'My magic mushrooms have dried up. Will they still work?'
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Q: I went magic mushroom picking a few weeks ago because my mate said they are legal and he took me to this field and we got loads. I bottled out of taking them but I kept my share though and they are all dried up. Does that mean they won't work now? Do you think I should just try them anyway? I still feel like trying them out but I don't want to get addicted. Could they harm me later on? Jake, 16. |
our online advisors reply:
There are different sorts of magic mushroom, but I assume you are talking about the most common sort in the UK, the 'liberty cap'. You ask whether we think you should try them, but only you can decide that. We cannot recommend that you take what is a potentially dangerous drug. However, we can answer your other questions and give you some general information.
The fact that the mushrooms have dried out will not stop them working, but it does mean that they are not legal. Your mate is only partly right about mushrooms and the law. It is true that it is not illegal to pick or eat them, but the drug they contain – psilocybin – is illegal and is actually in the same class as heroin and cocaine. This might sound confusing but, in practice, it means that any sort of preparation of the mushrooms gets you on the wrong side of the law. 'Preparation' could include chopping them up, making tea with them, cooking them, or even just leaving them to dry out, like you've done.
You mention the possibility of becoming addicted to magic mushrooms. When taking psilocybin, tolerance develops to the drug very quickly. After a few repeat doses the effects are much less intense, or even non-existent. Because of this, users tend to take them only occasionally. It is generally accepted that you don't get true physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms with mushrooms. However, it is possible for psychological dependence to develop.
No serious long-term health problems have been proven to exist. However, the effects of psilocybin are close to those of LSD, which has been linked to mental health problems. Also, some people have had 'flashbacks' to previous trips. This can be quite disturbing.
You can read more about magic mushrooms and psilocybin in our abc of drugs.
The biggest risk with mushrooms is probably the chance of picking the wrong ones. Identifying mushrooms can be quite tricky and there are some species that are very poisonous, even fatal.
Another thing to bear in mind is that psilocybin – like many other drugs – can magnify your feelings. If you are feeling good, you might feel better. But if you are feeling bad, or something happens during your trip, you could end up feeling much worse. If you do decide to try these mushrooms, try to make sure you are with someone you trust.
If you would like to talk this through with someone, you could contact FRANK on 0800 77 66 00. The call is free, shouldn't appear on the phone bill, and is open all the time, day and night.
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