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Magic mushrooms

  • Psilocybin and psilocin
  • Mush
  • Shrooms
  • Magic mushrooms

Magic mushrooms

What is it? A central nervous system disruptor.

Also called… Psilocybe cubensis, magic mushrooms, mush, shrooms.

What do they look like? Fresh or dried mushroom caps and stems that are beige, grayish, or brownish in colour.

How are they used? Taken orally (often with food), as a tea (infusion), in powder form, or in capsules.

When does the buzz start? About 20 minutes to 1 hour after ingestion.

How long does the buzz last? About 3 to 6 hours.

Someone might choose to use magic mushrooms to…

  • feel a sense of well-being and euphoria

  • experience uncontrollable laughter

  • feel more creative

  • experience changes or distortions in perception

  • experience hallucinations

  • alter their thoughts

  • gain deeper insight, introspection, or experience visions

However, magic mushrooms can also…

  • impair judgment

  • trigger panic attacks or paranoia

  • cause extreme agitation, anxiety, or aggression

  • lead to bloating, stomach pain, or hot flashes

  • cause disorientation

  • numb the extremities

  • cause dizziness and affect coordination

  • increase irritability

  • lead to frightening hallucinations

  • cause nausea and/or vomiting

  • precipitate psychosis in people with a predisposition or vulnerability

Regular use can increase your tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect). Magic mushrooms are particularly not recommended for people with heart conditions, diabetes, anxiety, fragile mental health, or sleep disorders. It is also very difficult to distinguish edible mushroom species from toxic ones in the wild. Some mushrooms are poisonous and can be fatal.

If you use magic mushrooms…

  • Be aware that products sold as magic mushrooms may contain other toxic substances.

  • Start with small amounts to assess potency and quality, and space out doses to avoid unpleasant surprises.

  • Avoid mixing substances; combining magic mushrooms with other substances can be risky and their effects can become even more unpredictable. Mixing with other hallucinogens or dissociatives, such as cannabis, ketamine, LSD, or PCP, can be especially risky.

  • Avoid activities that require clear judgment or concentration.

  • Reduce the risk of a bad experience by using in a safe and comfortable environment.

  • Stay close to someone you trust, ideally someone who has not used substances.