its scientific name is Psilocybe baeocystis. Its cap is sepia in complexion while its stem has an amber color when it is undried. It thrives well in decaying tree stumps and trunks.
- Liberty cap. Its scientific name is Psilocybe semilanceata. It is distinguished by its lemon-yellow acute cap. It thrives well in meadows populated by herbivores such as cattle and sheep. It thrives well in moist conditions. It is considered to have the least hallucinogenic effects on its users when compared to the other Psilocybin mushrooms.
- Psilocybe atlantis. It is a rarely occurring type of mushroom. Its cap has a beige color and its flesh produces an ultramarine complexion when it is punctured. It thrives well in moist and damp conditions.
- Psilocybe araucariicola. It is a rare type of Psilocybin mushroom native to Brazil. It thrives well in rotting Brazilian pine tree trunks and stumps.
- Psilocybe aztecorum. It is found predominantly in Central America. It is easily distinguished by its flared cap. The complexion of the cap ranges from hazelnut brown when it’s well hydrated to caramel when it is less hydrated. Its snowy cords are prominently visible. It thrives well in paddocks and lush conifer groves. It was widely used by the Aztec tribe in Mexico during sacred rituals.
The latency of Psilocybin mushrooms is pegged on the following factors.
- The breed of the mushroom-certain species are more potent than other species.
- The environment in which they grow as well the climatic conditions
- Hydration of the mushroom- fresh mushrooms will produce a different effect when compared to dried mushrooms. Dried mushrooms have more potent compounds than fresh mushrooms.
The effects of Psilocybin mushrooms vary from one individual to the other. The general symptoms can be noted among recreational users:
- Light-headedness
- Clumsiness in movement
- Lethargy
- Qualmishness
- A quick urge to regurgitate
- Muscle fatigue
- Temporary lunacy
- Hallucinations
The effects of magic mushrooms are considered to be mild when compared to other drugs which have serious side effects. There is an ongoing research project being carried in the US to test whether Psilocybin mushrooms can be used to treat patients suffering from depression. There are medications that are used to treat individuals experiencing hallucinogenic episodes after ingesting the mushroom. The effects usually wear out after roughly 7 hours after the medication has been administered.