MUSHROOMS

What are they?

The use of magic mushrooms dates back thousands of years.

What are they?

The use of magic mushrooms dates back thousands of years.

There are several species of mushrooms which contain active hallucinogenic chemicals. In most mushrooms, these active ingredients are psilocin and psilocybin but some contain other chemicals that may impact on the experience. One of the most well-known and common magic mushrooms is psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known as Liberty Cap.

There are other mushrooms, such as Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria), which are also hallucinogenic but do not contain psilocin or psilocybin. Extra care should be exercised when consuming Fly Agaric mushrooms as they are potentially very toxic.

What do they look like?

It would be difficult and dangerous to attempt to describe the appearance of magic mushrooms here as there are so many different varieties. Many species of mushrooms look very similar and some are highly poisonous.

In Northern Europe, the mushroom season starts in mid-September and ends in late October. Picking mushrooms in the wild is difficult and potentially dangerous if you do not know exactly which mushrooms to pick. There are many different types of mushrooms in the UK, many of which look very similar and some could be poisonous.

Anyone attempting to identify mushrooms for safe consumption should seek help from a good, colour guide and ideally from an expert mushroom picker. Great care must be taken to avoid poisonous mushrooms.

Young specimens may look different from mature ones. Damp specimens may be a different colour from dry ones.

It is not possible for an amateur to identify mushrooms from dried, powdered or crushed specimens. These should therefore be avoided, if offered. Mushrooms should never be taken until they have been identified beyond reasonable doubt.

How are they used?

Magic mushrooms are usually eaten raw, brewed into a tea or sometimes cooked. Liberty Caps can be eaten raw but are often cooked or made into drinks.

It is difficult to gauge dosages of mushrooms as each species of mushroom and each individual mushroom vary greatly in potency.

Users should take small quantities initially to reduce the risk of taking unexpectedly strong mushrooms.

Sometimes mushrooms are dried and smoked. However, there is debate as to whether this is an effective method of ingestion because the two active compounds, psilocin and psilocybin have a low burning point. It is likely that any active compounds would be lost before they could be ingested. What are the effects?

Different species of mushroom have different effects. Effects will also vary according to the strength of the mushrooms and the amount taken. Also relevant will be the userís physical make up and his/her mood and expectations, as well as the surroundings in which the mushrooms are taken. Trips can be good or bad, or both.

Some users compare mushrooms with LSD (acid) with many suggesting that mushrooms can be less ëinternalí and more visual. In small doses, mushrooms can cause low levels of sensory distortion, such as enhanced appreciation of sound and colour and visual distortion.

Some users experience feelings of contentment, others paranoia or anxiety. Nausea is also common. This can be severe when mushrooms are eaten raw.

Sensory distortion and effects on mood are likely to be more pronounced with higher dosages.

Mushrooms take effect relatively fast with the first psychedelic effects occurring within 30 minutes of consumption and peaking about 60-90 minutes later. These times vary depending on the contents of the stomach, working faster on an empty stomach. The effects normally last between 4 and 6 hours.

As with virtually all the hallucinogens, mushrooms also stimulate the ëfight or flightí mechanism in the body, mildly stimulating the nervous system. This may result in dilated pupils, mild increases in blood pressure and heart rate and sleeplessness.

What are the side effects?

Nausea is a common side effect from raw mushrooms and this is especially true with the Fly Agaric. There can also be a feeling of trapped wind and a sensation similar to motion sickness.

Other side effects include confusion, fear and depression. The likelihood of these unpleasant effects increases with higher doses.

What are the risks?

Mushroom poisoning is a serious risk. A case of poisoning may become apparent immediately but can take up to 40 hours to appear after ingestion. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, loss of consciousness and convulsions. Magic mushrooms may also cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flushing of the neck, increased heart rate, dilated pupils and drowsiness. Effects occasionally last for several days.

If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the casualty should be taken to hospital immediately. The medical staff should be told what has been consumed and any available samples of the mushroom should be given to medical staff for analysis.

Are mushrooms addictive?

Psilocin and psilocybin are not physically addictive. However, some people do become psychologically dependent upon the effects of taking mushrooms. This is unlikely because there is a short term tolerance, which means users will gain less effect, the more they use.

Legal position

IT IS ILLEGAL TO POSSESS AND SUPPLY MAGIC MUSHROOMS.

Mushrooms containing psilocin or an ester of psilocin, such as Liberty Caps, whether fresh or prepared, are Class A, Schedule 1 drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The possession and supply of magic mushrooms, whether fresh or prepared, are criminal offences which carry sentences of up to 7 years in prison for possession for personal use, or life for possession with intent to supply, other supply offences or production.

Mushrooms which occur naturally, are uncultivated and have not been picked will not fall foul of the law. This means that no offence will be committed by an owner of land where magic mushrooms occur naturally, but anyone who picks them will then be in possession of a Class A substance and must destroy the mushroom or give it to a person who has legal authority to possess it (such as the police) as soon as reasonably practicable, in order to avoid committing an offence.

It is illegal for occupiers of premises, or anyone concerned in the management of premises, to allow those premises to be used for the production or supply of psilocybin or psilocin, or mushrooms containing those substances.

Being unfit to drive under the influence of any intoxicant, including magic mushrooms, is an offence which is likely to lead to the loss of your driving licence. Getting your licence back and obtaining insurance after losing it are likely to be difficult.

Sentences for drug offences depend upon the quantities involved, previous convictions and other relevant circumstances.

For further clarification of the current legal position please call our legal helpline or consult your solicitor.