Exploring User Experiences with Amanita muscaria: A Thematic Analysis of Reddit Online Forum Discussions.
Substance use & misuse January 1, 2025 Jadyn Hartwig, Jared Kendrick, Ghonwa Ahmad et al. 3 citations
People who use the psychoactive mushroom Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) report more positive than negative effects, and the negative effects are typically mild and temporary. This conclusion comes from analyzing 998 main posts and 9,542 comments on the Reddit forum r/AmanitaMuscaria. Users described reasons for consumption, modes of use, and both beneficial and adverse outcomes. The findings suggest that medical providers may not easily learn about a patient's use of this mushroom unless severe side effects occur. Further research into the mushroom's pharmacology and deeper analysis of online discussions is recommended to inform safe practices.