Are Magic Mushrooms Wyoming’s ‘Safest’ Drug?
According to the annual Global Drug Survey, psilocybin mushrooms are the "safest" recreational drug. Statistics show that, for every 10,000 people who "trip shrooms", only 20 will need medical treatment.
In 2001, the National Drug Intelligence Center concluded that magic mushrooms are available in Wyoming, but generally are "not considered a significant threat" by law enforcement.
Most recreational mushrooms in the Cowboy State come from growers in Colorado, however, there are two types of psilocybin that grow wild in Wyoming.
Gymnopilus junonius are large orange mushrooms that grow around trees, particularly maples. They are commonly found in wooded areas near rivers. Not every Gymnopilus junonius contains the active ingredient in psilocybin that causes euphoria and hallucinations, however. Mushrooms growing in the western part of the United States are typically less potent than in more humid areas on the east coast.
Panaeolus cinctulus are brown mushrooms that grow in compost piles, fertilizer and "cow patties". They are the most commonly found mushroom in America, especially in the west. Of the hallucinagenic variety, it most closely resembles commercially grown mushrooms.
Psilocybin mushrooms were likely introduced to Wyoming in the early 18th century by the Cheyenne and Lakota tribes, both of whom were known to use hallucigens during religious ceremonies.
Recent studies suggest that psychedelic drugs are now more popular in the United States than they have been since the late 1960s.