Watch the Close Calls with CPCS video episode on Legalization of Psilocybin (above).
About Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin) Safety
Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms. These mushrooms have a history of use in traditional ceremonies and are also used recreationally. When swallowed, psilocybin can change perceptions, thoughts, and moods. The effects typically begin within 15-45 minutes and can last for four to six hours.
Accidental swallowing and adverse reactions are risks related to the recreational use, and emerging therapeutic applications, of psilocybin. Consuming magic mushrooms can lead to a variety of effects, some of which can be intensely unpleasant or dangerous, even with intentional use.
While psilocybin itself has a relatively low level of physical toxicity, the primary concern with magic mushroom ingestion relates to psychological distress, dangerous behavior due to impaired judgment, and the significant risk of accidentally swallowing highly poisonous look-alike mushrooms.
Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin) Risks
- Dangerous Behavior: People may be less aware of their physical surroundings and have an impaired ability to think clearly.
- Physical Side Effects: Psilocybin can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals with heart conditions. Other physical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, twitching, dilated pupils, dizziness, and loss of coordination.
- Fear: Some people who take psilocybin have extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia as they experience its hallucinogenic effects.
- Mental Health Issues: While rare in supervised clinical settings, recreational use - particularly in individuals who are at risk for psychiatric conditions - may be associated with an elevated risk of protracted psychosis (psychosis [a loss of touch with reality] lasting longer than a single episode) or other mental health problems.
- Toxic Look-Alikes: One of the most severe risks is accidental poisoning from highly toxic mushrooms that resemble psilocybin-containing varieties. This can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, liver and kidney failure, and even death. Cooking, peeling, drying, and/or soaking these poisonous mushrooms does not eliminate their toxins.
Risks are heightened when mushrooms are taken under the following conditions
- Unintentionally (accidentally)
- In a non-clinical and/or an unsupervised environment
- When the user has pre-existing mental and/or physical health conditions
For more information about the health effects of psilocybin, please visit the following
Signs of Magic Mushroom Overdose / Adverse Reaction in Adults
- Severe anxiety, panic attacks, and/or extreme fear
- Paranoia and/or delusional beliefs
- Psychosis (loss of touch with reality) and/or hallucinations
- Dangerous behavior due to impaired judgment
- Confusion and/or disorientation
- Restlessness and/or agitation
- Intense nausea and/or vomiting
- Significantly increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Muscle weakness, twitching, and/or convulsions
- Abdominal pain
Signs of Magic Mushroom Ingestion / Poisoning in Children
Children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size and weight, and their tendency to put things in their mouths. If a child has swallowed mushrooms, assume they are poisonous and seek immediate medical attention. Signs may include the following:
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness and/or drowsiness
- Confusion and/or delirium
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness or coma
Contact the Poison Hotline immediately at 1-800-222-1222
- If a child has accidentally consumed any mushroom product
- If an adult is experiencing unwanted and/or severe side effects
- If you suspect someone has swallowed a poisonous mushroom (not just psilocybin-containing ones) – do not wait for symptoms to occur
Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin) Poisoning Prevention
- Never consume wild mushrooms unless identified by a certified expert
- Keep all mushroom products locked out of reach and sight of children and pets
- Educate yourself and others about the risks
- Do not use magic mushrooms if you have a pre-existing mental health condition and/or are taking medications that interact with serotonin (e.g., antidepressants), without explicit medical guidance
