Psilocybin

Photo courtesy of DEA photo library

Definition
Psilocybin and psilocin are obtained from certain mushrooms found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. They are Schedule I hallucinogenic substances and are classified chemically as tryptamines. They are found in about a dozen species of naturally occurring mushrooms. The drug can also be produced synthetically.

Slang Terms
Magic Mushrooms, Sacred Mushrooms, Shrooms

Usage
A single dose typically contains 10 mg of psilocybin.

Effects
These hallucinogens can produce anxiety, auditory distortions, dilation of pupils, disorientation, emotional disturbances, muscle relaxation, paranoid delusions, and visual distortions. Rare documented side effects are hyperthermia and seizures. However, the effects produced by consuming preparations of dried or brewed mushrooms are not always predictable and largely depend on the particular mushrooms used and the age and preservation of the extract.

Detection
The active metabolite, Psilocin, can be determined in biological fluids by liquid chromatography.

Law
Until recently, the sale of fresh magic mushrooms was legal due to a loophole in the law. The Drugs Bill 2005 has now closed this loophole. These hallucinogenic chemicals are now class A drugs like heroin, crack and cocaine and carry the most severe penalties related to drug possession.