Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms and acid (LSD) are two of the most well-known psychedelics. While they have similar hallucinogenic effects, they have different origins, durations of effect, and methods of ingestion. Mushrooms are naturally grown and produce a calming high, while LSD is a synthetic chemical that provides a more cerebral experience. Both substances can lead to substance use disorder and present various health risks, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, and psychological dependence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural/synthetic | Mushrooms are naturally grown, LSD is synthetic |
| Common name | Mushrooms: shrooms, magic mushrooms; LSD: acid |
| Active ingredient | Mushrooms: psilocybin; LSD: lysergic acid diethylamide |
| Administration | Mushrooms: eaten raw, brewed into tea, mixed with food/drinks; LSD: liquid drops on paper, sugar cubes, or directly into the mouth, capsules, tablets |
| Onset time | Both substances take about 1 hour to kick in on an empty stomach |
| Duration | Mushrooms: up to 6 hours; LSD: up to 10 hours |
| Type of experience | Mushrooms: whole-body experience; LSD: largely cerebral |
| Potency | LSD is more potent than mushrooms |
| Overdose | Possible with LSD, rare |
| Side effects | Similar, including increased blood pressure and heart rate, increased body temperature, increased pupil size, anxiety, paranoia, fear, and flashbacks |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinogenic effects
Hallucinogenic drugs like LSD and psilocybin mushrooms can alter your awareness of your surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. They can also make you feel disconnected from your body and environment. While some hallucinogens are derived from plants or mushrooms, others are synthetic and made in a laboratory.
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "shrooms", are mushrooms that produce psychedelic effects. They are naturally occurring and well-known for providing a calming high and spiritual experience. They are usually dried (if they aren't already) and eaten raw, mixed with food or brewed into tea. They can also be coated with chocolate to disguise their taste and presence. The effects of shrooms depend on the number of mushrooms taken. They can make people giggle, relax, or hallucinate. A mushroom trip usually comes to a close within 6 hours.
Lysergic acid diethylamide, also known as LSD or acid, is a synthetic chemical compound that is commonly used as a recreational drug. It is man-made from ergot, a substance found in fungi that grow on rye bread and other grains. LSD is typically broken down and mixed with other substances, making it available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, gelatin sheets, blotted paper, and liquid droppers. When taken in small doses, LSD can produce mild changes in perception, thought, and mood. Larger doses may produce more intense side effects and disturbances, such as visual hallucinations and distortions in the perception of space and time. An LSD trip can continue for up to 10 hours and people tend to perceive it as proceeding at a more rapid pace than a mushroom trip.
Both LSD and psilocybin mushrooms can pose serious short-term health issues for some people after use. They can also lead to substance use disorder if not taken seriously. The side effects of both drugs include increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased body temperature, and increased pupil size. They can also cause a "bad trip", where the effects become scary and anxiety-inducing. While neither LSD nor psilocybin mushrooms are thought to be addictive, psychological dependence is possible.
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Origins
Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD or acid, is a synthetic chemical compound with hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects. It was first synthesized in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye bread and other grains. On the other hand, magic mushrooms, also called shrooms, are wild mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. While certain cultures have used some mushrooms for their hallucinogenic properties for centuries, it wasn't until 1938 that psilocybin was isolated by Dr. Albert Hofmann, who also discovered LSD.
Psilocybin mushrooms have two main types: the most common form is Psilocybe semilanceata, also known as the 'liberty cap', while the more potent variety is Amanita muscaria or 'fly agaric'. These mushrooms are commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. They have long, slender stems topped by caps with dark gills on the underside.
LSD, on the other hand, is typically created synthetically in a laboratory setting. It is a white or crystalline substance that resembles a rock-like appearance. Due to its potency, it is often diluted into a liquid form or mixed with other substances, making it available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, gelatin sheets, blotters, and liquid droppers.
Both LSD and magic mushrooms have been popular for their psychedelic effects and have been widely used as recreational drugs. However, it is important to note that these substances can lead to substance use disorder and present various risks, including adverse side effects and negative experiences during trips. Understanding the origins, effects, and risks associated with these substances is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring safe and responsible use.
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Administration
It is important to note that the dosage of mushrooms and LSD plays a significant role in the effects experienced by the user. The number of mushrooms consumed determines the intensity of the trip, with higher doses leading to more pronounced effects. Similarly, the effects of LSD vary depending on the dose level, ranging from mild perceptual changes at lower doses to intense hallucinations and distortions in perception of space and time at higher doses.
In terms of onset time and duration, mushrooms typically produce an experience lasting around 6 hours. On the other hand, an LSD trip can continue for up to 10 hours, with the timeframe varying from person to person. Despite the longer duration, LSD trips are often perceived as proceeding at a faster pace compared to mushroom trips.
While both substances are known for their hallucinogenic and psychedelic effects, they can produce different types of experiences. Mushrooms tend to generate a more whole-body experience, whereas LSD trips are predominantly cerebral. The "set" and "setting" are crucial factors in the LSD experience, as the mindset of the user and the environment can significantly influence the nature of the trip. Similarly, the setting can also impact the safety of the user during a mushroom trip.
It is worth mentioning that both mushrooms and LSD have low potential for physical dependence or misuse, but psychological dependence and substance use disorder are possible. Additionally, there are physical and psychological risks associated with the use of these substances. In individuals with cardiac or vascular disorders, there may be concerns regarding physical health. Psychologically, there is a risk of an unpleasant trip marked by paranoia, anxiety, fear, or extreme distress. While these effects typically subside within 24 hours, some individuals may experience lingering distress or flashbacks known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
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Duration
The duration of the effects of psilocybin mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms", differs from that of LSD, or "acid". The duration of the effects of a substance influences the overall impact and depth of the experience.
Magic mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which converts to psilocin in the human body. Psilocybin mushrooms are generally considered non-toxic, and overdose is extremely rare. They are not known to cause long-term physical harm or organ damage. However, there can be risks associated with misidentifying mushrooms in the wild. A magic mushroom trip usually comes to a close within 4 to 6 hours. It generally results in a full-body experience, characterized by sensations throughout the body.
On the other hand, LSD is a man-made chemical compound, first synthesized by Albert Hofmann in 1938, that heavily gained popularity for its hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects. It is derived from ergot, a fungus or mould that grows on rye bread and other grains. An LSD trip can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, with a maximum of 10 hours. LSD primarily provides a cerebral experience, affecting the mind more intensely. The longer duration of LSD trips can result in more intense experiences, often involving deep thought patterns and vivid visual hallucinations.
Both substances have an onset time of about 1 hour when taken on an empty stomach.
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Side effects
While magic mushrooms and LSD (acid) are both considered psychedelics with similar hallucinogenic effects, they differ in their side effects and overall influence on the body.
The side effects of LSD are unpredictable and can vary depending on the person, their dosage, their mood, and the situation they are in. In many instances, these side effects consist of various mental and emotional changes, such as paranoia, anxiety, fear, and hallucinations. LSD can also affect the central nervous system, leading to increased monosynaptic reflexes, muscle tension, and muscular incoordination. The potency of LSD means that users are more likely to ingest more than their bodies can handle, increasing the risk of intoxication and overdose.
On the other hand, psilocybin mushrooms, also known as shrooms, occur naturally and have not been shown to cause extensive physical damage. However, they can cause serious side effects such as nausea, sickness, diarrhoea, and stomach problems. Shrooms can also lead to an increased risk of developing hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), especially if the user has any underlying mental illnesses.
Both substances can lead to substance use disorder, psychological dependence, and adverse reactions in social settings, such as dehydration, loss of consciousness, and impaired judgment. Additionally, if users are on antidepressants, ingesting LSD or shrooms can cause the body to produce abnormally high levels of serotonin, leading to serotonin syndrome.
It is important to note that the side effects of these substances are not fully understood, and they can vary greatly depending on dosage, individual physiology, and other factors.
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Frequently asked questions
Both mushrooms and acid (LSD) are hallucinogenic drugs that can cause similar side effects, such as increased heart rate and body temperature. They are both known to produce psychedelic effects and can lead to substance use disorder if not taken responsibly.
Mushrooms are naturally grown and produce a calming high, while acid is a man-made chemical compound. Mushrooms are typically eaten raw or brewed into tea, whereas acid is usually dropped onto small squares of paper or sugar cubes, or directly into the mouth. Mushrooms produce a more whole-body experience, while an acid trip is largely cerebral.
While physical tolerance and dependence can occur with both substances, acid is more potent than mushrooms. This means it takes less acid to get high and become dependent, increasing the risk of overdose. However, mushrooms are not necessarily safer, as they can cause serious side effects such as nausea, sickness, and diarrhoea.
Both mushrooms and acid present various risks, including adverse reactions for people with cardiac or vascular problems. There is also a risk of a "bad trip", which can be marked by paranoia, anxiety, and fear. Additionally, chronic use of either substance may lead to hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), especially if the user has underlying mental illnesses.
