Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are fungi that contain psilocybin, a psychoactive compound that induces psychedelic effects. When consumed, psilocybin converts into psilocin in the body, leading to hallucinations, altered thinking, and changes in emotions and perception. While fresh mushrooms are more perishable, drying them extends their shelf life and preserves their potency. However, the drying and storage methods can impact the concentration of psilocybin and, consequently, the potency of the mushrooms. Improper storage can lead to spoilage and reduced effectiveness over time. Factors such as light, heat, air, and moisture can accelerate the breakdown of psilocybin, emphasizing the importance of proper drying and storage techniques to maintain the quality and potency of magic mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage methods | Airtight containers, such as glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags, are ideal for dried mushrooms. Using opaque or dark containers adds another layer of protection by blocking harmful UV rays that can degrade psilocybin. |
| Storage temperature | Room temperature or lower. |
| Storage humidity | Dry. |
| Storage location | Cool, dark places. |
| Storage duration | Several months to a year. |
| Drying methods | Lyophilic drying, hot air drying, microwave drying, sun drying, air drying, dehydrators, desiccants. |
| Drying temperature | Low temperature setting (around 40°C). |
| Drying duration | 4–8 hours. |
| Drying result | Bone dry. Should snap when bent. |
| Loss of potency | Yes, over time. |
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What You'll Learn
Drying methods: Air drying, dehydrators, and desiccants
Air drying is the cheapest and easiest way to dry mushrooms. However, it may not always result in bone-dry mushrooms, and it is unreliable in humid environments. To pre-dry mushrooms, place them on cardboard or a dry towel, ensuring they do not touch. Put the cardboard or towel in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Alternatively, place the mushrooms in front of a fan to speed up the drying process.
Dehydrators are another effective way to dry mushrooms, using gentle heat and constant airflow to remove moisture. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature (around 40°C) to preserve the psilocybin. The drying process takes 4-8 hours, depending on the duration of pre-drying.
Desiccants are substances that absorb water from the atmosphere. They are a cheap and effortless way to dry mushrooms, but they require thorough pre-drying. To use a desiccant, place it in a container with pre-dried mushrooms, ensuring no direct contact between the two. The desiccant will absorb the remaining moisture from the mushrooms. Silica gel is the most common desiccant, but you can also make your own using Epsom salt.
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Storage: Airtight containers, cool, dry, dark places
Drying mushrooms is a popular method for preserving them for long-term storage. Mushrooms have a high water content, and if left in the environment, they can spoil within 24 hours.
Dried mushrooms can be stored for months, but it's important to use the correct containers and storage environment to prevent spoilage and maintain potency. Airtight containers are ideal for dried mushrooms as they limit exposure to air and moisture. Glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags are good options for airtight storage. Silica gel packets or oxygen absorbers can also be included in the containers to maintain a dry environment and further extend shelf life.
Opaque or dark containers are recommended to block harmful UV rays that can degrade psilocybin, the main psychoactive compound in mushrooms. While light, heat, and exposure to air can speed up the breakdown of psilocybin, storing mushrooms in a cool, dark place can help them last several months to a year.
It's also important to note that the drying method can impact the structural properties and rehydration capacity of mushrooms. While air drying is the cheapest and easiest method, it may not always remove all moisture, especially in humid environments. Dehydrators, desiccants, and other methods like microwave drying, hot air drying, and sun drying can also be used to effectively remove moisture from mushrooms.
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Psilocybin decomposition: Light, heat, and air speed
Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms, is sensitive to environmental factors such as light, heat, and air, which can impact its stability and potency over time.
Light
Psilocybin is highly sensitive to light, especially in its pure form. Upon exposure to light, psilocybin undergoes rapid oxidation, which can degrade its potency and stability. This is an important consideration when handling or storing psilocybin, whether in its pure form or within mushrooms.
Heat
The compound has a melting point between 220°C and 228°C (428°F and 442°F). At these temperatures, psilocybin undergoes a physical change, melting from a solid to a liquid state. However, it is unclear if this temperature range also marks its decomposition point. Exposure to high temperatures can also impact the potency of psilocybin, potentially accelerating its degradation.
Air
While there is limited information on the specific impact of airflow or air speed on psilocybin decomposition, proper drying and curing techniques are crucial in preserving psilocybin mushrooms. Controlled airflow and temperature are essential to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria, which can compromise the quality and safety of the mushrooms.
Overall, when handling or storing psilocybin, it is essential to minimise exposure to light and heat to preserve its potency and stability. Additionally, while the impact of airflow on decomposition requires further exploration, proper drying techniques are necessary to prevent mould and ensure the mushrooms' longevity.
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Potency: Loss over time, strains vary
Drying mushrooms is a common method for preserving them for the long term. When dried properly, magic mushrooms can be stored for months without losing their flavour or potency. However, if not dried and stored properly, shrooms can lose their potency over time.
Factors like light, heat, and exposure to air speed up the process of spoilage. For instance, within 4-5 weeks, there may be a 7% decrease in psilocybin and a 29% decline in psilocin. If stored in a cool, dark place, they can last several months to a year. The ideal way to store dried mushrooms is in airtight containers, such as glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags, as they limit exposure to air and moisture, preventing spoilage and potency loss. Using opaque or dark containers adds another layer of protection by blocking harmful UV rays that can degrade psilocybin.
The concentration of psilocybin can vary between different strains and even individual mushrooms. For instance, for some strains, potency can fall by 10% in a week, while other varieties may retain their effect for longer.
Some cultivators state that cutting mushrooms before drying can cause excessive bluing and potential loss of potency, as it ruptures the cell walls of the mycelium. However, there is a lack of scientific data to support this claim, and some growers claim that slicing or cutting their mushrooms made no difference in terms of psychoactive effects.
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Safety: Health risks, addiction, and legality
Psilocybin mushrooms have a range of health risks and are currently considered illegal in most countries. However, they are not considered addictive, and some jurisdictions have recently relaxed their laws around their use for mental health treatment.
Health Risks
Psilocybin mushrooms can cause a range of physical and psychological side effects. Physical side effects include dilated pupils, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. Psychologically, psilocybin mushrooms can cause changes in perception, thought, and mood, resulting in altered states of consciousness, hallucinations, and intense emotional experiences. These effects can be unpredictable, and some individuals may experience anxiety, paranoia, or a "bad trip". Some people may also experience flashbacks where they feel the effects of psilocybin mushrooms long after the drug was last used, a condition referred to as "hallucination persisting perception disorder". Psilocybin mushrooms can also impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Another health risk to consider is the potential for accidental poisoning. Psilocybin mushrooms can be mistaken for other mushrooms that are poisonous, and consuming the wrong type of mushroom can result in mushroom poisoning, which may include symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium.
Addiction
While psilocybin mushrooms can cause a range of side effects and negative experiences, they are not currently considered addictive. Research suggests that there are no physical symptoms after stopping use, and the risk of addiction is low. However, regular use may lead to tolerance, and cross-tolerance with other drugs such as LSD and mescaline may occur.
Legality
The legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit their use except for medical and scientific research under strictly controlled conditions. However, the mushrooms themselves were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government, creating ambiguity in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms.
In most countries, the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms are prohibited and can carry severe legal penalties. Examples of national drug laws that reflect the terms of the UN convention include the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the US Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978, the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the Japanese Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law of 2002. However, there are some exceptions and ongoing changes to the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms. For example, in Oregon, voters passed a ballot initiative in 2020 that made "magic mushrooms" legal for mental health treatment in supervised settings. Similarly, in the District of Columbia, the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020 allows for the possession and non-profit gifting or distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. In addition, some jurisdictions have specifically addressed the legality of psilocybin mushroom spores, which do not contain the drugs themselves and are therefore legal to possess in many areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Air drying is the cheapest and easiest way to dry mushrooms. However, it is not always effective in humid environments. Dehydrators are another option, using a gentle heat source and constant airflow to gradually and evenly remove moisture. Alternatively, desiccants can be used to pull moisture from mushrooms.
Drying mushrooms can reduce their potency, but proper storage can help to preserve it. It is recommended to store dried mushrooms in airtight containers in a cool, dry place away from light.
Dried mushrooms should be stored in airtight containers such as glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags. They should be kept in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage and potency loss.
