Emily Johnson
As the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis and mushrooms spread, it is more important than ever to understand their effects, both on their own and when used together. While the two substances share some similarities, the experience of using either one is quite different. A 2017 Global Drug Survey found that magic mushrooms are the safest illegal drug to take for a recreational high, even safer than cannabis. The survey, which polled close to 12,000 people, found that only 0.2% of mushroom users reported having to seek medical treatment, while 0.6% of cannabis users reported going to the hospital. However, it is important to note that mushrooms are not completely harmless and can cause negative side effects such as accidental injury, panic, confusion, and disorientation.
| Characteristics | Values | |
|---|---|---|
| Effects | Mushrooms: Alter sensory perception, spiritual epiphanies, philosophical breakthroughs, discomfort or fear, treat severe depression and anxiety | Weed: Vary widely, more focused and productive, relaxed |
| Usage | Mushrooms: Dried and eaten, steeped as tea, ground into powder and cooked into chocolates or capsules | Weed: Smoked or vaporized |
| Addiction | Mushrooms and weed: Physical addiction is rare, psychological addiction is more common | |
| Hospital visits | Mushrooms: Lowest percentage of hospital visits, 0.2% of users needed medical treatment | Weed: Second lowest percentage of hospital visits, 0.6% of users needed medical treatment |
| Safety | Mushrooms: Safest recreational drug, no known lethal dose, no toxicity | Weed: More dangerous than mushrooms, but safer than synthetic cannabis, methamphetamine, and alcohol |
| Legality | Mushrooms: Becoming increasingly accessible, legal for therapeutic use in Oregon | Weed: Becoming increasingly accessible, legal in some US states |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are the safest recreational drug
While no drug use can be considered entirely harmless, magic mushrooms are statistically the safest recreational drug to take. According to the Global Drug Survey, which polled close to 12,000 people who took magic mushrooms in 2016, only 0.2% of them needed emergency medical treatment. This is a significantly lower percentage than for other drugs such as MDMA, LSD, cocaine, and alcohol.
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin, which alters sensory perception and induces a 'heightened state of consciousness'. While the effects of mushrooms can vary, they often include spiritual epiphanies and philosophical breakthroughs. However, for some, they can also lead to discomfort, fear, panic attacks, and flashbacks.
The biggest risk associated with magic mushrooms is accidentally consuming the wrong type of mushroom, which can result in poisoning. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the mushrooms correctly before consumption. Additionally, combining mushrooms with other substances, such as alcohol, or using them in unfamiliar settings, can increase the risk of harm, including accidental injury, panic, confusion, and disorientation.
To minimise risks, it is recommended to plan your trip carefully, choosing a safe and peaceful place with trusted company. It is also important to be in the right frame of mind and embrace the experience rather than trying to control it. By following these precautions, individuals can reduce potential harms and have a positive and beneficial experience with magic mushrooms.
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There is no lethal dose of psilocybin
While the use of mushrooms and weed has been a topic of debate, recent measures in some states have decriminalized and legalized the use of both substances. However, it is important to understand their effects, both when used separately and together.
Mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", are hallucinogenic and contain the psychedelic component psilocybin. Psilocybin is found in mushrooms native to tropical and subtropical areas of South America, Mexico, and the United States. They are usually consumed dried, brewed as tea, or ground into powder and cooked into chocolates or capsules. The effects of mushrooms typically last 4 to 6 hours and can lead to spiritual epiphanies and philosophical breakthroughs. However, for some individuals, these effects can cause discomfort or fear, leading to what is commonly referred to as a "bad trip".
Weed, also known as cannabis, can induce varying effects depending on factors such as method of consumption, dosage, and individual differences. When smoked or vaporized, the effects of weed can be felt within minutes, peaking at around 1 hour and dissipating within 2 hours. Some individuals report feeling more focused, productive, or relaxed after consuming cannabis.
While both mushrooms and weed can induce altered states of consciousness and have been associated with therapeutic benefits, it is important to consider the potential risks involved with their use. According to a survey of over 12,000 people who reported taking psilocybin mushrooms in 2016, only 0.2% sought emergency medical treatment, indicating a lower rate compared to other substances. However, it is important to note that mushrooms are not completely harmless, and combining them with alcohol or using them in unfamiliar settings can increase the risk of accidental injury, panic, and confusion.
One key aspect to consider regarding the safety of mushrooms is the lack of a lethal dose of psilocybin. Psilocybin has low toxicity, and the concentration of psilocybin in mushrooms is typically low, making death by overdose extremely unlikely. While there have been reports of psilocybin overdoses, these cases often refer to intense hallucinations and ego death rather than severe physiological consequences. The lethal dose of psilocybin in humans is not known, and scientists have cast doubt on the few reported deaths attributed solely to psilocybin overdoses, suggesting that other factors may have contributed.
In summary, while mushrooms and weed can both induce altered states of consciousness, the lack of a known lethal dose of psilocybin in mushrooms suggests a lower risk of fatal overdose compared to other substances. However, it is important to recognize that mushrooms are not without risks, and responsible use in a safe and familiar setting is crucial to mitigate potential harms.
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The effects of cannabis vary widely
Another factor contributing to the varying effects of cannabis is individual biology. People can respond very differently to cannabis based on their unique physiology, genetics, and endocannabinoid system. For instance, some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of THC and experience stronger psychoactive effects, while others may metabolize cannabis differently, leading to variations in the duration and intensity of its effects. Additionally, set and setting can also play a role in the cannabis experience. One's mental state and the environment in which they consume cannabis can influence the overall effects. For example, consuming cannabis in a relaxed and comfortable setting may lead to a more positive and enjoyable experience, whereas using it in a stressful or unfamiliar environment could potentially heighten anxiety or paranoia.
Route of administration is another important consideration. Smoking or vaping cannabis typically leads to a more rapid onset of effects, as the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream quickly through the lungs. Edible forms of cannabis, on the other hand, are metabolized by the liver and can take significantly longer to take effect, often resulting in a more prolonged and intense experience. The duration of effects can also vary depending on the route of administration, with smoked or vaped cannabis typically providing a shorter-lasting experience compared to edibles. Furthermore, the frequency and amount of cannabis use can also impact the effects experienced. Occasional or low-dose cannabis use may result in milder effects, while regular or heavy use can lead to increased tolerance, where higher doses are required to achieve the same effects. Heavy or prolonged cannabis use can also potentially increase the risk of negative side effects or contribute to dependence.
It's important to note that the effects of cannabis can be highly individualized, and they can also vary depending on the specific goals or intentions of the user. For some, cannabis may be sought for its therapeutic potential, such as relief from pain, anxiety, or insomnia. In these cases, the desired effects may be quite different from those seeking a recreational experience. Additionally, set and setting can be intentionally manipulated to try to influence the effects of cannabis. For instance, using cannabis in a ritualistic or ceremonial context, with intentional breathing exercises or meditation, could potentially lead to a more profound or spiritual experience. Overall, the effects of cannabis are highly nuanced and multifaceted, and they can vary considerably depending on a multitude of factors. Understanding these variables can help individuals make more informed choices about their cannabis use and potentially tailor their experiences to align with their specific needs and intentions.
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The combo of mushrooms and weed can be uncomfortably intense
While the combination of mushrooms and weed can be a fascinating experience, with both substances amplifying each other's effects, it can also be uncomfortably intense and overwhelming.
Mushrooms and weed have different effects on the human brain. Weed can make people feel more focused, productive, or relaxed. It can also cause feelings of anxiety and paranoia. On the other hand, mushrooms alter sensory perception, making stationary objects appear to move or melt, and causing humans to appear distorted. They can lead to spiritual epiphanies and philosophical breakthroughs, or they can induce discomfort or fear.
When combined, the effects of mushrooms and weed can be amplified. While some people may find that weed chills them out, others may experience heightened anxiety or paranoia. The combination may also increase the likelihood of psychosis in certain individuals. The risk of a bad trip is also higher, with the force of the psilocybin high from mushrooms combining with the potential anxiety and paranoia of a cannabis high. This can lead to a very uncomfortable experience, and in extreme cases, it could trigger a panic attack, causing shortness of breath, extreme fear, and heart palpitations.
The intensity of the experience when combining mushrooms and weed can be influenced by the type of weed and the dose of mushrooms consumed. Some people choose to smoke THC-rich weed to boost the psychoactive nature of the experience, while others find that taking CBD with mushrooms helps to reduce side effects and promote a more peaceful trip.
While physical addiction to mushrooms and weed is rare, psychological addiction is more common. It is important to educate yourself about the benefits and risks of using these substances and to be aware of how your substance use impacts your life.
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Synthetic cannabis is one of the riskiest drugs
While the effects of both mushrooms and cannabis can vary widely, the two substances share some similarities. Both can spark creativity and new perspectives, and alter sensory perception. However, the experience of taking mushrooms is quite different from that of cannabis. While the effects of smoking or vaporizing cannabis kick in within minutes, peaking at around 1 hour and dissipating within 2 hours, mushrooms typically take 1 hour or more to kick in, and the whole experience usually lasts 4 to 6 hours.
According to the Global Drug Survey, magic mushrooms are responsible for the lowest percentage of emergency ward visits, while synthetic cannabis is one of the riskiest drugs. Synthetic cannabinoids are 30 times more likely to harm you than regular marijuana. They are potent hallucinogens, and their effects include anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, agitation, and confusion. They can also cause physical harm, such as vomiting, muscle damage, kidney damage, and lung damage.
The active ingredients in a given package of synthetic marijuana are effectively random, and there is no way to know how many drugs are present in a given package. This makes it very hard to detect lethal batches until it's too late. Synthetic cannabinoids are also more likely to cause dependence due to their shorter-lasting effects, and they produce long-term side effects that are more severe and long-lasting than cannabis, including psychiatric conditions, serious heart issues, and behavioural and cognitive impairments.
Synthetic marijuana is often packaged in brightly coloured foil packets or plastic tubs with cartoon characters or psychedelic images, and is sold under brand names such as K2, Scooby Snax, Bizzaro, Spice, Mr. Nice Guy, and Red Dawn X. It is important to note that no drug use is entirely harmless, and there are risks associated with drug use that may not result in a hospital visit.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Global Drug Survey, magic mushrooms are responsible for the lowest percentage of emergency ward visits, making them safer than weed.
Mushrooms alter sensory perception and can lead to spiritual epiphanies and philosophical breakthroughs. For some, these effects can cause discomfort or fear.
The effects of mushrooms typically last between 4 and 6 hours, although some sources claim they can last up to 12 hours.
The biggest risk when taking mushrooms is accidentally consuming the wrong type of mushroom, which can lead to poisoning. Other risks include accidental injury, panic attacks, and short-lived confusion.
While it is possible to use mushrooms and weed together, this combination can be uncomfortably intense for some and worsen mental health symptoms for others. It is important to educate yourself about the benefits and risks of using these substances.
