Magic mushrooms contain a compound (aka psilocybin) that can have a hallucinogenic effect. In addition to getting you high, psilocybin might also have benefits for your mental and physical health. Psilocybe sensu stricto is most likely the best known genus containing over 150 species distributed worldwide and represented by the type species Psilocybe semilanceata (Figure 1A; Redhead et al., 2007; Norvell et al., 2010).

Historically, psilocybin mushrooms have been available through illicit sources. However, they are now also accessible online as some states have legalized their use for medicinal purposes. This availability has contributed to their abuse among the younger populations. Additionally, the idea that psilocybin mushrooms are a "natural" and somewhat safe drug may also contribute to their use among the younger communities. This review provides an overview of only Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Pluteus, and Gymnopilus, their current taxonomy and ecology.

The Wake retreat in Jamaica, for example, had the athletes take psilocybin in group ceremonies guided by Cowan, the local shaman, and the group integration sessions were led by an osteopathic physician. It's unclear whether the benefits of psilocybin therapy suggested by clinical research would apply to a group setting -- for the dosing or the integration. Even within strict clinical trial protocols, the question remains whether psilocybin-assisted therapy works. Preliminary studies have been promising, but the numbers of test subjects have been small.

There are currently no medications that treat addiction to mushrooms or other hallucinogens.5 If you know someone who is struggling with hallucinogen use, they may also have a problem with other substances. The risk of accidentally consuming toxic mushrooms underscores the importance of proper identification when seeking to use shrooms. Many poisonous mushrooms look very similar to magic psilocybe Burmese Albino Mushrooms and it’s easy for pickers to mistake them. By being aware of these potential psychological risks you can minimize the likelihood of a bad trip. The interaction between psilocybin and the brain’s serotonin receptors plays a significant role in shaping these mental effects, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Consequently, understanding the potential range of mental effects that shrooms can induce is essential.