Psilocybe mushrooms, known as magic mushrooms, contain psychoactive compounds like psilocybin and psilocin. This review describes their chemical makeup, genetic diversity, and therapeutic potential for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and cluster headaches. It identifies alternative pathways for psilocybin synthesis and taxonomic consolidations among species, and discusses traditional uses. The findings indicate significant potential for therapeutic use, though further research is needed to fully understand their pharmacological effects and benefits.
Heavy cannabis use may increase the risk of psychotic illness, mood disorders, and cognitive abnormalities. In a study of 30 male patients hospitalized with cannabis-associated psychosis, hostility (83%) and excitement (77%) were the most prevalent and severe symptoms, followed by elevated mood, grandiosity, suspiciousness, and motor hyperactivity. Patients who began using cannabis earlier and used it for longer periods had more severe psychosis. The amount of money spent on cannabis, but not the frequency of use, was significantly associated with overall symptom severity. A family history of cannabis abuse predicted an earlier onset of cannabis use.