Between Prohibitions: Patterns and Meanings of Magic Mushroom Use in the UK
Substance Use & Misuse 2008 DOI: 10.1080/10826080701772363 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 174 |
| Population | Self-selecting convenience sample of magic mushroom users in Edinburgh and Bristol, UK; mostly in their 20s, White-British, in education or employed; 64% male |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Feeling Paranoia Harm reduction Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 36 |
| Key findings | Magic mushroom users reported infrequent but intense consumption, with positive effects like hallucinations and altered perspective alongside negative experiences of paranoia and anxiety. |
Abstract
A survey of magic mushroom use was completed by 174 participants in 2004, a year when the sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms was not illegal in the UK. The data were collected in Edinburgh and Bristol (UK). Participants were a self-selecting convenience sample. Participants tended to be in their 20s, White-British, in education or employed; 64% were male. Participants reported a pattern of infrequent but intense consumption (47% used between 4-12 times/year, average consumption in one setting was 12 g, a high dose). Use was explained in terms of laughing, hallucinations, altering perspective (41-74%), and feelings of being closer to nature (49%). Negative experiences reported included paranoia (35%) and anxiety (32%). Mushroom use was located within a wider recreational drug and alcohol culture. Four focus groups aided the interpretation of the data. Future research is recommended into negative experiences. Implications for policy and harm minimisation literature are discussed.