Laura Smith
LSD and magic mushrooms are two of the most commonly abused hallucinogenic drugs. While they can produce similar effects, there are also many differences. Magic mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. On the other hand, LSD is a synthetic drug made from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. The effects of both drugs can include hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. However, the onset time, duration of effects, dosage, and frequency of use can vary between the two drugs. For example, an LSD trip can last up to 10 hours, while a mushroom trip usually ends within 6 hours. Additionally, people tend to report more extreme experiences on LSD, and it is easier to ingest more than intended. As a result, there are generally more reports of bad LSD trips.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural/synthetic | LSD is synthetic, mushrooms are natural |
| Origins | LSD was first synthesized in a lab, mushrooms are a naturally-occurring fungus |
| Active ingredient | LSD: Lysergic acid diethylamide; Mushrooms: Psilocybin |
| Administration | LSD: Taken from a dropper, or applied to tabs of paper that dissolve in the mouth; Mushrooms: Eaten raw, brewed into tea, or mixed with food and drink |
| Onset time | LSD: 20 minutes to 2 hours; Mushrooms: 30 minutes |
| Duration of effects | LSD: 6-12 hours; Mushrooms: 5-8 hours |
| Similar effects | Yes, but the experience differs due to onset time and duration of effects |
| Tolerance | Possible with both, but it takes less LSD than mushrooms to produce effects |
| Dependency | Low potential for physical dependency, but psychological dependency is possible with both |
| Overdose | Possible with mushrooms, unlikely with LSD |
| "Bad trips" | More commonly associated with LSD |
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What You'll Learn
Differences in onset time and duration of effects
While LSD and magic mushrooms can produce similar effects, there are differences in their onset time and duration. Mushrooms typically take around 30 minutes to kick in, whereas LSD can take anywhere between 20 minutes and 2 hours. It is recommended that users wait at least an hour or two after taking mushrooms before consuming LSD so that the effects of each substance peak simultaneously.
On an empty stomach, both substances take about an hour to take effect, but this timeframe is extended if consumed after a meal. The duration of the effects also differs between the two substances. A mushroom trip usually lasts up to 6 hours, while an LSD trip can continue for up to 10 hours. However, the duration of LSD's effects can vary significantly, ranging from 6 to 12 hours.
Despite the longer duration of LSD's effects, people often perceive time to pass more rapidly during an LSD trip compared to a mushroom trip. This perception of time passing more quickly during an LSD trip may contribute to the increased reports of "bad" trips associated with LSD. The longer duration of LSD's effects, combined with the ease of inadvertently consuming more LSD than intended, may also play a role in the higher number of challenging experiences reported by LSD users.
While the onset time and duration of effects vary between LSD and mushrooms, both substances can lead to similar psychological risks. These risks include the possibility of a "'bad trip'" characterised by paranoia, anxiety, fear, and challenging thoughts or feelings. Additionally, chronic users of either substance may experience flashbacks or recurrences of certain aspects of the drug experience, a condition known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
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Natural vs synthetic
One of the main differences between LSD and mushrooms is that LSD is a synthetic drug, whereas magic mushrooms are a naturally occurring substance. LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, was first synthesized in a laboratory by Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman in 1938. Hoffman created LSD from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye bread and other grains. On the other hand, magic mushrooms, or "shrooms", are wild mushrooms that contain the naturally occurring psychoactive compound psilocybin. These mushrooms are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States.
Despite their different origins, LSD and magic mushrooms can produce similar effects, often referred to as a "trip". Both substances can induce hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. They can also cause severe, terrifying thoughts, despair, fear, paranoia, and anxiety. However, it's worth noting that these effects can vary between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as dosage, onset time, and duration of effects.
In terms of consumption, LSD is typically consumed orally, either in small tabs of paper that dissolve in the mouth or in liquid form. On the other hand, magic mushrooms are usually dried and eaten raw or brewed into a tea. They can also be mixed with food or coated with chocolate to disguise their bitter taste.
While both substances have low potential for physical dependency, prolonged and frequent use of either drug can lead to psychological dependency. Additionally, combining LSD and magic mushrooms can intensify their side effects and increase the likelihood of experiencing a "bad trip". It is important to note that the consumption of these substances carries inherent risks, and individuals should seek professional guidance when exploring their usage.
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Side effects and overall influences on the body
Although LSD and magic mushrooms can produce similar hallucinogenic effects, their different compositions result in varying side effects and overall influences on the body.
Side Effects
The side effects of LSD are unpredictable and can vary from person to person. They can include severe and terrifying thoughts, feelings of despair, fear of losing control, fear of insanity and death, and flashbacks of past trips for weeks or even years after use. This condition is known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD) and is rare but more likely to occur in regular users with pre-existing mental disorders.
Similarly, psilocybin mushrooms can cause serious side effects, including anxiety, fear, paranoia, hallucinations, and behavioural issues such as aggression, violence, and risky behaviour. Excessive consumption of psilocybin mushrooms can also lead to adverse physical and mental effects, typically referred to as a "bad trip," which can last between 6-8 hours with some effects lingering for several days.
Overall Influences on the Body
Both substances present various risks, particularly for individuals with cardiac or vascular problems. Psychologically, there is always the risk of an unpleasant trip marked by paranoia, anxiety, and fear. Additionally, chronic users of LSD or psilocybin mushrooms could develop HPPD, a condition characterised by flashbacks of past trips.
It is worth noting that combining LSD with psilocybin mushrooms can intensify the side effects of both drugs, increasing the likelihood of experiencing a bad trip and the risk of serotonin syndrome. While LSD and magic mushrooms have a low potential for physical dependency, psychological dependency is possible, with individuals believing they need the drugs to feel "normal" or good.
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Tolerance and dependency
While LSD and magic mushrooms share a number of effects, they produce different experiences. The two substances also differ in terms of tolerance and dependency.
Tolerance
Tolerance to LSD develops rapidly. After the third or fourth consecutive day of taking LSD, the drug will not produce the desired effects. However, after a period of abstinence (about three to four days), tolerance should return to normal. Cross-tolerance can also occur with LSD, where the usual dose of other psychedelics also becomes ineffective.
Tolerance to magic mushrooms also develops over time, with low doses eventually not affecting an individual. However, no specific timeframe for this development of tolerance is given.
Dependency
There are reports of psychological dependence on LSD, but the evidence is limited. There are no known physical withdrawal symptoms.
On the other hand, magic mushroom addiction is quite common worldwide. Regular use of magic mushrooms can lead to an individual's brain becoming dependent on the substance to produce "feel-good" hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. As a result, an individual may invest an unusual amount of time and energy into locating the substance and may continue to use it despite being aware of the harm it is causing. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance.
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Bad trips and health risks
Although LSD and magic mushrooms produce similar hallucinogenic effects, they differ in terms of their side effects and overall influence on the body. The side effects of LSD are unpredictable and can vary depending on the person's experience with the drug and other factors like dosage and frequency of use. These side effects consist of various mental and emotional changes, such as severe and terrifying thoughts, fear of losing control, fear of insanity and death, paranoia, anxiety, and fear. According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, nearly 11% of people surveyed said their bad LSD trip put themselves or others at risk of physical harm.
Mushrooms with hallucinogenic properties are typically psilocybin mushrooms, which occur naturally and are consumed fresh or dried. When consumed in large quantities, these mushrooms can produce adverse reactions such as anxiety, fear, paranoia, hallucinations, aggression, violence, and risky behaviour. A psilocybin bad trip can last between 6 to 8 hours, but some effects may linger for several days.
Both drugs can result in a variety of health risks, including flashbacks of past trips for weeks or years after use, a condition known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Although this condition is rare, regular users are more likely to experience it if they have any underlying mental illnesses. Other risks include dehydration, loss of consciousness, and adverse reactions, especially for those with cardiac or vascular problems.
It is important to note that combining LSD and mushrooms can intensify the side effects of both drugs and increase the likelihood of experiencing a bad trip or serotonin syndrome. While LSD and magic mushrooms are not considered highly addictive, psychological dependency is possible, and users may develop an emotional or mental tie to the drug. Attending a drug rehabilitation program can help individuals regain control over their lives and overcome their dependency.
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Frequently asked questions
While both drugs can produce “trips” and other similar side effects, LSD and mushrooms differ in terms of onset time, duration of effects, dosage, and frequency of use. Mushrooms usually take 30 minutes to kick in and the effects last up to 6 hours. LSD takes anywhere between 20 minutes to 2 hours to kick in and the effects may last 6 to 12 hours. It typically takes far less LSD than psilocybin to produce psychedelic effects.
Both substances can result in a variety of health risks, including dehydration, loss of consciousness, paranoia, anxiety, fear, panic, and psychosis. There is also a risk of a “bad trip” marked by paranoia, anxiety, and fear. There is also a risk of flashbacks of past trips, a condition known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
Mushrooms are typically dried and eaten or brewed into tea. They may also be added to other foods to mask their bitter flavor. LSD is sometimes taken from a dropper but it is more common for it to be applied to small tabs of paper that dissolve in the mouth. There have been rare cases of people injecting LSD intravenously.
