News Update Feb 2022: Magic Mushrooms in Georgia

People around the world use many different kinds of fungi for various activities. For example, edible fungi, or mushrooms, are often used for food.

But, aside from being a culinary staple for many years, some use these for shamanic rituals.

Several varieties of these mushrooms contain psychoactive substances that cause psychedelic effects. Psilocybin and psilocin are the chemical components that cause a trip. They produce the same effects as other psychedelics like mescaline and peyote.

Magic mushroom is the general term used for mushrooms with psychedelic properties. Years of research found that many species that fall under this umbrella.

Psilocybin mushrooms are often used to carry out religious rituals. But now, it is a controlled substance under federal and some state laws, and this category includes drugs like cannabis.

Are There Mushrooms in Georgia?

Georgia is to be a good place to forage mushrooms. It has many land areas, and most have a subtropical climate. The mountains offer growing conditions that are conducive for shrooms.

Mushrooms also contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Mushroom hunting is an activity that involves these substances. This is an enjoyable and educational pastime for shroom enthusiasts and avid foragers. Although searching for edible mushrooms is interesting, it is also hazardous.

When foraging for shrooms, it’s crucial to have a field guide, which will help you identify the wild mushrooms you will find.

3 Types of Mushrooms in Georgia

It is worth noting that there is a thin line between edible and poisonous mushrooms. There is a real danger when it comes to misidentification. So, you have to learn how to identify mushrooms by their species to avoid the risk of dying from what you eat.

You can find three types of mushrooms in Georgia: edible, poisonous, and psychedelic.

It is an ongoing idea that wild mushrooms cause psychedelic effects. But, in reality, a tiny percentage of shrooms can do this. Only those that contain Psilocybin and psilocin can create a ‘trip.’

Here are several of the most common ones you will see when you forage mushrooms.

One of the most familiar edible mushrooms is the Wood-Ear mushroom. This is a type of jelly fungus, and it looks like an ear stuck on wood and has a rubbery texture. They are dark with a reddish-brown color.

One of the most poisonous species belongs to the genus Amanita. These shrooms often grow on the roots of trees. The mushrooms under this category can kill you. This is why they are also called Death Angel or Destroying Angel. According to statistics, about 50% of the people who eat this mushroom die.

Recently, they discovered another dangerous mushroom in Georgia. The Macrocybe Titans mushroom is quite a rare specimen, and this species usually grows in subtropical and tropical regions. But, it grew in the Georgia area, which is not preferred.

You can also find psychedelic mushrooms in Georgia.

But, it is worth noting that possessing magic mushrooms are illegal in Georgia. So, if you do not want to get in trouble with the law. You need luck, especially if you still want to explore and dig for these mushrooms.

Psychedelic Advocacy in Georgia 

Several advocacy groups are in the state. These groups and individuals focus on making natural psychedelics accessible to clients.

Two of the advocacy groups are from the University of Georgia.

First, the Psychedelic Club has supported decriminalizing Psilocybin and entheogenic plans.

Second, the students for Sensible Drug Policy is a national movement. They have shown their support for amending the psychedelic laws in Georgia and other states.

Also, there are many avid foragers in the state.

Last year, shroom enthusiasts in the state hosted the Georgia Mushroom Festival. They also called the event MushFest.

The event had a psilocybin panel discussion which was fantastic. It was a great way to educate people about its medicinal and therapeutic benefits.

Georgia’s Strict Stance on Psilocybin Spores

At a federal level and in most states, it’s legal to buy and sell psilocybin mushroom spores.

This is possible because the psychoactive compounds are not yet developed. These substances will only show when the mushroom is mature enough.

Psilocybin and psilocin are the substances in magic mushrooms that produce a ‘trip.’

Mycelium is now cultivated in some states. But psychedelic law is still a bit tricky.

But, three states passed specific laws prohibiting possessing these spores. These states include Idaho, California, and Georgia.

Unfortunately, Georgia still classifies Psilocybin as a Schedule I drug like marijuana. Thus it is illegal to post and sell growing instructions for psilocybin mushrooms. So, possessing any quantity of a controlled substance is punishable by a fine or time in prison.

The Future of Shrooms in Georgia

The decriminalization of psychedelics may disrupt billion-dollar industries. These include alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical products, and health and wellness businesses.

Many cities and states have already moved towards decriminalizing these substances. Though change is happening nationwide, Georgia still falls behind other states.

But, given this current trend, the future looks bright, but it won’t be a smooth ride.

In a few years, the freedom to cultivate, sell and have magic mushrooms in Georgia can happen. But it will still take a lot of time and effort.