Amanita Muscaria
Brief Fly Agaric
AMANITA MUSCARIA (shrooms, mushies, liberty caps, fly agaric, magic mushrooms) has been used to invoke inebriation, religious or otherwise, since the Stone Age. Some scholars maintain that the inspirations for some of the major religions of the Near East originate in a Fly Agaric cult, though in latter days, this fungus has been typically consumed as an escape from everyday drudgery.
POISON TYPE: an alkaloid, muscarine, together with two other, less poisonous hallucinogens, muscimol and ibotenic acid.
POISON LOCATION: ALL PARTS of all the fly agaric. The skin and they layer of material directly underneath is considered the most poisonous. Poison concentration varies with species. As in Alice's experiences in Wonderland, the effect of even a small taste can be devastating.
POTENCY VARIATION: the potency of individual Amanita Muscaria mushrooms is highy variable, seemingly dependent upon the season in which fly agaric is picked and significant regional variations. Mushrooms from the same area in different seasons may have different effects (ratio of nausea/body effects to mental / entheogenic effects). In the fly agaric picked in September the narcotic and physical effects are predominant whereas in August the "visionary" and psychedelic effects are more highlighted.
SYMPTOMS: deep sleep twenty minutes after ingestion, during which hallucinations or feelings of euphoria are sometimes experienced. More serious symptoms include severe digestive upset, dizziness, psychological distress, and convulsions. Consumption of ten or more of fly agarics is considered FATAL; consumption of a single fungus may have no lasting effects whatever.
HOW THEY ARE TAKEN: fly agaric can be eaten raw or cooked, heated with water to make a tea or soup, or added to an omelette or another dish just like non-hallucinogenic mushrooms. Amanita Muscaria, or fly agaric, should to be cooked first to avoid poisoning.
Keep in mind that the Amanita genus has the species that cause 95 percent of all deaths from mushroom poisoning.
WHAT HAPPENS: it can take up to an hour for the fly agaric to take effect. If you have a small amount of the hallucinogenic substances contained in the fungus, you may feel relaxed and a little 'stoned', a feeling similar to that obtained using cannabis. Higher doses can induce trips similar to LSD. How you feel and who you're with will influence your experience dramatically. A fly agaric trip can last for 6-12 hours, with some disorientation the following day.
PHYSICAL CHANGES: compared to the psychological effects these are minor - increased heart rate and blood pressure, and dilated pupils. Sometimes you may experience a mild stomach upset.
KEEPING SAFE: if you are going to pick mushrooms, preferably take someone with you who knows what the mushrooms look like. If you can't take an experienced mushroom harvester, take a good mushroom book with color pictures of the mushrooms.
Mushroom poisoning can be caused by picking the right species in the wrong condition - it is not safe to eat mushrooms that have been infested by worms or maggots. Older mushrooms should be avoided, as should wet or dirty ones (these tend to go off quickly). If you are going to store the mushrooms at all, remember that they deteriorate and rot quickly if they are damp, closely packed or left in an airtight container.
Mushrooms vary widely in the amount of hallucinogen they contain - use a small number (1..2) at first, and increase the dose if necessary. The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can manifest in 20 minutes, or may take up to 40 hours for more slow-acting poisons. Many different poisons can occur in mushrooms; the most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, cramp, watering eyes, increased saliva flow, jaundice and breathing difficulties. If you are with someone who is ill and has been eating mushrooms, take them to a hospital or doctor immediately - call for an ambulance if you're stoned, don't try to drive. If possible, take some of the mushrooms with you so that any poisons can be quickly identified.
The psychological effects of mushroom tripping can lead some people into states of fear and anxiety attacks (bad trips). Like any other hallucinogen, mushrooms should not be eaten if you're feeling depressed, anxious or under stress. They won't make your worries go away- generally, hallucinogens tend to amplify how you're feeling at the time. Choose the right environment - somewhere relaxed and safe. Busy roads, rivers, festivals or crowded streets may cause you problems. You should never try to drive if you've eaten magic mushrooms. Mushroom trips can last for 8 hours or more.
LEGAL STATUS: currently, the possession and consumption of Fly Agaric is NOT against the law. Psilocybin is contained in many hallucinogenic mushrooms and is a phosphate of psilocin, which is a controlled drug. But Fly Agaric does not contain psilocin/psilocybin. Fly agaric contain muscimol. If you are searched, questioned or arrested by the police and are not sure of your rights, it is wise to exercise your right to silence until you have spoken to your lawer or a solicitor.
WARNING:Amanita species cause 95% of all deaths from mushroom poisoning. Amanita Muscaria is reasonably safe, the danger lies in correct identification. Death by Amanita poisoning is reportedly an excruciating way to die, since they nuke your liver and the body's own wastes then kill you. Worse yet, the effects only start 3 days after ingestion, and by then it's too late. It is seriously recommended against toying with these; most reports say they're not even fun. If you insist, consult other sources for more information.
Comprehensive Psychedelic Mushrooms
Content: Disclaimer * Updates * Foreword * Viewpoint * History * Etymology *
Chemistry * Psychology * Legality * Botany * Mushroom Guide *
Growing Mushrooms * Picking Mushrooms * Drying Mushrooms * On the Dosage *
Consumption * Preparation for the Voyage * Music and the Voyage *
During the Voyage * Warning * Miscellaneous Questions * Further Reading *
References * Endnotes
Fly agaric among other mushrooms in .pdf document on 32 pages: THE PSILOCYBE MUSHROOM, VERSION 1.2
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