Psilocybin Mushroom

psilocybin mushroom, any of several species of hallucinogenic fungi found across a number of genera, especially Psilocybe mexicana and P. cubensis. Often called “magic mushrooms,” psilocybin mushrooms produce two primary psychoactive compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for their mind-altering effects. Many psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of traditional use and are popular as recreational drugs.

psilocin and psilocybin

There are more than 100 psilocybin mushroom species worldwide, the majority of which are members of the genus Psilocybe. Other genera with psilocybin-containing fungi include Agrocybe, Copelandia, Galerina, Gerronema, Gymnopilus, Hypholoma, Inocybe, Panaeolus, Pholiotina, and Pluteus. While the fungi can be found on every continent except Antarctica, most species are found in tropical and subtropical forests and are especially common in Mexico. In general, psilocybin mushrooms are gilled and produce dark spores; they may closely resemble poisonous species.