Hallucinogenic mushrooms: everything you need to know about their effects, types and uses

Hallucinogenic mushrooms: everything you need to know about their effects, types and uses

Hallucinogenic mush rooms are a group of mushrooms containing psychoactive substances that induce changes in perception, thinking and feelings. In this article we will discuss their effects, types and use, both in a recreational and medical context.

What are hallucinogenic mushrooms?

Hallucinogenic mushrooms are mushrooms containing psychoactive substances that induce hallucinogenic properties, i.e. changes in perception, thought and feelings. Among them, mushrooms containing psilocybin mycelium and hallucinogenic mycelium can be distinguished.

Definition and hallucinogenic properties of mushrooms

Hallucinogenic mushrooms are mushroom species that contain psychoactive substances such as psilocybin or psilocin. The hallucinogenic properties of these mushrooms involve inducing changes in perception, thinking and feelings, which can lead to experiences of a mystical nature, euphoria, as well as perceptual disturbances and visual hallucinations.

Types of hallucinogenic mushrooms: lanceolate, golden teacher and others

Types of hall ucinogenic mushrooms include the lanceolate coot (Psilocybe semilanceata) and the golden teacher (Psilocybe cubensis). Psilocybe semilanceata is a species of hallucinogenic mushroom found in Europe, characterised by its small, conical caps. Golden teacher is another species of hallucinogenic mushroom that is native to Central America and is known for its large, golden hats and strong hallucinogenic properties.

Where do hallucinogenic mushrooms grow, including in Poland?

Hallucinogenicmushrooms can be found all over the world, in a variety of habitats such as meadows, forests or grasslands. In Poland, they are mainly found in meadows and pastures, especially in autumn. However, it is worth remembering that searching for and consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms in Poland is illegal, and their effects can be unpredictable and dangerous to health.

Psylocybin and psilocin: psychoactive substances in hallucinogenic mushrooms

Psilocybin and psilocin are the two main psychoactive substances present in hallucinogenic mushrooms. They are responsible for inducing changes in perception, thinking and feelings, leading to experiences of a mystical nature, euphoria, as well as perceptual disturbances and visual hallucinations.

Psylocybin in hallucinogenic mushrooms: where does it come from and how does it work?

Thepsilocybin in hall ucinogenic mushrooms is produced by the mushrooms as a defence against predators. When ingested by humans, psilocybin is converted in the body into psilocin, which affects brain function. Psilocin binds to serotonin receptors, leading to changes in nerve conduction and ultimately to the effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Psilocin: what is it and how does it affect the body?

Psilocin is a substance with psychoactive properties that is responsible for the effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms. It affects the body by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to changes in nerve conduction and causing perceptual disturbances, visual hallucinations and other psychoactive effects.

Perceptual disturbances and visual hallucinations: effects of psilocybin and psilocin

The effects of ps ilocybin and psilocin include, but are not limited to, perceptual disturbances such as changes in the perception of shapes, colours or sounds, as well as visual hallucinations and visual hallucinations. A person under the influence of these substances may experience distortions of reality, such as seeing rippling surfaces, pattern formation or the so-called 'breathing wall' phenomenon. It is worth noting that these effects can vary depending on the dose, individual sensitivity and the context of the consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms: effects, symptoms and signs of use

Ingestionof hall ucinogenic mushrooms can lead to a variety of effects, both positive and negative. Symptoms of mushroom use include m.in. euphoria, changes in perception, hallucinations or mystical experiences. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that reactions to hallucinogenic mushrooms are individual and can vary depending on the dose, the context of consumption and the sensitivity of the individual. Below we will discuss the effects of psilocybin use, hallucinations after mushrooms and disturbed perception and mystical experiences.

What are the effects of psilocybin use: positive and negative aspects

Positive effects of psilocybin use include:

• More intense sensory experiences (sight, hearing, touch)
• Increased creativity and openness to new experiences
• Mystical and spiritual experiences
• Improved mood and feelings of euphoria

Unfortunately, the consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms can also lead to negative effects such as:

• Anxiety, fear and paranoia
• Perception disturbances and disorientation
• Nausea, vomiting and stomach pains
• Bad trip - unpleasant and frightening experiences

Mushroom hallucinations: what are they and how to recognise them?

Mushroom hallucinations are a phenomenon in which a person experiences distortions of reality, such as seeing non-existent objects, people or phenomena. Hallucinations can be visual, auditory, tactile or even gustatory. To recognise hallucinations from mushrooms, the following symptoms are worth noting:

• Seeing wavy surfaces, pattern formation or the so-called "breathing wall" phenomenon
• Hearing sounds that have no source in reality
• Tactile sensations, although there is no contact with real objects

Distorted perceptions and mystical experiences after ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms

Distorted per ceptions are changes in the perception of shapes, colours, sounds or time that can occur after the ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms. A person under the influence of mushrooms may experience distortions of reality, such as objects transforming, changing in size or feeling time speeding up or slowing down.

Mystical experiences are profound spiritual experiences that can occur while using hallucinogenic mushrooms. A person may experience feelings of oneness with the world, understanding of deep truths or contact with higher powers. Mystical experiences can lead to permanent changes in a person's personality, values or beliefs.

Medical applications of hallucinogenic mushrooms: clinical studies and experiments

In recent years, the medical uses of hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially those containing psilocybin, have received increasing scientific attention. Clinical studies and medical experiments suggest that these substances can be beneficial in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive states or anxiety.

How psilocybin relieves symptoms of deep depressive states and anxiety conditions

Psilocybin, the main active ingredient in psilocybin mushrooms, has shown the ability to relieve symptoms of deep depressive states and anxiety. Psilocybin's mechanism of action involves interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered neuronal activity and thinking patterns. As a result, patients experience a shift in perspective, which can help break negative thought and feeling patterns.

In clinical trials, patients with major depression or anxiety disorders who received controlled doses of psilocybin often reported significant improvements in mood, reductions in anxiety and an increased sense of connectivity with other people and the world around them. Many of these effects persisted even after the substance had worn off.

Medical uses of psilocybin mushrooms: what do clinical studies say?

The results of clinical studies on the medical uses of ps ilocybin mushrooms are promising. In addition to treating depression and anxiety disorders, psilocybin is also being investigated as a potential treatment for other psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

In one study, patients with advanced-stage cancer who were experiencing anxiety related to anticipated death were given a single dose of psilocybin. The results showed a significant reduction in anxiety and an improvement in quality of life, which persisted for up to several months after the experiment ended.

It is worth noting, however, that most studies on the medical uses of psilocybin mushrooms are still at an early stage and require further, more detailed analyses. Furthermore, the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms in therapy requires close medical supervision and appropriate psychological support to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

As researchers continue to investigate mushroom spores and their potential medical applications, there is a chance that hallucinogenic mushrooms will become an important tool in the future for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders.

Legal status of hallucinogenic mushrooms and risk of addiction

An important aspect related to hallucinogenic mushrooms is their legal status and the potential risk of addiction. Different countries have different laws regarding the possession, distribution and use of these substances, which may affect the availability and safety of their use.

Are hallucinogenic mushrooms legal? Overview of the legal status in different countries

Thelegal status of hallucinogenic mushrooms varies from country to country. In some countries, such as the United States, Canada and most European countries, hallucinogenic mushrooms are illegal and their possession, distribution and use are punishable by law. In Poland, possession and trade of hallucinogenic mushrooms is also prohibited.

However, in some countries, such as the Netherlands, hallucinogenic mushrooms are legal, but only in the form of so-called 'fresh magic truffles', which are legally available in specialised shops. In Mexico, hallucinogenic mushrooms are only legal in the context of traditional religious and spiritual practices.

Are hallucinogenic mushrooms addictive? Addictive properties and potential side effects

Unlike many other psychoactive substances, such as alcohol or drugs, hallucinogenic mushrooms do not exhibit strong addictive properties. However, this does not mean that their use is completely risk-free. There is the possibility of a so-called side-effect psychological addiction, which is the desire to experience the hallucinogenic effects again.

It is also worth noting the side effects associated with the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Some of these include perceptual disturbances, anxiety, paranoia, and the risk of so-called 'bad trips', which are unpleasant and difficult experiences during hallucinations. For people with a predisposition to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder, the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms can lead to an increase in the symptoms of these conditions.

In conclusion, although hallucinogenic mushrooms do not have strong addictive properties, their use does carry some risks, especially for people with a predisposition to psychiatric disorders. Therefore, it is important to remember to use these substances responsibly and consciously, and to comply with current legislation.

Summary

In this article, we have discussed various aspects related to hallucinogenic mushrooms, such as their types, the effects of psychoactive substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, and the effects of their consumption. We also presented the potential medical uses of these mushrooms and their legal status and risk of addiction.

We highlighted that hallucinogenic mushrooms are illegal in most countries, including Poland, but in some places, such as the Netherlands and Mexico, they are legal in specific contexts. Although they do not exhibit strong addictive properties, their use carries some risks, especially for people with a predisposition to psychiatric disorders.

It is noteworthy that clinical studies on the medicinal uses of hallucinogenic mushrooms have shown promising results in the treatment of deep depression and anxiety. However, further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of these substances.

In conclusion, hallucinogenic mushrooms are a fascinating topic that combines scientific, medical, legal and cultural aspects. It is important to remember to use these substances responsibly and consciously and to comply with current legislation.

Educational material we do not encourage the use of prohibited substances