Monroe man charged in connection with growing hallucinogenic mushrooms

Monroe - The Monroe Police Department have charged a Stage Road resident in connection with growing hallucinogenic mushrooms. Following up on information, police obtained a search warrant for 125 Stage Road and entered an apartment there on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 14. Det. James Frankild said police found more than 14 ounces of the hallucinogenic mushrooms, marihuana and drug paraphernalia. Frankild said officers also found equipment used to grow mushrooms as well as instructions on how to do it. The street value of the drugs seized was approximately $5,000, the detective added. Matthew Gannon, 35, of Monroe, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally using drug paraphernalia, and marijuana possession. He was arraigned in the Monroe Village Court and sent to Orange County Jail. About the ‘magic mushroom’ What are the street names/slang terms? Caps, Magic mushrooms, Mushrooms, Psilocybin and Psilocyn, Shrooms. What are they? Psilocybin and psilocyn are the hallucinogenic principles contained in certain mushrooms. These “magic” mushrooms are generally grown in Mexico and Central America and have been used in native rituals for thousands of years. Psilocybin is structurally similar to serotonin, and produces its effects by disrupting normal functioning of the serotonin system. What do they look like? Dried mushrooms. How are they used? Mushrooms can be eaten, brewed and consumed as tea. What are their short-term effects? Once ingested, mushrooms generally cause feelings of nausea before the desired mental effects appear. The high from using magic mushrooms is mild and may cause altered feelings and distorted perceptions of touch, sight, sound and taste. Other effects can include nervousness and paranoia. Effects can be different during each use due to varying potency, the amount ingested, and the user’s expectations, mood, surroundings and frame of mind. On some trips, users experience sensations that are enjoyable. Others can include terrifying thoughts, and anxiety, fears of insanity, death or losing control. Source: Partnership at Drugfree.org