magic mushroom

noun

1. a mushroom, Psilocybe mexicana, of Mexico and the southwestern U.S., containing the hallucinogen psilocybin.

magic mushroom

noun

1. informal.
   any of various types of fungi that contain a hallucinogenic substance, esp Psilocybe mexicana, which contains psilocybin

Word History and Origins

Origin of magic mushroom¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Just one dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, was recently shown to ease depression and anxiety in cancer patients—an outcome that lasted for years after their trip.

From Time

The good news is that the research coming out of Imperial College’s Research Center has shown some impressive results in reducing treatment-resistant depression using psychedelics, such as the psilocybin found in “magic mushrooms.”

From Nautilus

In 2014, he heard researchers at Imperial College London were planning to test psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, as treatment for depression.

From Quartz

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is being investigated as a potential treatment for depression.

From Vox

Scientists are developing psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, into a treatment for depression.

From Vox