Description
Hallucinogens, or psychedelics, are drugs that affect perception, thought-process, self-awareness, and emotions. Hallucinogens include such drugs as LSD, mescaline, psilocybin.

Several types of 'Magic Mushrooms' grow wild in the UK. The main type is the Liberty Cap mushroom.

There are also species that look similar to Magic Mushrooms but which are very poisonous, such as the Death Cap mushroom.

Magic Mushrooms can be eaten raw, dried, cooked in food or stewed in a tea.

 

Legal Status
In July 2005 the law changed to make all raw psilocybe magic mushrooms Class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act. It is an offence to import, export, produce, supply, possess or possess with intent to supply magic mushrooms, including the raw psilocybe mushrooms.

 

The effects
The effects of psychedelics are unpredictable. It depends on the amount taken, the user's personality, mood, and expectations, and the surroundings in which the drug is used. Usually, the user feels the first effects of the drug between 30 and 90 minutes after taking it. The physical effects include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.

Magic Mushrooms have a similar effect to LSD. Hallucinations may occur with objects, colours and sound becoming distorted. The “trip” tends to last for about four hours. Stomach pains, sickness and diarrhoea can also occur. Bad psychological reactions are common. The scary sensations may last a few minutes or several hours and be mildly frightening or terrifying.

 

Effects of heavy use
Research has shown some changes in the mental functions of heavy users of LSD, but they are not present in all cases.

Heavy users sometimes develop signs of organic brain damage, such as impaired memory and attention span, mental confusion, and difficulty with abstract thinking. These signs may be strong or they may be subtle. It is not yet known whether such mental changes are permanent or if they disappear when LSD use is stopped.