Magic Mushrooms are similar to LSD (see LSD for more info). There are many types of Magic Mushrooms. The most commonly used mushies contain psilocybin, and some also contain psyilocin. Both have effects similar to LSD.

Magic Mushrooms are seasonally available (autumn); however, capsules of dried, powdered Magic Mushrooms are often around out of season.

Shrooming (immediate effects):

• More cramps, sweats/chills and nausea/ vomiting than acid (LSD).
• Sometimes effects are unpredictable and intense, with an increased chance of panic attacks or bad trips. This is partly due to the difficulty in measuring dose and extent of other toxins.
• Effects occur within 15 to 45 minutes, and can include muscle weakness and twitches, nausea and vomiting, sweating, chills and shivering followed by heightened sensations which last for 4 to 5 hours.
• They can also have a strong hallucinogenic effect.
• There is considerable variation in experiences amongst individuals.

Long-term Effects:

• See LSD due to the similarity of long-term effects.
• Harm Reduction:
• No use is the safest choice.
• To avoid a bad trip, it’s best to take Magic Mushrooms only if feeling good, with trusted friends in a safe environment.
• If you're new to mushies, start slow, take 3-5 mushies only.
• Dropping a shroom trip while out clubbing could end up in disaster. Wait until the effects have peaked before deciding if you can deal with going out.
• It’s best to go mushroom hunting with someone who knows what they’re doing. Don’t pick anything you cannot positively identify. There are very poisonous mushrooms that may be mistaken for psilocybin shrooms.
• The strength of Magic Mushrooms varies considerably depending on the type, age, recent rain and soil conditions. Mushrooms from the same batch vary and some are toxic. It’s safer to take a small dose and wait 2 hours before having more (if required) than losing the plot big-time.
• Many people eat Magic Mushrooms in the forest as they find them. It’s safest to stay in a group and plan to have water and other essentials available, including a straight driver to get you home.
• Other synthetic hallucinogens such as LSD are generally more reliable and safer unless you have synthetically produced psilocybin. Some users binge in-season and put their mental health at risk.
• Driving on mushies is not recommended.

IF YOU ARE WORRIED about your own or someone else’s Magic Mushroom use, contact CADS on (09) 845-1818 or www.cads.org.nz