Magic mushrooms are becoming more and more popular, especially in mental health circles. Even scientists are currently researching the benefits of microdosing these mushrooms.

While it’s true that all mushrooms are pretty magical, not all mushrooms will make you see visions and stars. Chaga is one popular mushroom that can have some amazing health benefits, but will it make you hallucinate? Read on to find out.

What Is Chaga?

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) grows in cold climates, particularly in the northern United States, Canada, Russia, and Siberia. You might not recognize it if you saw it in person, especially if you’re looking for the characteristic stalk, cap, and gills of most mushrooms. 

Instead, chaga looks like round, black growths on the sides of trees. Their rough, lumpy texture makes them look like charcoal. On the inside, chaga mushrooms often have rings of orange, yellow, red, or brown.

Chaga mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in different methods of folk medicine. Additionally, they have been used as recently as the 1940s as an alternative to coffee because of their bitter taste.

What Are Psychedelics?

Psychedelics are substances that bind to certain serotonin receptors, which can trick the brain into hearing and seeing things that don’t exist. Some people even hallucinate tastes or tactile sensations.

There are a few different psychedelic drugs out there. These include:

• LSD
• DMT
• Mescaline
• Peyote

Psychedelics might sound like something pretty modern, but they’ve actually been around for thousands of years. In fact, peyote has been a rich part of Native American culture for about 5,000 years.

Many psychedelics are revered as having spiritual properties. Some ancient religions used these types of drugs to induce spiritual visions or achieve enlightenment. Today, many people still use psychedelics to transcend their egos, pursue emotional healing, and catch glimpses of other realms.

Is Chaga a Psychedelic?

So, let’s get to the question you’ve been waiting for: Is chaga a psychedelic? While chaga has some incredible properties and health benefits, it doesn’t contain any psychedelic compounds and will not get you high.

However, chaga does contain some other important compounds. These include:

• Polysaccharides: These carbohydrates act as prebiotic fiber, which can support a healthy gut microbiome.
• Melanin: This compound is a powerful antioxidant and can also support hair, skin, and nail health.
• Polyphenols: These compounds provide antioxidant support.
• Triterpenoids: These compounds can support healthy blood sugar levels, healthy liver function, and overall long-term health.
• Inotodiol: This compound can support healthy tissues throughout the body.
• Betulin: This compound supports a healthy immune system and metabolism.

Which Mushrooms Are Psychedelic?

Let’s be clear — there’s a little bit of magic in every mushroom. For instance, lion’s mane mushrooms can support clear thinking, encourage a healthy gut microbiome, support a good night’s sleep, and even support mental health. That’s pretty magical if you ask us!

That said, there are some mushrooms that do have psychedelic properties. You can find these in the Gymnopilus, Inocybe, Panaeolus, Pholiotina, Pluteus, and Psilocybe genera. Most mushrooms in these genera are perfectly normal mushrooms, but there are a select few that have a little extra sparkle.

Most of these mushrooms draw on two major compounds: Psilocybin and psilocin. Think of these as the stars of the show when it comes to visions of rainbows and unicorns. There are also some other minor compounds that can contribute to these effects, and there are some species of mushrooms that produce hallucinogenic effects without psilocybin and psilocin.

Psilocybin can also be isolated, which is what you’d be taking if you ingested the drug commonly called “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms.” 

Are There Benefits of Taking Psychedelics?

When psilocybin first made waves a few decades ago, people were mostly after the high. They wanted to take the drug, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Some may have been searching for spiritual enlightenment, but it all comes down to the same motivation.

Nowadays, people are turning to psilocybin for another reason. Research has shown that this drug can actually improve mental health when consumed in small doses. Specifically, psilocybin works as an antidepressant, improves anxiety, and can even improve nicotine and alcohol addiction.

It’s worth noting here that taking psychedelics in a controlled therapeutic setting is way different from taking it recreationally. When you take psilocybin at home, it’s hard to gauge how much you’re taking, and there are many factors that can come together to give you a bad trip.

In a therapeutic setting, you’re taking a small, controlled dose in a comfortable environment. There is a therapist there the whole time to direct your trip, ask supporting questions, and intervene if your trip starts to go bad or if you experience any side effects.

Are Psychedelics Legal?

This isn’t the “yes or no” question you may have thought it was going to be. The answer to this question ultimately depends on where you’re from.

Globally, some countries have legalized psychedelics while others actively penalize those who are found with them. Even when we zoom into the United States, the answer is different from state to state.

Some states have completely legalized certain psychedelics in therapeutic settings, while others actively punish psychedelic possession no matter what. However, there is a massive amount of support from researchers and mental health professionals who would like to see the benefits of these drugs made more widely available.

The Bottom Line

Chaga is a popular medicinal mushroom, and it’s not hard to see why — the health benefits of chaga range from supporting the immune system to encouraging hair, skin, and nail health. While chaga can do many magical things, it is not a “magic” mushroom and it won’t get you high.

Don’t let that keep you from trying chaga, though — this mushroom is one of our favorites, which is why we included it in our Mushroom Coffee+. This blend also combines lion’s mane, L-theanine, collagen protein, and coffee extract to create a functional coffee that’s just as delicious as your regular cup of joe. Don’t believe us? Just try it for yourself!

Sources:

Psychedelics | Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Full article: Therapeutic properties of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom): A review | T and F

Magic mushrooms as medicine | Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Will the Movement to Legalize Psychedelics Succeed? | Vanderbilt Law

Picking Stories, Selling Chaga: How History Helped Make Chaga a Superfood | NiCHE