Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic substance that is consumed for its hallucinogenic effects.

Psilocybin is one substance within a group of other substances, often called ‘psychedelics’ or psychedelic drugs.

The main ingredient in “magic mushrooms” is psilocybin. When psilocybin is taken, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties. This drug is derived from a plant and targets specific centers of the brain to alter the understanding of sensory input. Psilocybin is in a class of psychoactive substances that produce changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes.

Psilocybin can be found in natural environments usually dried out, rust in color with hints of white. It can also be found fresh - with a dark brown fan, light brown tops, and whitish-gray stems. These mushrooms look similar to ‘regular’ mushrooms found in nature and/or grocery stores in their appearance. They also can be found in trees, vines, seeds, fungi, and leaves.They can also come as dried material in capsules. Synthetic psilocybin appears as a white crystalline powder that can be processed into tablets or capsules or dissolved in water¹.

Psychedelics have been used for many years by a diverse range of cultures and religions. Psilocybin can be found in Central America, Mexico, and the United States. Psilocybin is ingested orally (in tea or other foods) in many other cultures.¹

For more information related to the history of how the drug was used by Aztecs in South America for religious and healing purposes, see here - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32398764/

Psychedelic experiences feature changes in normal perception such as visual distortions. These alterations may include: visual hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and dissociation - where parts of the brain feel as though they aren’t connected through memories, behaviors, and feelings.

Psilocybin + the brain

“Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors on brain cells in a way that reduces the energy needed for the brain to switch between different activity states”³. This can lead to permanent changes in the receptors and producers of chemicals in the brain. After a long period of use, receptors no longer generate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and this can lead to permanent damage of the synaptic gaps where it is received. Psilocybin may cause hallucinations, which may lead to an individual having difficulty distinguishing thoughts and fantasies from reality.

Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving a previous magic mushroom experience. They are usually visual distortions that involve changes in your emotions or perception.

Flashbacks can happen weeks, months or even years after the drug was last taken. This can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled. Flashbacks can be brought on by using other drugs, stress, tiredness or exercise and usually last a minute or two.

• The use, possession, or distribution of psilocybin is iIllegal for anyone under the age of 21.
• Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
• Colorado recently passed legislation (Proposition 122) which has decriminalized psilocybin for adults aged 21 and over. However, there are many factors and limitations related to this legislation. * Decriminalization is the act of removing criminal sanctions against an act, article, or behavior. Decriminalization of psilocybin means it would remain illegal, but the legal system would not prosecute a person for possession under a specified amount and.or other specification.
• To learn more about Proposition 122 in Colorado, please visit:
  https://www.cpr.org/2023/06/21/colorado-psychedelic-law-for-psilocybin-mushrooms/⁴
  https://coloradosun.com/2022/11/09/proposition-122-colorado-results-psilocybin-mushrooms-2/⁵
   

Resources for Help:

https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep20-03-03-001.pdf⁶