The name psilocybin mushroom roots from the psilocybin content of the fungi. Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound that is present in nature. Psilocybin mushrooms are more popularly known as magic mushrooms, thanks to its hallucinogenic effects. Other common colloquial names for psilocybin mushrooms are “shrooms” and “mush.”
Psilocybin Mushrooms in the Field of Medicine
Magic mushrooms have been used for therapeutic purposes. They have been discovered to be effective in alleviating mentally related problems such as headaches, anxiety, depression, OCD, and even addiction. Plenty of medical studies on how to maximize the use of psilocybin mushrooms in the medical are ongoing.
A Historical Background on Psilocybin Mushrooms
A scientific study in the Sahara desert implied that the human civilization began using Psilocybin Mushrooms about 7000 years ago. Several prehistoric arts found in different geographic regions around the planet portray the role of these mushrooms in human history. Their primary uses in the past have been strongly associated with religious ceremonies and rites of passage. Based on the portrayal of psilocybin mushrooms in caves and walls and historic sites, we can concur that these magic fungi had enough influence in various aspects of prehistoric culture.
Psilocybin Mushrooms and its Effects
While some people crave for the psychedelic effects that they trigger, others are merely curious. The wide usage of Psilocybin mushroom is mainly credited to the feel-good sensation that it causes and the out-of-body experience that it induces among the users. In terms of addiction, there is very little risk in getting hooked on “shrooms” as they are categorized to be non-addictive. However, it is easy to build up a tolerance to these fungi, and taking them in large quantities may have adverse effects on the human body. Anything that is taken in excess can cause harm.
Psychedelic Mushrooms: Where to Find and How to Identify Them
Although mushrooms basically grow almost anywhere, magic mushrooms require certain climatic and ecological conditions in order to grow. They thrive and are commonly found in a fertile, humid, and moist environment.
There is no one definite rule for identifying the different kinds of hallucinogenic mushrooms. However, there are certain characteristics of psilocybin mushrooms that set them apart from non-hallucinogenic and poisonous mushrooms.
A mushroom with a purplish – brown or purplish – black spore print with a flesh that turns bluish or bluish-green when bruised is almost for certain a psilocybin mushroom. For safety purposes, when identifying whether or not a mushroom contains psilocybin or not, both of these characteristics must be present.
Psilocybe cubensis is commonly called Golden Top. It is one of the most popular species of hallucinogenic mushroom because it is fairly easy to find and has a high potency. It is prolific and can be found in manures of animals, mostly during the spring and summer seasons. Psilocybe cubensis is hat-shaped. Some varieties have a nipple-like print in the center while others don’t.
Psilocybe stuntizii is also a very prolific type of psilocybin-containing mushroom. It has the characteristics common among psilocybin mushrooms: a spore deposit that is purplish – brown in color and a flesh that turns bluish – green when bruised.
Psilocybe pelliculosa is a species of magic mushroom that is found mostly in woodlands, often sprouting along hiking trails or conifer woods. It has a mild potency and does not always turn bluish when bruised.
Psilocybe semilanceata, more commonly known as Liberty Cap is another popular species of hallucinogenic mushroom that has gained the interest of many. It is small and grows in great numbers. This species grows in fields and is the easiest of all psilocybin mushrooms to recognize. Its cone-shaped head and a nipple on the top characterize the Liberty Cap. It usually grows during the fall season. Despite its size, the Liberty Cap is a potent psilocybin mushroom.
Reminders and Caution
There are many more species of hallucinogenic mushrooms. The ones mentioned above are the most prolific and most common. As more and more people are becoming aware of the possible presence of psilocybin mushrooms around their neighborhood, caution is more important than ever. A careless mistake in identifying whether a mushroom is safe or toxic can cost a life.
For people who are truly interested in picking mushrooms or identifying them, there are books and field guides that can render amateur knowledge needed for the identification of the fungi.
Those who are just starting to take up psilocybin mushroom picking as a hobby are advised not do the pursuit alone. Bring someone who is more familiar and experienced in the field. Mushrooms are very easy to misidentify.
When ordering dried shrooms and other magic mushroom products online, make sure to find a trusted and credible supplier. Once the item is received, make it a point to check the spore print of the mushroom under the microscope before consuming it, as many species of mushrooms look the same.
