Grinding Mushrooms: Does It Affect Their Potency?

There are various methods of consuming magic mushrooms, including grinding them up and adding them to food or drink. Some people are concerned that grinding mushrooms might reduce their potency, but this doesn't seem to be the case. In fact, grinding mushrooms may increase their potency, as the psilocybin/psilocin will be more readily accessible as a powder than as a whole mushroom. However, grinding mushrooms and then storing them in a bag may reduce their potency, as this increases the surface area exposed to oxygen. It's also important to note that consuming ground mushrooms may lead to a quicker onset of effects and a more intense trip. Additionally, some people find that grinding mushrooms and letting them sit in carbonated water reduces nausea. Overall, while grinding mushrooms does not appear to reduce potency, it can affect the experience in other ways.

Grinding mushrooms may increase potency

Grinding mushrooms may increase their potency for several reasons. Firstly, increasing the surface area of the mushroom by grinding it into a powder makes the psilocybin/psilocin more readily accessible. This is similar to grinding cannabis to make canna-butter – grinding increases the surface area, allowing for better absorption of THC. As a result, ground mushrooms may have a stronger effect and act faster.

Another benefit of grinding mushrooms is that it can reduce nausea. When ground and mixed with carbonated water, the nausea associated with consuming mushrooms can be reduced within 1-40 minutes, depending on the size of the chunks. Additionally, grinding mushrooms can make them easier to consume, especially for those who experience nausea or anxiety when chewing dried mushrooms. Ground mushrooms can be added to various foods or drinks, providing a more pleasant consumption experience.

For microdosing, grinding mushrooms can help ensure a consistent dose. By thoroughly grinding a larger amount and storing it in an airtight container with desiccant packets, individuals can measure equal doses and avoid variations in potency. This method also improves shelf stability, making it easier to maintain the potency of the mushroom over time.

While some believe that cooking mushrooms may affect their potency, others disagree. Proponents of cooking with mushrooms, such as the co-authors of "The Psilocybin Cookbook," argue that there is a lack of evidence to support the claim that cooking diminishes the psychoactive effects. They suggest that cooking can enhance the group psychedelic experience and make it more enjoyable, especially when combined with activities like a walk in the woods.

Grinding mushrooms can reduce nausea

Additionally, grinding mushrooms can make it easier to consume them in a variety of ways, such as adding them to food or creating capsules, which may be more appealing to some individuals than chewing on dried mushrooms. This can improve the overall experience by reducing potential side effects like nausea and anxiety.

Furthermore, grinding mushrooms into a powder can ensure equal dosing and reduce the chance of consuming "dud" mushrooms or those with inconsistent potency. This can be especially important for microdosing, where stability in strength is crucial. By grinding and mixing mushrooms, the risk of encountering highly potent or inactive portions is minimised.

However, it is important to note that grinding mushrooms and storing the powder for extended periods may impact potency due to increased surface area and exposure to oxygen. To mitigate this, it is recommended to store ground mushrooms in an airtight container with desiccant packets to ensure shelf stability and maintain potency.

Overall, while grinding mushrooms may not directly reduce nausea, it can enhance the overall experience by providing more appealing consumption methods and reducing anxiety, a contributing factor to nausea. Additionally, proper grinding and storage practices can ensure equal dosing and maintain potency over time.

Powdered mushrooms are easier to store

Grinding mushrooms into a powder does not seem to reduce their potency. In fact, increasing the surface area seems to potentiate the effects, as the psilocybin/psilocin will be more readily accessible as a powder than as a whole mushroom. This is similar to making canna-butter; instead of throwing whole nugs into the butter, you grind it up so that the butter absorbs all of the THC.

There are many ways to consume powdered mushrooms. You can consume them in capsules, make them into gummies, or sprinkle them on a dish. These methods do not require any heating, which may disturb the chemical potency. You can also add the powder to cooled, melted dark chocolate, or grind it with a liquid and consume it that way.

Cooking with mushrooms may reduce potency

Cooking with magic mushrooms is a fun way to mask their flavour and prevent nausea. However, some people argue that cooking with psilocybin is pointless as persistent heat may affect the drug's chemical potency. Virginia Haze, co-author of The Psilocybin Cookbook, disagrees, citing a lack of evidence to support this claim.

Methods of cooking mushrooms

Mushrooms can be fried, boiled, grilled, or microwaved. Frying and boiling mushrooms result in the most severe protein and antioxidant loss and increase the fungi's fat content. On the other hand, grilling and microwaving mushrooms allow them to retain the most antioxidants.

Tips for cooking with magic mushrooms

• Chocolate is a common addition to magic mushrooms, and truffles. The Aztecs used to mix mushrooms with honey and cacao for a psychedelic treat with little negative impact on potency.
• Honey is another common ingredient. "Blue" mushroom honey is a great way to store and consume mushrooms, but the blue colour indicates that the psilocin is oxidising and breaking down.
• Fresh mushrooms can be added to salads, or cooked into a tomato sauce or pesto and added at the end once the sauce has cooled. Fruit and fresh mushrooms complement each other well, especially blueberries.
• If you are new to magic mushrooms, it is important to be careful with dosing. The more food you add, the higher your dose can be. However, if you are new to psychedelic mushrooms, it is recommended to use a magic mushroom dosage calculator to find the right dose for you.

Grinding mushrooms

Grinding mushrooms does not appear to reduce their potency, and may even increase it due to the increased surface area. However, if the ground mushrooms are stored in a bag, they will be exposed to more oxygen which may affect their potency.

Microdosing with ground mushrooms

Microdosing with psychedelics like mushrooms is becoming increasingly popular. Many people believe that it enhances their mood, creativity, concentration, productivity, and ability to empathize with others.

Before microdosing with ground mushrooms, it is important to ensure that the mushrooms are completely dry. You can then grind them very thoroughly, and put them in an airtight container with desiccant packets in the lid. It is important to roll the powder around from time to time to ensure that the dose is equal and you don't end up with dud mushrooms or super-potent mushrooms.

It is also important to note that the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, and there is no single, clearly recognized definition of microdosing for any psychedelic drug. As such, it is important to start with a small dose and adjust as needed. Additionally, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in many jurisdictions, so it is important to check the local laws before consuming them.

Some people choose to microdose with ground mushrooms in the morning, while others may prefer to do so after work. It is also recommended to educate oneself about microdosing and to practice good nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep habits.

Overall, microdosing with ground mushrooms can be a safe and effective way to enhance one's mood and creativity, but it is important to approach it with caution and to be aware of the potential risks and legal implications.

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