Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms and LSD (acid) are two of the most well-known psychedelics. While they share similarities, they produce very different experiences. Mushrooms are usually dried and eaten or brewed into a tea, while LSD is typically applied to small tabs of paper that dissolve in the mouth. Mushrooms produce a more whole-body experience, while LSD is largely cerebral. The effects of mushrooms usually last 4 to 6 hours, while LSD lasts 8 to 12 hours. Both substances have been used for centuries in spiritual and therapeutic contexts, but their differences go beyond their origins and molecular structures. This article will explore the key distinctions between these two psychedelics and provide insights into their effects and safety profiles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural/synthetic | Mushrooms are natural; LSD is a semisynthetic derivative of lysergic acid |
| Common names | Mushrooms: shrooms, magic mushrooms, psilocybin mushrooms; LSD: acid, lysergic acid diethylamide |
| Duration of effects | Mushrooms: 4-6 hours; LSD: 8-12 hours |
| Time to take effect | Mushrooms: 1-2 hours; LSD: 30-90 minutes |
| Type of experience | Mushrooms: whole-body, more grounded, spiritual; LSD: cerebral, mind-expanding, vivid hallucinations |
| Addiction | Mushrooms: no evidence of addiction; LSD: can lead to behavioural addiction or psychological dependence |
| Safety | Both substances are generally considered safe when used responsibly and in a controlled environment |
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What You'll Learn
Dosage and duration
The duration and dosage of a drug trip depend on several factors, including the individual's metabolism, tolerance, body chemistry, and dosage. On average, both substances take about an hour to take effect on an empty stomach, though ingesting them after a meal can delay the onset.
LSD, or acid, is a purely synthetic psychedelic derived from lysergic acid, a fungus commonly found on rye grains. It is typically swallowed as a pill or liquid from a dropper, or the liquid is applied to tabs of paper or small gelatin squares, known as window panes, and absorbed in the mouth.
A mild LSD trip can be achieved with a dose of approximately 25 micrograms, while a more intense trip with full LSD immersion is 100 to 200 micrograms. The duration of an LSD trip can last from 6 to 10 hours, and sometimes even longer. The longer timeframe of LSD trips is due to the drug mimicking serotonin in the brain and binding with serotonin receptors, which have a stronger affinity for LSD than serotonin.
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are wild mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound. They are usually dried before being eaten or brewed into tea. The dosage of magic mushrooms required to induce a trip is significantly higher than that of LSD. A trip on magic mushrooms typically lasts 4 to 6 hours, with peak effects occurring after 2 to 3 hours.
Combining LSD and Magic Mushrooms
Combining LSD and magic mushrooms increases the intensity of each, which can lead to a bad trip or an overdose. It can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if combined with certain antidepressants. Therefore, it is not recommended to mix LSD and magic mushrooms.
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Origins and composition
The psychedelic effects of "magic" mushrooms come from the psilocybin they contain. Mushrooms with psychoactive properties are mostly variations of the species Psilocybe cubensis. Psilocybin is also known as psilocin. Some scholars believe that psilocybin has been a part of the human experience for millennia, with early hominins consuming it as they began to look to the ground for nutrition. On the other hand, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a completely human-engineered psychedelic. It was first synthesized in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman, who created the substance from ergot, a type of mould that occurs naturally on rye bread and other grains.
Both mushrooms and LSD can induce hallucinations and feelings of euphoria. However, mushrooms typically produce a more whole-body experience, while LSD induces a more cerebral trip. The effects of LSD can be more intense, with users reporting more extreme experiences and a higher likelihood of a "bad trip". This may be due to the fact that it takes far less LSD than psilocybin to produce psychedelic effects, making it easier to ingest more than intended. Furthermore, LSD has been shown to cause more ego death than psilocybin, which may contribute to more frightening experiences.
The duration of the effects also differs between the two substances. A mushroom trip usually lasts around 5 to 6 hours, while an LSD trip can continue for 10 to 12 hours or more. Despite the longer timeframe, people often perceive LSD trips as proceeding faster than mushroom trips. Both substances can cause psychological risks such as paranoia or fear, which typically wear off within 24 hours but may lead to lingering distress in rare cases. Additionally, there is a risk of serotonin syndrome when combining these psychedelics with certain antidepressants.
While the subjective effects of mushrooms and LSD tend to be similar, their differing intensities and durations mean that they are best suited for different types of users. Used in moderation, both substances can offer unique experiences. However, it is important to be mindful of potential risks and to ensure a safe setting when consuming either mushrooms or LSD.
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Subjective experiences
Psilocybin mushrooms have a rich history of use in religious and medicinal rituals throughout the ages. Ancient indigenous cultures, particularly the Mazatec people of Oaxaca, Mexico, considered these mushrooms sacred. Psilocybin mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi that contain the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. Psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, influencing mood, perception, and consciousness. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are often described as more grounded in nature, with users reporting vivid visual hallucinations, an altered sense of time, profound emotional experiences, and a sense of connectedness to the environment. These mushrooms have also been associated with a calming high and spiritual experience.
On the other hand, LSD is a synthetic compound derived from ergot, a type of fungus that grows on rye. It was first synthesized by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938. LSD also affects serotonin receptors but has a different chemical structure and binding mechanism. LSD is known for producing highly visual and mind-bending experiences, sometimes including complex thought patterns, distorted reality, and profound shifts in consciousness. The effects of LSD tend to be longer-lasting than those of psilocybin mushrooms, with trips typically lasting 8 to 12 hours, compared to 4 to 6 hours for psilocybin mushrooms. The longer duration of LSD trips can result in more intense cerebral experiences, often involving deep thought patterns and vivid visual hallucinations. LSD trips are also perceived as proceeding at a more rapid pace than mushroom trips.
The subjective experiences of both substances can be influenced by various factors such as personal mindset, setting, and dosage. While both substances can induce similar perceptual changes, the specific nature and intensity of these experiences differ due to their distinct chemical compositions and durations of action.
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Safety considerations
While magic mushrooms and LSD are two of the most well-known psychedelics, they differ significantly in terms of chemical composition, physiological effects, and subjective experiences. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions about safety when using these substances. Here are some key safety considerations regarding the use of magic mushrooms and LSD:
Magic Mushrooms Safety:
- Misidentification: The biggest risk associated with magic mushrooms is misidentifying and consuming the wrong type of mushrooms. It is crucial to accurately identify the mushroom species before ingestion, as consuming certain types of fungi can be harmful or even fatal.
- Physical Effects: While magic mushrooms are generally considered non-toxic and rarely lead to compulsive use, excessive consumption can cause adverse physical and mental effects. These effects, often referred to as a "bad trip," can include nausea, confusion, anxiety, frightening hallucinations, and behavioural issues such as aggression and violence.
- Psychological Risks: Magic mushrooms can induce altered states of consciousness, and while many users report positive and profound experiences, there is a risk of a "bad trip" that may involve negative psychological symptoms. Individuals with a history of mental health disorders, especially conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety, should exercise caution as magic mushrooms can potentially exacerbate symptoms or trigger underlying mental health issues.
- Substance Use Disorder: Regular and prolonged use of magic mushrooms can lead to the development of a substance use disorder. While physical addiction is uncommon, psychological dependency can occur, making it easier to become dependent on the drug.
LSD Safety:
- Intense Effects: LSD is known for its intense and extended psychological effects, which can be overwhelming for some individuals. It can induce emotional experiences and hallucinations that may lead to psychological discomfort, anxiety, paranoia, confusion, or fear.
- Environment: Due to the disorienting effects of LSD, it is crucial to ensure a safe and controlled environment during its use. A "bad trip" can lead to dangerous behaviour if the user is not in a secure setting.
- Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions: LSD can heighten pre-existing mental health issues. The concept of set and setting is crucial, as the mindset and environment before and during the experience can significantly impact the overall trip.
- Serotonin Syndrome: If you take certain medications, such as antidepressants, ingesting LSD can result in high levels of serotonin in your body, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome. It is recommended to avoid LSD if you are on such medications.
In conclusion, while magic mushrooms and LSD are generally considered safe when used responsibly and in controlled environments, they are not without risks. It is essential to be well-informed about the potential effects and risks associated with each substance before considering their use. Additionally, it is worth noting that the legality of these substances varies across jurisdictions, and it is important to abide by local laws and regulations.
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Therapeutic applications
Both psilocybin mushrooms (shrooms) and LSD (acid) are being studied for their potential therapeutic applications, particularly in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. While psilocybin mushrooms are naturally occurring, LSD is a synthetic compound derived from ergot fungi.
Psilocybin Mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for centuries in spiritual and therapeutic contexts, and modern research has demonstrated their therapeutic value in treating certain psychiatric conditions. Oregon was the first state to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use and decriminalize its possession in 2020. This has sparked renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, leading to increased clinical research.
Psilocybin has shown promise in treating severe depression, or Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). A phase IIb clinical trial showed positive outcomes for depressed patients who underwent psilocybin therapy. Additionally, psilocybin has been found to benefit patients who are terminally ill with psychological distress related to cancer.
LSD
LSD was first synthesized by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938, and it gained popularity in the 1960s when researchers used it to treat depression, anxiety, and addiction. While these early studies were not up to current scientific standards, there is renewed interest in exploring its therapeutic applications, particularly in treating alcohol use disorder.
In conclusion, while both psilocybin mushrooms and LSD have been used for therapeutic purposes, it is important to approach their use with caution and respect to minimize risks and maximize potential benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms, or "shrooms", are natural and derived from certain species of mushrooms containing psilocybin. LSD, or "acid", is a synthetic compound derived from ergot, a type of fungus that grows on rye. The effects of mushrooms are often described as more grounded in nature, with users reporting vivid visual hallucinations, an altered sense of time, profound emotional experiences, and a sense of connectedness to the environment. LSD, on the other hand, is often described as having a more intense and mind-expanding effect, with stronger visual hallucinations and cognitive distortions.
Both mushrooms and acid can induce intense hallucinations and emotional experiences that can be overwhelming, especially in people with a history of mental health issues. A "bad trip" can lead to paranoia, confusion, or fear, which can be psychologically distressing and potentially harmful. Additionally, both substances can pose serious short-term health issues, such as serotonin syndrome when combined with certain antidepressants.
The effects of mushrooms usually last around 4 to 6 hours, while the effects of LSD typically last much longer, ranging from 8 to 12 hours.
Mushrooms are typically consumed by eating dried mushrooms or brewing them into a tea. They can also be mixed with food or coated with chocolate to disguise the taste. LSD, on the other hand, is commonly applied to small tabs of paper that dissolve in the mouth or taken using a liquid dropper. It can also be mixed with other substances and is often found in capsules, tablets, or gelatin sheets.
Both mushrooms and acid are generally considered safe for most people when used responsibly and in a controlled environment. However, like any powerful substance that alters perception and consciousness, they can carry risks and should be used with caution. It is important to educate oneself, consider personal health history, and consult a healthcare professional before consuming these substances.
