Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria)
The striking fly-agaric (Amanita muscaria) is a striking mushroom containing the ibotenic acid and muscimol, which produce inebriating effects. Amanita intoxication is quite different from that caused by psychedelic psilocybin mushrooms, which are primarily found in the Psilocybe genus.
Amanita muscaria mushrooms have been used in Siberian shamanism for centuries, or perhaps as long as thousands of years. Some authors have speculated that the mushroom could be associated with other historical and cultural phenomena such as the mysterious magical plant "Soma” described in early Hindu scriptures.
Recreational doses range from 3-10 grams of dry mushroom material depending on the strength of the specimen.
The primary effects of amanitas come from ibotenic acid and muscimol. Muscimol affects the GABA system, while ibotenic acid simulates glutamate in the brain. When baked or dried, ibotenic acid transforms into the more-potent muscimol through decarboxylation.
Amanita muscaria mushrooms have a long history of shamanic use in some parts of Siberia. possibly dating back thousands of years. The earliest-known documented account of Siberian mushroom use dates to 1658 when a Polish prisoner-of-war wrote "They eat certain fungi in the shape of fly-agarics, and thus they become drunk worse than on vodka, and for them that's the very best banquet."
Controversial theories have been advanced about other possible historical uses of psychoactive amanitas. Most famously, R. Gordon Wasson argued in his book Soma that the A. muscaria was an entheogenic sacrament described by early Hindus in the Rig Veda.
Effects
The potency and effects of amanitas vary widely among individuals and among mushroom specimens. Strong nausea and/or vomiting are common, particularly in the first few hours. Some users report euphoria and a sociable feeling of inebriation with some similarities to alcohol intoxication. Users may experience mild visual distortions, loss of balance, and sedation. Some report feeling a sense of internal clarity, while others feel disoriented or confused.
Onset is generally slow, typically taking two to three hours. The primary effects of amanitas last for 6-8 hours when taken orally.
