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Magic mushrooms are a group of fungi that contain psilocybin, a psychoactive compound that can induce altered states of consciousness, such as hallucinations, euphoria, and mystical experiences. Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures around the world for spiritual and healing purposes. Some of the earliest evidence of mushroom use dates back to 9,000 BC in North Africa and Europe, where cave paintings depict mushroom-like figures. In Central and South America, magic mushrooms were revered as sacred and called "flesh of the gods" by the Aztecs and other civilizations. Magic mushrooms were also used by ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Indians for various religious and medicinal purposes.

In the 1950s and 1960s, magic mushrooms gained popularity in the West, thanks to the discovery and research of R. Gordon Wasson, a mycologist who participated in a mushroom ceremony in Mexico, and Albert Hofmann, a chemist who isolated and synthesized psilocybin. They published their findings in scientific journals and popular magazines, sparking the interest of the public and the psychedelic movement. However, in 1970, magic mushrooms were classified as a Schedule I substance in the US, meaning they have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This effectively banned the research and use of magic mushrooms for decades.

In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest and research on the potential benefits of magic mushrooms for various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, and end-of-life distress. Several studies have shown that psilocybin therapy, which involves taking a controlled dose of psilocybin under the guidance of a therapist, can produce lasting positive changes in mood, cognition, and perception, as well as reduce symptoms of psychological distress. Some researchers believe that psilocybin works by enhancing neural connectivity, stimulating neurogenesis, and facilitating mystical experiences that can promote personal growth and meaning. Psilocybin therapy has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression, and is expected to be approved by 2026 or 2027.

There are over 200 species of magic mushrooms, each with different levels of potency and effects. Some of the most common types are:

Psilocybe cubensis (golden caps, cubes): The most widely cultivated and consumed species, native to tropical and subtropical regions. They have a moderate to high potency and produce a balanced and versatile experience.
Psilocybe semilanceata (liberty caps): The most common species in Europe, native to temperate regions. They have a high potency and produce a more intense and cerebral experience.
Psilocybe azurescens (flying saucers): The most potent species, native to the Pacific Northwest of the US. They have a very high potency and produce a very powerful and visionary experience.
Psilocybe cyanescens (wavy caps): A potent species, native to the Pacific Northwest of the US and Europe. They have a high potency and produce a strong and euphoric experience.
Magic mushrooms are generally consumed in their dried form, either by eating them whole, grinding them into a powder, or brewing them into a tea. The dosage depends on the species, the individual, and the desired effect, but a typical range is between 0.5 and 5 grams. The effects usually begin within 30 minutes and last for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the dose and the person. The effects can vary from person to person, but some common ones are:

Visual distortions, such as enhanced colors, patterns, and shapes
Auditory hallucinations, such as music, voices, or sounds
Altered sense of time, space, and reality