We will look at where psilocybin-containing mushrooms occur, how they affect the human body and what is currently known about their possible medical applications. We will also briefly outline their legal status and selected research projects that have been conducted around the world. If psilocybin mushrooms are of interest to you or you simply want a more structured, educational overview of the topic, this article is for you.
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The most searched-for psilocybin mushrooms online
Psilocybin mushrooms have become a recurring topic in popular science media, social networks and scientific press releases. Online you can find a lot of information about so-called magic mushrooms – often of very mixed quality. There are discussions of taxonomy, history and neuroscience, but also risky “how to” guides that ignore safety and legal issues. In this chapter, we focus on three of the best-known species and present them in a purely descriptive, educational way: their appearance, occurrence, active substances and the main risks associated with their use.
Psilocybe cubensis
Psilocybe cubensis is one of the most recognizable psilocybin-containing mushrooms. It belongs to the family Hymenogastraceae and was historically described under the name Stropharia cubensis. In nature it is found in many warm regions of the world, especially in Mexico, Central and South America, but it has also spread to other continents.
The fruiting bodies contain the psychoactive alkaloid psilocybin, which in the body is metabolised to psilocin. These substances affect receptors in the brain and can cause changes in perception, mood and the sense of self. The concentration of psilocybin varies depending on the part of the mushroom: approx. 0.14–0.42% / 0.37–1.30% in the dried whole mushroom, 0.17–0.78% / 0.44–1.35% in the cap and 0.09–0.30% / 0.05–1.27% in the stem (values given in the literature are approximate and strongly dependent on conditions).
Reports from users and early clinical work describe visual phenomena, intensified emotions, altered perception of time, and sometimes experiences interpreted as “spiritual”. However, the same substances – especially in high doses, in an unsafe environment or in people with psychiatric vulnerability – can trigger confusion, overwhelming anxiety, panic reactions or precipitate psychotic symptoms. Individual brain chemistry, genetic predispositions and current mental state play a very large role, which is why modern clinical trials take place only in carefully controlled settings.
Psilocybe cubensis became particularly popular in the 1970s thanks to Terence McKenna, who – together with his brother – travelled through the Amazon in search of psychoactive plants. After one of their expeditions, they published “The Magic Mushroom Grower’s Guide”, which contributed to the global fascination with this species. Today, in many countries, cultivation and possession of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal; in others there are narrow exceptions for strictly supervised research. Mycological sets referred to as “cakes” or growkits are legal only as long as they do not produce fruiting bodies and as long as local law allows possession of such material.
Psilocybe semilanceata – lanceolate coot
Another well-known species is the lanceolate coot, Psilocybe semilanceata. It is one of the more potent psilocybin mushrooms and has a very characteristic appearance: a small, sharply conical, bell-shaped cap, often paler in the centre (a feature linked to hygrophanousness), ending in a delicate papilla.
The fresh fruiting body is moist, slightly sticky and somewhat rubbery to the touch. Colour can range from olive and light brown through to specimens with bluish-green stains. The gills are thin and slightly translucent. The entire mushroom is relatively small, typically 5–10 cm high. If you would like to see reference photographs, you can find them for example here.
Psilocybe semilanceata usually appears in meadows, pastures, mountain slopes and lawns, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. It was first described in 1838 by Swedish mycologist Elias Magnus Fries as Agaricus semilanceatus, and later reclassified into the genus Psilocybe. The name combines “psilocybe” (“smooth head”) and “semilanceata” – “half-lanceolate”.
Reports of ingestion describe intense visual changes, shifts in thinking and strong emotional reactions. As with other psilocybin mushrooms, alongside potentially meaningful experiences, there is also a risk of anxiety, disorientation and difficult psychological material surfacing. Because of its potency and the difficulty of correct field identification, mycologists and toxicologists strongly warn against collecting and consuming wild specimens.
Red toadstool – Amanita muscaria
The last mushroom often mentioned in the context of “magic mushrooms” is the red toadstool, Amanita muscaria. It is not a psilocybin mushroom – it belongs to a different group and contains other active substances – but it has had a huge impact on folklore and popular imagination.
These beautiful, vivid red mushrooms with white spots grow throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in the forests of Europe and Asia. They often appear in groups and may fruit in the same place for many years. The common name “fly agaric” is linked to its historical use as an insect lure: caps were crushed and soaked in milk, attracting flies that were then poisoned or drowned.
The species name muscaria refers to “flies” (musca in Latin). Thanks to its striking appearance, Amanita muscaria has become an icon in fairy tales, illustration and modern fantasy – from children’s books to video games. It is sometimes associated in popular stories with reindeer and winter legends, though many of these narratives are more myth than confirmed history.
Fly agaric contains muscimol and ibotenic acid, as well as other compounds such as muscazone and muscarine in varying concentrations. These substances act on the nervous system and can cause profound alterations in perception, but they are also toxic. Descriptions mention confusion, ataxia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and, in more severe cases, the need for hospital care. Because of the unpredictability of dose and effects, eating Amanita muscaria is considered dangerous and is not recommended.
The most potent psilocybin mushrooms
Some species are considered particularly rich in psilocybin and related compounds. Among them are Psilocybe azurescens, Psilocybe cyanescens and Psilocybe bohemica. In dried material their psilocybin content is often reported around 1–2% of dry weight, which means they may be several times more potent than more commonly described species such as Psilocybe cubensis or Psilocybe semilanceata.
For this reason they are sometimes referred to in the literature as “high-potency” mushrooms. At the same time, legal restrictions and ethical guidelines mean that rigorous clinical research on these species is still limited compared with better-studied psilocybin sources used in medical trials.
The use of psilocybin in medicine
Despite the risks and the need for caution, psilocybin has attracted significant interest in modern psychiatry and neuroscience. In carefully controlled clinical studies in the United States, Europe and other regions, psilocybin – administered in pure, synthesised form and under professional supervision – is being investigated as a potential adjunct in the treatment of depression, anxiety related to life-threatening illness, addiction and obsessive–compulsive disorders.
Research groups at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Imperial College London, Vancouver Island University and Oregon Health & Science University analyse not only symptom reduction, but also changes in brain connectivity and long-term psychological outcomes. These are still experimental therapies, carried out under strict protocols, with medical screening and psychological support before, during and after the session.
It is crucial to remember that outside these supervised settings, self-medicating with psilocybin mushrooms can be dangerous: the dose is unpredictable, the content of active substances varies, and possible interactions with medications or mental health conditions may be serious. In many countries (including Poland) the possession and consumption of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal and punishable, so both the legal and health context must always be taken seriously.
Effects of psilocybin mushrooms on perception of reality
The way psilocybin mushrooms affect perception and sense of reality has fascinated people for thousands of years. The expression “magic mushrooms” may sound light-hearted, but the experiences described range from subtle sensory changes to profound, sometimes life-changing episodes that people interpret as mystical, spiritual or existential.
Historical accounts describe their use in rituals and ceremonies as tools connecting the “visible” and “invisible” worlds. At the same time, in Christian Europe such practices came into conflict with religious and social norms. People using psychoactive plants in traditional rites were at times demonised, and their ceremonies suppressed as heretical or “diabolical”, which contributed to a long-lasting stigma around these substances.
Today, discussions have shifted towards questions of medical safety, ethics and legal frameworks. One of the major challenges is to allow high-quality clinical trials while maintaining public health protections and avoiding commercialisation aimed at vulnerable people. Depression and anxiety disorders are increasingly described as diseases of civilisation, and the limitations of existing treatments make the search for new, well-researched tools particularly urgent.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms in religion and culture
Many researchers of religion and anthropology point out that psychoactive plants and fungi may have played an important role in shaping early spiritual practices. Psilocybin mushrooms are mentioned in hypotheses about the origins of certain visionary traditions, though direct historical proof is often fragmentary.
In numerous cultures, mushrooms functioned as mediators between the human world and the realm of deities or spirits. Shamans, healers and oracles used them in ritualised contexts to obtain visions, interpret symbols and support community members in crisis. Whether or not they “created” the concept of a god, they certainly influenced the way some communities understood the sacred.
Psilocybin mushrooms – popularity
One of the reasons for the current popularity of psilocybin mushrooms is their connection to folk traditions and the sense of “returning to roots”. Many people see in them a symbol of alternative approaches to mental health and spirituality. At the same time, it is important to distinguish between rich, centuries-old ritual traditions and modern recreational or commercial use, which often ignores context and safety.
Ethnobotanical data show that the intensity and style of using psychoactive plants differed between regions. The so-called New World (North and South America) has a particularly large diversity of documented entheogenic plants, while in Europe, Asia and Africa the number of widely used psychedelic species seems smaller. Partly this may be due to climate and biodiversity, but also to the influence of colonialism and religious change, which suppressed or marginalised local practices.
Chroniclers and missionaries travelling through Mexico described rituals with psilocybin mushrooms in very negative terms – as “intoxicating”, “demonic” or “delusional”. Conquistadors harshly attacked native sacraments and imposed their own religious framework, which left little room for incomprehensible visionary experiences. Despite this, some communities have preserved syncretic ceremonies that combine elements of Christianity with pre-colonial traditions, where sacred mushrooms may still appear as offerings and ritual tools.
Effects of consuming magic mushrooms
In this part we will look at how the effects of psilocybin mushrooms are described, focusing on time scale rather than specific dosage instructions.
Short-term effects of psilocybin mushrooms
Shortly after ingestion – typically within 30–60 minutes – psilocybin can begin to affect perception. People describe intensified colours, visual patterns with closed or open eyes, changes in the perception of sounds and body sensations, as well as an accelerated flow of thoughts. Emotional reactions may become stronger: from euphoria and a sense of deep meaning, through vulnerability and tears, to anxiety.
Somatic symptoms such as nausea, temporary problems with coordination, muscle tension or changes in body temperature are also frequently reported. The main phase of effects usually lasts around 4–6 hours, with a gradual decrease afterwards, although the subjective impression of time may be very different.
Long-term effects of psilocybin mushroom consumption
Long-term consequences are currently one of the key areas of scientific interest. Some studies suggest that a small number of carefully supervised sessions with psilocybin – in a therapeutic setting – can be associated with sustained improvement in mood or reduced anxiety in patients with certain diagnoses. Researchers also observe changes in brain connectivity that may reflect increased neuroplasticity.
At the same time, specialists warn that unsupervised, frequent or high-dose use may be risky, especially in people with a predisposition to psychosis, bipolar disorder or other serious mental health conditions. There are also individual reports of persisting perceptual disturbances and difficult psychological integration of intense experiences. For these reasons, scientific organisations emphasise that work with psilocybin should take place only in structured, professional contexts, not in self-experimentation.
If someone experiences alarming symptoms after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms – such as persistent confusion, strong anxiety, suicidal thoughts or physical complaints – they should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Growkit and further reading
If you are interested in the topic of mushrooms from an educational or mycological perspective, you can look at the growkit section of our store: Psychodelicroom – growkit. These products are intended for research and educational purposes in accordance with applicable law in a given country.
Among the most popular references you will find Golden Teacher growkit, Mazatapec growkit and McKennaii growkit. Remember that in many jurisdictions allowing such products, it is still illegal to cultivate and possess psilocybin-containing fruiting bodies.
The content on the psychodelicroom.pl website is educational, research-based, and expresses many opinions that should be treated with caution. We advise against using any substances that affect consciousness, as all of these substances can both heal and be very harmful. In particular, we advise against cultivating mushrooms from growkits in countries where it is illegal – including Poland – because it involves criminal liability. We recommend that you dispose of the growkits purchased from us within 72 hours of receiving them.
Footnotes:
https://www.mediamatic.net/en/page/228069/psilocybe-cubensis
https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/psilocybe-semilanceata.php
