Psilocybin is the naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of fungi, commonly known as “magic mushrooms.” The traditional method of consumption for mind-altering effects is ingestion, typically by eating the dried material or brewing it into a tea. Some users inquire about alternative routes like smoking the dried mushrooms, attempting to mimic other dried plant materials. This approach fails to produce the intended psychoactive effect and introduces significant health hazards.
Why Smoking Destroys the Active Compound
The reason smoking psilocybin mushrooms is ineffective lies in the chemical instability of the active compounds when subjected to heat. Psilocybin is a prodrug that the body converts into the psychoactive molecule, psilocin. Psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic experience, is highly susceptible to thermal degradation and oxidation.
The temperatures reached during the combustion of dried organic material are far higher than the stability threshold of psilocin. This intense heat effectively breaks down the delicate psilocin molecule into non-psychoactive byproducts before the smoke is inhaled. Consequently, the core substance required to interact with the brain’s serotonin receptors is destroyed in the flame.
Effects Experienced By the User
Because the psychedelic compound is chemically degraded by the heat of combustion, the user typically experiences no significant psychoactive effects. Any mild change in sensation is more likely attributable to inhaling smoke from burning organic matter or a strong placebo effect. This outcome stands in sharp contrast to the profound changes in perception and thought that occur when psilocybin is properly ingested.
Instead of a psychedelic experience, users frequently report immediate physical discomfort. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the throat, persistent coughing, and general nausea. These are common reactions to inhaling the harsh, hot smoke and particulate matter produced by burning dried fungus.
Physical Risks of Inhaling Fungal Material
The negative consequences of attempting to smoke psilocybin mushrooms are the physical dangers to the respiratory system. Inhaling any smoke introduces harmful toxins and fine particulate matter, including carbon monoxide and tar. These substances irritate and damage delicate lung tissue and blood vessels, carrying the general health risks associated with smoking any combusted organic material.
Specific to fungi, smoking dried mushrooms carries the unique risk of inhaling mold spores that may have colonized the material during growth or drying. Fungal material, even when dried, can harbor spores from molds like Aspergillus. Inhaling a large concentration of these spores can lead to a serious respiratory infection called aspergillosis.
Individuals with pre-existing lung conditions, such as asthma, or those with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable to this type of infection. The physical consequences of inhaling these biological contaminants can result in severe respiratory distress and lung inflammation.