Magic Mushroom use - Between Prohibitions Patterns and Meanings in UK - SARAH C.E. RILEY AND GRAHAM BLACKMAN
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.
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.
