4 Common Effects of Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms are naturally occurring mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic psilocybin, which also happens to be a Schedule 1 drug with no accepted medical use.

Magic mushrooms first gained popularity in the love and hippie era of the 1960s and 70s when psychedelics were in. They faded into the background for some time, but unfortunately, magic mushrooms have become quite popular again.

People mistakenly think that the effects of magic mushrooms are not addictive, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Just like other recreational drugs, the mind-altering effects of magic mushrooms can be dangerous. Since mushrooms are a natural product, there is no way to control the amount or potency of psilocybin ingested. People can experience what is referred to as a bad trip, and extended use can result in psychosis. Here are 4 other common effects of magic mushrooms.

Nauseous and Sleepy Feelings

One of the first effects of magic mushrooms is often nausea, vomiting, and even sleepiness. Users ingest the mushrooms and experience these unpleasant effects before the more intense effects kick in. Nauseousness, vomiting, and sleepiness may be experienced individually or in any combination and tend to occur 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion.

There are a few possible explanations for this. Perhaps one of the most popular explanations is two-fold. Mushroom experts explain that the cell walls of mushrooms are very thick and require cooking to be digestible. Nauseous and vomiting are often a result of indigestion. Studies also show that psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, may affect sleep-related neuroplasticity accounting for possible feelings of sleepiness.

Feelings of Euphoria

The effects of magic mushrooms containing psilocybin may include feelings of euphoria after they are ingested. The effects of magic mushrooms can be different for everyone depending on many factors, such as the amount ingested and the concentration of psilocybin. Feelings of euphoria are often experienced after the initial stage of nausea or sleepy feelings.

Many users experience feelings of euphoria after ingesting psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms. Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is often mistakenly referred to as a hormone. While serotonin has many functions in the human body, it is also responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being.

Hallucinogenic Effects

The hallucinogenic effects of magic mushrooms are perhaps the most popular due to the naturally occurring psilocybin. The biggest problem occurs because the amount and concentration of psilocybin is uncontrolled. Users have no way of knowing or controlling how much of the powerful hallucinogenic they ingest.

Psilocybin is a serotonin receptor that triggers a unique connectivity pattern in the brain which is only present in the hallucinogenic state. These stronger connections create a different state of consciousness and new visual perceptions for the user. The intense new visual effects are often referred to as “tripping.” Users who ingest magic mushrooms can have a bad trip or a good trip.

Psychosis or Long-Term Psychological Effects

The effects of magic mushrooms are different for everyone. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, also affects everyone differently. There are many different reasons why the effects of magic mushrooms can lead to psychosis and possibly even long-term psychological effects.

High concentrations of psilocybin, extended use, and psychological distress in the user can contribute to psychosis or long-term psychological effects after ingesting magic mushrooms. Pre-existing mental health issues can also be a contributing factor or predisposition to a bad trip, psychosis, or even psychosomatic symptoms. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH), psilocybin can even induce schizophrenic symptoms in healthy adults.

Magic Mushrooms Can Be Dangerous

The effects of magic mushrooms can be dangerous and addictive. Not all users have the same experience ingesting magic mushrooms, but the 4 most common effects include waves of nausea, feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, and even psychosis. While misguided users often feel that the active ingredient in magic mushrooms is not addictive, they are wrong. Psilocybin is an addictive compound with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical uses. If you or a loved one have experienced the dangerous effects of magic mushrooms, it is essential that you stop now. With the right support system in place, it is possible to quit chasing the effects of magic mushrooms and lead a long healthy life.