(PSILOCYBIN)
These hallucinogenic mushrooms have similar properties to LSD and mescaline.
Slang Names
“Magic Mushroom” is the most common terms used in Australia.
Forms and Appearance
There are several varieties of hallucinogenic mushrooms which differ in appearance. They include the ‘liberty cap’ and the ‘fly agaric’.
Methods of Use
They are either eaten raw, cooked, made into a drink or dried for later consumption. It takes about 30 mushrooms to produce an effect comparable to a mild LSD dose.
Effects of Use
The effects of magic mushrooms vary a great deal. The effects depend on:
- the amount of active ingredient in each mushroom (which is impossible to know exactly);
- the mood or ‘mind set’ of the user before use;
- and the age of the user.
These effects include:
- feelings of euphoria,
- high spirits and wellbeing;
- bouts of laughing and giggling;
- visual and auditory hallucinations.
Adverse effects can include nausea and dizziness; and mental problems which are brought to the surface.
However, the main danger is in consuming a poisonous type of mushroom by mistake.
Tolerance and Dependence
Tolerance develops quickly with long-term use, but there is little evidence of any physical or psychological dependence developing.
Withdrawal
There are very few withdrawal effects when the drug is stopped.
Overdose
Overdose of real magic mushrooms is rare because of the very large amounts the user would need to consume.
‘Magic mushrooms’ that have been picked and dried. The mushrooms contain the drugs psilocin and psilocybin. Up to 30 may be required for a hallucinogenic experience
These tablets, which have the smell and appearance of proprietary yeast tablets, were illicitly made from virtually 100 per cent dried mushroom material. Each tablet is approximately 10mm in diameter by 5mm wide and weights up to 4 to 5 grams.
