Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are illegal hallucinogens that cause people to see, feel and hear things that are not real. The active component in mushrooms is psilocybin, which grows naturally in certain types of mushrooms (Health Canada).
Facts
- Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years by Native Americans in Central and South America since 2000 B.C. (Parlons drogue);
- You can’t just pick up a wild mushroom, eat it and hope to feel some hallucinogen effects. It is very hard to differentiate between eatable and poisonous mushrooms (Not4me).
Street names
Mush, Schroom, Mushies, Fungus, fungus delight (tea)
How it works
Magic mushrooms are absorbed by the bloodstream and they quickly reach the user’s brain which alters their perception. Shroomz are sold as actual mushrooms, or as a brown powder. Sometimes, the active component (psylocybin) can be reproduced in illegal labs and then sold on the street as white powder, tablets or capsules. The mushrooms themselves can be eaten raw or cooked, or they can be mixed in with water or other drinks to produce various beverages such as tea (ex: fungus delight) The pace at which the drug will take effect differs depending on how it is consumed (Health Canada).
Side effects
The main side effect associated with magic mushrooms is losing touch with reality, including hallucinations and distorted perceptions. Although it might sound like a good experience, it can cause many unwanted sensations like anxiety and panic attacks, paranoia, confusion, disorientation, convulsions and psychosis. Once the effects wear off, the user may feel depressed, tired and lethargic for a couple of days.
For more information on side effects, you should visit Health Canada’s page on psilocybin.
Tolerance and dependence
One does not typically become physically dependent on magic mushrooms. However, tolerance develops very quickly; someone who does a lot of mushrooms in a few days will no longer feel the effects.
Laws
In Canada, psilocybin is governed by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Unlawful possession, traffic, production, and any other related drug activities are considered criminal offences.
What you can do
If you have more questions regarding magic mushrooms, please talk to your doctor, community health nurse, a parent and/or school counsellor. If you or someone you know is using or has an addiction to magic mushrooms, talk to an adult you trust or call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, they will know where to guide you for help.
Links
DrugsNot4me: Magic Mushrooms
Health Canada: Psilocybin
Parlons drogue: Magic Mushrooms
RCMP: Drug Identification Chart
