A lot of people are interested in psychedelic mushrooms these days. There is a lot of misinformation out there, so I thought I would set the record straight as much as I can, and give a bit of insight. Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are fungi that contain psychoactive compounds. These compounds can cause changes in perception, mood, and cognition. When taken in large doses, they can cause hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness.
Psychedelic mushrooms have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for religious and spiritual purposes. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in their potential therapeutic benefits. Psilocybin has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, and addiction. It is also being studied as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, and OCD.
Psychedelic mushrooms are not without their risks. They can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. They can also interact with other medications you may be taking. If you have a history of mental illness, you should not take psychedelic mushrooms without the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
The Good of Psychedelic Mushrooms
Psychedelic mushrooms have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for religious and spiritual purposes. It is also a fun recreational intoxicant that is very safe in small doses. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in their potential therapeutic benefits. In Washington D.C. they are basically legal as a 2000 law lets mushrooms be grown and sold.
Also in Colorado they just passed a law letting physicians prescribe and monitor dosing and it also allows people to grow and share them.
Psilocybin has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, and addiction. It is also being studied as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, and OCD.
“Based on the current body of research,” says Dr. Ryan Marino, MD, an emergency physician, medical toxicologist and addiction medicine specialist at University Hospitals, “psilocybin has proven to be extremely safe when administered in controlled settings.” Psilocybin is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the federal government. Source
So there is a lot of good things about them, and if used “very lightly” in small doses; it can have some great benefits. One good thing about psilocybin mushrooms is if you know where to find them, they’re FREE!
The Bad of Psychedelic Mushrooms
Psychedelic mushrooms are not without their risks. They can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. They can also interact with other medications you may be taking. If you have a history of mental illness, you should not take psychedelic mushrooms without the supervision of a qualified medical professional. The worst thing is if your in a state where is is not legal then you risk some serious charges.
To date, only Oregon and Maine have decriminalized magic mushrooms in the United States. In November of 2020 and March of 2021, respectively. Despite its illegality, many cities across the U.S. have started to decriminalize the substance within their municipalities; Denver being the first in 2019 with Oakland following shortly after that same year.
Find out more on the legality of psilocybin mushrooms here.
So in short…
Overall, a lot of people believe that the potential benefits of psychedelic mushrooms outweigh the risks. However, it is important to do your research before taking them and to make sure you are doing so with all the knowledge you need.