Liberty cap mushrooms

Darkfield macro photograph of liberty cap (Psilocybe semilanceata) mushrooms. It is a small, brownish-yellow mushroom that grows in grassy areas, particularly in the northern hemisphere. The caps of the mushroom are conical in shape and can range from 0.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter, while the stem is thin and can grow up to 9 cm tall. P. semilanceata is well-known for its psychoactive properties, as it contains psilocybin and psilocin, which are compounds that can cause hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. These compounds are illegal to possess, distribute, or use recreationally in many countries. Despite its legal status, P. semilanceata has a long history of use in traditional cultures for spiritual and medicinal purposes. In particular, indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica have used psilocybin-containing mushrooms in religious ceremonies for centuries. The consumption of P. semilanceata can have a range of effects on the user, depending on factors such as the dose, the individual's sensitivity to the compounds, and the setting in which the drug is used. These effects can include altered perception of time, space, and reality, heightened emotions, and profound spiritual experiences., by KARL GAFF / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY