A number of naturally occurring mushrooms have hallucinogenic properties. The most commonly used mushroom in Britain is the Psilocybe or Liberty Cap, but the fly agaric (amanita Muscaria) is sometimes used.

Psilocybin and psilocin are the active ingredients in magic mushrooms. A large number of hallucinogenic plants and fungi were used in ancient times by people searching for heightened states of consciousness and spiritual insight.

In the UK the use of magic mushrooms for pleasure developed in the late 1970s as a legal alternative to LSD.

What are the effects?
These are similar to a mild dose of LSD, and can vary depending upon the context in which they are used– such as where, with whom, the amount of psilocin they contain, and the expectations of the user.

Effects start after about an hour and last up to 9 hours, depending on how many are taken.

Users often laugh a lot and feel more confident. Some may feel sick, vomit, and/or suffer from stomach aches.

Perceptions may change, with familiar objects and surroundings appearing to have strange mutations. Colours can blend and familiar shapes or friends may appear strange, funny or frightening.

What are the side effects?
Magic mushrooms do not produce withdrawal symptoms and are not physically addictive, however they can often take on great importance in people’s lives, and a psychological dependence may occur.

If they are taken for several days in a row they will cease to have any hallucinogenic effects.

The main problem lies in mistaken identity. Some types of fungus are poisonous even lethal, and Such poisoning can take up to forty hours to develop. Magic mushrooms can also go off and cause poisoning. Fly agaric use is more likely to result in unpleasant side effects, including nausea and vomiting, stiffness of joints and lack of co-ordination.

Strong doses (anything more than one fly agaric mushroom) may result in intense disorientation and even convulsions.

A bad trip can be very frightening and may include fear, anxiety and paranoia. Flashbacks may occur some time later.

There is no evidence of serious health damage from long term use. As with many drugs, tolerance develops very quickly, and it could soon take large quantities to have anything like a repeat effect.

What is the legal position?
It is not illegal to use or posses Magic Mushrooms. However, under The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in liberty cap mushrooms are classified as class A drugs.

If the mushrooms are processed in any way such as cooking or drying a prosecution for possession of a class A drug can be brought.

Psilocin is not often included in drug screening but may be detectable for up to seven days.