Most people typically associate psychedelic mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, with those that have psilocybin. However, psilocybin-containing mushrooms are largely unattainable and completely illegal in most parts of the United States. Fortunately, other varieties of psychedelic mushrooms are available that do not contain psilocybin, such as Amanita Mushrooms. Read on to learn more about amanita mushrooms, how they work, and a few ways to enjoy amanita mushroom gummies and extracts at The Hemptender.
What are amanita mushrooms, and how do they work?
So, you may have heard of Amanita mushrooms before. If you’ve ever played Super Mario, those red mushrooms with the white spots are modeled after Amanita muscaria mushrooms, better known as fly agaric mushrooms. They’re pretty cool-looking and easily recognizable, with white bodies and red or yellow caps covered in white spots that look like raised warts.
These mushrooms are initially from multiple regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Still, they’ve spread to other areas below the equator and grow in many places, especially near conifers and birch trees.
Amanita mushrooms have a bit of a history regarding their use as entheogens or substances that can produce a mild hallucinogenic effect. That’s because they contain a couple of psychoactive alkaloids called muscarine and ibotenic acid.
Through decarboxylation, muscarine can become muscimol when heated or metabolized by the body. While these agents can produce hallucinogenic effects at higher doses, they work differently than other well-known psychedelics like psilocybin. Psilocybin interacts with neural transmitters like serotonin, whereas muscimol interacts with GABA receptors. GABA receptors help to regulate the excitability of neurons in the brain. They play a critical role in inhibiting excessive neuronal activity and promoting relaxation and calmness.
Because of the unique way the active alkaloids work, fly agaric mushrooms have the potential to offer various benefits. Some researchers have suggested that these mushrooms may be highly antioxidant, have neuroprotective properties, and could even be helpful for certain psychiatric conditions.
Muscimol, Mescarine, and Ibotenic Acid
Muscimol, muscarine, and ibotenic acid are all alkaloids found in certain mushrooms, including Amanita mushrooms, that can produce various effects on the brain.
Muscimol is the primary alkaloid, and it’s responsible for its mild hallucinogenic properties. When ingested, muscimol can cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to GABA receptors in the brain. This binding causes the neurons to become hyperpolarized, leading to decreased brain activity and an altered state of consciousness. In other words, muscimol can produce a relaxing and calming effect on the brain. Some evidence suggests that muscimol may reduce stress, anxiety, and pain and promote sleep.
Muscimol is often accompanied by its precursor, ibotenic acid, which can be converted to muscimol through a decarboxylation process, either in the body or when heated. Ibotenic acid can also produce hallucinogenic effects, but it can also be neurotoxic in high doses, leading to symptoms like tremors and convulsions. Always follow package instructions on amanita mushroom gummies or extracts to prevent poisoning or death from an overdose.
Finally, muscarine is another alkaloid that may produce various effects on the body. It works by binding to muscarinic receptors in the brain and peripheral nervous system, leading to various physiological responses like increased heart rate, sweating, and salivation. Muscarine can also produce hallucinogenic effects, but it’s usually present in lower concentrations in Amanita mushrooms than muscimol and ibotenic acid.
Overall, these alkaloids found in certain mushrooms can produce a range of effects on the brain and body, including mild hallucinogenic effects, relaxation and calmness, and increased physiological responses like heart rate and sweating. However, it’s important to note that these effects can vary depending on the type and amount of mushroom ingested, and they can also be potentially dangerous in high doses or in people with certain medical conditions.
What effects do amanita mushroom gummies and extracts cause?
Amanita mushroom extracts are not as potent as psilocybin. They may offer similar effects, but they’re not the same. The alkaloids in amanita mushrooms may create a calming, anesthetic feeling that potentially promotes relaxation and better sleep. You may not experience auditory or visual hallucinations with smaller doses, though those effects may be possible at higher doses. Some experts even compare the experience of taking amanita mushrooms to smoking a relaxing strain of cannabis.
Within 30 to 90 minutes of taking amanita mushrooms, you may feel the effects settle in. Some people report a dream-like state where their mind wanders more freely, while others describe a relaxing out-of-body experience. Your body might feel relaxed overall, and you may experience feelings of giddiness or euphoria. Amanita mushroom extracts are also known to cause a sense of tranquility. They may lead to highly vivid dreams, making them a sought-after experience for artists and other creative types looking for inspiration or new ideas.
Since these alkaloids interact with GABA receptors, evidence suggests they might promote relaxation, tranquility, and euphoria. They may also trigger audial and visual hallucinations, changes to your perceptions or sense of taste, and promote vivid dreams.
Are amanita mushrooms legal in the US?
Currently, products containing amanita extracts, including amanita mushroom gummies, are generally legal. Unlike psilocybin-containing mushrooms, amanita mushrooms have not been specifically prohibited by the Controlled Substances list. However, some states have taken measures to restrict the distribution of amanita mushrooms due to their hallucinogenic effects, including Louisiana. As always, it’s essential to check the laws and regulations of your state before purchasing any products containing amanita extracts to avoid any legal issues.
Shroomz Amanita Mushroom Gummies at The Hemptender
Amanita Muscaria Gummies by Shroomz are now available at The Hemptender. They contain a 2-1-1 ratio of muscimol, muscarine, and ibotenic acid to promote gentle potential effects and are made from distilled amanita muscaria extracts. Each batch is tested for potency and quality before they’re packaged and sold. Made with all-natural ingredients, these gummies are gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and free from artificial preservatives. You can enjoy them in two flavors, Island Assortment, and Peach Retreat, at The Hemptender.
To take them, we recommend starting with half of a gummy to see how they affect you at first. After waiting a full two hours, you can decide whether you want to increase your dose. Stop in and see us at our dispensaries in Durham and Cary, North Carolina, and have a nice trip!