Psilocybin

For people who check facts

Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a psychedelic alkaloid of the tryptamine family. It is present in many species of fungi, including Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Caps), commonly called "Magic mushroom" or simply "Shrooms". Effects of psilocybin generally resemble a shorter LSD trip.

Table of contents

1 Effects
2 Chemical data
3 Psilocybin and Medicine
4 Psilocybin and the Law
5 See also
6 External links

Effects

Effects often begin 45 minutes after ingestion and last from 4-5 hours. Effects may start earlier if the mushrooms are chewed and held in the mouth. At low doses, hallucinatory effects occur, including walls that seem to breathe, a vivid enhancement of colors and the animation of organic shapes. At higher doses, experiences tend to be less social and more entheogenic, often catalyzing intense spiritual experiences.

The effects are often pleasant, even ecstatic, including a deep sense of connection to others, and a general feeling of connection to nature and the universe. However, as with all psychedelic chemicals, not all experiences are positive. This is especially true when they are taken with other drugs, in huge doses, during times of mental instability, or by people with psychoemotional problems. In such situations, "bad trips" are much more likely to occur. Anxiety, frightening hallucinations, confronting (symbolically or literally) past or deep-seated internal conflicts, and feelings of permanent disconnection from reality and the Self can be quite intense and cause panic. The possibility of such experiences can be mitigated by being cognizant of one's "set and setting."

Experimentation with psychedelics should be done with a lot of information, significant discretion and an awareness that this practice is ancient, honourable and not to be trifled with.

Chemical data

Chemical Structure of Psilocybin
Chemical Structure of Psilocybin
Psilocin can be derived from psilocybin by separation of the phosphate group.

IUPAC names: 4-Hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-4-ol
Chemical substance classes: Tryptamines, Indolamines (Indolalkaloides)
Formula: C₁₂H₁₇N₂O

Psilocybin and Medicine

Psilocybin has been studied as a treatment to several disorders.

In the US, an FDA-approved study began in 2001 to study the effects of psilocybin on patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Informal, anecdotal reports suggest some efficacy in ameliorating cluster headaches. There have been no medical trials on this.

Psilocybin and the Law

Spores of Psilocybe mushrooms can be legally purchased from several mail order sources; however cultivation and consumption of the mushrooms are illegal in many jurisdictions.

In Japan, it was legal to possess and sell psilocybin mushrooms until June 2002. Possibly in preparation for the World Cup and in response to a widely reported case of mushroom poisoning, however, possession was made illegal in 2002.
In the United States, psilocybin and psilocybe mushrooms are regulated under DEA Schedule 1, making them illegal to possess under federal law. (Researchers and their subjects are granted exemptions by the DEA.) Under state law, it is illegal to possess psilocybin and psilocybin mushrooms in all states except Florida, where a court decision ruled that wild psilocybin mushrooms themselves are not illegal to possess.
In the United Kingdom, possession of unprocessed mushrooms is not illegal. However, when prepared, the product (dried mushrooms, tea or powder) may be construed as illegal. This allows shops in the UK to sell fresh mushrooms on the high street and over the internet.

External links

MAPS Psilocybin Research
Shroomery Dosage Calculator
Erowid Psychedelic Crisis FAQ
Science & Consciousness Review, The Neurochemistry of Psychedelic Experience
Good Drugs Guide
Erowid Psilocybin Vault: http://www.erowid.org/plants/mushrooms/mushrooms.shtml*