shroom

Typical slang for a 'magic mushroom.' There are two distinct types of magic mushrooms, the Amanita Muscaria species and many in the Psilocybe family. These mushrooms contain one or more of the hallucinogenic chemicals muscimol, psilocin, or psilocybin, the latter breaks down into psilocin when exposed to heat and air. When ingested they produce a 'trip' which is a hallucinogenic experience, during which the user may have a religious or life changing experience. In the United States and many other nations, Amanitas are legal while Psilocybe mushrooms are not. Amanitas are one of the earliest known hallucinogens. The trip is similar to, but usually not as intense as an LSD trip; depending on how many mushrooms are taken. On the street Amanitas are very scarce and Psilocybe mushrooms are what most users seek. Amanitas can easily be recognized by their bright red color with white spots, but Psilocybe mushrooms should not be picked wild except by an expert as they can be easily confused for a poisonous mushroom.