Psilocybe semilanceata, is a psychedelic mushroom containing the psychoactive agent psilocybin. It grows on grassy meadows. It likes damp, south-facing fields and other environments well-fertilized cattle faeces. And it does not grow directly on the dung itself, unlike Psilocybe cubensis. It is present in the cool temperate and sub-arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is most widespread in Europe, Russia, India, Peru, and the United States’ Pacific Northwest.
The etymology of Psilocybe Semilanceata
The mushroom is named after the actual cap, the Phrygian cap, also known as the Liberty Cap. Also, the Latin name for the Phrygian cap is a pileus. So, in the 18th century AD, Phrygian caps were stuck on Liberty poles, which mimic the mushroom stem. We can break the binomial name down into the Greek “psilo” (bald) and “cybe” (head). And the Latin “semi” (half) and “lanceta” (lanced or pierced).
Identification of Psilocybe Semilanceata
Liberty caps have a distinctive conical head with a small mark or nipple on the tip. They are yellow to brown, and the caps are small when moist. The stems tend to belong, slightly wavy and of the same colour or slightly lighter than the cap. The gills are much darker than the outer cap. So there are many lookalike species. However, domed heads and transparent stalks are some of the main giveaways to recognize impostors. As for other fungi, if in question, do not eat before you determine the specific species. Anecdotal data shows that accidental intake of lookalike mushrooms at appropriate doses is unlikely to lead to anything other than stomach upset. But this is still an unnecessary risk.
Effects of Psilocybe Semilanceata
Psilocybin and psilocin cause the symptoms of Psilocybe Semilanceata mushrooms. When you ingest Psilocybe Semilanceata, your liver breaks it in a process called dephosphorylation. The resulting drug is called psilocin. Psilocin is responsible for the psychedelic effects of this mushroom. Psilocybin and psilocin produce short-term changes in users’ immunity, making it difficult to abuse them. Because the more times you consume them within a short period, the less the effects are. Psilocybe Semilanceata mushrooms do cause physical or psychological dependency (addiction). Psychedelic effects begin to occur around 20 minutes after consumption and can last up to 6 hours. Nausea, fatigue, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, sleepiness, and coordination loss can occur.
Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms’ effects are subjective and differ among individual users. The mind-altering effects of mushrooms containing psilocybin normally last from 3 to 8 hours. Hence, the duration depends on the dosage, preparation, and personal metabolism process. People refer to the first 3–4 hours after ingestion as ‘peaks.’ In this phase, users experience more realistic visuals and distortions in reality. Effects may seem to last much longer for the user due to psilocybin’s ability to change time perception.
Possible effects of Psilocybe Semilanceata include:
- Euphoria
- Peacefulness
- Spiritual awakening
- Quickly changing emotions
- The derealization or the impression that the surroundings are not real
- Depersonalization, or a dream-like feeling
- Distorted thinking;
- Visual modification and distortion, such as light and vivid colors;
- Dilated pupils
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Impaired concentration
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Unusual body sensations
- Nausea
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Frightening hallucinations
- Vomiting
- Yawning
The effects of Psilocybe Semilanceata vary between individuals. Differences in the mental health of the individual and the environment make the effects vary.
Suppose recreation users have mental health disorders or feel anxious about hallucinogen use. Then they are at higher risk of having a negative experience.
A psychological disorder is the most frequent adverse effect of recreational use of psilocybin. This distress may take the form of extreme anxiety or short-term psychosis.
Risks
People who take Psilocybe Semilanceata in uncontrolled settings can engage in reckless behaviour. These behaviours include driving while intoxicated.
Some people can experience constant, distressing changes in the way they see the world. These effects are often visual and can last anywhere from weeks to years after the use of hallucinogen.
Physicians now diagnose this condition as a Hallucinogen Chronic Perception Disorder (HPPD). This is also known as a flashback. So, a flashback is a traumatic recollection of an intensely upsetting experience. The recollection of this upsetting encounter during hallucinogen use will cause a bad trip. This can also cause a hallucination that takes a disturbing turn.
Few people experience more unpleasant symptoms than hallucinations. These include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Paranoia
- And psychosis syndromes
These may sometime require a ride to the emergency room.
In certain cases, the doctor will treat these symptoms with medications such as benzodiazepines. These symptoms often resolve as the effects of medication wear in 6 to 8 hours.
Finally, although the risk is small, some consumers of Psilocybe Semilanceata risk accidental poisoning by eating a poisonous mushroom by mistake.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can involve muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium. If these signs occur, visit the emergency department immediately.
Hallucinogenic and other poisonous mushrooms are prevalent in most living environments. So, a person should regularly remove all mushrooms from areas where children are present.
Most accidental ingestion with mushrooms results in minor gastrointestinal infection. Only the most extreme events require medical attention.
Legal Status of Psilocybe Semilanceata
The legal status of Psilocybe Semilanceata mushrooms varies around the world. Psilocybin and psilocin are classified as Class A (United Kingdom) or Schedule I (US) medicines under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Consequently, the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms, like P. semilanceata, is banned by extension. Several European countries remained open to the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms. After the US ban, regulation and enforcement are tighter since the 2000s (decade).
In the Netherlands, the drug was once regularly sold in licensed cannabis coffee shops and smart shops. A law in October 2008 banned the possession or sale of psychedelic mushrooms. It is the final European country to do so. They are legal in Jamaica and Brazil and legalized in Portugal. Denver, Colorado, in the United States, voted in May 2019 to legalize and regulate the use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms. The US may legalize psychedelic mushrooms for recreation and treatment in that state.
The Bottom Line
There is a possibility for the positive use of Psilocybe Semilanceata. But, experts do not recommend to consume ‘magic’ mushrooms. There is the risk of mild side effects or the potential to poison yourself. There is not enough research to prove that they are safe for human use. For any substance, no use is best used at all. A safe and balanced living will keep the body and mind running strong.
