What are mushrooms?
Mushrooms contain the hallucinogenic alkaloid psilocybin. They are found in South America, Mexico and the U.S.
Common names are Magic Mushrooms and Shrooms.
What do mushrooms look like?
Mushrooms are available fresh or dried. Fresh mushrooms have white/whitish gray stems with dark brown caps and white centers. Dried mushrooms are typically rusty brown with off-white spots. Both have dark gills/undersides.
How are mushrooms abused?
Mushrooms are generally taken orally. They are also brewed as a tea or added to other foods.
How do mushrooms affect a person?
The effects of mushrooms include hallucinations, altered perception of time, muscle relaxation/weakness, drowsiness and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Larger doses can lead to panic reactions and psychosis. Effects occur within 20 minutes and can last up to six hours.
Drugs with similar effects include mescaline and peyote.
What are the health effects/risks of using mushrooms?
Short-term effects include ataxia, excessive pupil dilation and nausea/vomiting. Long-term effects include flashbacks, risk of psychiatric illness and impaired memory.
