Magic Mushrooms
Several species of mushrooms can produce hallucinations. The most common is the Liberty Cap (or Psilocibe Semilanceata) which contain the hallucinogenic chemicals psilocybin and psilocin. They can be eaten fresh or cooked and can be preserved by drying.
Distinguishing hallucinogenic mushrooms from poisonous and sometimes deadly ones can be very difficult and sometimes almost impossible.
The effects are similar to a mild LSD trip but may also include the feeling of euphoria and bodily excitement. They also take effect in a much shorter time (usually after about 30 minutes, peaking after about 3 hours) and last for a shorter time (usually between 4 and 9 hours).
At low doses euphoria and detachment occur. At high doses visual distortions and vivid hallucinations can occur. Some people react to hallucinogenic mushrooms by vomiting, nausea and stomach pains.
As with other hallucinogenic drugs 'bad trips' can also occur and may develop into a brief psychotic episode. This is most common after repeated doses or if the user is inexperienced, anxious or unhappy to start with. There have been reports of 'flashbacks' to the original experience but these usually disappear as quickly as they appear.
By far the greatest danger is mistaking poisonous mushrooms for 'magic mushrooms'.
As with LSD tolerance rapidly develops and the next day it may take twice the original dose to produce the same effect. There are no significant withdrawal effects and no physical dependence although there may be a desire to repeat the experience.
No serious long-term effects have been reported although it must be noted that no research has been carried out to assess the effects of frequent use.
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