The Classic Psychedelic

Psilocybin Mushrooms

The classic psychedelic fungus. History, effects, safety, research and therapeutic potential.

By Moti Hamou·Reviewed by Vanessa A. Green, PhD, Victoria University of Wellington·Last updated May 18, 2026

Mushrooms containing psilocybin are not just another dietary supplement; they are a psychoactive substance with enormous potential to change humanity (yes, all of humanity!) through our inner world. Beyond being considered a natural, interesting, challenging, and even spiritual tool, there are still dangers in the unwise use of psilocybin. Psilocybin can also serve as a therapeutic tool with psychoactive capabilities that can change the user’s perception of reality.

In this article, we will try to understand how to minimize harm from unwise or irresponsible use, and we will try to understand whether and how “magic” mushrooms have the potential to benefit us and the world.

Currently, the laws in most countries classify psilocybin as a schedule one substance . However, science and Western popular culture push the legitimacy of mushroom use through medical research. Additionally, thanks to the internet, we witness endless testimonials from private users. Thanks to these studies and testimonials, every day we learn more and more about the impact of this substance on the body, culture, and perception of reality.

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Disclaimer

Educational content only, not medical advice. Psychedelic substances are illegal in many jurisdictions. We do not encourage use or violation of law.

What is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is one of the most well-known psychoactive substances in the world, responsible for the psychedelic experience of magic mushrooms. These mushrooms are also called psilocybin mushrooms, magic mushrooms, or hallucinogenic mushrooms. Psilocybin is a chemical compound with a structure relatively similar to LSD. Psilocybin has a psychedelic effect due to its ability to act on serotonin receptors in the central nervous system.

Technical Information about Psilocybin

Chemical Symbol: C₁₂H₁₇N₂O₄P.
Molar Mass: 284.25 g/mol.
CAS Number: 520-52-5.
PubChem 10624.
ChemSpider 10178.
Melting Point: 220–228 °C.
Legal Status: Included in the Schedule I controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.
Methods of Administration: Oral, intravenous.

When and Who Isolated the Psychoactive Substance Psilocybin?

Psilocybin was isolated by Dr. Albert Hofmann in 1958, who also discovered the psychedelic substance LSD .

What is Psilocin?

Psilocin is the psychoactive metabolite that psilocybin breaks down into, and it sometimes appears on lists of prohibited substances. When psilocybin is consumed, it turns into psilocin, which causes the psychedelic effect.

Psilocybin vs. Psilocin

Both psilocybin and psilocin naturally exist in magic mushrooms, and both are considered psychoactive. Once the user consumes magic mushrooms, psilocybin breaks down into psilocin in the digestive system by the enzyme alkaline phosphatase.

What Does It Feel Like to Take Magic Mushrooms? 🍄

Most people who experiment with magic mushrooms will say it is very difficult to describe or define the actual experience. It can be a very intimate experience where you feel and perceive yourself in a new way, learning about yourself and the entire world from a completely different perspective. It is a very powerful substance that can shake your perceptions about everything such as art, philosophy, religion, and politics. To some extent, magic mushrooms can produce lasting changes in personality (MacLean 2011). They can break your defenses and bring out the hypocrisy, giving you the chance to free yourself from thought patterns that prevented you from being yourself.

On the other hand, some people find the use of magic mushrooms to be a strong but simple psychoactive experience. For these users, it involves about 4-8 hours of fun and psychedelia. While under the influence of magic mushrooms, they may listen to electronic music, eat fruits, laugh with friends, smoke cannabis, take a short walk in the park, and pass the time until the effect wears off.

In other words, magic mushrooms are a tool, not a goal. You can take advantage of the window of opportunity created by the brain and nervous system’s plasticity to undergo mental processes, deep spiritual experiences, but you can also just sit with friends and see how the perception of reality changes for a while.

Journalist Michael Pollan wrote about his and his wife’s experience with magic mushrooms in The Atlantic. His wife Judith had “interesting visual hallucinations,” but for her, the experience itself was not pleasant. She described the experience saying, “It felt like the brain and body were drifting apart.” Michael, on the other hand, felt he suddenly had a special ability to communicate with plants!

How Do Psilocybin and Magic Mushrooms Affect the User?

Psilocybin is a psychedelic substance that activates serotonin receptors in the brain, affecting mood, cognition, and perception. Although its effects can vary greatly from user to user, it is important to emphasize that psilocybin does not always cause visual and auditory hallucinations but can still distort the way the user perceives objects and people around them.

The Effects of Magic Mushrooms May Include:

Stimulus-driven reactions.
Hallucinations (or more accurately, enhancements and changes in visual perception).
Improved mood.
Mood swings and fluctuations.
Intense emotional experiences.
Increased relaxation.

The effects will vary depending on the number of grams of mushrooms, expectations, past experiences, the strength of the mushrooms, and whether they are dried or not. Dried mushrooms contain ten times more active substances than fresh ones.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: Dangers and Side Effects

It is very important to warn that for some people and in certain situations, using magic mushrooms can be very unpleasant and even lead to severe and dangerous conditions.

A significant portion of people who try magic mushrooms may experience severe physical and emotional feelings or get stuck in a “bad trip.” In such a situation, the experience will be far from the “magic” associated with magic mushrooms. Although magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, there is always the danger that a user may mix them with other substances and find themselves in a cycle of self-destruction.

Side Effects of Magic Mushrooms

In addition to the effects that some users seek, such as “pleasant hallucinations” and changes in thought patterns, there are also side effects that users may experience when taking psilocybin:

Nausea
Vomiting
Bad hallucinations
Loss of coordination
Muscle weakness
Yawning
Drowsiness
Intense internal emotional experiences
Persistent perception disorder (HPPD)
Psychosis
Irritability
Paranoia

Psilocybin May Be More Dangerous for People with Specific Mental Health Backgrounds

Psychedelic drugs like magic mushrooms amplify what a person already has inside. Therefore, people with a family history of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or psychosis should avoid any use of psychoactive substances, except in approved research or treatment conditions. We emphasize that using magic mushrooms for people with a history of mental illnesses can be dangerous, and it is essential to avoid it.

The Dangers of Using Magic Mushrooms for “Self-Healing”

In recent years, treatment with magic mushrooms has become increasingly popular. Therefore, it is important to say and emphasize that although magic mushrooms have the potential to help in complex situations, the substance itself, without the accompanying certified psychedelic therapy team and appropriate protocols, is not enough to ensure a positive and safe outcome and may even worsen the situation. For example, in a situation where a person with severe trauma takes magic mushrooms, there is a possibility that instead of having a pleasant journey where they learn about themselves and their past, they find themselves in the middle of a waking nightmare. Therefore, using magic mushrooms for “self-healing” is not recommended and can lead to severe conditions in some cases.

Types of Magic Mushrooms 🍄

More than 180 types of psilocybin mushrooms have been identified worldwide, with different levels of potency and various sub-strains.

The most common species containing psilocybin are:

Psilocybe Cubensis – Psilocybe Cubensis (Golden Teacher, Golden Cap, Ape, Albino, Penis Envy, AMPV, Golden Top, or Mexican Mushroom) is the most common species. The cap is reddish-brown with a white or yellowish stem in the shape of a cone. It is common in spring, summer, and autumn in the southern United States, mainly growing in cow dung.
Psilocybe Semilanceata – Psilocybe Semilanceata (Liberty Cap) can be found in moist grassy fields. The mushroom itself is small, light yellow or brown, with a very pointed cap. It can be found growing naturally on the west coast of the United States. Its potency is similar to that of Psilocybe Cubensis.
Psilocybe Azurescens – In English, it is often called the “Flying Saucer Mushroom.” Psilocybe Azurescens is considered one of the strongest magic mushrooms. It grows on wood chips and sandy soils. It is brown or caramel-colored and turns almost dark blue or black when bruised.

Do Different Species of Psychedelic Mushrooms Produce Different Psychedelic Experiences?

Different species of mushrooms vary in potency and the amounts of active substances they contain. Some believe that certain species of mushrooms are less likely to induce anxiety and panic experiences (“bad trips”) compared to other mushrooms.

As we mentioned earlier, it is important to understand that the effects of psilocybin on the human body can vary dramatically from person to person.

Frequently Asked Questions about Psilocybin Mushrooms

How Do You Take Psilocybin Mushrooms?

The most common way to consume magic mushrooms is by eating them. Effects usually begin within 20-40 minutes of consumption. It is important to understand this to prevent excessive consumption due to the fear that there is no effect.

The potential for using this substance for pure escapism is astronomical. In other words, although magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, people with a tendency towards addiction can easily find ways to abuse this substance and thus sink deeper into their self-destructive process.

How Long Does It Take for Magic Mushrooms to Take Effect?

The effects of magic mushrooms occur within 20-40 minutes of consumption and can last between four to six hours. It is important to note that some people may experience sensory perception changes or thoughts for several days after taking the substance.

What If 40 Minutes Pass and Nothing Happens?

If you have taken magic mushrooms and do not feel the effect immediately, it’s completely normal. Avoid taking additional doses to “activate” the experience. Instead, engage in something else, such as watching a TV show, until you start to feel the effects of the mushrooms. Remember, taking too much can end in a very bad trip or worse.

How Long Does the Effect of Magic Mushrooms Last?

The effect, or trip, of magic mushrooms lasts approximately between 3 to 6 hours. Psilocybin will stay in the body for 24 hours or more. Additionally, psilocybin can appear in the user’s hair follicles for up to 90 days.

Is Psilocybin Addictive?

Psilocybin is not considered an addictive drug. Although addiction to psychedelic substances is rare, people who are addicted to multiple drugs can also abuse psychoactive substances, leading to the misuse of magic mushrooms and self-destruction.

However, it is important to understand that psilocybin does create tolerance, so some users who take magic mushrooms regularly may need to take higher doses to achieve the same effects as before. This is very dangerous given the unpredictability of the dosage and effects of the drug. Additionally, cross-tolerance between psilocybin and other hallucinogens has been reported.

Why Do Magic Mushrooms Make Me Cry?

First and foremost, crying is a natural and normal phenomenon. If magic mushrooms make you feel like you are about to burst into tears, let it out. It is part of the trip, and you are definitely not alone. However, if you know for sure that magic mushrooms make you cry, you might want to have a supportive person, such as a trip sitter, with you during the entire psychedelic experience. Remember, feeling protected and safe within the trip are among the most important elements of a psychedelic experience. Therefore, creating a comfortable and pleasant environment will help you go through the psychedelic experience with less anxiety and probably much more positive outcomes.

Alternative Ways to Consume Psilocybin Mushrooms

Not everyone likes the earthy and bitter taste of magic mushrooms. Therefore, many people have invented methods to mask and hide the natural taste of magic mushrooms. Some make psilocybin-based tea, while others invest their time in making honey, or “magic” chocolate. Additionally, you can crush or grind the mushrooms into a powder in a blender and then divide them into equal capsules. Many users find this method very important because it helps the user control the exact amounts of the substance they consume. This method is very convenient for microdosing (link to the complete guide).

What is Chitta, Purusha & Atman in Samkhya and Advaita Vedanta?

Lemon Tek: What Is It and How to Do It Right?

Another very common method is to add magic mushrooms to lemon tek, or in other words, the lemon method. The common claim is that the lemon begins the breakdown process before the stomach, where psilocybin breaks down into psilocin, thereby starting the effect faster and potentially reducing the nausea that is a very common side effect. Additionally, many magic mushroom users claim that this method creates a stronger effect that passes faster.

Ingredients

Magic mushrooms, lemons, a good blender or vegetable chopper, a citrus juicer.

Crush or turn the magic mushrooms into powder or at least very small pieces.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice.
Mix the mushrooms with the lemon juice and wait about 20 minutes.

That’s it, the lemon tek is ready. Remember that there is a real chance the effect will be stronger, so be very careful with the dosages.

Clinical Studies

Although magic mushrooms are known as a powerful substance with many effects, there have been very few clinical trials on the effects of psilocybin on the human body and brain. We will try to present some interesting examples of studies worth delving into.

Study by the University of Lancet: Psilocybin Treatment for Resistant Depression

The University of Lancet conducted the first clinical trial on the effects of psilocybin on depression in 2016. The study was led by Dr. Robin L. Carhart-Harris from the Center for Neuro-Psychopharmacology at Imperial College London. Symptoms of depression in 12 volunteers were significantly reduced after three months, with ongoing improvements in anxiety and anhedonia.

The Effects of Psilocybin on Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease Patients

A study led by Joshua Woolley from 2021 at the University of San Francisco examined the effects of psilocybin on adults suffering from depression and anxiety due to Parkinson’s disease. The study is expected to be completed in October 2023. Update: No longer accepting participants. The data should be published here.

Beckley Foundation Study: Measuring Psilocin and Brain Activity

The Beckley Foundation (led by Dr. Robin L. Carhart-Harris) is currently investigating the effects of psilocin on the brain. They hypothesize that psilocin can be used to lower repression and facilitate work with autobiographical memory.

Beckley Foundation Pilot Study: Psilocybin-Assisted Treatment for Addiction

The Beckley Foundation (led by Dr. Roland Griffiths) is researching the effects of psilocybin on nicotine addiction in cigarette smokers. They are testing the hypothesis that mystical experiences induced by magic mushrooms may strengthen the immune system and provide treatment for people addicted to nicotine who have been resistant to other treatments. A similar study conducted by Johns Hopkins found that participants achieved 80% smoking cessation after six months.

Osona Center Psilocybin Study for Resistant Depression

A study that started in 2019 and continues until 2022 examined 100 participants aged 21 to 65 who were diagnosed with MDD (major depressive disorder). Participants took part in a trial where some received psilocybin and others received niacin as a placebo. The goal of the trial was to see if 25 mg of orally administered psilocybin (not to be confused with 25 mg of mushrooms) compared to a placebo produced a positive change in reducing resistant depression. The results were measured according to two tests, the MADRS and the SDS, and found a significant reduction in depression of more than 50% compared to the start after 43 days.

2022-2023 Phase 2 Trials: Single-Dose Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression

A landmark 2022 phase 2 trial in the New England Journal of Medicine randomized 233 patients with treatment-resistant depression to a single 25 mg, 10 mg, or 1 mg dose of synthetic psilocybin (COMP360). At three weeks, the 25 mg group showed a 6.6-point greater drop on the MADRS scale than the 1 mg control, with 29% achieving sustained remission at twelve weeks. A 2023 follow-up published in JAMA by Raison and colleagues confirmed comparable rapid antidepressant effects of single-dose psilocybin in major depressive disorder, strengthening the case for regulatory approval. For the deeper neurobiology, see our companion piece on psilocybin for depression.

Psilocybin Dosages

Unlike many other medications, body weight does not affect psilocybin dosages, and the effects of different dosages may vary from person to person.

The dosages presented below are general information intended to minimize harm for users. Therefore, it is important to remember that the effects may vary depending on the user themselves, and this should not be taken as a recommendation for any use.

Low Dose of Magic Mushrooms

1 gram and below is considered a low dose.

It is important to emphasize that since each person’s system is different, even a low dose may be strong, especially if it is the first time this person is dealing with psychoactive substances.

Microdose is considered the low dose up to 10-20 times the standard dose that can produce psychedelic effects. Generally, a microdose is about 0.1-0.25 grams of magic mushrooms.

It is important to emphasize, microdosing should not affect your ability to function in daily life. If you feel that you are unable to work, it means the dose is probably too high.

Medium Dose of Magic Mushrooms

1 to 3 grams of psilocybin mushrooms are considered a medium dose (depending of course on variables such as strain, part, growth method, etc.).

The effect of this dose can cause confusion and is not suitable for use in a “normal and non-embracing” environment or at events. It is better to use such doses with friends in a controlled environment and it is recommended to have someone act as a trip sitter (or space holder).

High Doses of Psilocybin Mushrooms

3 to 4 grams of psilocybin mushrooms are considered a high dose, while 5 grams and above are considered a “heroic” dose as coined by Terence McKenna. Such high doses are often taken in controlled environments, treatments, or psychedelic retreats. It is highly recommended to invite a friend with previous experience with magic mushrooms to stay sober and keep an eye on those who decided to take a high dose.

If this is your first time and you have decided to take magic mushrooms, it is important to minimize harm and not take extreme amounts of the substance. It is important to learn how your body responds to the substance before doing something extreme.

Is There Such a Thing as an Overdose of Magic Mushrooms?

From what is known, there is no real danger of death from an overdose of magic mushrooms, but you can certainly “take too much.”

Taking too large doses can indeed cause very unpleasant symptoms, including anxiety attacks, paranoia, fear, and feelings of loss of control, delusional thinking, and even psychosis. Therefore, even if there is no “classic overdose” as with other drugs, there is still the possibility of getting stuck in a very bad trip that will feel like a psychedelic hell with no escape. Additionally, remember that large amounts can lead to long-term side effects such as persistent perception disorder (HPPD).

We emphasize that psilocybin is a very powerful substance. It does not matter what you think about yourself or previous experiences you had with alcohol or other drugs. Under no circumstances should you try to take high doses immediately. This applies to magic mushrooms and any other type of drug.

Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms: Stamets Protocol for Psilocybin

Before we begin, it is important to say that the protocol below is not suitable for everyone and its purpose is only to represent general guidelines for how to microdose magic mushrooms safely and responsibly. There is definitely a lot of room for changes and adjustments according to personality type, lifestyle, goals you want to achieve, and targets. It is very common to start with standard protocols such as this one and then adjust them over time as needed for the user.

Frequency: According to the protocol of Dr. Stamets, psilocybin mushrooms are consumed for four days, followed by a three-day break for a month to two months.

Doses: Between 0.1 to 0.35 grams of magic mushrooms, Stamets recommends any strain from the Cubensis family.

Afterward, stop and assess your progress. Beyond that, it is worth checking if the changes created by the microdosing remained even after the microdosing periods ended or if there was a regression – that is, whether the change was captured in their system.

Using Magic Mushrooms / Psilocybin for Recreational and Spiritual Purposes

Psilocybin has been used in mystical spiritual ceremonies in ancient Native American societies and continues to this day. Many supporters of magic mushrooms who have experienced ceremonies have declared that their experience with magic mushrooms was the most significant spiritual experience of their lives.

A 2011 study found an increase in “openness” which is one of the Big Five personality traits among participants who took high doses of psilocybin. Openness refers to someone’s attitude towards new experiences, creativity, and appreciation for aesthetics (e.g., paying attention to and appreciating art).

Psilocybin, or more commonly known as magic mushrooms, is not a “hardcore party drug.” Its effect is less suitable for a closed, noisy club. However, many people still like to take magic mushrooms at outdoor parties, festivals, and raves.

There are events, festivals, and retreats around the world where there are groups or individuals seeking spiritual experiences using psychedelic mushrooms.

Recreational use does not have to be extreme and noisy. For example, you can organize a safe, comfortable, and intimate place with friends or a partner. Throughout the trip, interesting music can be played in the background. Additionally, you can occasionally take a walk in a green and quiet area. It is also a good idea to prepare fruits and light snacks in advance for the journey. You can play music or try another creative activity, and towards the end of the effect, spend time in seemingly mundane and unimportant activities and see how the change in perception presents them and what can be learned at that moment. In any case, the mushrooms will probably make you talk and open your heart about your life. This is part of the trip, so it is important to focus on “set and setting” – that is, the preparation and state of your emotional and physical space before the psychedelic trip.

It is important to emphasize that a person who chooses to experiment with magic mushrooms for enjoyment and does not follow protocols and integration is not undergoing a “classic therapeutic experience.” However, to some extent, people who use this substance at a nature party, for example, can still have deep psychological experiences with the potential for long-lasting impact. These experiences can help them release and go through very deep processes. The problem with this approach mainly arises from certain risks associated with unmonitored use, random environmental effects, side effects, the legal aspect, and the inability to control the “therapeutic” process in a controlled manner.

Are Psilocybin and Magic Mushrooms Legal in Israel?

Psilocybin, and all its forms (honey, chocolate, etc.), are not legal in Israel and are considered illegal drugs in every respect. Therefore, if you choose to experiment with these substances, it is important to consider the legal dimension. We recommend not breaking the law and instead finding legal ways, such as participating in research or traveling to a retreat or a country where the use of psilocybin mushrooms is legal for you.

Final Words

Magic mushrooms — psilocybin mushrooms, or hallucinogenic mushrooms — appear in healing traditions on every continent, from Mazatec velada ceremonies in Oaxaca to Siberian shamanic rites. As the FDA breakthrough-therapy designations and Australia’s 2023 prescribing approval for psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression demonstrate, science is finally catching up with what indigenous practitioners have known for centuries. Used responsibly and with proper preparation, psilocybin offers a tool for cultivating openness, creativity, and emotional resilience that conventional pharmacology cannot replicate. Pair the substance with structured integration — journaling, somatic practice, and trained support — to translate the experience into lasting change.

We do not encourage the use, sale, or purchase of illegal drugs. All the content presented on this page is intended for harm reduction, education, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice of any kind. We recommend consulting with dedicated professionals or your family doctor to get details tailored to you personally.

Last updated: April 27, 2026

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