How To Identify Magic Mushrooms and Stay Safe

What you will learn

• Magic mushrooms contain the compound psilocybin, metabolized into psilocin in the body.
• Magic mushrooms grow especially well in the Pacific Northwest, close to urban spaces.
• Psilocybin mushrooms are currently a controlled substance.
• Magic mushrooms can lead to harmful effects and health risks.
• Treatment for hallucinogen addiction includes outpatient programs and holistic therapies.

How Can You Identify Magic Mushrooms?

As the saying goes, “There are old mushroom hunters, and there are bold mushroom hunters, but there are no old, bold mushroom hunters.”

It’s important to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify psilocybin (aka “magic”) mushrooms. Ingesting a wild mushroom without a mycologist’s opinion could be deadly and produce adverse health consequences. While only 3% of known mushrooms are poisonous, looks can be deceiving.

Psilocybin mushrooms are relatively rare, urban-proximate mushrooms that have psychedelic properties when ingested. There are certain tell-tale characteristics of magic mushrooms: Forager discretion is advised.

History of Using Psilocybin Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms were being used by the indigenous population of the Americas before the arrival of Europeans.

The Aztecs of South America referred to psilocybin mushrooms as “teonanacatl,” meaning “god’s flesh.”[1] Mixed with mescal (a fermented drink similar to wine) or chocolate, these mushrooms were incorporated into religious and healing rituals.[2]

The 17th-century naturalist Francisco Hernández de Toledo, physician to the Spanish throne, recorded for royal posterity how teonanacatl caused a “madness” in native users, which revealed, “before the eyes all kinds of things, such as wars and the likeness of demons.”[3]

Starting in the 1950s with the first English-language report on LSD, magic mushrooms enjoyed a brief window of popularity within the psychiatry medical research field.[4] Psilocybin was a legal prescription medication during this time.[5]

Starting in the mid-1960s with restrictive legislation and culminating in 1970 with the Controlled Substances Act, the substance psilocybin was classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.

This means there are no currently accepted medical uses, it is illegal to possess under any circumstances, and it has a high potential for abuse. Psilocybin has remained there to this day.

Psilocybin Mechanism of Action

Magic mushrooms are consumed orally, either eaten whole or brewed as part of a tea.

Upon ingestion, “psilocybin” is metabolized into the active ingredient “psilocin.” The metabolite psilocin primarily affects serotonin receptors.[6] The effects of the substance are dose-dependent and may include perceptual, cognitive, and emotional changes.

Serotonin is most responsible for regulating your mood. If you have enough serotonin, you’ll feel happy and cheerful. If you don’t have enough, you might be moody or even depressed.

One small study of psilocybin users reported an “instant improvement” in their moods. In another small study, 110 healthy adults in a controlled setting were administered psilocybin, and most called the experience “pleasurable, enriching and non-threatening.”[7]

At this time, there is still no approved medical use for these hallucinogenic mushrooms, and they should not be foraged or consumed without consulting a professional or a medical doctor.

Appearance of Magic Mushrooms

Warning: This is not an exhaustive guide. Ascendant NY seeks to educate, not advise. Forage safely and responsibly, and do not eat anything you find without getting a mycologist’s opinion.

Magic mushrooms in the US are represented primarily by three varieties.[8] While they all look very similar, there are some slight tell-tale marks.

Psilocybe allenii

“P. allenii” resembles your classic mushroom. The fruiting body stands no more than 2-3 inches tall, with a slender white stem, brown cap, and purple spores. The cap is dome-shaped with straight edges, and the gills attach directly to the stem.

Psilocybe cyanescens

“P. cyanescens” looks very similar to its cousin “P. allenii.” The fruiting body stands no more than 2-3 inches tall, with a slender white stem, brown cap, and purple spores. Unlike its cousin “P. allenii,” the mushroom varietal “P. cyanescens” has a dome-shaped cap with WAVY edges. The gills attach directly to the stem.

Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata

“P. ovoideocystidiata” stands a little taller than “P. allenii” and “P. cyanescens.” The fruiting body stands 3-4 inches tall, featuring a thicker, white stem, a brown cap, and purple spores. The cap is rounded but mostly flat, and the gills attach directly to the stem.

Native Climate of Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybin mushrooms have spread worldwide thanks to spores carried on the wind and the persistence of human mushroom foragers. It only takes a little bit of the stem and mycelium to start a new fruiting body, and it can grow in a variety of soils.[9] They prefer excess carbon, which doesn’t often accumulate in nature.

‌Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are believed to have originated in either the Pacific Northwest or Australia, but they have since spread worldwide. They can be found in any climate, but are particularly prevalent in subtropical regions where humidity is evenly distributed throughout the year.

The growing patterns worldwide suggest that ‌psychedelic mushrooms have co-evolved with humans over the centuries.

Where Do Magic Mushrooms Grow?

Magic mushrooms can be most easily found in proximity to human habitation near damp wood chips. They aren’t found on fresh fallen wood and prefer to let other fungi colonize the area first.

While the mushroom-picking season of the Pacific Northwest extends from late spring until late autumn, the peak growing season for psilocybe mushrooms is in October-November. The mycelium networks have had all summer to grow their roots, so once the wet autumn rains come, they will fruit quickly.

In the Wild

Psilocybin mushrooms can still be found in the wild. In relatively humid areas of North America, such as Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, they can be found growing in coastal dune grasses and along creeks.[10]

They are relatively scarce in the wild, and animals also enjoy foraging on them. Interestingly, the deep wilderness is not the most likely place to find psilocybin mushrooms. They appear less frequently in the backcountry or front-country wilderness than near urban spaces.

Coincidentally, the nearer you live to a city with a subtropical climate, the easier it is to find them.

In the City

Foraging for wild psilocybin mushrooms is the most dependable way to find them. But, as anyone with wilderness experience will tell you, not everything you find is safe to eat.

Garden beds with wood chip mulch are a fertile environment for germination. Office parks or even apartment complexes have yielded many psilocybin mushrooms for urban foragers.[11]

Retail

Currently, there are few places in the United States where psilocybin mushrooms can be legally bought or sold. Oregon state law does stipulate that psilocybin can be consumed at a “state-approved psilocybin service center” under the supervision of a state-licensed facilitator.

While psilocybin was decriminalized in Oregon in 2020, the first service center wasn’t authorized until 2023 (an example of how bureaucracies tend to make progress in fits and starts, but rarely all at once).

Step-by-Step Identification Guide for Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms may resemble other types of mushrooms. Some of these look-alikes are poisonous, so it’s crucial to know the difference. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to identifying psychedelic mushrooms by their distinct characteristics:

• Cap Shape and Size: Magic mushrooms may have caps that are shaped like bells or cones. The size of their caps can vary widely, ranging from approximately 1 to 10 cm in diameter.[12]
• Gill Attachment and Color: The gills of magic mushrooms are often thin and delicate. They may be packed tightly and contain spores. The color of the gills can range widely from off-white to deep brown. Magic mushroom gills are located on the cap’s underside and point to the stem of the mushroom. The mushroom’s gills form a radial pattern.
• ‍Stem Length and Texture: The length of magic mushroom stems can vary greatly, ranging from 4-15cm tall. Stem texture might be completely smooth or have small striations. [13]
• Blue Bruising: Another key feature of magic mushrooms is their blue bruising. Although it’s not infallible, this characteristic could be a good indicator of psychedelic mushrooms. This bruising occurs when a mushroom is damaged, exposing the psilocybin to oxygen. Due to oxidation, the mushrooms turn a bluish color. Other types of mushrooms can also display this type of bruising, including poisonous mushrooms. Foragers should use multiple means of identification to avoid consuming toxic substances.
• Spore Prints: Spore prints can be one of the most reliable methods of identification. To make a spore print, select a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap. [14] Take the stem off so that it lies flat, and place it gills-down on a piece of tin foil. Cover it and let it sit for at least six hours. When you reveal the spores, look for a purplish color ranging from dark purple to almost black. If the spore is any color other than white, it may be toxic and should be discarded.
• Habitat clues: Knowing where magic mushrooms grow can also aid in accurate identification. These types of mushrooms tend to thrive in moist climates with ample shade. Examples include prairie fields, mossy forests, and places with overgrown grass. You may also find them growing in compost, on dead trees, or other plants. They sometimes grow in circular patterns, which some foragers refer to as fairy rings.

Safety Disclaimers

Although there are ways of mitigating some of the risks of foraging for magic mushrooms, dangerous, even life-threatening risks still exist.

Physical Health Risks of Foraging

Harvesting and consuming wild mushrooms, whether they’re magic mushrooms or not, can pose serious health risks. Some of these risks are linked to the misidentification of mushrooms, as many varieties closely resemble one another. Some of these health risks include: [15]

• Allergic reactions: Some individuals are allergic to specific types of wild mushrooms, including those commonly referred to as magic mushrooms. Ingesting mushrooms you’re allergic to could result in adverse effects, including stomach upset and anaphylactic shock.
• Stomach trouble: Many types of mushrooms cause an upset stomach, including severe abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some of these mushrooms may resemble edible mushrooms, including those of the magic mushroom variety.
• Death: Death Cap mushrooms and Deadly Galerinas are toxic to the liver and can result in death. When foraging for edible mushrooms, there’s always the risk of misidentification, which could prove to be a fatal mistake.

To prevent misidentification of mushrooms, it is essential to consult with a local mycologist for accurate identification. There are also apps available that help with the accurate identification of magic mushrooms.

Mental Health Risks of Magic Mushrooms

In addition to the physical health risks of magic mushrooms, there are also mental health risks to be aware of. Some people have challenging experiences after ingesting psychedelic mushrooms, including severe panic attacks and extreme fear. This is not just a short-term concern.

Some people continue to feel the adverse emotional effects of magic mushrooms long after this “bad trip” has ended. Even after the psilocybin has left their system completely, they still have flashbacks of the experience. They may also experience depression, anxiety, psychosis, and even suicidal thoughts for months or years afterward. [16] Experts call this phenomenon hallucinogenic persistent perceptive disorder (HPPD), and it’s a severe cognitive disorder.

Risk of Accidents or Injury

It could be hard to predict how people will react to the profound effects of magic mushrooms. Many people experience depersonalization, altered time perception, and the sense that the world isn’t real. They might feel like they can fly, have incredible strength, or possess other superpowers. This can cause them to behave erratically, potentially putting themselves or others in danger. In a survey of 2000 people who had experienced a mushroom trip, eleven percent reported doing something that put themselves or someone else in harm’s way. [17] To prevent serious or even fatal accidents and injuries, it’s best to have someone nearby who is sober and can supervise trips. Colloquially, this person is referred to as a “trip sitter.”

Legal Risks of Foraging

Foraging for magic mushrooms could lead to severe legal consequences in the United States. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified psilocybin mushrooms as a Schedule I controlled substance. [18] This classification designates the drugs that the government views as the most dangerous and addictive substances available. Alongside magic mushrooms, LSD, heroin, and ecstasy are identified as Schedule I illicit drugs.

Possessing, using, or trafficking magic mushrooms is a felony offense in the United States and could lead to hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences as well as a permanent criminal record. Two states in the U.S., Oregon, and Colorado, have decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms, but individuals in these states could still face federal charges. [19]

Risk of Fatal Overdose

Experts say it’s nearly impossible to die from a magic mushroom overdose. The bigger risk is the chance that dried mushrooms are contaminated or “laced” with other dangerous substances like opioid drugs, particularly fentanyl. It’s crucial to avoid taking any substance if you don’t know the source. There are also test strips you can use to detect the presence of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.

Street Names for Psilocybin

There are many street names for magic mushrooms.[12] Some include:

• Boomers
• Flower flipping
• God’s flesh
• Hippieflip
• Hombrecitos
• Wavy caps
• Las mujercitas
• Liberty caps (Psilocybe semilanceata species)
• Little smoke
• Mexican mushrooms
• Silly putty
• Silly simon
• Shrooms

Is It Safe to Consume Magic Mushrooms?

Eating psilocybin mushrooms, commonly referred to as magic mushrooms, is not considered safe for several reasons:

1. Potential for Poisoning: It’s difficult to differentiate psilocybe species from poisonous mushroom varieties. Misidentification and consuming look-alike varieties can lead to serious poisoning.
2. Psychological Effects: Psilocybin can cause intense psychological effects, including hallucinations, anxiety, and confusion, which can be distressing or potentially life-threatening, especially in individuals with underlying mental health conditions.
3. Physical Side Effects: Physical side effects may include nausea, vomiting, a fast heart rate, changes in blood pressure, and coordination issues.
4. Lack of Medical Supervision: Without medical supervision, the use of psychotropic mushrooms can be hazardous both physically and psychologically.
5. Potential for Abuse: There is a risk of misuse and the development of psychological dependence.
6. Unpredictable Reactions: Individual reactions to psilocybin can vary greatly, making it difficult to predict how one might respond.

For these reasons, it is advised not to consume the psilocybin mushrooms of the world without consulting a professional or a medical doctor, especially given their health risks.

Are Magic Mushrooms Illegal?

Yes. In 1970, the US government declared psilocybin a Schedule I controlled substance, where it remains to this day.[13]

However, in 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated psilocybin a “breakthrough therapy” drug. This cleared a legal hurdle to begin developing and reviewing the substance as a possible treatment for a clinical diagnosis.

In 2023, the FDA issued a guidance document that included “general considerations” for sponsors who wanted to clinically investigate psilocybin for use as a treatment for clinical conditions (e.g., psychiatric disorders).[14]

Current Status

However, because the FDA has yet to issue a final determination, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has not endorsed psilocybin for treatment. As of August 2023, psilocybin is still illegal to cultivate and distribute in the United States at a federal level.

Oregon decriminalized psilocybin in 2020, and Colorado decriminalized it in 2023. Certain locations in Washington state, California, Michigan, and Massachusetts have decriminalized the use of it.[15]

When The “Magic” Wears Off

Addiction can have serious long-term personal, relational, professional, and social consequences, resulting in pain, sadness, and lost time.

If you or someone you know are addicted to magic mushrooms, seek treatment immediately. The licensed professionals at our New York drug & alcohol rehab are ready and willing to get you back on the road to recovery. We also offer an outpatient program that provides flexibility and easily fits into your daily schedule.

Your life is precious. Your journey has only just begun. You are stronger than you can possibly know. No substance should have control over your life. You should be your own greatest influence.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more