Psilocybe cubensis - a description of where it grows, the toxicity of the fungus

Psilocybe cubensis is a hallucinogen mushroom. Consider where it can be found in nature, as well as the main features of fruiting and the signs of the fungus, what hallucinogenic effect does it have?

In nature, there are a huge number of species of mushrooms. As you know, among them there are many very useful and tasty representatives of the kingdom, but there are those who contain poison and can greatly affect the human psyche. One of the most studied by researchers researchers of fungi that affect the psyche is psilocybe cubensis.

Appearance

This species belongs to the Strofari family. In Latin, its name sounds like Psilocybe cubensis. This species also has several other names, for example, Psilocybe Cuban, sometimes it is called san-isidro.

The fungus by external signs can be described as follows:

1. Hat mucous, painted in light brown. Its diameter is approximately 12-14 cm. Sometimes it is covered with whitish scales, which are the remains of the bedspread. First, the hat has an ovoid shape, on it there is a tubercle. Over time, it takes the form of a bell. If the mushroom is old, the edges begin to bend up.
2. Records are often arranged. In a young mushroom, they have a purple color with a brown tint, and when the spores mature, the edge turns white.
3. Spores have a brown tint.
4. The leg of this mushroom has a cylindrical shape, but is often somewhat curved. The color of the legs is white. Its height reaches 14 cm. Diameter - a little more than 1 cm.
5. The flesh has a creamy tint, and gradually turns blue at the site of damage.

Spread

Representatives of the species Psilocybe cubensis in nature grow in Central America. Their places of growth are, as a rule, meadows of the tropics, as well as subtropics. It grows best on pastures where the land is well fertilized with manure. Since this mushroom grows in a warm climate, fruiting lasts a very long time, with a short break. It grows well in greenhouse conditions.

Similar views

There are other types of hallucinogenic mushrooms that look similar to san isidro.

1. Konotsibe is tender. It differs in that the spores and plates have a brown tint.
2. Psilocybe fimetaria. Differ in that at the edge of the cap the remains of the bedspread are larger in size. Often this mushroom can be seen in horse manure.
3. Mushrooms belonging to the genus Paneolus are similar in appearance, but are smaller.

How does hallucinogen

It is known that the death of this species contains substances such as psilocin and psilocybin. By their effect on the body, they can be compared with LSD. The reaction of the substance occurs quickly. After about 1.5 hours, but usually much earlier, a person begins to distort reality. Visions usually begin, a person more acutely perceives light, sounds.

Hallucinations can be of a different nature. It depends on the environment in which the person is, as well as his mood, personality traits. The reaction can be positive when there is fun on the verge of euphoria, various light images and a sense of flying. The reaction may also be negative. A person has bouts of anxiety, unmotivated rage, which can be directed not only at people around him, but also at himself. But a person understands the unreality of what is happening.

With systematic use, physical dependence does not occur. But a psychological one may appear. A person will consume the mushroom again to escape from reality and to be forgotten.When consumed in large quantities, the membrane of neurons is destroyed, which was proved by laboratory studies. And this is a huge harm to the nervous system and health in general.

Legislation

But at the same time, this ban on the cultivation of mushrooms of this species does not apply to spores. But they can only be acquired for scientific purposes, otherwise the actions will be regarded as committed for criminal purposes. Nevertheless, there are no strict regulations for buying and selling, therefore disputes are on sale in many countries of the world, including Russia.

The ban is due to the fact that mushrooms contain substances that can significantly affect the mental activity of a person. Sometimes they are used for scientific purposes, as well as for therapeutic purposes. But "amateur" use can be dangerous both in terms of health and in criminal.

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