Drugs A to Z

Magic mushrooms

aka: mushies, shrooms, liberty cap, liberties, magics

What are they

Magic mushrooms are real mushrooms, that are hallucinogenic. The most common variety is the Liberty Cap (psilocybe semilanceata). They are found growing in the wild all over Britain from September to November. Another variety is called Fly Agaric, which is more potent and toxic and may make you sick if you eat it. After they are picked, they are eaten raw or dried out. They can be added to cooking, or you can make tea with them. They can be sold loose in bags or crushed into tablets.

What are the effects?

• Magic Mushrooms have hallucinogenic effects that are similar to LSD, but often milder. A trip lasts about 4 hours, depending on how many are taken.
• Taking too many can lead to a very intense trip, and you can get sick.
• Colour is intensified, and sounds and objects are distorted when you take 20 – 30 mushrooms.
• A light trip having about 10 mushrooms makes you feel giddy, relaxed and confident.
• A trip can speed up and slow down time and movement.
• Bad trips can be very frightening.
• You may get diarrhoea.
• You may get flashbacks.

What are the risks?

• Eating the wrong kind of mushrooms is dangerous, some are very toxic and can kill you.
• You can get flashbacks years later.
• If you are depressed or down when you take them, you are more likely to have a bad trip.

How much are they?

Free, if you can pick them yourself or about £5 per bag.

The Law

The Drugs Act 2005 pertaining to magic mushrooms came into force July 18 2005.

Magic mushrooms are now treated as Class A drugs.

The Law

Staying Safe

1. Be certain that you know what you are taking. Many mushrooms are poisonous.
2. Control the number taken, 20 is usually enough to bring on effects in most cases. If unsure, avoid such large amounts until you see what happens.
3. Avoid using mushrooms if you are feeling anxious or depressed.
4. Carefully plan who you use with, how and where. Try to use a calm situation with lots of friends around to support use.
5. Talk down and reassure people if they become disturbed after using mushrooms.