What Are the Dangers of Taking Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms are certain species of mushrooms that contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin. While the "trip" one experiences with magic mushrooms is similar to that of LSD, psilocybin is more mild and non-addictive. There have been a couple of medical studies in recent years, including one on the effects of psilocybin on anxiety levels of the terminally ill. The use of magic mushrooms as a psychedelic drug can be a safer alternative than other substances, but it is not without its risks.

Bad Reaction

• There are several types of bad reactions one can experience from magic mushrooms. Taking too high of a dose can lead to anxiety or agitation and can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. The possibility of experiencing a bad trip is also another undesirable reaction. This often occurs in settings that are not conducive to psychedelics, including busy environments and parties.

Bad Mushrooms

• Although mushrooms themselves are fungus, it is very important not to consume a magic mushroom that has any mold growing on it. There is a possibility that the mold growing on the mushrooms can contain bacteria, toxins or potentially even poisons. For both dry and fresh mushrooms, avoid any that are brown, black or moldy.

Mistaken Identity

• There are more than 38,000 species of mushrooms and only about 140 contain psilocybin. Those that don't will not produce a hallucinogenic effect. There are also some mushroom species that are poisonous. Attempting to pick wild magic mushrooms could have disastrous effects if poisonous mushrooms are consumed instead of magic mushrooms. Ingestion of poisonous mushrooms can result in symptoms ranging from mild intestinal discomfort to death.

Mental Disorders

• The hallucinogenic effects of magic mushrooms could exacerbate any mental disorders, even if the disorder has never been diagnosed. It is common for mental illnesses to run in families, so if a person has any mental illnesses in the family, he should abstain from using magic mushrooms. Symptoms include anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia and suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

Illegality

• In the U.S. and most other countries magic mushrooms are illegal. U.S. laws prohibit the manufacture (growth), purchase, possession or distribution of dried magic mushrooms as well as live ones, both wild picked and grown. Laws have been passed in Florida and New Mexico making possession of certain types of magic mushrooms legal, but the laws are ambiguous and arrest could still result.