What is the Difference Between Amanita Muscaria vs Psilocybin? A lot!
Establishing the difference between Amanita Muscaria vs psilocybin is essential to ensuring an enjoyable experience. There are differing effects and benefits associated with each. Amanita Muscaria is known for being psychotropic. This is because the primary psychoactive compounds in Amanita Muscaria are muscimol and ibotenic acid. When ingested, they create visual and auditory distortions, an uplifted mood, and an energy boost. Psilocybin, or its derivative psilocin, is referred to as psychedelic. It is the active compound in over 200 species of “magic mushrooms.” The most popular of which is the Psilocybe cubensis. These “shrooms” are known for creating shifts in colors, patterns, sensory perceptions, and intensified emotions.
What is Amanita Muscaria?
The Amanita Muscaria mushroom, also known as the Fly Agaric, is found growing in temperate forests across the Northern Hemisphere. It stands out boldly on the forest floor with a red cap and white dots. Some Amanita Muscaria can grow up to twelve inches tall and have a cap that is eight inches in diameter, though most do not grow that large in the wild.
This mushroom has achieved a prominent place in modern media thanks in large part to video games and social media platforms. It is now used as the universal emoji for all magic mushrooms. Before it found this place in mainstream society, It was an essential component of pre-Christian rituals during Winter Solstice celebrations. Tribes across Siberia, Scandinavia, and Russia were documented using this mushroom for centuries for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and psychoactive properties.
What is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in more than 200 species of mushrooms. The mushrooms containing this compound can be eaten dried or freshly picked. Once ingested, the body converts the psilocybin into psilocin, which induces mind-altering effects. There have been several studies that have documented the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy to overcome PTSD and depression. In 2023, Oregon even legalized adult use of psilocybin experience centers.
The use of “magic mushrooms” is thought to pre-date recorded history. Cave paintings and rock art in Spain and Algeria suggest humans used psilocybin mushrooms. Some of the earliest known texts are by Spanish chroniclers when they documented the use of these mushrooms in the sixteenth century during spiritual and divinatory ceremonies in Mesoamerica.
Amanita Muscaria vs Psilocybin: What do they do?
The organic compounds in Amanita Muscaria, muscimol and ibotenic acid, interact with different areas of the brain than psilocybin. Each of them creates a different effect and experience.
Amanita Muscaria: The muscimol antagonizes the body’s GABA A receptors throughout the central nervous system and disrupts how the body perceives and transmits pain and other signals. Ibotenic acid interacts with the NMDA receptors and can cause euphoria, visual and auditory distortions, or a sensation of floating. Eating too much Amanita Muscaria too fast could result in adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, weakness, and unusually long sleep.
Psilocybin: This organic compound stimulates the serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2ARs) in the brain. Some of the effects that can result include euphoria, hallucinations, perception changes, distorted sense of time, and spiritual awakenings. Adverse effects have been reported when too many “magic mushrooms” have been consumed including nausea, vomiting, tremors, high blood pressure, anxiety, and fear.
Psychoactive Effects vs Psychedelic Effects?
Amanita Muscaria creates psychoactive, or psychotropic, effects when ingested. These effects are reported by many to be energizing and uplifting. Many say they feel a light cerebral buzz that induces deep thought and creativity. The overall effects are not as intense as psilocybin and the experience is often referred to as a “light trip.” Many enjoy eating a muscimol gummy or two and going out with friends for an extended evening.
Psilocybin is a psychedelic prodrug and creates hallucinogenic and intensely euphoric effects. The level of intensity depends on a couple of factors, such as the species of mushrooms, the size of the person eating them, and the environment. Emotional effects like disorientation, lethargy, giddiness, and joy have all been reported. Visuals like closed-eye hallucinations, geometric shapes, and vivid imaginative sequences are said to occur. Enhanced introspection and even regression to childlike thinking have been reported. Most people prefer to enjoy this intensely personal journey in a comfortable quiet environment.
Benefits of Amanita Muscaria and Psilocybin
The benefits of Amanita Muscaria and psilocybin have not been verified by the Food and Drug Administration. These benefits are supported by mountains of anecdotal evidence and a few targeted studies.
Baba Masha conducted a survey on microdosing Amanita Muscaria and its effects. Respondents reported several therapeutic benefits such as improved mood, deeper meditation, increased focus, boosted energy, and enhanced creativity. Below are a few of the other benefits research has identified:
Reduced Stress: One study highlights that Amanita Muscaria may reduce anxiety by suppressing central nervous system activity.
Better Sleep: A study using mice found sleep states and sleep EEG were improved when muscimol was introduced.
Pain Relief: Neuropathic pain symptoms are chronic pain that is often difficult to relieve. One study found when muscimol was injected at the site of the pain it was significantly reduced.
Psilocybin is still federally illegal and studies conducted on it have only been within the last twenty years. The benefits of psilocybin dosage and psilocybin micro-dosage have been lauded to the point that government task forces have been required to review the efficacy. Below are a few of the benefits highlighted:
Anxiety reduction: One study found that psilocybin administered to terminally ill patients helped reduce the existential and spiritual anxiety associated with cancer.
Disruption of Alcohol Addiction: Another study found a direct correlation between the reduction of cravings to drink alcohol after administering psilocybin with effects that lasted up to 36 weeks.
Chronic pain: Inflammation can be the direct cause of chronic pain. One study found a significant reduction in inflammation-induced chronic pain after taking psilocybin.
Amanita Muscaria Gummies and Extract Ready to Ship at ShroomBuddy
Whether it’s the effects or the benefits, Amanita Muscaria is something that can help many people on their wellness journey. At ShroomBuddy, we have partnered with some of the most trusted brands in the industry, such as Cheef Botanicals and Urb to offer potent, effective and third-party-tested products. We have Amanita Muscaria gummies, Amanita Muscaria powder, and Amanita Muscaria extract. After adding a few to the cart, be sure to check out our entire functional mushroom line, including Reishi mushroom, Maitake, and Lion’s Mane.
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