The rising popularity of using psychedelic substances as a treatment for drug-immune mental illnesses is evident today. It is dubbed the second renaissance of psychedelic research. That is because many experts see the potential use for treatment using these substances. One popular substance used for these treatments is magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms or shrooms.
What are magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms or psilocybin mushrooms are mind-altering fungi found in tropical and subtropical areas. They grow in moist areas and are primarily found in cow and horse dung. There are at least 116 known species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin, the active component that has psychedelic effects.
The earliest consumption of these psychedelic mushrooms can be dated back to our hominin ancestors. A hypothesis by Terence McKenna called the “Stoned Ape” suggests that our pre-historic ancestors consumed these mushrooms. McKenna posited that this later helped them evolve into homo sapiens, the modern-day human.
Are these shrooms safe?
Psilocybin mushrooms are harmless and one the safest of all common recreational drugs. It is impossible to have a lethal dose. However, consuming psychedelic substances, especially in high quantities, may cause dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, dilated pupils, and drowsiness.
In some cases, doing heroic doses may lead to a rise in anxiety levels that comes with unpleasant experiences often referred to as “bad trips.” So it is best to consume these mushrooms in a controlled environment and under the supervision of professionals, especially if you are new to them.
These mushrooms will temporarily increase the user’s heart rate and blood pressure. So it is not advised for someone with a heart condition to partake of this fungi. It’s also not recommended for people with schizophrenia and psychosis or with a family history of these conditions due to their hallucinogenic effects.
How are magic mushrooms used for treatment?
Psychedelic research for treatment has only resurfaced in recent years, and minimal data is available. However, three mental illnesses show significant progress using psilocybin mushrooms as treatment. These are depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Magic mushrooms are gaining popularity as an aid to psychotherapy because of their ability to rewire the brain, which leads to profound insights for patients. Reports of patients not experiencing symptoms for months after a psychedelic-aided treatment are very common.
The Bottom Line
Magic mushrooms are harmless and deemed the safest among all common recreational drugs. However, take note that there is still danger in using them.
Before hunting mushrooms in the wild, make sure you pick the right ones. Many mushrooms are poisonous to humans and look very similar to psilocybin mushrooms.
Knowing where to buy shrooms is a safer approach to avoid confusion and getting poisoned. There are plenty of legitimate and reputable shops available that now sell these.
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