Magic mushroom use rises despite concerns about little known paralysis syndrome

Illicit psychedelic mushroom use in Australia is rising, alongside growing concern about a poorly described toxicity syndrome dubbed wood-lover paralysis. Wood-lover paralysis is linked to eating Australian Psilocybe species that grow from woody material, especially Psilocybe subaeruginosa. Reports suggest muscle weakness that often starts within about four hours of ingestion and can last from hours up to around three days; in severe cases it can progress to inability to walk and potentially respiratory problems. A cited survey of 392 mushroom users found 42% reported weakness at least once, with most weakness episodes reported after consuming wood-growing mushrooms rather than Psilocybe cubensis. Researchers and clinicians are still working to understand the cause, while the article highlights possible fatal risk signals from real cases, including a coroner's inquest and other severe/unpublished reports. The wider context includes increasing psychedelic use, pressure for harm-reduction evidence, and ethical guidance challenges for psychologists when clients seek help around illegal psilocybin use.