Emily Johnson
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as shrooms, and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) are two of the most widely used hallucinogenic substances. Both substances have profound effects on perception, cognition, and consciousness. Despite their similarities in inducing altered states of reality, they differ significantly in chemical composition, physiological effects, and subjective experiences. While both substances have been used for centuries in spiritual and therapeutic contexts, understanding their differences can offer valuable insights into how they interact with the brain and shape user experiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Similarities | Both are classified as [hallucinogenic], [psychedelic] drugs that induce [altered states of consciousness, perception, cognition, and mood]. |
| Both have a [long history of use in spiritual or shamanic contexts]. | |
| Both substances commonly result in [visual hallucinations], a [sense of time distortion], and [changes in thought, mood, and perception]. | |
| Both can lead to [psychological dependency] and [substance use disorder]. | |
| Differences | Mushrooms are a [naturally occurring] [substance], while LSD is [synthetic] and [man-made]. |
| Mushrooms are usually [dried and eaten or brewed into a tea], while LSD is typically [applied to tabs of paper that dissolve in the mouth] or [blotter paper]. | |
| Mushrooms produce a more [physical, full-body experience], while LSD is more [cerebral] and [mental]. | |
| The duration of effects differs, with mushrooms lasting [4-6 hours] and LSD lasting [8-12 hours]. | |
| It takes less LSD than mushrooms to produce [psychedelic effects], making it [easier to ingest more LSD than intended]. | |
| There are more reports of ["bad" trips with LSD] due to its longer duration and higher potency. |
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What You'll Learn
How are they ingested?
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", can be ingested in several ways. They can be eaten raw, cooked into food, or brewed into a tea. When eaten directly, the mushrooms may have a bitter taste, so some people prefer to mix them with food to mask the flavour. The effects of mushrooms typically begin within 30 to 45 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. It is worth noting that the early effects of mushroom ingestion often include nausea and excessive yawning.
Mushrooms with hallucinogenic properties contain substances called psilocybin and psilocin. These substances alter an individual's sense of reality and affect their judgment, similar to the effects of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). However, it is important to note that mushrooms and LSD are not the same substance. While both can induce hallucinogenic experiences, or "trips", they have distinct chemical compositions and sources.
LSD is typically ingested orally and can be found in various forms, including powder, liquid, tablets, or capsules. It is also sometimes dried onto gelatin sheets, blotting paper, or sugar cubes, which release the drug when swallowed. When taken orally, the effects of LSD usually begin within 20 to 30 minutes, peak in 2 to 4 hours, and can last up to 12 hours.
In addition to oral ingestion, LSD can also be inhaled through the nose (snorted) or injected into a vein (shooting up). The method of ingestion can impact the onset and intensity of the drug's effects. For example, when LSD is injected, the effects start within 10 minutes.
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How long do their effects last?
The duration of a magic mushroom trip depends on several factors, including dosage, method of consumption, body weight, and overall health. The effects of magic mushrooms typically last between four and six hours, with the trip peaking and then slowly dissipating over time. However, some people may experience lingering effects that can last into the next day, and in some cases, changes in perception or emotions may persist for months or even years.
The method of consumption greatly influences the duration of the trip. Fresh or dried mushrooms can be ingested directly, mixed with food, or brewed into a tea. When consumed in tea form, the effects may be felt as early as 5 to 10 minutes after ingestion, while other forms may take up to 30 minutes to take effect. The potency of the trip also depends on the dosage, with higher doses resulting in more intense and prolonged effects.
It is important to note that the duration of the trip is also influenced by individual factors such as body weight and overall health. Additionally, the physical environment and the mindset of the user before taking the mushrooms can impact the duration of the trip.
Compared to LSD, magic mushroom trips are shorter in duration. An LSD trip typically lasts between eight and twelve hours, with some sources stating it can last up to ten hours. The longer duration of LSD trips can result in more intense cerebral experiences, often involving deep thought patterns and vivid visual hallucinations.
It is worth mentioning that combining mushrooms and LSD can increase the intensity of both substances. This combination may also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Therefore, it is crucial to start with low doses of each substance and monitor their effects when experimenting with this combination.
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What are the differences in their trips?
While LSD and magic mushrooms share similarities in their effects, they produce different types of trips.
Magic mushrooms tend to produce a full-body experience, with users reporting sensations throughout their bodies. On the other hand, LSD induces a more cerebral experience, affecting the mind more intensely. This is because LSD is a synthetic substance derived from a fungus that grows on rye, while magic mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi containing the naturally occurring compounds psilocybin and psilocin.
The duration of the trips also differs. A magic mushroom trip typically lasts between four and six hours, while an LSD trip can last between eight and twelve hours, with some sources stating it can last up to ten hours. The longer duration of LSD trips can result in more intense cerebral experiences, often involving deep thought patterns and vivid visual hallucinations.
The onset time for both substances is approximately one hour when taken on an empty stomach. However, LSD is more potent than magic mushrooms, meaning it takes a smaller amount to produce psychedelic effects. As a result, it is easier to ingest more LSD than intended, increasing the risk of intoxication and overdose. This, combined with the longer duration of its effects, may explain the higher number of reported "bad trips" associated with LSD compared to magic mushrooms.
Both substances can induce visual and auditory hallucinations, with users often describing seeing waves or ripples on surfaces, enhanced colours, and increased brightness. They can also evoke profound emotional and mystical experiences, with users reporting feelings of deep connection to themselves and others. However, not all experiences are positive, and challenging hallucinations can lead to anxiety, fear, and paranoia.
Combining LSD and magic mushrooms can increase the intensity of the trip, which may not always be desirable. It can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, especially when taken with certain medications such as antidepressants.
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What are the health risks?
While LSD and mushrooms produce different types of psychedelic trips, they share many of the same health risks.
LSD Health Risks
LSD is a synthetic chemical, made from a substance found in ergot, which is a fungus that infects rye (grain). It is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that alters the senses and causes hallucinations. It can affect vision, emotions, thinking, and more.
Severe or life-threatening physical effects of LSD are only likely to occur at very high doses—over 0.2 to 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg). However, the psychological effects can be harmful, and there is a risk of overdose. LSD can also trigger long-term psychosis or schizophrenia. Flashbacks, also known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), and severe disorientation can happen after just one dose.
Taking LSD in social settings like clubs, raves, and musical festivals can increase the risk of dehydration, loss of consciousness, and other adverse reactions. It is important to note that the environment and a person's state of mind can greatly influence the experience of an LSD trip. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe environment before taking LSD reduces the risk of having a 'bad trip'.
Mushroom Health Risks
Mushrooms, specifically those containing psilocybin, are also hallucinogenic and can cause users to see, hear, and feel things that are not real. They produce more of a whole-body experience compared to LSD. The effects of psilocybin vary between people, and factors such as the user's mental state, personality, and immediate environment may affect their response.
One of the main health risks associated with mushrooms is accidental poisoning. People may mistake poisonous mushrooms for those containing psilocybin, as they can look similar. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning may include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, and in severe cases, it can lead to liver failure, kidney failure, and neurological issues.
Regular use of mushrooms may lead to tolerance and cross-tolerance with other drugs, including LSD and mescaline. While physical dependence on mushrooms is unlikely, there is a risk of psychological distress, including extreme anxiety or short-term psychosis.
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How are they similar?
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "shrooms", and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) are two of the most widely used hallucinogenic substances. While they have different chemical compositions and physiological effects, there are several similarities between the two substances.
Both LSD and psilocybin mushrooms are classified as psychedelics, profoundly altering sensory experiences, emotional states, and thought processes. They are renowned for their deep impact on perception, cognition, and mood. Users of both substances commonly report visual hallucinations, intensified colours, geometric patterns, distorted or moving objects, and a sense of time distortion. The similarities in their mechanisms of action on serotonin receptors in the brain, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor, lead to similar effects on mood, perception, and cognition.
Both substances have a long history of use in spiritual or shamanic contexts. They have been used for centuries in various cultures, with psilocybin mushrooms being naturally occurring wild mushrooms and LSD being a synthetic compound derived from a fungus that grows on rye.
Additionally, both LSD and psilocybin mushrooms can lead to psychological dependency and long-term health risks. They can result in behavioural issues such as psychosis, anxiety, impaired judgment, aggression, violence, and risky behaviour. Chronic users of either substance may develop hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), experiencing recurring symptoms long after the initial trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms and LSD are both powerful psychedelics, but they differ in aspects such as chemical composition, duration, and subjective effects. LSD is a synthetic substance derived from a fungus that grows on rye, while psilocybin mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi. An LSD trip can last 8 to 12 hours, while a mushroom trip typically lasts 4 to 6 hours.
Both LSD and psilocybin mushrooms share similarities in inducing altered states of consciousness, perception, and cognition. They are renowned for their deep impact on perception, cognition, and mood. Additionally, both substances can lead to psychological dependency and long-term health risks.
Mushrooms produce more of a full-body experience, whereas an LSD trip is largely cerebral. As a result, the concepts of "set" and "setting" are more crucial in an LSD experience. People tend to report more extreme experiences on either end of the spectrum with LSD.
Both mushrooms and LSD can cause similar side effects, including psychological issues such as anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. However, the side effects of LSD are more unpredictable and can vary depending on the person's experience with the drug. Additionally, LSD can affect the central nervous system, leading to increased muscle tension and muscular incoordination.
Combining mushrooms and LSD can increase the intensity of each, but it may not be advisable due to the increased risk of adverse effects. If one chooses to experiment with this combination, starting with low doses of each substance and monitoring their effects is essential.
