Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a mind-altering substance that can induce hallucinations and a feeling of 'tripping'. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on the individual's metabolism, dosage consumed, and species of mushroom. Typically, the effects of magic mushrooms are felt within 20 to 40 minutes of ingestion and can last for up to 6 hours. During this time, users may experience changes in perception, increased heart rate, nausea, and distortion of sound and vision. It's important to note that magic mushrooms are illegal in many places and consuming them comes with risks, including the possibility of ingesting poisonous mushrooms, negative mental health impacts, and unpredictable behaviour. However, some research suggests potential health benefits, including positive impacts on brain health and treatment-resistant depression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration of trip | 4 to 6 hours |
| Time to first effects | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Physical sensations | Nausea, increased heart rate |
| Changes in perception | Distortion of sound and vision, hallucinations |
| Peak effects | Intense visuals, dreamy, detached feeling, distorted time perception |
| Feelings | Unity, joy, transcendence of the ego, paranoia, emotional, fixated on certain things |
| After-effects | Improved mood, clarity of thought, sense of well-being, fatigue, emotional drain |
| Risks | Poisoning, bad trip, long-term impact on mental health, unpredictable behaviour |
| Benefits | Rewiring the brain to ease depression, anxiety, increased neuroplasticity, improved well-being |
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What You'll Learn
The duration of a trip
Dosage plays a significant role in determining the duration of a mushroom trip. A small dose may result in a mild experience lasting around 4 hours, while a high dose can lead to a more intense psychedelic experience extending beyond 6 hours. High doses are more likely to result in intense hallucinations and extended trips. Different mushroom species contain varying levels of psilocybin and psilocin, which can also affect the intensity and duration of the trip. For example, some species like Psilocybe cubensis are more potent than others, leading to longer and more intense trips.
An individual's body weight and metabolism can also influence the duration of a mushroom trip. People with higher body weight may require a higher dose to achieve the same effects, while those with faster metabolisms may experience a shorter trip. The method of consumption can also impact the duration, with mushroom tea providing faster effects compared to consuming whole dried mushrooms or capsules.
The main effects of a mushroom trip typically last between 3 to 6 hours, with some residual effects lingering for up to 8 hours or even longer in sensitive individuals. The experience may include physical sensations, changes in perception, nausea, increased heart rate, and distorted time perception. The peak effects tend to last for 2 to 3 hours, followed by a plateau phase lasting for another 1 to 2 hours. As the trip ends, individuals may experience an "afterglow" phase with improved mood, clarity of thought, and a sense of well-being. It's important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary, and there are risks associated with their consumption, including the potential for a bad trip or long-term impacts on mental health.
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Positive and negative effects
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a mind-altering substance that can significantly impact your thoughts and feelings. They are mostly illegal in the US, but some studies have shown that they have a wide range of health benefits.
Positive Effects
Magic mushrooms can provide an intense psychedelic experience, and users often report feelings of unity, joy, and transcendence of the ego. Some people may view them as a recreational substance, but they can also have several positive effects on mental health. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, given in a therapeutic setting, can positively impact people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Psilocybin enters the brain via the same receptors as serotonin, the body's "feel-good" hormone. People with depression or anxiety often have low levels of serotonin. Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin can help people with depression gain new insights into their condition and maintain those insights. Surveys of microdosers have shown significantly positive benefits from the practice of taking small doses.
Negative Effects
The biggest danger to your health when taking magic mushrooms is accidentally consuming a poisonous mushroom. Poisonous mushrooms can make you severely ill and can even be fatal. Magic mushrooms are not addictive, but you can become tolerant of them quite quickly, meaning you'll need to take more to get the same effect. If you take magic mushrooms often, you can develop a higher tolerance. If you are in a bad mood, worried, or depressed, magic mushrooms might just make those feelings worse. The effects of magic mushrooms can be intense, and users can act unpredictably. They may laugh a lot, become fixated on certain things, be emotional, or get paranoid.
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Poisonous mushrooms
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary depending on the toxin ingested. Amatoxin, for example, blocks DNA replication, leading to cell death and potentially affecting the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. Other toxins, such as coprine, cause a disulfiram-like reaction, inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase and resulting in symptoms similar to a hangover, including headache, nausea, and palpitations. In some cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to hallucinations, agitation, and other neurotoxic effects, particularly with \"magic mushrooms,\" which continue to be popular among drug users.
The most common cause of mushroom poisoning in North America is the green-spored parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites), which can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, sometimes with blood in the vomitus and excrement. Another dangerous mushroom is the "death cap" (Amanita phalloides), which is responsible for the majority of mushroom-related deaths. This mushroom can easily be mistaken for non-poisonous species, as it does not have a distinct taste or smell, and cooking does not destroy its toxin. Symptoms from ingesting a death cap typically appear 6-24 hours after ingestion and can include severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in some cases, blood disorders, seizures, and liver and kidney damage.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consumption. If you suspect that you or someone else has ingested a poisonous mushroom, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms have not yet appeared. Having a sample or a photo of the mushroom can be helpful for identification and risk assessment. In an emergency, such as if the person has collapsed, stopped breathing, or is having a seizure, call for an ambulance immediately.
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Dosage
The effects of magic mushrooms are unpredictable and vary from person to person. The mantra for trying a new psychoactive drug is: "Start low, go slow". It is recommended to start with no more than one gram of dried mushrooms or 10 mg of psilocybin. You can increase your dose every 25 minutes or so. It is important to take psilocybin in a safe, comfortable setting, preferably with someone to watch over you or provide professional human support.
A low dose of 0.5 to 1 gram of dried mushrooms will have you feeling the mushiness of the mushroom. A medium dose of 2 to 3 grams is where you will most likely feel psychedelic effects but may still be able to walk around and maintain a sense of who you are. A high dose of 2.5 to 5 grams will induce classic psychedelic experiences with kaleidoscope visuals, sensory and perceptual changes, and synesthesia.
The "heroic dose" term was coined by Terence McKenna, a famous proponent of magic mushrooms, and refers to doses of five grams of the more potent Psilocybe Cubensis species. An average macrodose usually sits at around one to 3.5 grams, so a heroic dose is particularly high. At this dose, there is not much you can do but lay down somewhere comfortable and let the experience wash over you.
Dr Newcombe, a harm reduction researcher, says the "average rule of thumb" for a strong trip is one to two grams of dried mushrooms per 50 pounds of body weight, so two to three grams usually covers most people. A heroic or excessive dose for most people is anything above three to seven grams. It is important to work your way up to a heroic dose to lessen your chances of having a bad trip.
It is important to remember that magic mushrooms are unpredictable and risky, especially at high doses or in unsafe settings. They can cause lasting changes in outlook or behaviours, and there is a risk of developing addictive habits, misuse, dependence, and legal consequences due to their illegal status in many places. Responsible and mindful use is essential to navigate the complexities associated with magic mushrooms.
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Safety considerations
The biggest danger to your health when taking magic mushrooms is accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms. Many poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, and even professionals sometimes mistake these mushroom types. If you are not 100% sure that the mushrooms you have are psilocybin, do not consume them. If you have eaten poisonous mushrooms, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning may include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium.
The effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and vary widely depending on the individual's metabolism, dosage consumed, and specific mushroom species. The effects can last up to 5 hours, and during this time, individuals may act unpredictably, laughing a lot, becoming fixated on certain things, being emotional, or getting paranoid. If you feel like you are having a bad trip, go to a quiet spot where you feel safe and let your friends know so they can help you.
It is important to be careful about the amount of mushroom you consume and the environment in which you take them. Start with a low dose of 1 to 2 grams, as you can always take more next time, but you cannot undo the effects once they kick in. Choose a safe setting where you feel comfortable and secure and won't be disturbed. Make sure the area is free of hazards, and consider having a trusted guide or an experienced friend who can help keep you grounded.
Additionally, mixing drugs is always risky and can lead to dangerous consequences. Magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, but there is a risk of developing addictive habits and misuse. Regular use may lead to tolerance, meaning that higher doses will be required to achieve the same effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, also known as 'shrooms', are a mind-altering substance that can induce hallucinations and change how you see, hear, feel, taste and smell. They can also impact your thoughts and feelings.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person. The first effects are usually felt within 20 to 40 minutes of ingestion and may include physical sensations, changes in perception, nausea, and an increased heart rate. The peak effects tend to last 2 to 3 hours, during which you may experience a dreamy, detached feeling, and distorted time perception. Some people report feelings of unity, joy, and transcendence of the ego.
A typical magic mushroom trip lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours, but the effects tend to come in waves. After the peak, the trip enters a plateau phase, which can last for another 1 to 2 hours. As you come down, you may experience an "afterglow" or residual effects, which can last for a few hours.
The biggest danger when taking magic mushrooms is accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, which can be fatal. Poisonous mushrooms can closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, and even professionals sometimes mistake them. Magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, but mental/emotional dependence can develop. There is also a risk of developing a higher tolerance, which means that larger doses may be consumed to achieve the desired effects.
