Psilocybin mushrooms - explanation of action and properties

Psilocybin mushrooms - explanation of action and properties

Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as hallucinogenic mushrooms, are a group of mushrooms that contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds affect the nervous system, causing changes in perception, thinking and mood. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used by many cultures around the world for religious and therapeutic purposes. In recent years, interest in them has increased and scientists have begun to explore their medical potential.

The history of the discovery and use of psilocybin mushrooms dates back thousands of years. They are known from a variety of cultures, including the Mayan, Aztec, Native American and African cultures. They have been used for religious and therapeutic purposes, and as a means of obtaining visions. Modern research shows that psilocybin mushrooms may have applications in the treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction and other mental disorders.

Psylocybin, the main active ingredient in psilocybin mushrooms, affects the brain, causing changes in perception of reality, thinking and mood. Research shows that it can help treat some psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. However, due to its psychoactive properties, psilocybin mushrooms can be dangerous and cause negative side effects, including anxiety, confusion and hallucinations.

• Psilocybin mushrooms are a group of mushrooms containing psychoactive compounds, such as psilocybin and psilocin, which affect the nervous system, causing changes in perception, thinking and mood.
• Interest in psilocybin mushrooms has grown in recent years, and scientists have begun to explore their medical potential, particularly in the treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction and other mental disorders.
• Psilocybin mushrooms can be dangerous and cause negative side effects, including anxiety, disorientation and hallucinations.

Psilocybin mushrooms - definition

Psilocybin mushrooms are a type of mushroom that contain psychoactive substances such as psilocybin and psilocin. They are categorised as hallucinogenic mushrooms, but in fact only a small number of species cause actual hallucinations.

The term 'psilocybin mushrooms', the common name for these fungi, comes from the chemical compound psilocybin, which is found in many of the species included in this group. Psilocybin mushrooms grow in a variety of environments such as forests, meadows, fields and parks.

Many species of psilocybin mushrooms are legal in Poland, but their possession and consumption may be illegal in other countries. There are no specific regulations for these mushrooms in Poland, but their consumption may be considered an offence or a criminal offence if it causes a risk to health or life.

Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in religious ceremonies, as well as for therapeutic purposes. Studies have shown that these mushrooms can have positive effects on mental health, but their consumption can also lead to dangerous side effects such as anxiety, panic, disorientation and disturbances in the perception of time and space.

History of discovery and use

Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, have been used by humans for thousands of years. The first records of their use come from Mexico, where they were used by the Aztecs and Mayans for religious and medicinal purposes.

In 1955, American ethnobotanist Robert Gordon Wasson published an article in Life magazine describing his experiments with psilocybin mushrooms in Mexico. This article contributed to scientific and public interest in these mushrooms.

In the 1960s, psilocybin mushrooms became popular among the hippie movement and began to be used for recreational purposes. In 1970, they were added to the list of banned substances in the United States, causing their popularity to decline.

In recent years, psilocybin mushrooms have gained popularity as a therapeutic substance for the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders. Studies have shown that psilocybin, contained in psilocybin mushrooms, can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In Poland, psilocybin mushrooms are not legal and their possession, cultivation and sale is punishable.

Types of psilocybin mushrooms

Psilocybin mushrooms are a group of fungi that contain chemical compounds, such as psilocybin and psilocin, which cause hallucinations and perceptual changes in humans.

The most commonly used psilocybin mushroom species include:

• Psilocybe semilanceata (Psilocybe semilanceata)
• Mexican coot (Psilocybe mexicana)
• Psilocybe cubensis
• Psilocybe azurescens
• Conocybe
• Copelandia
• Gymnopilus
• Inocybe

There are many species of psilocybin mushrooms, which differ in appearance, chemical composition, potency and mode of ingestion.

These species can be divided into two main groups:

1. Fungi that grow on the ground - such as coots, capsicums, Conocybe, Copelandia, Gymnopilus, Inocybe, which grow in forests, pastures, gardens and other grassy areas.

2. Fungi that grow on wood - such as Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe azurescens, which grow on wood in tropical rainforests.

All psilocybin mushroom species contain varying amounts of psilocybin and psilocin, which affect the strength and duration of the hallucinogenic effects.

Psylocybin - the main active ingredient

Psilocybin mushrooms contain many chemical compounds, but it is psilocybin that is thought to be the main active ingredient responsible for their psychoactive effects ¹. Psylocybin is an organic chemical compound from the tryptamine group that occurs naturally in hundreds of species of psilocybin mushrooms, m.in. in Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata ².

After ingestion of psilocybin mushrooms, psilocybin is metabolised in the body, converting to psilocin, a substance with similar psychoactive effects ³. Psilocybin and psilocin affect brain function, causing changes in perception, thinking and mood ⁴.

Studies have shown that psilocybin can have positive effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety ⁵. However, consumption of psilocybin mushrooms can also lead to unpleasant sensations such as anxiety, panic or disorientation ⁶.

Therefore, consumption of psilocybin mushrooms should be done with caution and under the supervision of an experienced guide ⁷.

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Psychopharmacology

How psilocybin mushrooms work

Mechanism of action

Psilocybin mushrooms contain chemical compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin that affect the brain. Once ingested, these compounds are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and reach the brain, where they affect serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood, sleep, appetite and other bodily functions. Psilocybin and psilocin affect serotonin levels, leading to changes in perception and mood.

Psychoactive effects

After ingesting psilocybin mushrooms, a person may experience changes in perception, thinking and mood. The psychoactive effects depend on the dose and species of mushrooms. At low doses, a person may experience changes in colours, sounds and shapes, as well as the sensation that time passes more slowly. In higher doses, a person may experience hallucinations, disorientation and anxiety.

Long-term effects of use

The use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to long-term effects. People who use psilocybin mushrooms regularly may experience symptoms of depression, anxiety and paranoia. In some cases, these individuals may develop psychotic disorders. Long-term use of psilocybin mushrooms can also lead to problems with memory and concentration.

Medical and therapeutic uses

Psilocybin mushrooms have therapeutic and medical potential. Research suggests that psilocybin, the active ingredient in psilocybin mushrooms, may be an effective treatment for various psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and even Parkinson's disease.

For the treatment of depression, psilocybin can help patients improve mood, reduce feelings of hopelessness and increase feelings of satisfaction with life. For anxiety, psilocybin can help patients reduce feelings of anxiety and increase feelings of calm. In the treatment of addiction, psilocybin can help patients reduce cravings for psychoactive substances and improve the ability to abstain from them.

For Parkinson's disease, psilocybin can help patients improve motor coordination, reduce hand tremor and improve quality of life.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that psilocybin mushrooms are not officially registered drugs in Poland and most countries in the world. Their use for medical and therapeutic purposes is still controversial and requires further research.

Legal aspects of possession and use

Psylocybin mushrooms are considered illegal substances in Poland and many other countries. Their possession, cultivation, production and use are strictly prohibited by law. In Poland, possession of these mushrooms is punishable by a fine or even imprisonment.

In some states in the US, such as Oregon, psilocybin mushrooms have been decriminalised, but they remain illegal at the federal level. It is worth noting, however, that the legal aspects of possession and use of hallucinogenic mushrooms can vary from state to state and region to region.

In Poland, as in many other countries, psilocybin mushrooms are considered psychoactive substances and are subject to strict legislation. Their possession, cultivation, production and use are strictly prohibited and violations are punishable by fines or imprisonment.

In controlled environments, such as therapeutic centres, precisely measured doses are used. Individual use requires accuracy and responsibility, especially in light of Polish law, which prohibits the cultivation and possession of these substances.

Safety and risk

Psilocybin mushrooms are relatively safe to use, but like any psychoactive substance, they can cause some unwanted side effects.

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headaches, fatigue and confusion. However, these symptoms usually resolve within a few hours.

There are also some risks associated with the use of psilocybin mushrooms. One of the biggest risks is that people who take them can experience what is known as a 'bad trip'. This is a condition in which a person has negative and frightening impressions, which can lead to anxiety and panic.

Another risk is that psilocybin mushrooms can interact with other drugs or psychoactive substances, which can lead to dangerous side effects. Therefore, people who are taking any medication should consult their doctor before starting treatment with psilocybin mushrooms.

In summary, psilocybin mushrooms are relatively safe to use, but like any psychoactive substance, they carry some risks. Those considering their use should read the information on the subject carefully and consult a doctor.

Culture and society

Psylocybin mushrooms in pop culture

Psylocybin mushrooms have long been present in pop culture. There are frequent references to these mushrooms in films, music and literature. For example, in the book Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe, the story of a group of people who experimented with LSD and psilocybin mushrooms in the 1960s is described. In music, meanwhile, bands such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd and The Doors produced songs inspired by their experiences with these substances.

User communities

In many countries where psilocybin mushrooms are not illegal, a subculture of people exploring these substances for development and personal journeys has emerged. People use them to develop creativity, deeper self-awareness and an understanding of their place in the world. In some countries, such as Mexico, psilocybin mushrooms are used for religious purposes by indigenous peoples.

However, due to the illegality of psilocybin mushrooms in most countries, users often face problems accessing and safely using these substances. In some countries, such as the Netherlands, there are special clinics where people can legally use psilocybin mushrooms under the care of specialists.

Summary

Psilocybin mushrooms are plants that contain psychoactive substances such as psilocybin and psilocin. These substances affect the central nervous system, leading to changes in perception, thinking and mood.

Studies show that psilocybin mushrooms can have a positive effect on the treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction and other mental disorders. However, their use should be under the supervision of a doctor or specialist, as inappropriate use can lead to dangerous side effects.

It is important to remember that psilocybin mushrooms are still illegal in many countries, including Poland. Their use can lead to legal and health consequences. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or specialist before starting any therapy with them and to know the risks and benefits of their use.

In conclusion, psilocybin mushrooms are fascinating plants that have potential in the treatment of mental disorders. However, their use should be carried out with caution and under the supervision of a specialist.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise hallucinogenic mushrooms?

Hallucinogenic mushrooms are usually easy to recognise due to their characteristic appearance and smell. There are various species of hallucinogenic mushrooms in Poland, but the most common are Psilocybe semilanceata and Psilocybe cubensis. It is important to always make sure that the mushrooms you pick are safe to eat. If in doubt, consult an expert or refrain from harvesting them.

What are the side effects of consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms?

Ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms can cause a variety of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headaches, balance and coordination disorders. If larger amounts of hallucinogenic mushrooms are ingested, more severe symptoms such as hallucinations, mood changes, changes in perception of time and space, as well as disorientation and paranoia may also occur. In extreme cases, ingestion of large amounts of hallucinogenic mushrooms can lead to death.

Are hallucinogenic mushrooms legal in Poland?

In Poland, hallucinogenic mushrooms are illegal and their possession, sale and cultivation is punishable. It is worth remembering that the consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms can lead to serious health effects as well as unpleasant psychological experiences.

What are some examples of psilocybin mushroom species?

In Poland, the most common species of hallucinogenic mushrooms are Psilocybe semilanceata and Psilocybe cubensis. These are mushroom species that contain psychoactive substances such as psilocybin and psilocin.

How long does the effect of hallucinogenic mushrooms last?

The effect of hallucinogenic mushrooms depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of mushrooms consumed, the body's individual tolerance, and the method of ingestion. Typically, the effect of hallucinogenic mushrooms lasts between 4 and 6 hours, but in some cases can extend up to 12 hours.

What are the symptoms after consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms?

After the ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms, various symptoms can occur, such as mood changes, disturbances in the perception of time and space, hallucinations, disorientation, as well as physical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. If larger amounts of hallucinogenic mushrooms are ingested, the symptoms can be more severe and lead to serious health problems.

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