Muscimol vs Psilocybin Overview. Common questions answered.

Amanita muscaria, or Fly Agaric, is visually distinctive with its red and white coloring, while psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as “magic mushrooms,” typically have tan caps and white to brown stems. The two mushrooms differ in appearance, active compounds, effects, and traditional uses.

The statements regarding Amanita muscaria products have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as consumable food. Amanita muscaria products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Overview of Muscimol vs Psilocybin

Psilocybin Mushrooms: These contain psilocybin, which converts to psilocin in the body, a compound that interacts with serotonin receptors and may produce altered sensory experiences. Psilocybin mushrooms have historical use in various spiritual and cultural practices and are commonly researched for their effects on perception.

Amanita Muscaria: This mushroom contains muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine. Muscimol is the primary active compound, which works differently from psilocybin, mainly interacting with GABA receptors. Ibotenic acid converts to muscimol through drying or digestion, while muscarine may cause mild discomfort if ingested without preparation.

What are the differences between Amanita Muscaria and psilocybin mushrooms?

Active Compounds
- Psilocybin Mushrooms: Contain psilocybin, a prodrug that the body converts into psilocin.
- Amanita Muscaria: Contains muscimol, which influences GABA receptors, as well as ibotenic acid and muscarine. Proper preparation, such as drying, can reduce ibotenic acid content.
Potential Effects
- Psilocybin Mushrooms: Known for sensory changes associated with psilocin.
- Amanita Muscaria: Known for more calming or sedative effects, which can differ from psilocybin’s.
Uses and Cautions
- Psilocybin Mushrooms: Often explored for therapeutic applications in mood and mental health studies.
- Amanita Muscaria: Traditionally used in various cultures with recommendations around careful preparation to reduce specific compounds.
Legal Status
- Psilocybin Mushrooms: Often controlled in many regions, though studied for therapeutic applications.
- Amanita Muscaria: Generally permitted in the U.S., with regional restrictions; it is not FDA-approved for consumption.

Important Note: For safe use, proper preparation methods like drying or heating can help reduce specific compounds in Amanita muscaria. Always consult a healthcare provider before considering any mushroom-based products.

You can check out and buy Amanita Muscaria here.

Psychedelic vs psychoactive effects

Psilocybin Mushrooms (Psychedelic Effects): Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, known as psychedelics, primarily act on serotonin receptors in the brain, resulting in altered perception, mood shifts, and sometimes spiritual experiences. Users often report effects such as:

Euphoria and peacefulness
Heightened spiritual awareness
Derealization, or altered perception of surroundings
Distorted thinking and visual enhancements (e.g., halos of light, vivid colors)
Increased energy and excitement
Potential for anxious or paranoid feelings

Amanita Muscaria (Psychoactive Effects): Unlike psilocybin mushrooms, Amanita muscaria mushrooms are considered “deliriants” rather than true psychedelics, as they act on GABA receptors instead of serotonin receptors. This can lead to a dreamlike, sedative experience rather than the heightened sensory effects typical of psychedelics. Users may experience:

Dreamlike or sedative sensations
Euphoric, tranquil, or looping experiences
Sensations of size distortion (perceiving objects as unusually large or small)
Dizziness, visual and auditory changes
Varying effects depending on preparation and individual response, with some users describing calming effects and others reporting discomfort

Medical and Nutritional Value

esearch into both compounds has highlighted potential therapeutic uses:

Muscimol (Amanita Muscaria): Preliminary studies suggest muscimol’s role in modulating GABA receptors may offer therapeutic potential in managing anxiety, sleep disturbances, and possibly epilepsy. Its effects are being explored for mental well-being, though further research is needed.
Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms): Psilocybin has gained significant attention in clinical studies, particularly for mental health applications, including depression, PTSD, addiction, and anxiety, with some users experiencing long-term improvements in well-being.

Consumption and Duration of Effects

Amanita Muscaria: The effects of muscimol and ibotenic acid appear 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion, peaking within 2-3 hours and lasting 6-8 hours. Duration and intensity can vary based on dose and individual tolerance.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: After ingestion, effects typically begin within 30 to 60 minutes, peaking around 1-2 hours and lasting 4-6 hours.

Legal status

Psilocybin Mushrooms: Psilocybin is considered a controlled substance in many areas, though it has been decriminalized or legalized in certain U.S. states and countries for specific therapeutic or personal use.

Amanita Muscaria: Amanita muscaria mushrooms are generally legal in most parts of the world, as their primary active compounds are largely unregulated and are not classified by the DEA in the United States. However, they remain unapproved for consumption by the FDA..

It is always advised to buy Amanita Muscaria mushrooms from trusted sources. For those interested in exploring the effects of this unique mushroom further, various forms of Amanita Muscaria are available at MyCoteria store, including dried Amanita muscaria mushrooms, extract, powder, tincture, gummies, and capsules.

Continue reading

If you are keen on finding out more insights regarding Amanita Muscaria’s legality, read all about it in our blog “Is Amanita Muscaria Legal? Worldwide Legal Status Overview”.

Amanita Muscaria is not only known for its effects but also for its medical benefits. Read the blog article “What are Amanita Muscaria’s medical uses?” and discover more.

FAQ

Muscimol vs. psilocybin – what’s the main difference?

Muscimol and psilocybin interact with different receptors in the brain, leading to distinct effects. Muscimol primarily targets GABA receptors, often resulting in sedative and dreamlike sensations. In contrast, psilocybin primarily targets serotonin receptors, contributing to its potential to alter mood and induce vivid visual experiences. A psilocybin experience is often characterized by visual enhancements and a deep emotional journey, while muscimol provides a more calming, altered sense of time and space.

Does Muscimol Cause Altered Perception?

Muscimol, found in Amanita muscaria, can lead to various psychoactive effects, often described as altering perception. However, the effects may vary widely depending on dosage, individual tolerance, and preparation methods.

Is muscimol safe?

In controlled amounts, muscimol is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, ibotenic acid, another compound found in Amanita muscaria, can be toxic in higher quantities. Therefore, proper preparation methods are recommended to convert ibotenic acid into muscimol, which is associated with a lower risk of adverse effects.

Is muscimol a psychedelic?

Muscimol is more accurately classified as a deliriant or psychoactive compound rather than a traditional psychedelic. Its effects are typically calming and may alter sensory perception and awareness, especially at higher doses. However, it does not produce the intense visual and sensory distortions associated with psilocybin.