Psilocybin Mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms are a family of psychoactive fungi containing the tryptamine prodrug psilocybin, which is converted into its active metabolite psilocin after ingestion.citation needed Over 200 species have been identified across every continent, with evidence of human use predating recorded history. Their effects are often characterized as "earthy" and "dream-like" compared to other psychedelics. Wild specimens are easily mistaken for poisonous look-alikes, making proper identification essential for safety.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Values refer to dried P. cubensis mushrooms; potency varies considerably between species. Fresh (wet) mushrooms are roughly ten times weaker by weight, so equivalent doses are approximately ten times higher.
Duration
Subjective Effects
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Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
The physical effects of psilocin can be broken down into two components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
Cognitive
The head space of psilocin is described by many as extremely relaxing, profound and stoning in its style when compared to other commonly used psychedelics such as LSD or 2C-B which tend to be energetic and stimulating. It contains a large number of psychedelic typical and unique cognitive effects.
Visual
Enhancements
Psilocin presents a full and complete array of possible visual enhancements.
Geometry
The visual geometry that is present throughout this trip can be described as more similar in appearance to that of 4-AcO-DMT, ayahuasca and 2C-E than LSD. It can be comprehensively described as structured in its organization, organic in geometric style, intricate in complexity, large in size, fast and smooth in motion, colourful in scheme, glossy in colour, blurred in its edges and rounded in its corners. They have a very 'natural' feel to them and at higher dosages are significantly more likely to result in states of Level 7B visual geometry over Level 7A.
Hallucinatory States
Psilocin and its various other forms produce a full range of high level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is more consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used psychedelics.
Auditory
The auditory effects of psilocin are common in their occurrence and exhibit a full range of effects.
See also: Psychedelic Intensity Scale, Effects of psychedelics (visual, cognitive, miscellaneous)
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Psilocybin mushrooms contain several psychoactive tryptamine alkaloids, primarily psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin. Psilocybin is a prodrug for psilocin, the principal pharmacologically active compound.1 Psilocin acts as a partial agonist at several serotonin receptors, with high affinity for 5-HT2A.1 Its activity is believed to arise primarily from agonism at 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A receptors, with 5-HT2A agonism considered necessary for hallucinogenic activity.citation needed Psilocin does not significantly affect dopamine receptors and only influences the noradrenergic system at very high dosages.
Pharmacokinetics
Psilocybin is dephosphorylated to its active metabolite psilocin in the intestinal mucosa by alkaline phosphatase and nonspecific esterasecitation needed, with additional conversion reported in the liver.
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
All serotonergic psychedelics
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely LowPsilocybin mushrooms have virtually no psychological addiction potential.2 The desire to use them often decreases after use, and they are considered self-regulating.citation needed There is strong evidence of little to no potential for psychological dependence.2
Physical
Extremely LowPhysical addiction to psilocybin mushrooms has never been documented.citation needed They are not physiologically addictive and produce no physical withdrawal symptoms.
Psychosis Risk
Adverse psychological reactions including anxiety, paranoia, delusions, and psychosis are possible, particularly among individuals predisposed to mental disorders.citation needed Psilocybin can precipitate or exacerbate latent mental illness, and risk is higher for people whose family history includes schizophrenia or early-onset mental illness. Lasting psychological problems are rare when experiences are properly managed.
Seizure Risk
Seizures are a rare effect, primarily occurring in individuals predisposed to them, particularly when in physically taxing conditions such as dehydration, malnourishment, overheating, or fatigue.
History & Culture
Ancient Use and Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological and artistic evidence suggests that psychoactive mushrooms have been used by humans in ceremonial contexts for thousands of years. Murals discovered in the Sahara desert of southeastern Algeria, dated to approximately 9000-7000 BCE, depict horned figures in dancer's garb holding…
Trip Reports
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Legality
International
UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 (Schedule I - psilocybin and psilocin only; the fungi themselves are typically not specifically listed)
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Vorobyeva N, & Kozlova AA. (2022). Three Naturally-Occurring Psychedelics and Their Significance in the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, Article 927984. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.9279841234567
- Matthew W. Johnson, Roland R. Griffiths, Peter S. Hendricks, & Jack E. Henningfield. (2018). The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.01212
- A Prehistoric Mural in Spain Depicting Neurotropic Psilocybe Mushrooms?. (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-011-9152-51
- R. Gordon Wasson. (1957). Seeking the Magic Mushroom. Life, 42(19), 100-120. https://www.psychedelic-library.org/lifep2.htm1
- Human Psychedelic Research: A Historical and Sociological Analysis. Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) (1999). https://maps.org/1999/04/01/human-psychedelic-research-a-historical-and-sociological-analysis/1
- Primary legal source. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2019L00561/latest1
- Primary legal source. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00633/asmade/2026-05-28/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html1
- Primary legal source. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03651/2024-10-14/2024-10-14/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html1
- Suchtgiftverordnung (SV), § 1, current RIS text. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Anlage=&Artikel=&FassungVom=2026-04-14&Gesetzesnummer=10011053&Paragraf=1&Uebergangsrecht=1
- Suchtgiftverordnung (SV), Annex V.1, current RIS text. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Anlage=5&Artikel=&FassungVom=2026-04-14&Gesetzesnummer=10011053&Paragraf=&Uebergangsrecht=1
Further Reading
Article Status
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Recent changes8 human edits · latest
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Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
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