
Magic mushrooms
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms or magic mushrooms, are species of mushrooms that contain psychoactive compounds, mainly psilocybin and psilocin. These substances affect perception, mood and cognitive processes, generating unique sensory experiences, deep introspection and, in many cases, a sense of connection with the environment.
For centuries, various indigenous cultures have used these mushrooms in spiritual rituals and shamanic ceremonies due to their ability to induce altered states of consciousness. Today, their use has spread to recreational and therapeutic settings, with studies exploring their potential to treat disorders such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress.
Main genera of hallucinogenic mushrooms:
- Psilocybe: This genus encompasses numerous species of hallucinogenic mushrooms, such as Golden Teacher or Mazatapec, recognized for containing psilocybin and psilocin. They are distributed globally, with a preference for humid areas rich in organic matter. Some of the most prominent psychoactive species are:
- Psilocybe cubensis
- Psilocybe semilanceata
- Psilocybe mexicana
- Psilocybe cyanescens
- Psilocybe azurescens
- Panaeolus: Small-sized species of very high psychoactive intensity, such as Copelandia Hawaiian . They grow in various environments, such as meadows, pastures, crop fields and in animal manure.
- Gymnopilus: mushrooms that contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin, although in lower concentration than other hallucinogenic species such as those of the Psilocybe genus. They are found in temperate and subtropical forests.
- Pluteus: Some species have traces of psilocybin. They are frequently found in deciduous and mixed forests, especially in temperate and subtropical climate zones.
Origin and history of magic mushrooms
Hallucinogenic mushrooms have an origin dating back thousands of years, deeply rooted in the spiritual and medicinal practices of ancient cultures. In Mesoamerica, the Mazatec and Aztec peoples employed species such as Psilocybe mexicana and Psilocybe aztecorum in shamanic ceremonies to communicate with the gods and heal the spirit, a use documented since at least pre-Hispanic times, with colonial records dating back to the 16th century.
In Siberia, Amanita muscaria, with its distinctive white spots, was consumed by shamans to induce prophetic visions, while in Europe, archaeological evidence suggests that prehistoric tribes were already exploring the effects of psychedelic mushrooms.
These traditions lasted until the 20th century, when psilocybin was isolated in 1958 by Albert Hofmann, marking the beginning of its scientific study and its revival in modern mental health therapies. This historical legacy positions magic mushrooms as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary potential.
Subcategories of Magic mushrooms
Products in Magic mushrooms
Common effects of the consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms:
The effects of magic mushrooms, which contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, can vary depending on the dose, the environment, the mental predisposition of the user, and the species of mushroom consumed. Generically, these effects fall into three main categories: physical, mental, and sensory/visual.
- Physical Effects:
- Changes in body perception: feeling of lightness, floating or, conversely, feeling the body heavier.
- Increased energy or drowsiness: Depending on the dose and the individual.
- Dilated pupils.
- Alterations in motor coordination: Difficulty in maintaining balance or clumsy movements.
- Nausea and stomach upset: Especially at the beginning of the trip.
- Frequent yawning: Even without feeling sleepy.
- Increased body temperature, sweating or shivering.
- Mild tremors or muscle twitching.
- Mental or Cognitive Effects:
- Altered perception of time: sensation of time speeding up, slowing down or even stopping.
- Deep introspection: Intense philosophical, existential or spiritual thoughts.
- Changes in mood: Euphoria, intense happiness, but episodes of anxiety or confusion may also arise.
- Difficulty concentrating on simple tasks: The mind tends to wander.
- Ego dissolution (in high doses): Temporary loss of sense of "self," which may generate feelings of oneness with the universe or transcendence.
- Feeling of connection with nature and the environment.
- Sensory and Visual Effects:
- Visual hallucinations: fractal pattern, moving geometries, surfaces that "breathe" or change shape.
- Brighter and more intense colors: Colors appear more vivid and saturated.
- Visual distortion: Objects that appear to melt, vibrate or change size.
- Synesthesia: Fusion of the senses, such as "seeing" sounds or "feeling" colors.
- Increased auditory sensitivity: Sounds may seem sharper, more intense or enveloping.
Responsible use of hallucinogenic mushrooms
The use of magic mushrooms should be done responsibly. It is essential to consider the legal context of each country, the environment where they are consumed and the mentality of the user. It is recommended to avoid their use in people with a history of mental disorders or in risk situations.
The use of hallucinogenic mushrooms is not risk-free, especially in high doses or in inappropriate environments. Factors such as the user's emotional state, the environment and the company can significantly influence the experience. On some occasions, episodes of anxiety, confusion or paranoia, known as bad trips, may arise, characterized by feelings of intense fear, loss of control or intrusive thoughts. Although these effects are usually temporary, they can be distressing for the user. Therefore, it is essential to approach their use with caution, in a safe environment and with an appropriate mindset to minimize risks.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not promote the use of psychoactive substances.
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