Magic mushrooms, also commonly known by their scientific moniker, “psilocybin,” are a popular topic these days.
When Oregon decriminalized psilocybin in November 2020, most people across the country scratched their heads in confusion. Aren’t magic mushrooms an illicit, schedule I drug?
Well, yes and no. While magic mushrooms are illegal to use in every state besides Oregon, scientists have ramped up their use of the fungi in their research. And what they’re discovering can potentially have an incredible impact on humankind.
We’ll discuss some of those discoveries ahead along with nine intriguing facts about magic mushrooms.
1. There are Hundreds of Magic Mushroom Types
One of the most intriguing facts about magic mushrooms is just how many varieties there are!
Magic mushrooms grow in areas across the globe and have one key ingredient in common: the psilocybin we mentioned earlier. Psilocybin is its psychoactive agent, the “magic” in these mushrooms, so to speak.
And for people looking to enjoy a magic mushroom’s psychedelic effects, they’ll be happy to know there are dozens of types to try.
To learn more about the various types of psilocybin, check out this resource.
2. People Have Enjoyed Magic Mushrooms for Centuries
For thousands of years, people have consumed magic mushrooms for myriad reasons.
In fact, the Aztec and Mazatec people wrote texts referring to psilocybin as “genius,” “wonderous,” and “divinatory.” It is believed that they, along with other ancient civilizations, ate magic mushrooms for spiritual, palliative, and intellectual purposes.
There is even prehistoric artwork in Spain that seems to depict the use of magic mushrooms dating back 6,000 years ago.
3. Magic Mushrooms Ward Off Fear
Another intriguing fact about magic mushrooms is that they can make you fearless.
At least, this is the effect it has on laboratory mice in one study. Mice dosed with psilocybin were less likely to jump at sounds associated with electrical shocks than other mice.
Further studies are still needed on human subjects. However, scientists believe magic mushrooms can have the same effect on humans. If so, it may mean that magic mushrooms can help combat disorders like PTSD.
4. Magic Mushrooms Increase Your Brain Connectivity
A British study found that in people who took a dose of magic mushrooms, specific areas of their brain showed abnormal interconnectivity.
Both the group that took the psilocybin, as well as the placebo group, underwent an MRI. The brain scan revealed the differences between the two groups, with the placebo group showing normal brain activity while the magic mushroom group showed increased brain interconnectivity.
5. Magic Mushrooms Open You Up to New Experiences
People who take magic mushrooms for recreational use may notice something of an intriguing side effect.
Users of psilocybin are more likely to be open to trying something new, even months after they ingested magic mushrooms.
Though scientists are not quite sure why they believe that magic mushrooms have a lasting effect on personality, making people more likely to want to do something they’d usually feel apprehensive about.
6. Magic Mushrooms May Cure Depression
Research by Johns Hopkins University tells us that psilocybin may be a top-notch cure for depression.
In their study, most patients who had long-standing depression felt significantly less depressed following two doses of psilocybin.
7. Though a Drug, Magic Mushrooms Have Low Toxicity
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic drugs. However, unlike many other Schedule I drugs, they are as harmful to your mind and body as most.
For the most part, the effects of psilocybin wear off after a few hours.
However, if you ingest too many, you may experience the following:
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Muscle spasms
- Agitation
- Fear
A magic mushroom overdose can cause these symptoms of psychosis. But an overdose with life-damaging consequences is extremely rare.
8. Magic Mushrooms are Not Addictive
Similar to our last intriguing fact, this one highlights the differences between psilocybin and other drugs.
Magic mushrooms do not cause physical dependency. Take note though that some people enjoy the hallucinogenic feelings they cause that they become dependent on them in that sense.
9. … But They Can Help Cure Addictions
And, finally, though magic mushrooms are not themselves addictive, they can cure actual chemical addictions!
Studies by Johns Hopkins Center for Psychadelic and Consciousness Research have linked psilocybin use and the end of addiction for people quitting cigarettes and alcohol.
The Center continues to enlist new participants for follow-up studies, due to their intriguing initial findings. A natural alternative to drug therapies may be a more effective and less dangerous alternative.
Conclusion
These are nine of the most intriguing facts about magic mushrooms.
From what we know about them, psilocybin may provide safe and effective cures for a host of mental, physical, and emotional issues. And after more research, we will no doubt have even more intriguing facts to consider.