Magic mushrooms, also called shrooms, mushies, or psilocybin mushrooms, are natural mushrooms that can change how you think, feel, and see the world. They contain two special compounds: psilocybin and psilocin, which cause psychedelic effects.
Magic mushrooms have been used for centuries in different cultures for healing, self-discovery, and spiritual connection. Today, people are studying them in new ways, not just for recreation, but also researching their potential for creativity, reflection, and mental wellness.
Magic mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows naturally around the world. They look like regular mushrooms, but they contain psilocybin, a compound that affects your brain after it’s eaten.
Once you take psilocybin, your body turns it into psilocin, which is the active ingredient that causes the “trip” or psychedelic experience. These effects may include:
NOTE: Some magic mushrooms look very similar to poisonous mushrooms. Eating the wrong kind can be deadly.
Psilocin affects the brain by acting like serotonin, a chemical that helps control your mood, thoughts, and senses. It attaches to special parts of your brain called 5-HT2A receptors, which are mostly found in areas that control how you think and feel.
One key part of the brain that changes during a trip is the Default Mode Network (DMN). This network is usually active when you’re daydreaming or thinking about yourself. When you take psilocybin, the DMN quiets down. This can make you feel less focused on your usual thoughts and more open to new ideas or emotions.
It also allows parts of the brain that don’t normally talk to each other to communicate in new ways, which is why people sometimes say they can “hear colors” or “see sounds.”
Everyone’s experience is different, but here are some common effects:
The effects usually start around 30 to 45 minutes after taking them and can last 4 to 6 hours.
While most people have positive experiences with magic mushrooms, it’s good to know that effects can vary. Things like mindset, environment, and dosage all play a big role. Some people may feel overwhelmed or anxious during a trip, and in rare cases, mild flashbacks can happen later. Magic mushrooms aren’t recommended for those with certain mental health conditions, and foraging wild mushrooms can be risky due to lookalikes.
Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional cultures, especially in Mesoamerica. The Aztecs called them teonanácatl, meaning “flesh of the gods,” and used them in spiritual ceremonies.
In the 1950s, the modern world learned more about these mushrooms after a man named R. Gordon Wasson took part in a ceremony with a Mexican healer named María Sabina. Since then, science and wellness communities have grown more interested in their effects and benefits.
Today, scientists are researching psilocybin in special clinics and universities. These studies use carefully controlled doses in safe settings with trained professionals.
Some of the areas being studied include:
| Condition | What Studies Show |
| Depression | Even one or two doses may help reduce symptoms. |
| Anxiety | Can ease fear in patients with life-threatening illnesses. |
| Addiction | Shows promise in helping people quit smoking or drinking. |
| OCD & Cluster Headaches | Early research looks hopeful, but more studies are needed. |
Right now, these treatments are not approved for general use. In the U.S., they’re only allowed in clinical trials. In Canada, they may be available through the Special Access Program (SAP), but only for very serious medical cases.
The legal status of magic mushrooms is changing in exciting ways, but it’s still important to stay informed. In both the U.S. and Canada, psilocybin is federally regulated, meaning its use is mostly limited to approved medical studies or special government programs. That said, some regions are beginning to recognize its potential and are creating new paths for safe, legal access.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
NOTE: This article is meant to share helpful information. Laws around magic mushrooms can vary depending on where you live, so be sure to check local rules and official sources if you’re unsure.
Magic mushrooms have been used for a long time by different cultures for healing and self-discovery. Today, more people are curious about how they work and what they can do.
Scientists are still learning about how psilocybin affects the brain, and research shows they can help with things like stress, depression, or creative thinking. Some people report using mushrooms to feel more connected and better understand themselves.
