Shrooms on the Internet: Understanding the Availability and Safety
Shrooms on the Internet?
The rising popularity of "magic mushrooms" has sparked curiosity and demand, leading to the emergence of variFous mushroom-based products on the market, including chocolates and gummies. Brands are making these products easily accessible online, raising questions about how such items are legally available despite the illegal status of psilocybin mushrooms in many regions.
It’s important to clarify the differences between the types of mushrooms being sold and explore the legal loopholes that allow certain products to be marketed and sold. Consumer education and the importance of informed and safe consumption in this rapidly evolving market is paramount for making responsible choices.
[UPDATE June 2024] FDA investigating illnesses and deaths caused by "Shrooms on the Internet”
Soon following publication of this blog post, the FDA and CDC, in collaboration with US Poison Centers and state and local partners, began investigating illnesses and deaths associated with eating Diamond Shruumz branded Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies. The investigation is ongoing, and the FDA is advising that consumers should not buy or eat any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand product.
Different Types of “Magic Mushrooms”
Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain species of mushrooms, most notably Psilocybe cubensis, is a powerful hallucinogen that has been used for thousands of years in various cultural and spiritual practices. Despite that, psilocybin remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the United States Controlled Substances Act, meaning, according the US government, it is considered to have a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. This classification makes psilocybin illegal in most regions, with severe legal penalties for possession, distribution, and use, except in Oregon, where they are legal for use at designated Service Centers, like Lucid Cradle, under guided supervision by a trained facilitator.
These mushrooms are renowned for their ability to induce profound alterations in perception, mood, and cognition. When ingested, psilocybin is metabolized into psilocin, which then interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain leading to experiences such as vivid hallucinations, a distorted sense of time, and deep introspection. Users often describe feelings of interconnectedness, unity with the universe, and spiritual or mystical insights. The effects are highly variable and depend on things like dosage, the setting in which they’re consumed, and the individual’s mindset and mental state.
Psilocybe cubensis
Psilocybin containing mushrooms may have different sizes and shapes. Psilocybin cubensis is the most commonly known species of mushroom with noted varietals such as Xalapa (pictured here), Penis Envy, Shakti and Mazapatec.
Amanita Muscaria, the “Fly Agaric”
In contrast, Amanita muscaria, also known as the fly agaric mushroom, is easily recognizable by its bright red cap with white spots and often featured as a “magic mushroom” in popular culture. Unlike psilocybin mushrooms, Amanita muscaria does not contain psilocybin or psilocin. Its primary psychoactive compounds are muscimol and ibotenic acid which interact with the brain differently, leading to a distinct and often unpredictable effects.
Muscimol is a potent agonist of the GABA receptors in the brain, which is involved in inhibiting neural activity. When muscimol binds to these receptors, it can induce a range of effects, including euphoria, sedation, altered perception of time and space, vivid dreams or hallucinations. The experience is highly personal, dose-dependent and can vary significantly.
Ibotenic acid is actually a neurotoxin and a prodrug to muscimol. It can cause excitatory effects, including agitation, confusion, and muscle twitching, which can contribute to the unpredictability of this type of mushroom’s effects. In higher doses, it can lead to more severe symptoms, such as delirium, convulsions, and, in extreme cases, coma or death.
Because of this Amanita muscaria is considered toxic if not properly prepared. The raw mushroom contains high levels of ibotenic acid and traditional preparation methods, such as drying or boiling the mushrooms, reduce the toxicity by converting ibotenic acid into muscimol, but this process requires careful attention to detail. Improper preparation can lead to serious health consequences.
Despite the dangers, Amanita muscaria remains largely unregulated in most parts of the world, including the US. It is not classified as a controlled substance because it does not contain psilocybin and, as a result, it is widely available for purchase online and even in gas stations in various forms, often gummies. These products are often conflated with psilocybin containing mushrooms as a marketing ploy, or marketed as a legal alternative to psilocybin-containing mushrooms. However, the marketing of course downplays the serious risks associated with its consumption and confuses the consumer.
Given the unpredictable nature of Amanita muscaria and its potential for toxicity, it is crucial that consumers be well-informed about what they are taking. Unlike psilocybin mushrooms, which have been extensively studied for their therapeutic benefits, Amanita muscaria lacks the same level of research and understanding. Consumers should approach these products with extreme caution.
Amanita muscaria
These recognizable Amanitas do not have the same effects as psilocybin containing mushrooms, despite often being marketed and sold as “magic mushrooms.”
The Importance of a Safe Supply Chain
Oregon's approach to psilocybin regulation has resulted in the creation of the only certified framework in the United States for a safe and controlled “magic mushroom” supply chain. Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS), a division of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), oversees this comprehensive regulatory system, ensuring that psilocybin mushrooms are cultivated, processed, tested, distributed and consumed in a consistent and safe manner.
Psilocybin mushrooms must be grown by licensed cultivators who meet strict regulatory standards. These standards ensure that the mushrooms are cultivated in controlled environments that optimize their potency and purity, free from harmful contaminants such as molds, bacteria, or pesticides. Licensed cultivators are required to focus on a specific strain, Psilocybe cubensis, that has show consistent outcomes.
Once harvested, the mushrooms undergo controlled processing to ensure the correct dosage of psilocybin is maintained. The mushrooms may be packaged as dried fungus, ground down (homogonized) and put in capsules, or may also be prepared in chocolate, gummy or other forms.
They are then subjected to rigorous laboratory testing to verify the potency of the psilocybin content and check for any contaminants to ensure that only the highest-quality products reach consumers.
Finally, the psilocybin-containing products are securely transported with detailed tracking information to prevent any diversion and ensure consistency, quality and potency, from the licensed manufacturers to designated Service Centers, such a Lucid Cradle, where they are consumed onsite.
The Importance of Support
Even when psilocybin mushrooms themselves are of high quality and free from contaminants, the experience’s safety and therapeutic effectiveness largely depend on the quality of support provided during use. This is the role of licensed facilitators, such as Jeanette Small, who non-directively guide individuals through their experience at the Service Center. Facilitators pay careful attention to dosage, helping the client to choose appropriately, and the "set and setting," which refers to the mindset of the individual (set) and the physical and social environment (setting) in which the psilocybin experience occurs. This creates a safe and supportive space that fosters positive outcomes and personal discoveries.
Before the Administration Day, Facilitators engage in one or more preparatory sessions with the individual to set intentions, discuss expectations, and address concerns. After the session, on Integration Day, Facilitators should be able to help individuals process their experiences and apply the insights gained during the experience to their daily lives.
Because every individual’s experience with psilocybin is unique, influenced by their psychological makeup, life experiences, and the intentions they bring to the session, careful personalization is important. This support should extend beyond the session itself. Stable Pathways Group focuses on ensuring that this extends to a client’s entire experience of traveling for and accessing these services is carefully tended to. We believe it’s incredibly important for clients to feel externally comfortable and safe, and not be stressed by the logistics of transportation or planning, affording themselves the ability to totally focus on their inward journey.
Buyer Beware, and Prepare
Not all "magic mushrooms" are created equal, and understanding the differences is crucial. Psilocybin mushrooms, while showing significant therapeutic potential, are heavily regulated and require controlled use in legal, therapeutic settings with professional oversight in the state of Oregon. Amanita muscaria, though unregulated in many regions, poses higher risks due to its unpredictable effects and potential toxicity. We emphasizes the need for extreme caution. Being a discerning and informed consumer significantly reduces your risk and will enhance the therapeutic benefits of this experience.
Contact us with your questions and to schedule your Psilocybin Experience today.
