Mushroom Consumption: Edible, Medicinal, And Psychedelic Varieties

Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic and can cause euphoria, hallucinations, and laughter. However, they can also induce panic attacks, visions of hellfire, and nausea. The experience of consuming magic mushrooms depends on the method of ingestion, with some methods resulting in softer experiences and others leading to more intense highs. While some people prefer to eat them whole, others opt for brewing them into a tea or blending them into a soup. It is important to understand dosing, set, and setting before consuming magic mushrooms, as well as the potential risks and legal implications.

Microdosing

When microdosing with mushrooms, it is recommended to purchase them in their dried form, as this allows you to see their distinct appearance and reduces the chances of receiving the wrong product. The mushrooms should be sourced from a trusted supplier, as the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, and they are not regulated outside of clinical trials.

A microdose of mushrooms typically ranges from 0.3 grams to 2 mg, depending on the potency of the mushrooms. This is significantly lower than a recreational dose, which is usually around 2 to 3 grams of dried mushrooms.

Some people who microdose mushrooms report improved mood, decreased anxiety and depression, enhanced focus, and increased productivity. However, it is important to note that the effects of microdosing are highly individual-specific, and some people may experience adverse effects such as increased anxiety, impaired focus, nausea, or vomiting.

While microdosing mushrooms may offer potential benefits, it is important to approach this practice with caution. The illegal status of psychedelic substances in many areas makes it difficult to know exactly what you are consuming and its potency. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive scientific research on microdosing means that the long-term effects are not yet fully understood.

Tea

Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or liberty caps, are a type of fungus that contains the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds can induce altered states of consciousness, pleasurable feelings, and changes in mood, thought patterns, and sensory experiences. One popular method of consuming psilocybin mushrooms is by brewing them into a tea.

To make psilocybin mushroom tea, start by heating water to a maximum temperature of 70°C (158°F). Boiling the water or heating it beyond this temperature risks destroying the psychedelic compounds in the mushrooms. Next, grind or chop the mushrooms as finely as possible. The more surface area exposed to the hot water, the more psychedelic compounds that will be extracted. Place the ground mushrooms into your teapot or mug and pour the hot water over them. Allow the mushrooms to steep in the hot water for around 20 minutes. You can then strain the tea to remove the mushroom pieces, or leave them in for a stronger brew.

Some people add lemon juice to their mushroom tea. Lemon juice helps convert psilocybin into psilocin faster, making the tea more potent. However, this can also increase the intensity of the experience, so proceed with caution. You can also add regular tea or other flavourings to improve the taste of the mushroom tea.

Psilocybin mushroom tea typically takes effect within 20 to 40 minutes of ingestion. The effects can last up to 6 hours, usually lessening in intensity towards the end of this period. It's important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary widely depending on factors such as dosage, individual physiology, environment, and mindset. Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most jurisdictions, and consuming them can have significant risks, including hallucinations, anxiety, and psychosis. Always approach psilocybin use with caution and respect, and consider consulting with a healthcare professional before consuming psilocybin mushrooms.

Chocolate

Mushroom chocolate is often mistaken as harmless due to its natural origin and spiritual use, but it can lead to psychological dependence and addiction. The potency of mushroom chocolate varies based on the mushroom species, harvesting, drying method, and amount used, making dosage hard to control. Common side effects include hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness, and increased heart rate or blood pressure.

The main ingredient in mushroom chocolate is psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen that occurs naturally in certain types of mushrooms. Psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, a potent, mind-altering drug that alters perception, mood, and cognition. The effects of psilocybin can range from subtle to intense and unpredictable, and it can cause disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. The risk of a bad trip may increase if a person takes a higher dose of psilocybin or has feelings of anxiety before taking it.

Making mushroom chocolate at home is a straightforward process. The critical part is getting the right chocolate-to-psilocybin ratios. A moderate or medium-strength dose of psilocybin is about one to three grams of dried mushroom. It is important to ensure that the mushrooms used are of good quality and grown in a safe environment, as mushrooms can absorb pesticides or heavy metals from their surroundings.

Lemon tek

The benefits of lemon tekking are believed to include a faster onset of effects, a potentially stronger experience, and reduced nausea due to the pre-digestion of mushrooms. However, it's important to note that the citric acid does not drastically increase the amount of psilocin, and the potency depends on the initial amount of psilocybin in the mushrooms.

To prepare lemon tek, grind dried mushrooms into a fine powder to increase the surface area for easy digestion. Soak the mushroom powder in fresh lemon juice for about 15 minutes, then drink the mixture. This method can be useful for those who find the taste and texture of mushrooms hard to stomach, as it may make the experience smoother.

While lemon tekking is considered safer by some, it's important to approach any psychedelic use with caution. The intensity of the experience may be stronger and shorter, and it may not guarantee a reduction in nausea. Additionally, the rapid onset of effects could lead to feelings of anxiety or overwhelm if one is not prepared for the quick onset of the psychedelic experience.

Safety and legality

The safety and legality of ingesting mushrooms depend on several factors, including the type of mushroom, the method of ingestion, and the legal framework of the location where the mushrooms are being ingested.

Safety Considerations

Mushrooms that contain psilocybin, often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or simply "shrooms," can induce hallucinations, distort sensory perception, and affect mood, cognition, and arousal responses. While psilocybin is not considered addictive, regular users may develop a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects. Additionally, the risk of a "'bad trip'" or negative experience increases with higher doses, and feelings of anxiety or stress before ingestion may also contribute to a bad trip. Other adverse effects may include nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and, in rare cases, long-term changes in personality and flashbacks. It is also important to distinguish psilocybin mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms, as they can look very similar, and consuming the wrong type can lead to poisoning.

Legality

The legality of ingesting mushrooms varies by location. In the United States, psilocybin mushrooms are considered a Schedule I drug, which means it is illegal to possess, sell, or distribute them. However, there is a growing movement to decriminalize mushrooms, and several cities, including Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Ann Arbor, have removed criminal penalties for possession. In 2020, Oregon became the first state to establish a legal framework for the therapeutic use of psilocybin. Outside of the United States, the legality varies by country. For example, in Canada, the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal, while some European countries may have different regulations. It is essential to consult the local laws and regulations before considering ingesting mushrooms.

Frequently asked questions