The Differences Between Amanita Muscaria and Psilocybin

As psychedelics gain popularity among those seeking alternative ways to heighten their daily experiences, people are looking at a wide variety of paths and products to help them on their way to self-discovery, aiding them toward a more positive life. Those within psychedelic communities may do this through a scheduled regimen of microdosing or signing up for a heroic happening. Others are trying psychedelics for the first time.

Mushrooms have been providing an avenue to go deeper, explore oneself, and cultivate a sense of reflection and empathy for thousands of years. While there are over 20,000 different species of mushrooms, less than 10% of those contain psychedelic properties. 

Two popular ways to experience this self-reflective journey are by ingesting either Amanita Muscaria or psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Below we’ll outline the main differences between these two substances, including a brief history of both Amanita Muscaria and psilocybin-containing mushrooms, along with physical descriptions and differences, the effects of each, and their legalities.

Amanita Muscaria is a star in the fungi realm. Amanita Muscaria, also known as Fly Agaric due to its traditional use as an insecticide for flies, was first recorded as being ingested over 4,000 years ago. Having been used by many indigenous people in Europe (particularly in Siberia) and Northern Asia, these fantastic fungi are anything but new. Amanita Muscaria continues to remain popular through appearances in video games such as Nintendo’s Mario Bros, drawn in children’s cartoons such as The Smurfs, and references in English literature such as Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Amanita Muscaria has been making appearances in the lives of human beings for centuries. 

Amanita Muscaria is easy to recognize and commonly found in parts of Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States. Although this fungus may have yellow or even orange caps, they are most recognized for having bright red caps with white clusters of spots speckled throughout the surface of the cap. (Wiki)

Amanita Muscaria does not contain psilocybin. Instead, Amanita Muscaria has two main active compounds that contribute to its psychedelic properties: Muscimol and Ibotenic Acid. These two compounds work together, binding with your GABA receptors and giving you a psychedelic experience. 

While experiences with Amanita Muscaria vary based on body weight, diet, and dosages, commonly associated experiences include feelings of euphoria, relaxation, introspection, and dream-like states. Amanita Muscaria has also been known to provide mild hallucinogenic effects, making them a popular choice for recreational use. 

Source: PubChem

At the time of writing, Amanita Muscaria is legal to purchase, sell, and consume in the United States other than in the state of Louisiana, where it is strictly prohibited.  Please frequently check the laws where you live to remain informed on the legality of Amanita Muscaria.

Before the age of written history, humans ingested psilocybin-containing mushrooms. From paintings found in caves in Spain and Algeria, to records of spiritual uses in Mesoamerican rituals, and historical use in Australia, psilocybin has made appearances throughout human existence before the creation of language. 

Many years later, this psychedelic compound, found in a variety of fungi, has gained new light in the world of research within the medical community, as well as among recreational users. Recent studies by people like Dr. Roland Griffiths of John’s Hopkins University suggest that psilocybin may have uses in end-of-life and other types of care outside of traditional or ritual uses. 

Psilocybin containing mushrooms will vary from species to species, and thus physical attributes and effects may differ between them. One of the most common species consumed is Psilocybe Cubensis. This species can range from golden to reddish in hue and grow anywhere from 1 to 3 inches. This will vary not only from species to species, but variances may be seen within fungi of the same species.

Unlike Amanita Muscaria, which binds to your GABA receptors, psilocybin binds to your serotonin receptors. The effects of psilocybin are subjective and may vary based on diet, body weight, and dosages. However, common experiences include sensory stimulation, such as high contrast visuals, euphoria, empathy, relaxation, and reflection. 

Currently the United States has psilocybin listed as a Schedule I controlled substance, so on a federal level, psilocybin containing mushrooms are illegal, however, some states, including Colorado and California, have begun to decriminalize the possession and use of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. 

As we’ve gone over, Amanita Muscaria and psilocybin, although often lumped together as psychedelics, are two very different compounds, each binding to different receptors of the brain, offering contrasting experiences. On the issue of legality, Amanita Muscaria is currently available in 49 states, with psilocybin being federally illegal.

We here at Dark Side of the Shroom use only the highest quality, lab-tested ingredients in our Amanita Muscaria gummies. Whether you’re an avid psychonaut or a novice looking to try out something new, our line of Amanita Muscaria gummies is sure to aid you on any of your upcoming journeys to the center of the mind.