Magic Mushrooms

Magic Mushrooms (psilocybin semilanceata or ‘liberty cap’)

Street names

Liberty Caps, Shrooms, Liberties, Mushies, Magies

General Info

The most common form of these naturally occurring fungi is a species called Psilocybin Semilanceata or ‘Liberty Cap’.  Once consumed either alone or in food, or as a drink the drug takes around 30-60 minutes to take effect. There is a serious risk of poisoning and or death from picking and consuming the wrong kind.

Taking this drug produces a trip that varies depending on mood and the circumstances of the user. Some users report a very pleasant experience, while others feel paranoid or frightened. Using it leads to hallucinations.  

Psilocybin mushrooms grow in all parts of Britain during the autumn. Users may go on a picking spree during this time, dry the mushrooms and store for later use. Some are sold on the illicit market when out of season. 

Effects

• Feeling confident, relaxed and in good spirits
• They can distort colour, sound and objects – e.g. users senses get mixed up so that, for example, they think they can hear colours and see sounds
• Users can feel like they are dreaming when awake
• Feel more emotionally sensitive
• Emotionally unstable (possibly euphoric one minute then terrified the next)
• Appearing distracted and/or confused 

Risks

• Nausea and vomiting
• Disorientation
• Accidents whilst under the influence
• Anxiety, emotional distress (i.e. bad trip)
• Poisoning, by accidentally picking a more toxic variety of mushroom
• As with other hallucinogenic substances there may be some risk of triggering underlying psychological problems

Class

Class A