John Miller
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that contain psilocybin and psilocin. The consumption of magic mushrooms can lead to a range of effects, from mild to intense, depending on the dosage, the user, and the method of ingestion. While some people opt to eat them whole or make mushroom tea, others experiment with methods like lemon tek, which involves mixing mushroom powder with lemon juice. It is important to note that the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in some countries, and they can have adverse effects on mental and physical health, especially when mixed with other substances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Consumption methods | Eating raw, brewing into tea, lemon tek, shroom chocolate, eating dried mushrooms |
| Effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate, paranoia, distorted sense of self, flashbacks, death |
| Dosage | Effects depend on the dose, with smaller doses causing less noticeable effects and larger doses causing unpredictable behaviour, visual effects, and a distorted sense of reality |
| Legality | Illegal to possess, give away, or sell in some regions, with possession punishable by fines and/or imprisonment |
| Health considerations | Not addictive, but users can develop tolerance and require higher doses over time; may worsen mental health issues and interact negatively with other drugs |
| Safety | Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness or death; wild mushrooms may damage kidneys and liver |
Explore related products
Eating them whole
Eating magic mushrooms is a tried and true option, but it's important to be aware of the risks involved. Magic mushrooms are considered illegal drugs in many places because they contain hallucinogenic substances, usually psilocybin and psilocin. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and even a small dose may cause you to experience profound emotions, making you laugh and cry. People who take larger doses can act unpredictably, becoming fixated on certain things, being emotional, or getting paranoid. The strength of magic mushrooms can also vary greatly, as one mushroom may have a different concentration of active ingredients compared to another.
If you choose to eat them whole, it is recommended to thoroughly chew the mushrooms to increase the speed at which they are processed by your body. Chewing them well can reduce the onset time to as little as 10 minutes if the user also has an empty stomach. However, even when eaten whole, the psilocybin in the mushrooms will first be converted into psilocin in the stomach before entering the bloodstream, resulting in a slower onset compared to some other methods.
It is important to be cautious when consuming magic mushrooms, as they can have side effects such as nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate, and blood pressure changes. In rare cases, taking a large amount of mushrooms can even lead to severe side effects and death. Additionally, it is advised to avoid mixing magic mushrooms with other substances, as this can elevate the risk of serious side effects. If you are taking prescription drugs, it is recommended to research their interaction with magic mushrooms before consuming them.
Before consuming magic mushrooms, it is essential to ensure that they are not poisonous. Foraging for wild mushrooms can be dangerous, and it may take hours to feel the effects of ingesting the wrong type of mushroom, by which point it could have damaged your kidneys and liver. Always keep a sample of the mushroom you've eaten so that doctors can identify it in case of an emergency.
Chaga Mushrooms: Lead Poisoning Risk?
You may want to see also
Brewing mushroom tea
Once you have your dried mushrooms, grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder. The powder can then be added to a tea infuser and steeped in boiling water for around 5 minutes. If you're using tea bags, increase the steeping time to 4-6 minutes. For a stronger brew, steep the mushrooms for 10-15 minutes and then strain the mixture into a teapot to remove any mushroom bits. You can add honey, ginger, or cinnamon to taste and garnish with frothed milk or a cinnamon stick.
If you want to add chai to your mushroom tea, blend Lion's Mane mushrooms, coconut milk, coconut oil, and honey in a blender for 30 seconds on high speed. Add the blended ingredients to the chai and serve in a tall mug.
It's important to note that some mushrooms, such as psilocybin mushrooms, contain psychedelic compounds that can alter your perception of reality and induce hallucinations. Always consult a healthcare professional before consuming mushrooms, especially those with psychoactive properties.
Mushrooms: A Dash Diet Superfood?
You may want to see also
Lemon tek
Purchase or pick your own psilocybin mushrooms. When picking your own, be absolutely sure of the mushroom's identity.
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Maitake Mushrooms
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Dried mushrooms
Before using dried mushrooms, they must be reconstituted with water, which will also produce a flavourful broth that can be used in soups, stews, sauces, pâtés, and gratins. The amount of time needed for rehydration depends on the size and thickness of the mushrooms. Thinly sliced mushrooms will be rehydrated in 20 to 30 minutes, while thicker and whole-cap mushrooms may take longer. To speed up the process, you can use hot water, but room temperature water is said to extract less of the flavour from the mushrooms.
Once the mushrooms are rehydrated, they should be cooked thoroughly before consuming. This is because rehydrated mushrooms contain a substance called chitin, which human stomachs lack the enzyme to digest.
Chestnut Mushrooms: The Surprising Cause of Diarrhea?
You may want to see also
Safety and legality
The safety and legality of taking mushrooms depend on several factors. Firstly, it is important to distinguish between the different types of mushrooms. "Shrooms" or "magic mushrooms" refer specifically to mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin, which has hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects. Psilocybin mushrooms are considered a Schedule I drug in the United States, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute in most areas. However, there is a growing movement towards decriminalization, and some cities have already made this change.
From a safety perspective, it is crucial to accurately identify psilocybin mushrooms, as several poisonous mushrooms closely resemble them. Consuming poisonous mushrooms can lead to severe illness or even death. Unless you are an expert in mushroom identification, it is not safe to consume mushrooms solely based on their appearance. Many people choose to work with a guide or cultivate their own mushrooms at home to reduce this risk.
When consuming psilocybin mushrooms, it is essential to do so in a safe and controlled environment. This includes being in a comfortable and familiar space, having a clear schedule, and considering a "trip sitter",—a sober companion who can provide support and assistance during the experience. It is also important to be mindful of your mental state and expectations, as these can significantly impact your experience. Additionally, mixing psilocybin with other drugs or alcohol can lead to adverse effects and should be avoided.
Proper dosing is critical to a safe experience with psilocybin mushrooms. The effects of mushrooms can vary based on individual factors such as body weight, experience with psychedelics, and desired intensity and duration of effects. It is generally recommended to start with a low dose, especially if it is your first time or you are trying a new batch, as each batch can vary in psilocybin content. Consuming mushrooms on an empty stomach can intensify and accelerate the effects, so it is important to consider this when determining your dosage.
Mushrooms: Organic Superfood or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to take magic mushrooms, including eating them whole, making mushroom tea, or trying a lemon tek.
A lemon tek involves using lemon juice or citric acid to convert the psilocybin in mushrooms into psilocin before ingestion, resulting in a rapid and potent uptake once consumed.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dose, type of mushroom, and individual differences. Common effects include hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and impaired judgment.
Yes, there are risks associated with taking magic mushrooms. In rare cases, taking a large amount can cause severe side effects and even death. Magic mushrooms can also cause \"bad trips\" or \"flashbacks,\" and they may interact with certain medications or conditions, such as epilepsy or diabetes. Mixing magic mushrooms with other substances can be dangerous, and it is illegal to drive under the influence.
Yes, it is important to note that the legality of magic mushrooms varies by region. In some places, such as Canada, the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal. Be sure to check the laws in your specific location before considering taking magic mushrooms.
