Laura Smith
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that alter your awareness of your surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. Two of the most well-known hallucinogenic drugs are LSD and magic mushrooms. While they certainly have their similarities, they can produce very different experiences. In this article, we will explore the side effects and ingestion methods of LSD and mushrooms, comparing the differences in their effects and risks on users. We will also discuss the potential for psychological dependency and the long-term health risks associated with these substances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical Treatment Required | 0.2% of people who took mushrooms needed medical treatment, compared to 1% for LSD |
| Toxicity | Neither mushrooms nor LSD has toxicity |
| Lethal Dose | There is no known lethal dose for either mushrooms or LSD |
| Tolerance | It is possible to develop a tolerance to both mushrooms and LSD over time |
| Bad Trips | There are more reports of bad trips with LSD than mushrooms |
| Duration | An LSD trip can last up to 10 hours, while a mushroom trip usually lasts around 6 hours |
| Physical Side Effects | LSD can affect the central nervous system, leading to increased monosynaptic reflexes, muscle tension, and muscular incoordination |
| Psychological Side Effects | Both mushrooms and LSD can cause paranoia, fear, and flashbacks |
| Dependency | Both mushrooms and LSD can lead to psychological dependency |
| Overdose | It is possible to overdose on LSD, but deaths from LSD overdose are rare |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are safer than LSD, according to a 2017 Global Drug Survey
- The natural compound psilocybin in mushrooms has fewer side effects than LSD
- LSD is more potent than mushrooms, making it easier to overdose
- Mushrooms can be risky when mixed with alcohol or taken in an unfamiliar setting
- Both substances can cause psychological dependency and long-term health risks
Magic mushrooms are safer than LSD, according to a 2017 Global Drug Survey
According to the 2017 Global Drug Survey, magic mushrooms are safer than LSD. The survey, which included over 120,000 participants from 50 countries, found that only 0.2% of the 12,000 people who took psilocybin mushrooms in 2016 needed emergency medical treatment. In comparison, the rate of emergency medical treatment for LSD users was almost five times higher, with 1% of the 10,000 LSD consumers seeking medical help.
The lower rate of emergency medical treatment for magic mushroom users may be due to the drug's natural origin and lower potency compared to LSD. Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms," are wild mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used by various cultures for centuries for their hallucinogenic properties, and they typically produce a whole-body experience. On the other hand, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic chemical derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. LSD is more potent than magic mushrooms, meaning it takes less of the drug to get high and become dependent. As a result, users may unintentionally ingest more LSD than their bodies can handle, increasing the risk of intoxication and overdose.
While magic mushrooms may be considered safer in terms of emergency medical treatment rates, it is important to note that they are not completely harmless. Magic mushrooms can cause panic attacks, flashbacks, and confusion, especially when combined with alcohol or used in risky or unfamiliar settings. Similarly, LSD use can lead to psychological dependence and long-term health risks, including psychosis, anxiety, and impaired judgment. Both drugs can also cause a "bad trip," where the effects become scary and anxiety-inducing instead of enjoyable.
In conclusion, while magic mushrooms may be considered safer than LSD in terms of emergency medical treatment rates, both drugs carry risks and can lead to psychological dependence. It is important for individuals to understand the potential risks and side effects of these substances before considering their use.
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The natural compound psilocybin in mushrooms has fewer side effects than LSD
Although both LSD and psilocybin mushrooms produce similar hallucinogenic effects, they differ in their naturalness, potency, and side effects. Psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychoactive compound in mushrooms, has been shown to have fewer side effects than LSD, a synthetic chemical compound.
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", are wild mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. On the other hand, LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a synthetic chemical compound heavily popularized for its hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects. While certain cultures have used mushrooms for their hallucinogenic properties for centuries, LSD was first synthesized in a lab by Dr. Albert Hofmann in 1938, who also discovered psilocybin.
Furthermore, psilocybin mushrooms have been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits. Clinical trials have demonstrated that psilocybin mushrooms can effectively treat severe depression and anxiety. In contrast, LSD has been associated with a higher risk of adverse psychological effects, including paranoia, fear, and lingering distress. While both substances can induce a "'bad trip'," reports of negative experiences are more common with LSD due to its higher potency and longer duration of effects.
It is important to note that while psilocybin mushrooms generally have fewer side effects than LSD, they are not completely harmless. Both substances can lead to psychological dependency and long-term health risks. Additionally, combining psilocybin mushrooms with alcohol or using them in risky settings can increase the risk of harm, including accidental injury, panic attacks, and short-lived confusion.
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LSD is more potent than mushrooms, making it easier to overdose
LSD and magic mushrooms are two of the most well-known psychedelics, often compared for their similarities and differences. While both substances can induce hallucinogenic effects, they differ in their potency, duration of effects, and overall influence on the body.
LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a synthetic chemical compound derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. It is a powerful psychedelic agent, known for its mind-altering and mood-changing properties. Due to its high potency, LSD is often broken down and mixed with other substances, making it available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, gelatin sheets, blotted paper, and liquid droppers. The effects of LSD can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, with users reporting more extreme experiences on either end of the spectrum. The side effects of LSD are unpredictable and can vary depending on the person's experience with the drug, their mindset, and the environment in which the use occurs.
On the other hand, magic mushrooms, or "shrooms," are wild mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. Psilocybin mushrooms are typically dried and eaten raw or brewed into tea. They are known for providing a calming high and spiritualistic experience. The effects of magic mushrooms usually last up to 6 hours, with a lower risk of a "bad trip" compared to LSD.
While it is rare for LSD to cause death due to overdose, it is more potent than magic mushrooms, making it easier for users to ingest more than their bodies can handle. The high potency of LSD, combined with its longer-lasting effects, may explain the higher number of reports of "bad trips" associated with its use. Users may experience paranoia, fear, or other unpleasant emotions during these negative experiences. Additionally, LSD can affect the central nervous system, leading to increased muscle tension and muscular incoordination, further contributing to the risk of overdose.
In summary, while both LSD and magic mushrooms can induce hallucinogenic effects, LSD's higher potency, longer-lasting effects, and more unpredictable side effects make it easier for users to overdose or have negative experiences. Magic mushrooms, while not completely harmless, are generally considered safer due to their more predictable and manageable effects. However, it is important to note that the safety of these substances can depend on various factors, including individual physiology, mindset, and environment.
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Mushrooms can be risky when mixed with alcohol or taken in an unfamiliar setting
It is important to recognize the risks associated with mushroom consumption, particularly when combined with alcohol or when taken in an unfamiliar setting. While mushrooms may occur naturally and have been used ceremoniously for centuries, they can still induce a powerful trip that can be overwhelming, especially if certain precautions are not taken.
When mushrooms are consumed with alcohol, the effects of both substances can be intensified. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and can impair judgment and coordination. When combined with mushrooms, which contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, the effects of both substances may be heightened, leading to an intense and potentially dangerous experience. The combination may also increase the risk of negative side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and disorientation.
Additionally, consuming mushrooms in an unfamiliar setting can be risky. Psilocybin can significantly alter one's perception and senses, and being in an unknown environment can amplify these effects and lead to a bad trip. A bad trip on mushrooms can be extremely distressing and may even require medical intervention. It is always advisable to have a trusted friend or guide present when taking mushrooms, especially in an unfamiliar place, to ensure both physical and emotional support is available if needed.
Furthermore, it is crucial to accurately identify the mushroom species before consumption. Many mushrooms resemble each other, and misidentification can lead to serious health risks, including poisoning and, in some cases, death. Even among the mushrooms that contain psilocybin, there can be variations in potency, and consuming an unknown species or an incorrect dosage can result in an unpredictable and dangerous experience.
In conclusion, while mushrooms may be safer than LSD in terms of reduced risk of long-term psychological effects, they still warrant respect and responsible use. To minimize risks, it is advisable to refrain from mixing mushrooms with alcohol and to always ensure you are in a safe, familiar environment with trusted company when taking them. By taking these precautions, one can help ensure a positive and rewarding mushroom experience.
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Both substances can cause psychological dependency and long-term health risks
While magic mushrooms and LSD are two of the most well-known psychedelics, they can produce very different experiences. However, both substances can lead to psychological dependency and long-term health risks.
Although it is rare, it is possible to overdose on LSD. There is no known lethal dose, but taking too much LSD can lead to hospitalisation. Similarly, while there is no known lethal dose of magic mushrooms, they can cause panic attacks, flashbacks, paranoia, fear, and psychosis. In one study, 2.7% of respondents received medical help, and 7.6% sought treatment for enduring psychological symptoms after a challenging experience with magic mushrooms.
Both substances can also lead to a condition called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where people experience recurring hallucinations or "flashbacks" long after taking the drug. Additionally, if taken with antidepressants, both LSD and magic mushrooms can cause the body to produce abnormally high levels of serotonin, leading to serotonin syndrome.
Furthermore, while physical tolerance and dependence are possible to develop with both substances, LSD is more potent than magic mushrooms. This means that users are more likely to ingest more LSD than their bodies can handle, increasing the risk of intoxication and overdose.
In summary, while magic mushrooms and LSD might differ in their effects and overall influence on the body, they both have the potential to cause psychological dependency and long-term health risks. It is important to understand these risks and seek help if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the 2016 Global Drug Survey, out of 12,000 people who took psilocybin mushrooms, only 0.2% needed emergency medical treatment. In comparison, LSD users were five times more likely to seek emergency medical treatment. This is because it is difficult to dose LSD accurately. However, it is possible to overdose on mushrooms and experience a "bad trip".
Mushrooms can cause panic attacks, flashbacks, paranoia, fear, and confusion. They can also lead to psychological dependency and long-term health risks. However, mushrooms are not known to cause extensive physical damage.
LSD can lead to psychosis, anxiety, impaired judgment, paranoia, fear, and flashbacks. It can also affect your central nervous system, increase muscular tension, and lead to psychological dependency and long-term health risks.
Mushrooms are usually dried and eaten or brewed into a tea. They can also be mixed with food and drinks or coated with chocolate. LSD is commonly ingested orally in the form of drops on gelatin sheets, blotting paper, or sugar cubes. It can also be taken in capsules, tablets, or liquid form.
