First named Agaricus semilanceatus by Swiss mycologist Elias Magnus Fries and known by the common name of liberty cap mushrooms or witch’s hat mushrooms, Psilocybe semilanceata (or P. semilanceata) is a psychedelic mushroom. They’re a member of the genus Psilocybe and are in the Strophariaceae family. They have the highest psilocybin content discovered so far. The cultivated fruit bodies of liberty caps have an average of 1.12% psilocybin, no psilocin, and .21% baeocystin (a naturally occurring psychoactive compound) . liberty cap mushrooms uk
Identifying liberty cap mushrooms uk
Liberty caps vary in color and are hygrophanous,This implies that they may appear to change colour and transparency depending on the amount of moisture in their surroundings.. This is one reason why the mushroom’s fruit bodies may change color when moist and appear dull when dried out. Because of this, they can appear chestnut brown and dry to a light tan. The gills of a liberty cap mushroom move from a brownish color to purple-brown; spores can also be a dark purple-brown color .liberty cap mushrooms uk
Most of the time, liberty cap mushrooms are easy to identify with their bell-shaped pileus or conical cap. The genus Conocybe also has a similar cap and contains toxic compounds. Liberty cap mushrooms may also be confused with the Galerina species of mushrooms. These dangerous lookalikes contain harmful compounds that can cause severe kidney and liver damage and may be fatal if ingested.
The effects of Liberty Caps uk
The psychoactive ingredient of these mushrooms is called Psilocybin and is also found in a number of different species of fungi. This ingredient is what causes the hallucinations and occasionally causes alarming symptoms including vomiting, stomach pains and anxiety attacks, Liberty Caps are probably best treated with caution.It takes .2 to .5 grams of dried magic mushrooms to begin to feel the effects of the psilocybin. Height, weight and metabolism affect . liberty cap mushrooms uk
Are liberty caps legal in the UK?
Any fungus that contains psilocin or psilocybin Ireland is controlled in the UK. Therefore, liberty caps are illegal in the UK and their cultivation, possession or sale is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Magic mushrooms are classed as Class A drugs in the UK, That is, the most severe penalty for possession is up to seven years in prison and an unlimited fine. A punishment this severe, however, is exceedingly unusual.liberty cap mushrooms uk
Where can you find liberty cap mushrooms in UK?
Look for liberty cap mushrooms in pastures or other grassy areas. In North America, you can find these mushrooms west of the Cascade mountain range from Northern California and into the Pacific Northwest, including British Columbia. You can also find these shrooms in grassland habitats throughout Europe, including Ireland, France, Holland, Norway, and Switzerland
In fact, if you were caught with a small amount for personal use – say up to 5 grams – you’d probably get away with a caution.liberty cap mushrooms uk
Positive effects of Liberty Caps UK
There is currently a lot of research being done into the positive effects of magic mushrooms and psychedelics on mental health and illnesses like depression.
The psilocybin seems to “re-order”the way our brain approaches challenges and allows people to get to the main cause of the problem and subsequently help to alleviate the symptoms of depression. According to a recent study conducted at Imperial College London. 59 people took part in a trial comparing magic mushrooms to conventional antidepressants and they found that those taking the magic mushrooms were significantly more affected than those who took the “conventional” antidepressants. In that their mood increased and they were more able to deal with the root causes of their issues ( during these trials the participants were given therapy alongside the compounds being tested)
WHERE TO FIND LIBERTY CAPS IN THE UK
Liberty caps are often found in grassy fields where animals, mainly sheep, graze – this is why you might hear people saying they grow near manure. According to Dr Nuke, they mostly grow in uncultivated and untouched grounds, so the countryside is often your best bet.
They usually pop up after it’s been raining, so it’s best to go on the first dry day after a spell of rain. Rockefeller says that liberty caps never occur in forests, in wood chips, or directly from manure.