Magic mushrooms (or “shrooms”) have psilocybin, which is a natural chemical. When the body processes this, it turns into another substance called psilocin, which affects how your brain’s serotonin system works. This can change how you think, feel, and see the world.
Some people report feeling calm, creative, or more connected to nature, while others may feel anxious or confused. It’s important to understand that psilocybin is a powerful hallucinogen, not a harmless drug, and that it remains illegal in most places.
In both the U.S. and Canada, psilocybin is illegal under federal law. In the United States, it’s listed as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it’s considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Possessing, growing, or selling it can lead to serious penalties, including fines and prison time.
Some states, like Oregon and Colorado, have made limited changes to their laws. Oregon allows adults to use psilocybin only in licensed and supervised service centers. Colorado has decriminalized personal use and sharing among adults over 21, but it’s still illegal to sell or distribute it for profit. These local changes don’t override federal law.
In Canada, psilocybin is illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). The only legal access comes through special programs such as Health Canada’s Special Access Program (SAP) or approved clinical trials for medical research. This means that buying or selling psilocybin outside of these programs remains against the law.
Psilocybin affects serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps control mood, thinking, and perception. Once taken, it can cause changes in how a person experiences time, color, and sound. Many users describe bright or shifting patterns, emotional highs, or feelings of spiritual insight.
The effects usually start 15 to 60 minutes after taking it and can last for 4 to 6 hours. The experience can vary depending on how much is taken, the person’s mood, and their environment.
While some experiences can feel positive, others can be frightening. People sometimes call these difficult experiences “bad trips.”
Even though psilocybin use is illegal in most places, experts studying psychedelic safety share certain principles to help people understand the risks and precautions. These aren’t instructions for illegal use but educational information to reduce harm and promote awareness.
“Set” refers to a person’s mindset before taking psilocybin. Emotional state matters. People who are anxious, depressed, or under stress are more likely to have negative experiences. Those with a personal or family history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis should avoid psilocybin, as it can worsen these conditions. It also raises blood pressure and heart rate, so people with heart problems should not use it.
“Setting” means the physical and social environment. Experts recommend that people only take psilocybin in safe, quiet, and familiar spaces, never in public or unsafe areas. It’s also advised to have a sober, trusted person present, often called a “trip sitter,” who can provide calm support if the person becomes scared or disoriented.
The experience can last several hours, so access to water, comfortable seating, and a peaceful atmosphere is important. Soft lighting or relaxing music can help keep the mood steady.
Psilocybin mushrooms vary widely in strength, so dose estimation is difficult. Experts stress starting with very small amounts and waiting at least 90 minutes before considering more. Taking too much too soon can cause panic or disorientation.
Psilocybin can be eaten raw, dried, or made into tea, but each method changes how fast it works. Mixing psilocybin with alcohol, cannabis, or prescription drugs can be dangerous, leading to unpredictable reactions.
The biggest physical risk is accidentally consuming a poisonous mushroom that looks similar to a psilocybin mushroom. Some toxic mushrooms can cause severe liver damage or even death. For this reason, wild foraging is never safe without expert knowledge.
If anyone experiences a medical emergency after consuming mushrooms, it’s critical to seek help immediately by calling emergency services or going to the nearest hospital.
Psilocybin has gained attention for its potential medical uses, especially in treating depression and PTSD. However, research is still in early stages, and these treatments are available only under strict medical supervision. No psilocybin product is legally approved for general medical or recreational use in North America.
It’s essential for consumers to understand that while curiosity about psilocybin is natural, responsibility and legality come first. Staying informed, knowing the risks, and respecting the law protect both individuals and communities.
