Mushrooms

“Mushrooms” or “magic mushrooms” usually refer to mushrooms that contain psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-DMT) and psilocin (4-hydroxy-DMT). [1] [2] These include, for example, the liberty cap (Psilocybe semilanceata), which also grows in Finland. [2] Psilocybin mushrooms are classified as psychedelics. [3] They are usually consumed orally, either fresh or dried.

Legal status: Psilocybin, psilocin, and Psilocybe mushrooms are classified as narcotics. [4] The use, purchase, sale, and possession of narcotics is prohibited. [5] The Supreme Court has ruled that Psilocybe mushrooms do not meet the definition of particularly dangerous narcotics. [6]

How does it work?

The active ingredient in mushrooms, psilocybin, is converted in the body into psilocin. The substance binds to serotonin receptors in the brain. [2] [7] These areas are central to emotion, memory, sensory perception, and self-awareness. [8] The effects begin about 30–60 minutes after ingestion and typically last 3–6 hours. [1] [9]

The same amount of psilocybin can cause very different reactions in different people. [10] Effects can vary not only between individuals but also between uses. [1] Dosage affects both the intensity and nature of the experience. [3] Dosing is complicated by the wide variation in psilocybin levels between mushroom individuals and species. [1] [9]

Psychological effects: Mushrooms strongly affect thinking, emotions, and the senses. They alter the perception of time and space. Under the influence of the drug, a few minutes may feel like hours have passed. The user may feel as though they are merging with their environment. Communication typically becomes more difficult and everyday tasks may feel challenging. The substance emphasizes the emotions and thoughts most present in the user’s mind. Emotions may swing from one extreme to the other. Senses are often heightened and can blend together (synesthesia). [1] [2] [3] [9] [11]

Experiences of ego dissolution and disintegration of reality are common, especially with high doses. These experiences are often described as mystical and/or religious. [3] [9] [11]

Psilocybin mushrooms are often classified as hallucinogens, as they affect visual perception. Typically, users are aware that the perceptual changes are due to the mushrooms and do not mistake them for reality. True hallucinations are relatively rare at typical doses and are usually associated with high doses. [3] [7] [12] The classification “psychedelics” is also commonly used, including substances like LSD, mescaline, and ayahuasca. [3]

Physical effects: Mushrooms have relatively few physiological effects. During intoxication, heart rate may increase and blood pressure may rise. [1] [3] [9] Nausea, vomiting, heightened or altered sensation, trembling, and dizziness may also occur. [2] [9] The effects of mushrooms overall resemble those of LSD.

LSD’s physiological effects are mild. The body may warm, heart rate increase, and blood pressure rise. Users may experience nausea, muscle stiffness, heightened touch, dizziness, and drowsiness. Pupils may dilate.

Key risks

Acute risks: Mushrooms can cause very intense experiences of fear and anxiety. The main risks are associated with the possibility of a so-called “bad trip.” [9] In such cases, nightmarish hallucinations and fear of going insane can trigger a panic attack. [1] [2] The likelihood of fear and anxiety reactions increases with higher doses. [11] Mushrooms do not in themselves cause mental health disorders, [13] [14] but they can acutely bring difficult thoughts, emotions, and memories to the surface. Unprocessed, unpleasant experiences may continue to weigh on the mind long after use. [1] It is possible that psychedelics can lead to psychotic symptoms in individuals with a genetic predisposition. [9]

Mental state and setting are extremely important factors when using psychedelic substances. [1] [7] [9] In practice, this means that using mushrooms in a negative mental state, a chaotic environment, or an unsafe setting is very likely to result in an unpleasant experience.

During mushroom intoxication, the user’s perception of reality is altered. This impairs judgment of actions, time, and space, increasing the risk of accidents. [1] [3] The risk of a toxic overdose is small unless a person mistakenly consumes the wrong type of mushroom. [1] [2] [9] Liberty caps can be easily confused with other mushrooms, such as certain species of Inocybe, some of which can be fatal in large quantities. [2] Mushrooms temporarily raise blood pressure, which may pose a risk for people with cardiovascular disease. [1]

Polydrug use risks: Alcohol is believed to potentiate the effects of mushrooms, which may also increase the likelihood of unpleasant reactions. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are sometimes used to treat depression, slow the breakdown of psilocybin in the body. [1]

Heavy use risks: Current evidence suggests that heavy or long-term use of mushrooms does not lead to physical harm. [3] [9] It also appears not to cause mental health disorders. [13] [14] However, hallucinations caused by psychedelics can reoccur even months after use. This phenomenon is somewhat controversial and has mainly been associated with LSD. [1] [3]

Dependence: Mushrooms do not cause physical or psychological dependence. [1] [2] [9] Although some differing views exist regarding psychological dependence. [2] The almost nonexistent addiction potential is likely due to psilocybin’s minimal impact on dopamine production. [3] Tolerance to mushrooms and other psychedelics develops very quickly if used repeatedly over several days. [1] [3]

Use during pregnancy: The use of mushrooms during pregnancy should be avoided, as their effects on the fetus are unknown. [15]

How can risks be reduced?

Drug use always carries risks. With mushrooms, some risks can be reduced by only using the substance in a calm mental state, a safe environment, and with trusted people—if at all. [1] [9] Careful preparation and the presence of a sober companion help prevent panic reactions and accidents. [2] [9] If someone under the influence of mushrooms seems frightened or anxious, calm talk and waiting usually help. [2]

Mushrooms, like any other substance, should be avoided if there is a history of mental illness or a family predisposition to schizophrenia. [1]