Amanita muscaria, or fly agaric mushroom, is a famous mushroom with its bright red cap shrouded in white speckles. Much of its resonance is due to its attractive appearance and unique properties, which makes this mushroom a symbol in centuries-old traditions, folklore, and modern-day products.
While it is often grouped with other psilocybin or magic mushrooms because of its visual resemblance, Amanita muscaria has a different chemistry and distinct effects, which make it stand out.
Amanita Muscaria vs. Magic Mushrooms: What's the Difference?
While both mushrooms are considered similar, they differ greatly in appearance, composition, and effects. To understand their effects, let's compare Amanita muscaria and Psilocybin.
Understanding Psilocybin Mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms are also commonly referred to as magic mushrooms or even shrooms. Magic shrooms are fungi containing a naturally occurring psychedelic compound called psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin converts to psilocin, creating different effects on individuals.
Unlike Amanita muscaria, magic mushrooms are not as vivid. Most have light tan or off-white caps with white to brown stems, and some even show a hint of blue. There are over 200 species of these mushrooms, with Psilocybe cubensis being the most popular. The subspecies Golden Teacher is particularly well-known for its mild effects.
Psilocybin mushrooms, which were used traditionally in spiritual and religious rituals, remain some of the most widely used psychedelic mushrooms in the United States and Europe.
A Quick Glance to Amanita Muscaria
Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric, gets its name from their traditional use of attracting flies. The mushrooms, with large, striking red caps, are often admired for their appearance.
Amanita muscaria is a family of the Amanita genus that has around 600 species of mushrooms found globally, including some of the world’s most toxic varieties and a few esteemed edible species, like Amanita muscaria itself.
However, they are often mistaken for toxic varieties due to their close resemblance to several other types. Therefore, understanding Amanita Muscaria is crucial for proper identification.
Is Amanita Muscaria Psychotropic or Psychedelic?
Amanita muscaria is referred to as a “psychotropic” mushroom, in contrast to psilocybin mushrooms, which are both “psychoactive” and “psychedelic.” Psychotropic substances are typically defined as anything that concerns specific wellness aspects, whereas psychedelics may produce more intense effects related to brain functions.
However, before tagging a mushroom psychedelic or psychotropic, it is important to understand the degree of its effects on individuals. In the case of Amanita muscaria, it is mild, offering tranquilizing effects. This is the main reason why it is not labeled as a psychedelic, in contrast to psilocybin mushrooms, which deliver intense effects.
Active Compounds in Amanita Muscaria vs Psilocybins
Psilocybin Mushroom Compounds
Psilocybin is the main psychotropic component in magic mushrooms. When ingested, psilocybin goes through a process called dephosphorylation and converts to its active state, psilocin.
Both psilocybin and psilocin are psychoactive, but psilocin is also a psychedelic compound that is primarily responsible for most of the psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms.
Along with psilocybin and psilocin, magic mushrooms contain hundreds of other active compounds that can contribute to their full spectrum of effects. However, research is still required to confirm the effects of other psychedelic mushrooms.
Amanita Muscaria Compounds
Amanita muscaria mushrooms contain muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine as the main ingredients. The role of Muscimol and ibotenic acid are prime in Amanita muscaria as they are responsible for the most psychotropic effects. Muscarine is less psychotropic than the other two compounds and is available in trace amounts (0.02% dry weight).
Effects of Amanita Muscaria vs Psilocybin Mushroom
Amanita Muscaria Effects
Amanita muscaria may create a relaxing or euphoric state in low quantities, but higher amounts of Amanita muscaria may lead to strong effects. However, the effects of Amanita muscaria can vary widely depending on the quantity imbibed and whether mushrooms are decarbed, where ibotenic acid converts to Muscimol. On its own, ibotenic acid is stronger than Muscimol and delivers intense effects.
In the bigger picture, Amanita muscaria is mild compared to psilocybin mushrooms. However, research is still needed to substantiate its benefits related to well-being.
If you are interested in exploring Amanita muscaria, at Cosmyic, we have created a variety of Amanita products by infusing this unique mushroom, including gummies, chocolate bars, and more, for you to shop and enjoy its effects. Our Amanita gummies are infused with precise dosages of Amanita to ensure a consistent experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the Amanita muscaria gummy's effects.
Psilocybin Effects
Psilocybin mushrooms are known for their intense effects and may alter mood. Individuals may experience different effects, such as euphoria, enhanced creativity, and more, depending upon the amount ingested. Like Amanita Muscaria, psilocybin mushrooms are being explored to understand their capability to cater to well-being.
Legality of Amanita Muscaria
Before considering Amanita muscaria, always check local laws regarding its sale and intake. As for now, Amanita muscaria is not federally regulated in the United States, but its legality varies by state. States like California and Oregon, where it grows and has cultural relevance, may have more lenient regulations. However, in most states, its possession and sale may be restricted or prohibited under state law. Therefore, individuals must check local laws when considering buying Amanita muscaria.
Summing up the Effects of Amanita Muscaria and Psilocybin Mushroom
Amanita muscaria and its related products can be a great addition to any routine with its milder effects compared to other psychotropic mushrooms. While its wellness potential is still being researched, it is still a great choice for those seeking a unique experience. Shoppers are encouraged to explore the effects of Amanita muscaria by following local regulations.
At Cosmyic, we sell a premium selection of Amanita muscaria products infused with accurate dosages for a consistent and enjoyable experience. From Amanita gummies to chocolate bars and capsules, we provide easy-to-take edibles to explore Amanita muscaria's potential benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is considered the ideal Amanita muscaria dosage?
The dosage of Amanita muscaria can vary depending on the product and method of ingestion. We recommend consulting a healthcare professional regarding the dosage for effective results.
2) Is Amanita muscaria's legality regulated?
Amanita muscaria is not federally regulated in the United States; however, state laws may vary. Always confirm the Amanita muscaria legality in your specific location to ensure compliance.
3) Can Amanita muscaria be used for wellness purposes?
Research on Amanita muscaria for wellness purposes is ongoing. However, it may have potential wellness traits. Its effects are generally milder than those of psilocybin mushrooms, hence widely explored for wellness purposes.