Magic mushrooms

Published on December 2, 2025 at 3:00 / Updated on December 16, 2025 at 8:01

Synonyms	The most common synonyms are: mushrooms, mush, mushies, psilocybin, shrooms.
Classification	Disruptor (or hallucinogen): Disrupts the user's senses and perceptions, distorting what they see, hear or feel. Causes disorientation (confusion related to time, place, and surroundings).
Mechanism of action	Psilocybin is a molecule present in several mushroom species. That is what causes hallucinogenic effects. Psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, which binds to serotonergic receptors. This type of receptor usually binds to serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone.
Routes of administration	Ingested (fresh or dried mushrooms that are chewed and swallowed, infused or incorporated into food, or in capsule form), occasionally snorted or smoked.

Effects sought out by the user

Altered perceptions (e.g., colours, time, space)
Euphoria
Excessive laughing
Feeling of happiness

Hallucinations
Increased creativity
Intensification of emotions
Loss of touch with reality

Common adverse effects

Dilated pupils
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Loss of coordination
Muscle weakness and involuntary contractions

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Numbness, particularly in the extremities or the face
Sweating and increased body temperature accompanied by chills and shivering
Urinary incontinence

Overdose effects

Overdose is possible and can lead to serious consequences. However, overdoses leading to death are very rare.

Taking too large a dose of magic mushrooms could cause the following symptoms:

Anxiety
Restlessness
Convulsions
Muscle weakness
Psychosis

Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Nausea and diarrhea
Paranoia

Tolerance (need to increase the dose to feel the same effect)

Strong and quick.

Addiction

No, psilocybin does not cause physical dependence. However, as with any hallucinogen, excessive and/or frequent use can lead to psychological dependence.

Onset and duration of action
Route of administration	Onset of action	Duration of action
Oral	15 to 45 minutes	3 to 6 hours

Screening

Magic mushrooms are generally not looked for in standard drug screening tests. However, their presence could be detected in urine, blood and saliva by certain laboratories.

Intoxication management

No antidote available.
Treatment is mainly symptomatic.

Other useful information

The term "magic mushrooms" is used to describe several species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin and psilocin, the two substances primarily responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms.
The concept of microdosing refers to taking magic mushrooms in small doses. These are sufficiently small not to cause hallucinogenic effects to the user. The goal of microdosing is to improve certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety, or to improve certain abilities, such as concentration and creativity. Studies are being conducted to determine whether microdosing is effective and safe. At this time, microdosing is not without risk, because the illegal sale of these products is not regulated.

Many different street drugs are sold under the same name. Furthermore, nothing guarantees the quantity, purity or even the content of a street drug in spite of the fact that it may, in some cases, look like medication.

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