Habitat: Grass, fields, heaths, meadows. Likes well manured soil and is often found on the grass verges next to bridal paths. Though not growing directly on manure.
The psychedelic affects are associated with the mushrooms high concentrations of Psilocybin with concentrations of 0.8-1mg per gram of dry weight. (A discussion of tryptamines as they relate to psychedelics will be provided at a later date).
Dangers:
The biggest danger with Psilocybe Semilanceatais its confusion
with other mushrooms that could be extremely toxic. Mushroom
poisoning can
be an extremely horrible way to die. Often the individual
poisoned believes
that after a brief period of sickness they are better,
to find 2 days later
an emergency trip to the hospital is required. Eating freshPsilocybe
semilanceata in the UK is legal, if you believe you may
have consumed a
poisonous mushroom go to your doctor or hospital, it is
better to be safe
than sorry.
Do not go picking on the basis of a photograph and description alone !!! There are hundreds of LBM species (Little Brown Mushrooms), some are poisonous. If that is really what you are going to be up to in Autumn - take someone who knows what to look for.
The Psilocybes are a large group of mushrooms, many of which are little brown mushrooms, and are harmless. Within this grouping, however, exist a few species that are known to have varying affects upon ingestion, including hallucination. Controversy exists as to whether or not the growth of these hallucinogenic species should be controlled or if they are in fact dangerous to consume.
Classification and Recognition of Psilocybes
The majority of psilocybes look like little brown mushrooms (LBM). Their caps look wrinkled and dark when moist. The spores range in colour from black to purple. The colour of bruises on the hallucinogenic varieties can be used to identify them. While many psilocybes develop black bruises on their stems, the hallucinogenic varieties turn blue or greenish in colour. It is important to note that making the distinction between psilocybes is very difficult as it is easy to mistake these subtle differences for one another.Chemistry
Psilocybes contain psilocybin pcilocin in varying amouts, and these compunds are responsible for changes in perception and sensation if comsumed in sufficient amounts. Most psilocybae species do not have such effects as they contain only trace quantities of the compunds.
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