Mushrooms have been utilized for centuries to induce changes in ones sensory experience. They have been used in religious ceremonies in Mexico and Central America for many years. In the 1960s, mushrooms became fairly popular in the United States amongst some people. Individuals that enjoy drugs such as LSD and ecstasy tend to also like mushrooms. When a person consumes ‘shrooms’ they may have 'open and closed' eye visuals. They may also hear and see things differently then they actually are.

Street names for mushrooms include ‘magic mushrooms’, ‘caps’ and ‘shrooms.’ They are either eaten or consumed in tea. Magic mushrooms are not considered dependable substances. This simply means that while they may induce a high one day, they may have no effect on another. How much a person consumes, their surroundings and environment will all effect ones experience.

Psilocybin and psilocin are what causes the hallucinogen properties of some mushrooms. These types of mushrooms are grown mostly in Central America and Mexico, though they can be grown or cultivated almost anywhere.

Not all mushrooms are hallucinogens. There are various types of mushrooms, some which are commonly eaten without the purpose of getting high, others which are utilized to get high and even those that are poisonous. Being able to identify which, mushroom are which, can mean the difference between life and death. Some people have died after picking and consuming mushrooms which they mistakenly thought were hallucinogens.

‘Shrooms’ are not considered addicting. There won’t be any type of physical reaction which occurs once a person stops taking them. There is also no strong psychological compulsion to consume them either, like there is to take drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Heavy usage of mushrooms is considered twice a week. Often times, users have to put some distance in between the times they use magic mushrooms because the effects tend to dull after consecutive uses.

There exists the potential for negative long and short term effects as it relates to mushrooms use. In the short term, individuals may experience frightening hallucinations. They may feel like they are going to die and also become nauseous and/or vomit. In the long term, individuals may develop what is referred to as HPPD. A person suffering from Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) will experience hallucinations long after they have actually used mushrooms. They might also have flashbacks of previous use.