Shrooms

“Shrooms” (also called magic mushrooms or mushies) refer to certain species of mushrooms that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin (which converts in the body to psilocin).
These mushrooms belong to genera such as Psilocybe, among others.

How do they work and what effects do they produce?

• After ingestion, psilocybin is metabolized into psilocin, which interacts with brain serotonin (especially 5-HT2A) receptors.

• Effects may include:

  • Visual, auditory or sensory distortions (e.g., colours brighter, patterns, time feeling different)

  • Changes to mood, thinking, and perception (sometimes profound or spiritual, sometimes unsettling)

• Onset: usually about 20-40 minutes after ingestion if eaten, possibly sooner if brewed as tea.

• Duration: commonly 4-6 hours, but can vary based on dose, mushroom species, environment, and individual.