Magic Mushrooms: What are they, History, Forms, and Medical Benefits

After decades of scientific research and studies, marijuana is finally being recognized as a natural herb with plentiful medicinal and recreational benefits. There is a lot of scientific evidence about the medical benefits it has due to the active compounds (cannabinoids) present in it, which is also one of the primary reasons it has been (and continues to be) legalized in several states. The cannabis revolution resulted in a growing interest in many other natural substances rich with psychedelic properties. One such substance that has come to the attention and has many medicinal applications is psilocybin. Psilocybin is the active psychedelic substance present in some mushrooms, usually called magic mushrooms or shrooms or magic truffles.

History of Psilocybe Mushrooms

Even though there is significant evidence that psilocybe mushrooms have had a long history of usage in many parts of the world, especially Central and South America, the psychotropic effects of magic mushrooms were largely unknown in the West up until the 1950s. Since the western civilizations had significantly less knowledge about this new psychotropic substance, they banned research into its effects shortly post its discovery. As a result, little to no documented research into psilocybin is available or has been conducted in two decades, i.e., 1970 to 1990. However, due to the consistent hard work of determined scientists like David Nicholds, Rick Strassman, and Charles Grob, research on it began again in the 1990s. Currently, it is being researched for tackling anxiety, depression, OCD, addiction, and other disorders.

Medical Usage of Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms are naturally occurring mushrooms that consist of the psychoactive compound psilocybin. More than 180 psilocybin mushroom species have been found all over the world. Psilocybin gets converted to psilocin by the body, which is the actual compound to create the psychoactive effects. According to various research studies, psilocybin mushrooms treat several illnesses such as depression, alcoholism, anxiety, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Several studies in recent years have shown a high correlation between the lessening of depression in the subjects and controlled psilocybin experiences. Research is also ongoing for microdosing in treating other conditions like migraines and cluster headaches.

Different Forms of Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms can be purchased and consumed in several forms. Let us look at the three most prevalent forms of magic mushrooms.

1. Fresh Mushrooms

These are the naturally occurring psilocybin mushrooms. They grow around the world naturally. They are either found naturally or are cultivated using mycelium spores. Many people pick out these mushrooms themselves. However, that can be dangerous as there are more than 10,000 species of known mushrooms – including some poisonous to humankind. Therefore, one must be aware of various fungi species, types, and related dangers before selecting fresh mushrooms because one may confuse one mushroom type with another.

2. Dried Mushrooms

Because they are made up of 90% water, when mushrooms are dried, they lose 90% of their actual mass, meaning the same dose of dried mushrooms will be 10x less in weight than the same dose of fresh mushrooms. It is crucial to extract the moisture from mushrooms when they’re picked to keep them (and their psilocybin) from rotting. It is advisable to avoid rotten magic mushrooms or shrooms because they might cause severe stomach aches as opposed to any other psychedelic experience.

3. Powder or Capsule

Magic mushrooms are also available in powdered form. They may be sold as capsules or loose powder. A problem with purchasing psilocybin in this form is that one may not always get 100% pure product, as it is very easy to add adulterants to powder. Also, it can be dangerous to consume a substance of unknown origin in a random quantity along with pure psilocybin powder.

Consumption of Magic Mushrooms

The magic mushroom market is unregulated as these mushrooms are still illegal in most countries. One reason is the variety of mushrooms found – some being way stronger than others. If someone consumes a stronger strain, thinking it to be a weaker one, it can cause an unpleasant and unexpected effect. Also, it is nearly impossible to assess which strain is which unless the person purchasing it is an expert. As discussed earlier, psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed in multiple ways – fresh, dried, and powdered form. They can be brewed into tea, added to food, ground up, or eaten as they are.

Investment in Magic Mushrooms

According to a report by Research and Markets, the psychedelic drug market size is still in its nascent stages and is expected to touch a whopping $10.75 billion by the year 2027. Many companies are also investigating the potential of psychedelic medicines and raising capital in the public market for the same. Even though it is still in its early stages, the psychedelics industry has grown tremendously in recent years, providing investment opportunities across sectors. Investors have continually shown interest in the industry due to its promising potential. 

Undoubtedly, magic mushrooms are showing encouraging results regarding treatments for various mental health issues and stress. Many experts say that a shroom boom is in the works, and the cannabis industry must prepare to make room for the shroom boom! MJ Wholesale is all set to embrace the shroom boom and offers a vast collection of packaging supplies, smoking tools, equipment, and accessories at wholesale rates to smoke shops, head shops, and vape shop owners.