Psilocybin Mushrooms: Overview of the Genus and Related Fungi
An overview of psilocybin mushrooms: the genus Psilocybe and related fungi, what psilocybin is, what research shows and does not show, risks, and legal context.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Supplements can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read mushroom safety and interactions before you use any mushroom product.
Urgent first. If someone has eaten a mushroom and is confused, very agitated, vomiting repeatedly, has chest pain, a seizure or trouble breathing, call 911 or US Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. See poisoning: what to do first. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (US).
This page is information only. It does not identify mushrooms, give amounts, or advise anyone to use, grow or find them.
What psilocybin mushrooms are
"Psilocybin mushrooms" is an everyday phrase for fungi that contain psilocybin, a compound found in certain types of mushrooms that grow on nearly every continent. [1] After psilocybin is taken, the body converts it to psilocin, which acts mainly on the serotonin 2A receptor; researchers think this action is responsible for much of the subjective experience. [1] Psilocybin, psilocin and related compounds typically occur in most species of the genus Psilocybe. [2]Keep three things apart: the fungus (a species or group), the compound (psilocybin or psilocin) and a product (dried material, capsules, gummies, or a clinical formulation). This page is about the fungi. See psilocybin for the compound and psilocybin vs psilocin.
The genus and related fungi
Psilocybe has about 165 described species by one 2024 count, and the genes for making psilocybin are known for only five of them. [3] The same study found that psilocybin production appears to have started in Psilocybe and then moved to other mushroom groups on four or five occasions. [3] So psilocybin is also found outside the genus; see other psilocybin-containing fungi.Species with their own pages on this site include Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe cyanescens and Panaeolus cyanescens. The Psilocybe species directory lists more. Truffle-like forms are covered on psilocybin truffles.
Names get revised. See why photos and names are not safety assurances and commercial mushroom names.
Traditional and cultural background
NIDA states that the mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies and cites evidence that Indigenous people in Central America used them for healing and spiritual rituals as far back as 3000 B.C. [1] A 2024 paper describing new southern African species also discusses traditional spiritual use of one of them. [4] Historical use is not proof of effectiveness, and traditions belong to specific peoples; this page does not describe ceremonial practice.Composition varies
Psilocybin content differs between individual mushrooms, batches and strains, so no "typical strength" exists. [2][5] See psilocybin mushroom chemistry and research limits.What research shows
Evidence labels: approved medicine, promising but limited, mixed, insufficient evidence, Proper evidence not found. Most clinical research uses a pure compound, not whole mushrooms. [2]| Use | Label | What the sources say |
|---|---|---|
| Approved medicine | Proper evidence not found | We read no regulator page showing an approved psilocybin or mushroom medicine this session. |
| Major depression | Promising but limited | In a 2023 randomized trial of 104 adults, one dose of psilocybin with psychological support lowered depression scores more than niacin (difference -12.3 points at day 43 on the MADRS scale). There were no serious treatment-emergent events, but overall and severe events were more frequent with psilocybin; people with a history of psychosis or mania were excluded. [6] |
| Anxiety and depression in serious illness | Promising but limited | A Cochrane review found classic psychedelic-assisted therapy may reduce anxiety versus active placebo, with low-certainty evidence. [7] |
| Microdosing mushrooms or truffles | Insufficient evidence | A 2026 systematic review of 11 studies found low-certainty evidence and said a causal effect cannot be inferred. [8] NIDA says safety and effectiveness have not been established. [1] |
Caution: In these trials participants can become unblinded, and a review argues effect sizes are likely overestimated because of de-blinding and high expectations. [9] See psychedelic clinical trials and research limits.
Risks and who is most at risk
- Body and behavior. NIDA says psilocybin typically raises blood pressure and heart rate, which may be dangerous for people with heart conditions, and that people may do risky things without clinical supervision. [1]
- Fear and mental health. Extreme fear, anxiety or panic can occur, and poor mental health outcomes may be more likely outside clinical settings. [1]
- Serious events in studies. A review of 214 studies found serious adverse events in about 4% of participants with preexisting neuropsychiatric disorders and none in healthy participants. [10] See psychedelic adverse effects and contraindications.
- Pregnancy. NIDA says there is no data on the safety of psilocybin in pregnancy. [1]
- Wrong mushroom. Mistaking a toxic mushroom for a psilocybin one is a recognized risk. [1]
- Products. In a Portland, Oregon analysis, labeling of eight mushroom gummies was inaccurate overall. [11]
Anyone with a heart condition, a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder, or who takes medicines should speak with a licensed clinician. We give no combining advice. See talking with a health professional.
Legal context
Not legal advice; laws change. United States, federal: psilocybin and psilocyn are named in the list of Schedule I hallucinogenic substances in 21 CFR 1308.11 (eCFR, read 2026-10-22). [12] Oregon: Ballot Measure 109 (now ORS 475A) directs the Oregon Health Authority to license and regulate psilocybin products and services (OHA page, read 2026-10-22). [13] That is a state program and not general medical approval. We did not read official sources for other jurisdictions, so they are not verified here. See psychedelic legal status by country.Frequently asked questions
Are all "magic mushrooms" the same species?
No. Psilocybin typically occurs in most Psilocybe species and is also found in some other fungi. [2][3]
Is there an approved psilocybin mushroom medicine?
Proper evidence not found in the sources we read. Trials use a pure compound, and trial results are not approvals. [2]
Is it safe to eat a mushroom that looks like a psilocybin species?
No assurance can be given from a name or photo. Mistaking a toxic mushroom for a psilocybin one is a known risk. [1]
Does microdosing help?
Evidence is insufficient. A systematic review rated the certainty as low. [8]
Is psilocybin addictive?
NIDA says research to date suggests psilocybin does not typically lead to addiction, but that does not remove other risks. [1]
Is it legal?
It depends on place and activity. Federal US law lists psilocybin in Schedule I, and Oregon licenses a state program. Other places are not verified here. [12][13]
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms). Read 2026-10-22.
- Gotvaldová K et al. Stability of psilocybin and its four analogs in the biomass of the psychotropic mushroom Psilocybe cubensis. Drug Test Anal 2021. Read 2026-10-22.
- Phylogenomics of the psychoactive mushroom genus Psilocybe and evolution of the psilocybin biosynthetic gene cluster. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- van der Merwe B et al. A description of two novel Psilocybe species from southern Africa and some notes on African traditional hallucinogenic mushroom use. Mycologia 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- Foster K et al. Toward Standardized Products Containing Biomass of Psilocybe Cubensis Fungi. J AOAC Int 2026. Read 2026-10-22.
- Raison CL et al. Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2023. Read 2026-10-22.
- Schipper S et al. Psychedelic-assisted therapy for treating anxiety, depression, and existential distress in people with life-threatening diseases. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- Page J et al. The subtle science: a systematic review of psilocybin magic mushroom and truffle microdosing. Front Psychiatry 2026. Read 2026-10-22.
- Muthukumaraswamy SD et al. Blinding and expectancy confounds in psychedelic randomized controlled trials. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021. Read 2026-10-22.
- Hinkle JT et al. Adverse Events in Studies of Classic Psychedelics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- Correia MS et al. Quantitative analysis of recreational psychoactive mushroom gummies in Portland, Oregon. Clin Toxicol 2025. Read 2026-10-22.
- US Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 1308.11 Schedule I. Read 2026-10-22.
- Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Psilocybin Services (Psilocybin Program overview). Read 2026-10-22.