Over 200 mushroom species contain psilocybin, each with its own effects and potency. Different types of magic mushrooms have a unique amount of psilocybin.
This leads to different experiences depending on the strain. Intense euphoria, relaxation, and visual and auditory hallucinations.
Most Common Types of Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybe Cubensis
It’s the most common type of magic mushroom. Usually small or medium in size. They are recognized by their brown or tan cap and white or yellow stem. This type can last 4-6 hours. Visual hallucinations, euphoria, and altered perception are what you can expect. This type of magic mushroom thrives in warm climates.
You might see colors or patterns that aren’t there. Objects could also look deformed or bigger.
Psilocybe Semilanceata
This type of magic mushroom is called liberty cap. Easy recognizable by its unique conical shape with a small nipple-like bump on the top. The odor and bitter taste are also memorable. Identifying a Liberty Cap is similar to recognizing a familiar face in a crowd. The unique shape, specific scent, and distinct flavor all help you recognize it.
The effects are more intense than other types of magic mushrooms. This strain gives you vivid visual hallucinations and an altered sense of time and space.
Panaeolus Cyanescens
It’s native to Hawaii, but it’s also grown elsewhere. They’re usually small to medium-sized, with a dark brown cap and thin stem. Panaeolus cyanescens offers more intense effects than other magic mushrooms. It creates strong euphoria, increased sensory perception, and altered thinking.
Some people report experiencing strong visuals. People say they see complex geometric shapes, patterns, and cartoon-like creatures.
Users also report feeling more connected to nature. And a strong spiritual connection with vivid visuals that are more intense than other species of mushroom.
Psilocybe Azurescens
One of the most potent types of magic mushrooms. It’s common in the Pacific Northwest. They have a brown or caramel-colored cap and a thick stem. Psilocybe azurescens can cause vivid visual hallucinations, altered perception, and spiritual insight.
Many users report feelings of euphoria and an altered sense of time. And an increased appreciation for music, art, and nature. Others report feeling more creative and introspective.
There’s no mushroom like it in the world, and its effects are unmatched. It can change people’s lives. This strain will produce the exact effect you need at that moment in time.
Psilocybe Mexicana
Native to Mexico, this type of magic mushroom was used by the Aztecs. They are usually small with a brown or tan cap and a thin stem. It can cause mild to moderate euphoria, altered perception, and increased sensory awareness.
The most notable effects are vivid hallucinations and profound spiritual experiences. Many users feel connected to a higher source of wisdom and knowledge.
History of Psilocybin Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms have a rich history. Used for spiritual and religious reasons, and also for medicinal qualities.
Aztecs
The earliest record of magic mushroom use is from the Aztecs in Mexico. They believed mushrooms were gifts from the gods. Because it allowed them to communicate with the spirit world. It also had healing powers and could cure a variety of illnesses.
The Aztecs used many types of magic mushrooms for religious ceremonies. They saw psilocybin mushrooms as the key to communicating with the gods and getting some spiritual insights.
They called these mushrooms teonanácatl. It means “flesh of the gods”.
Ancient Greece
Other parts of the world also used magic mushrooms for the same reasons.
In ancient Greece, they were used in the Eleusinian Mysteries, a religious festival the goddess of agriculture celebrated. The mushrooms were supposed to cause trance-like states. This allowed them to have spiritual experiences and gain a deeper understanding of their religion.
The 20th Century
The use of many types of magic mushrooms has gained popularity in the Western world.
Thanks to the work of individuals like Timothy Leary, who fought about psychedelics for personal growth and spiritual exploration.
Magic mushrooms were associated with hippie culture in the 1960s. Many people used it as a form of rebellion against mainstream society. The use was criminalized because of negative stereotypes and stigmas. The government labeled psilocybin mushrooms as a threat to public safety and morality.
They were afraid people would become addicted and suffer long-term mental health issues. They also viewed them as a tool to corrupt youth and destroy traditional values.
Types of Magic Mushrooms Used Today
Many people turn to psychedelic mushrooms because of their therapeutic qualities.
Treating PTSD
Magic mushrooms are popular today for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There’s evidence that psilocybin can reduce anxiety and increase stress resistance. This, in turn, reduces the intensity of flashbacks, allowing the patient to recover.
As soon as you eat psilocybin, it’s converted to psilocin in your body. This is where the psychedelic effects are. Psilocin binds to serotonin in the brain. This can change your perception, mood, and thought patterns.
Depending on the dose, the individual, and the setting, magic mushrooms can have different effects. Common effects are changes in visual perception. Feelings of euphoria and an altered sense of time.
Some people can also experience negative effects. Paranoia, a sense of loss of control and anxiety.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27909165/
Highly Effective Tool for Mental Health
Research on psilocybin has shown therapeutic benefits for many mental health conditions.
According to one study, psilocybin alleviates treatment-resistant depression symptoms.
Many other studies have shown that it can reduce anxiety and addiction, and improve the lives of individuals with terminal illnesses.
High-dose psilocybin decreased clinical and self-rated depression and anxiety, as well as quality of life, meaning in life, optimism, and death anxiety. 80% of participants showed clinically significant improvements in anxiety and depression after six months.
Risks and Side Effects of Magic Mushroom Use
Before consuming magic mushrooms, you need to know the risks and side effects. Start with a low dose, in a familiar environment, and with someone you trust. Even if they have therapeutic benefits, different types of magic mushrooms can cause negative experiences.
- Anxiety and paranoia. People get anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks more often in unfamiliar or stressful environments.
- Physical side effects. It’s possible to get nauseous and vomit. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, but some can be more serious.
- Risk of accidents and injury. There’s a risk of accidents and injuries when you take magic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms shouldn’t be used while driving or doing anything else that requires coordination or concentration.
- Psychological side effects. Using magic mushrooms often or in high doses can change your mood, perception, and thinking behavior for a long time after you quit.
- Risk of hallucinogen-Persistent Perception Disorder (HPPD). HPPD is a rare condition caused by hallucinogenic drugs. There are persistent changes in visual perception, like distortions or hallucinations, even after the effects of the mushroom have worn off.
Conclusion
There are over 200 types of magic mushrooms. Depending on the strain, you will get different experiences. In this article, we reviewed the most useful.
Psilocybe cubensis is known to produce a milder experience. Psilocybe baeocystis produces a more intense experience. Psilocybin levels vary between mushrooms, too.
Psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin are the main psychoactive elements in all types of magic mushrooms. These molecules look similar in structure to serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
Legal Status of Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are illegal in many countries. Some countries, like the Netherlands and Portugal, let you use magic mushrooms for personal use. Research the legal status of magic mushrooms in your country before buying or eating them.
Throughout my career, I’ve honed my skills and developed a deep passion for herbal and alternative medicine. Striving to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and advancements. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights with you, providing valuable information and practical advice that can empower you.
