Navigating Mushroom Season: Tips, Risks, and Resources

Image of a Psilocybe subaeruginosa by Jonathan Carmichael

After what has been a seasonally strange summer, autumn has arrived in the southern states of Australia. So, too, has mushroom season, along with a keen community of people asking if ‘x, y, or z’ species have been seen - or where to find them! This, of course, includes the caramel-capped, gold-topped, white-stemmed, blue-bruising “magic” varieties such as Psilocybe subaeruginosa. Reports from across Victoria, NSW, and Tasmania are filtering through, stating that some of these photogenic mushrooms have been observed in various locations, including parks and forests.

Many mushroom species - edible, poisonous, and psychoactive - have started to appear and enthusiastic foragers are out in force, searching for their favourite species. There have been recent concerns about misidentifications of fungi - particularly given some of the “lookalike” species that grow alongside their desired counterparts. We recommend that everyone double- and triple-check their finds… as the saying goes, “if in doubt, chuck it out”. For those new to foraging, there are many resources available online, and we will highlight some here.

It is important to point out some legalities around foraging in Australia. Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) the removal of any biological material from public land without a collection permit is illegal and may result in a fine. There is the possibility of an additional offence if police are notified.

All Psilocybe species contain psilocybin and psilocin, and both substances are classified as Schedule 9 Prohibited Substances under the Poisons Act unless being used in very limited clinical applications for the authorised medical treatment of certain mental health conditions. In this particular case, reflecting the growing body of evidence that psilocybin may have therapeutic potential in combination with psychotherapy for the treatment of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and other conditions such as substance use disorder, psilocybin (specifically) is classified as a Schedule 8 Controlled Medicine.

Outside these narrow boundaries, psilocybin and psilocin, along with all psilocybin-containing mushrooms, remain in Schedule 9. Being found in possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is illegal in Australia and may lead to a fine and criminal conviction, with the possibility of jail time. Cultivation is considered the manufacture of a Schedule 9 substance.

Image of Psilocybe subaeruginosa by Jonathan Carmichael

For those looking to ID Psilocybe subaeruginosa, access the Reference guide to Psilocybe subaeruginosa

For those looking for a video on how to ID Psilocybe subaeruginosa

For those looking for a video on how to ID Psilocybe subaeruginosa and other Australian Psilocybe mushrooms including allied species

For those looking for a video on how to forage for Psilocybe mushrooms in Australia

It is crucial to be aware that there are many lookalike species, some poisonous, and some deadly. Galerina contains amatoxins, the same poisons found in Death Caps, aka Amanita phalloides, while some Cortinarius species contain the mycotoxin orellanine, which can have a toxic effect on kidney function.

Galerina spp. Caramel-brown cap, brown stem with an annulus. Rust-brown spore print. Poisonous, potentially deadly.

Cortinarius spp. Various Cortinarius species are reported as lookalikes, often from the blue colour that fades over time, resembling blue bruising. Rust-brown spore print, poisonous.

Hypholoma fasciculare. Grows in dense clusters, brown cap with a distinctive green around the margin. Purple-black spore print, poisonous.

Leratiomyces ceres. Orange-red cap, veil remnants at the margin and on the surface. Greyish gills. Stem orange-red or pale yellow in colour. Purple-black spore print, poisonous.

These species can all grow next to, or among Psilocybe species. It is most important to check and double-check each specimen. This ‘lookalikes’ video helps introduce the above species and others:

*Images of* ***Galerina spp***. Caramel-brown cap, brown stem with an annulus. Rust-brown spore print. Poisonous, potentially deadly. Image by Caine Barlow

A video above for those looking to ID Psilocybe mushrooms and their Lookalike species in Australia

Remove and dispose of any suspect or decayed mushrooms. It is recommended to store the mushrooms in paper bags, keeping different varieties separate to limit confusion. In addition, making labelled spore prints is highly advised to assist in mushroom identification:

Close up of a Psilocybe subaeruginosa spore print. Image by Jonathan Carmichael

If you’re looking to learn how to do a spore print view via our web resource "How to make a spore print"

Also, for a good general knowledge video before heading out into the field or suburbs, review “How to Identify Fungi - A beginners Guide“

For those new to foraging or looking for resources to extend their knowledge, the following are all great sources of information:

Fuhrer (2005). A Field Guide to Australian Fungi. Bloomings.
Young (2004). A Field Guide to the Fungi of Australia. New South Publishing.
Gates and Ratkowsky (2016). A Field Guide to Tasmanian Fungi. Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club.
Pouliot and May (2021). Wild Mushrooming. CSIRO Publishing.

It is worth pointing out that while species from the genus Psilocybe are not poisonous, there is the potential for a rare condition known as Wood Lover Paralysis associated with Psilocybe subaeruginosa. WLP is a muscle paralysis that may occur after the consumption of Psilocybe specie that grow from wood, including but not limited to P. subaeruginosa, P. azurescens, P. cyanescens, and other species from Section Subaeruginosae. Some people report experiencing a loss of muscle strength and motor control that can persist into the following day. In more severe cases this can affect the ability to eat and swallow, and importantly, can cause significant problems with breathing.

If you do happen to experience WLP symptoms, it is critically important that you let others know you believe you are experiencing WLP effects, limit movement, make sure you are in a warm safe spot, and remain calm. Ongoing movement can increase the effects of WLP, while the effects are lessened when you relax the muscles affected. If you begin to struggle with your breathing, let someone know, and if it becomes severe, either you or someone nearby should call an ambulance urgently by dialling 000. Note that ambulance paramedics have no interest in the legal implications of mushroom consumption, and so nobody will be at direct risk of legal consequences if an ambulance is called to attend a WLP case. The safety of the individual(s) affected is of primary concern.

Wood lover paralysis should not be confused with the overwhelming effects of a strong psilocybin dose and can occur even at low levels of psychedelic intensity. Wood lover paralysis is a distinct physiological effect. Fortunately, the effect is known to be temporary, usually wearing off after 24-48 hours. For the unprepared, this paralysis can be an alarming, anxiety-inducing experience - particularly when the psychoactive effects of psilocybin are being experienced. Also we recommend this very good article on WLP written by Symon Beck

There is also this very helpful video on Woodlover Paralysis with Symon Beck and Caine Barlow

A number of harm-reduction steps should be considered when consuming psychoactive fungi. Appropriate preparation, a safe space and a good set and setting, having a sober trip-sitter, and letting others know about your intentions. It is strongly advised not to ingest the species associated with WLP when on your own. If using mushroom material or participating in a ‘ceremony’, always ask about the source of the mushrooms. Be sure to ask the following questions, “What is the species?”, “Were they purchased or grown, or were they foraged?” “Have they been sampled?”. If the identification of the mushroom is unknown or there is any uncertainty around these points, perhaps pass on the offer. Be wary of any mixtures or brews, as it is very hard to know which mushroom you may be ingesting. Ideally the fresh specimens should be sighted for accurate identification.

It is essential to have the relevant foundational knowledge before embarking on a psychedelic journey. Never rush into taking mushrooms as one’s headspace, and setting are key to having a safe and rewarding experience. It is important to study the harm reduction and basic safety tips for psilocybin mushrooms.

Harm reduction and basic safety tips for psilocybin mushrooms with Symon Beck

It is also vital to consider potential interactions with any other medications or existing health conditions before using any psychedelic or related plant or substance. If you have any concerns, please seek medical advice or reconsider if this may be a high-risk activity in your circumstance.

If you have an interest in identifying other Australian magic mushrooms, we recommend this youtube playlist titled “Magic mushrooms, identification and harm reduction”.

If you experience an emergency in Australia, always phone 000. Information about poisoning can be accessed by phoning the national poisons hotline on 131 126.