THC is famous for giving cannabis its mind-altering high. The compound’s psychoactive qualities can change how humans perceive reality, from enhancing sensory perception to relieving pain and improving sleep.
Amanita muscaria mushrooms also possess mind-altering capabilities. This colorful variety, known as the Fly Agaric, is increasingly popular due to its federally legal status and psychoactive properties.
But how does the high from Amanita muscaria compare to THC? This article explores Amanita muscaria vs. THC, including active ingredients, psychoactive effects, and potential risks.
How THC Works in the Brain
Some people compare the THC experience to the effects of Amanita Muscaria. But at a neurological level, these compounds interact with the brain very differently.
THC is a type of molecule called a cannabinoid. Although cannabis contains more than 100 different cannabinoids, THC is the one responsible for making people feel high. When THC passes through the blood-brain barrier, its binds with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of neurotransmitters that affects behavior, mood, coordination, pain, sleep, and more.
THC binds primarily to a receptor in the brain called a “cannabinoid receptor type 1,” or CB1 for short. This interaction sends nerve impulses that trigger different effects on the body. Specifically, THC does the following:
- Increases dopamine, the body’s “feel-good” chemical that boosts mood, motivation, and attention.
- Stimulates ghrelin production, a chemical that acts on the appetite centers.
- Increases adenosine levels and suppresses the brain’s arousal system, which could contribute to its sedative, sleep-promoting effects.
THC Effects on the Brain and Body
THC effects can vary dramatically among different people. Most of the time, THC alters activity related to awareness, anxiety, and impulse control, such as lowering motor skills and inhibitions.
Most people feel happy and relaxed. Other common THC effects include:
- Elation
- Increased appetite
- Relaxation
- Talkativeness and laughter
- Heightened senses (e.g., brighter colors and louder sounds)
- Distorted perception of time
THC Side Effects
THC has little risk when used in moderation. However, not all THC experiences are pleasant. For example, some people might have adverse effects, such as:
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Impaired memory and cognitive function
- Increased heart rate
- Respiratory conditions
These effects are more common when a person takes too much, the marijuana has an unexpectedly high potency, or the person is inexperienced.
How Amanita Muscaria Works in the Brain
Amanita muscaria, the red-and-white-speckled mushroom that appears everywhere, from garden statues to iPhone emojis and Super Mario games, works differently than THC. The Amanita species also differs significantly from typical “magic mushrooms,” known for their mind-altering trips with vivid colors and sounds.
Amanita muscaria mushrooms contain unique psychoactive compounds known as muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine. The DEA doesn’t classify these compounds as controlled substances, making Amanita muscaria legal in most of the United States, with few exceptions.
- Muscimol is a central nervous system depressant. It engages GABAa receptors to elicit sedative-hypnotic effects, making it “psychoactive” rather than psychedelic. Muscimol is A. muscaria’s most potent psychoactive agent–10 times stronger than ibotenic acid.
- Ibotenic acid interacts with glutamate receptors, making it more stimulating and energizing than muscimol. When mushrooms contain more ibotenic acid than muscimol, users typically report confusion, agitation, and euphoria.
- Muscarine is neurotoxic, but Amanita muscaria mushrooms only contain trace amounts of it, so it has minimal impact on the overall effects.
After ingesting Amanita muscaria, the gastrointestinal tract rapidly absorbs ibotenic acid and muscimol, where they cross the blood-brain barrier. The body then metabolizes ibotenic acid and converts it to muscimol, making it the compound most responsible for the mushroom’s psychoactive effects.
Amanita Muscaria Effects on the Brain and Body
Experts say that muscimol elicits fewer hallucinatory effects than classical psychedelic mushrooms. Instead, Amanita muscaria usually has sedative effects that chill people out. People who eat these mushrooms or extracts tend to fall into a deep sleep and experience vivid, Amanita-induced dreams. Many compare the effects to alcohol intoxication or an indica cannabis strain. Users describe a gentle buzz with cheery, calm feelings.
Amanita muscaria’s psychoactive effects include:
- Euphoria
- Physical relaxation or a sedative-like effect
- Sense of being in a “dream-like space”
- Intense introspection
- Spiritual awakening
From a therapeutic perspective, some say that Amanita muscaria can help with anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort, similar to THC. Recent research on the mushroom’s pharmacology shows that the muscimol in Amanita muscaria could have several medicinal benefits, including:
- Treating stress and anxiety
- Easing muscular pain
- Promoting restorative sleep
- Exhibiting anti-tumor and memory-protecting activities
Amanita Muscaria Side Effects
Raw Amanita muscaria mushrooms can be far too potent for human ingestion, triggering unpleasant or toxic effects, including:
- Lack of coordination
- Vomiting
- Moderate to extreme nausea or cramps
- Detachment from reality
- Size distortion
- Flying sensations
- Repetitive thought patterns and behavior, known as “looping”
Symptoms usually appear 30 to 90 minutes after eating the mushroom and are most intense after two to three hours.
To avoid these adverse effects, people should avoid raw mushrooms and only consume Amanita extracts that have been tested for quality and potency. Additionally, starting with small doses is best.
According to a mycologist, microdoses of 0.03 to 0.17 ounces should induce mild, soothing effects, whereas high doses can be “difficult to manage” for most people. Retailers typically sell Amanita muscaria products in microdose capsules containing no more than 350 mg of amanita extract.
The Bottom Line
Cannabis and Amanita muscaria mushrooms both produce mind-altering, psychoactive highs, but their active ingredients affect the brain differently. THC binds mainly with CB1 receptors, affecting mood, pain, sleep, and appetite. Amanita muscaria’s effects mainly come from the psychoactive compound muscimol, a GABAa antagonist with sedative-hypnotic and mild hallucinogenic effects. THC and Amanita muscaria can make people feel happy and relaxed. However, Amanita muscaria leans toward physical relaxation and a “dream-like” state, while THC can make people more talkative and uninhibited.