Between Prohibitions: Patterns and Meanings of Magic Mushroom Use in the UK
Substance Use & Misuse January 1, 2008 DOI: 10.1080/10826080701772363 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 2004 survey of 174 magic mushroom users in Edinburgh and Bristol, UK, found that consumption was infrequent but intense: 47% used 4-12 times per year, with an average dose of 12 g per session. Users reported laughter, hallucinations, altered perspective (41-74%), and feeling closer to nature (49%). Negative experiences included paranoia (35%) and anxiety (32%). Use occurred within a wider recreational drug and alcohol culture. Focus groups aided interpretation. The authors recommend future research into negative experiences and discuss implications for policy and harm reduction.
Study at a glance
| 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 |
| Keywords | Feeling Paranoia Harm reduction Social psychology |
| Citations | 36 |
| Key finding | 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.