Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) occurs when a person experiences hallucinations or visual disturbances long after using a hallucinogenic drug. These are also known as “flashbacks” and can be mistaken for neurologic conditions. All hallucinogens carry the risk of triggering mental and emotional problems and causing accidents while under the influence. Among adolescents, shrooms are frequently taken in combination with alcohol and other drugs, increasing the psychological and physical risks. This therapy may work, in part, through its effects on certain personality traits.
Psilocybin and psilocin are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. Individuals using magic mushrooms experience hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. Effects appear within minutes and usually last for four to six hours. In the 21st century, psilocybin B+ Mushrooms have been tested as a treatment for chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It can also cause adverse reactions such as nausea and panic attacks. Even psilocybin’s fiercest proponents agree that it will take more evidence of its effectiveness on larger groups in controlled settings, and investigation into potential adverse effects, before it can be unleashed as a medicine. Current trials exclude people with a family history of psychosis for fear that the drug could trigger latent schizophrenia. Some patients say they hardly experienced the psychedelic effects, while others such as Michael had strong reactions to lower doses but less to higher ones. James Rucker, who worked on the first Imperial study and now directs psilocybin trials at King’s College London, remains agnostic about the drug as a reliable treatment. But there have been several studies in recent years highlighting the potential benefits of larger doses of psilocybin for those with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, anorexia and alcohol abuse.
Plus, people can build a tolerance to psilocybin fairly quickly, making it hard to have any effect after several days of repeated use. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence. Some people get mild hallucinations, which are also called ‘visuals’. It’s important to know that some types of magic mushroom are stronger than others. For example, the fly agaric mushroom is usually more potent than the liberty cap mushroom. Recent studies have been promising but too short to assess lasting effects.
She cites Colorado, USA recently joining Oregon in decriminalising the use of psilocybin and other psychedelics and legalising clinical psilocybin treatment. That’s not the only psilocybin research currently occurring in Aotearoa. In a unique community-led initiative, members of the Rangiwaho marae in Tairawhiti Gisborne are exploring the use of the indigenous psilocybe weraroa mushroom to treat methamphetamine addiction. This project is informed by a Te Ao Māori framework and will use the whole mushroom, rather than just the extracted psilocybin component. Dr. Mitchell Head, a neuroscientist at Waikato University, is involved in the project and highlights that while the mushroom is not a magic cure for addiction, it can be a catalyst for reshaping the brain.
The effects usually kick in anywhere between 15 – 60 minutes after dosing, depending on the strain, dose and set (how you feel), although for some it may take longer. After-effects (such as feeling calm and introspective) may be felt for up to 24 hours. The two gene patterns correspond to an ancient split in the genus, suggesting two independent acquisitions of psilocybin in its evolutionary history. Many species are used to give an earthy flavor and meaty texture to everything from pizza to risotto. But if you consume a certain type of mushrooms, that pizza will make your dining experience rather, well, magical. Visual and auditory hallucinations are normal, so don’t freak out if you start seeing colorful patterns or hearing echoes.