Certain mushrooms have psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects. The most well-known hallucinogenic mushrooms come from the Psilocybe genus, which is a group of over 150 mushrooms, many of which contain psilocybin. Psilocybin is an alkaloid that is metabolized as psilocin in the human body, producing psychoactive effects. This article will review some of the most common types of psilocybin mushrooms. [1][2][3]
- Many Psilocybe mushrooms contain psilocybin, which is converted into the psychedelic compound psilocin when consumed.
- There are hundreds of different mushrooms in the psilocybin genus, which vary slightly in their composition, potency, and effects.
- Psilocybin is considered the safest type of psychedelic, but it can produce unpleasant and uncomfortable psychological effects in some individuals.
What are psilocybin mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms belong to a family of mushrooms called Psilocybe, and many contain the alkaloid psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body into the psychoactive compound psilocin, which produces changes in mood, sensory processing, and perception. Psilocin works on serotonin receptors in the brain to produce psychoactive effects, including the hallucinations commonly experienced by users. [2][3][4]
While psilocybin mushrooms are being studied for their potential therapeutic effects in treating certain mental health conditions, they remain illegal in the U.S. and many countries around the world. While some people enrolled in studies or clinical trials take psilocybin legally, most psilocybin use is recreational in nature. [2][4]
Generally speaking, psilocybin is considered safe, carrying a low risk for dependence, overdose, or withdrawal, but its effects are often intense and can be psychologically destabilizing. Altered perceptions, enhanced emotions, and feeling out of touch with reality are common effects of psychedelic mushrooms. [3][4] For these reasons, any recreational use of psilocybin outside of a supervised therapeutic setting should be undertaken with caution.
Common types of psilocybin mushrooms
While there are other types of psychedelic mushrooms, psilocybin mushrooms are the most well-known. There are over 150 different varieties of Psilocybe mushrooms, which have different potencies and alkaloid structures. [1][4][5] Depending on the type, psilocybin levels, and other compounds present, different types of psilocybe mushrooms can have slightly different effects. Almost all will include hallucinogenic effects that cause distortions in mood, thinking, and perception. [3]
A common characteristic of psilocybin mushrooms is their tendency to turn blue when pressed upon, which is often used for identification purposes. Psilocybe mushrooms often have black or purple spores and are gilled on the underside. While many guides exist to help people identify mushroom types, it is important to realize that some Psilocybe mushrooms closely resemble other fungi, some of which may be toxic or poisonous to ingest. There have been accounts of misidentification of mushrooms leading to fatal outcomes, so extreme caution is required when foraging for wild mushrooms of any type. [5]
Psilocybe cubensis
Psilocybe cubensis is one of the most commonly used psychedelic mushrooms and is popular for its known and potent hallucinogenic effects. Psilocybe cubensis includes many different strains, including the popular “Penis Envy’ and ‘Golden Teacher’ strains. This type of mushroom is preferred by many because of its high psilocybin content and how easy it is to forage or cultivate in home grow kits. [1] It often grows out of the dung of cattle or other animals and grows in the summer, spring, and fall seasons, and can be found in North and South America, Asia, and Australia. [5]
Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty cap)
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Psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known as liberty caps, is another common type of psychedelic mushroom in the Psilocybe genus. These mushrooms contain high levels of psilocybin, leading to potent hallucinogenic effects. Unlike Psilocybe cubensis, liberty caps do not have multiple strains. They grow wild in many places, especially in grassy areas where sheep and cattle graze, and are most commonly found in the fall season. These mushrooms are more commonly found growing in Northern latitudes, including the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and Northern European countries. [5]
Psilocybe azurescens
Psilocybe azurescens, also known as flying saucers or blue angels, is another type of psilocybe mushroom with hallucinogenic properties. This type of mushroom contains one of the highest psilocybin contents, making it highly potent. Psilocybe azurescens grows wild in woody and mulchy environments on the West Coast of the U.S., including in Oregon and California. Some users of this strain have reported temporary feelings of weakness or paralysis after consumption, which is not a typical effect of other strains. [5]
Psilocybe cyanescens
Psilocybe cyanescens is another type of psychedelic mushroom in the Psilocybe genus. These mushrooms are sometimes called ‘wavy caps’ because of their appearance, and are known to have potent hallucinogenic effects. Psilocybe cyanescens grows naturally in the Pacific Northwest in states like California and Oregon, and also grows natively in parts of Europe. This mushroom tends to grow in woody and mulchy areas in fall and early winter seasons. [1][5]
Other Psilocybe species
There are hundreds of mushrooms in the Psilocybe genus, and most have hallucinogenic properties. While the most common varieties have been discussed already, some additional Psilocybe mushroom varieties include: [5]
- Psilocybe bohemica
- Psilocybe semilanceata
- Psilocybe baeocystis
- Psilocybe tampanensis
- Psilocybe weilii
- Psilocybe stuntzii
- Psilocybe aeruginosa
- Psilocybe argentipes
- Psilocybe angustispora
Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric): Not a psilocybin mushroom
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Amanita muscaria, or fly agaric, is a red or yellow and white-spotted mushroom that has psychedelic properties. This mushroom has a long history of ceremonial use, but its hallucinogenic effects are not linked to psilocybin. Amanita muscaria mushrooms belong to a separate genus called Amanita, and their psychedelic compounds are different. [1][6]
Ibotenic acid, which is converted in the body to muscimol, is primarily linked to its psychedelic effects. Unlike psilocybin, which works on serotonin receptors, muscimol works on GABA receptors. Other sedative drugs like benzodiazepines and alcohol also work on GABA, which suggests a similar mechanism of action. [6]
Unlike psilocybe mushrooms, it is possible to be poisoned by Amanita muscaria mushrooms. Nausea, vomiting, sweating, deep sleep, and disorientation can occur as adverse effects of consuming these mushrooms. Some mushroom guides suggest that 15 caps can be a fatal dose. However, fatalities from consumption are extremely rare, and this has not been documented in any official literature. This has, however, raised concerns because in many countries, including those in the EU, there are no legal restrictions against Amanita muscaria. [5][6]
Safety risks and mental health concerns
Compared to other psychedelics, psilocybin or ‘shrooms’ have a relatively strong safety profile. There is not a considerable risk of overdose, dependence, or withdrawal when consuming psilocybin, even though it is classified as an addictive illicit drug by the DEA. [2][4]
Still, consuming psilocybin mushrooms often results in intense effects, including visual and auditory hallucinations, anxiety, and unpleasant emotions in what is commonly called ‘a bad trip’. In most instances, these effects are short-lived and will wear off after 4-6 hours. Some people also report nausea, vomiting, headaches, and increased blood pressure and heart rate. [2]
A small number of people report negative residual effects after consuming psilocybin, and most of these are psychological in nature. These can include: [2][3[4]
- Increased risk for psychosis
- Suicidal ideation
- Lasting anxiety
- Depressed mood
- Paranoia
- Confusion
Harm reduction considerations
Harm reduction approaches include interventions that are aimed at helping individuals reduce the risk of adverse effects, including addiction. While psilocybin is not considered addictive, it can have intense psychedelic effects, which can destabilize a person’s mental well-being.
Here are some suggestions for how to use psilocybin safely and reduce the likelihood of adverse effects: [2][4][5]
- Consider microdosing or using smaller doses, especially for inexperienced users.
- Use psilocybin in safe, therapeutically guided environments.
- Avoid use during times when you’re experiencing high stress, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms.
- Have a designated sober companion you trust to stay with you while you take psilocybin.
- Be careful about where you source psilocybin from, and do not attempt to forage mushrooms on your own.
- Do not use psilocybin in combination with other mind or mood-altering substances or medications.
Treatment and support options
There are many treatment options for those who are struggling with addiction or other mental health challenges related to psilocybin use. Often, the first step involves reaching out to schedule an appointment with a licensed counselor, therapist, or psychologist who is knowledgeable about the issues you are struggling with. In many instances, health insurance policies will help to cover part of the cost of therapy, especially if you are choosing a therapist who is in-network.
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