John Miller
Magic mushrooms are available in various forms, including chocolates and gummies, and their consumption can result in a range of effects, from subtle boosts in mood and energy to complete loss of the sense of self, depending on the dosage. While the market for these products is growing, there are concerns about the lack of regulation and the presence of potentially harmful additives. Determining the appropriate dosage in milligrams for mushroom gummies is crucial to ensure a safe and intended experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people requiring hospital evaluation after consuming mushroom-infused gummies | 5 |
| Effects of consuming mushroom-infused gummies | Nausea, vomiting, agitation, seizures, tachycardia, confusion, anxiety, somnolence, and chest pain |
| Additives in mushroom-infused gummies | Psilocin, ephedrine, and the natural plant kratom |
| Types of mushrooms used in gummies | Psilocybin, Amanita muscaria, other unnamed mushrooms |
| Dosage of psilocybin gummies | 100-250 mg |
| Dosage of psilocybin in research studies | 2-4 mg |
| Dosage of psilocybin for microdosing | 200 mg |
| Dosage of psilocybin for a "heroic dose" | 5 grams of dried mushrooms or 50 mg of psilocybin |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushroom gummies are unregulated and may contain harmful additives
- Psychoactive effects are typically felt after ingesting 8-20 mg of psilocybin
- A standard psilocybin microdose is around 200 mg, but this may vary
- Magic mushroom potency varies by species
- Psilocybin can increase serotonin and dopamine
Magic mushroom gummies are unregulated and may contain harmful additives
Magic mushrooms are available in various forms, including chocolates and gummies, which are often preferred by people who want to avoid the taste of raw mushrooms. Each piece of mushroom chocolate or gummy should contain a proportionate amount of the mushrooms, which should be indicated by the package or seller. However, the rise in popularity of these unregulated psychoactive products has led to concerns about the accuracy of labelling and the presence of harmful additives.
Mushroom edibles are currently in a legal and regulatory grey area. Amanita muscaria, a common ingredient in mushroom gummies, contains the psychoactive compounds muscimol and ibotenic acid. While Amanita muscaria is not a controlled substance, the regulatory requirements for mushroom edibles are unclear, as the FDA has not specified whether they should be regulated as dietary supplements, foods, or drugs. This lack of clear regulation has created a free-for-all for manufacturers, with little oversight or enforcement.
Testing by Avery Michienzi, a medical toxicologist at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and federal regulators has revealed that mushroom edibles may contain undisclosed and potentially dangerous or illegal ingredients. These substances include psilocybin, psilocin, ephedrine, and kratom, a natural plant with opioid-like properties. In addition, some products labelled as containing only Amanita muscaria have been found to contain unlisted Schedule I substances, such as psilocybin and psilocin, which are not currently legal in states like Virginia.
The presence of these undisclosed and potentially harmful substances in mushroom gummies has led to a wave of illnesses and hospitalisations. Symptoms reported include nausea, vomiting, agitation, seizures, hallucinations, altered mental status, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal upset. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers against using products made by the brand Diamond Shruumz, which have been linked to these adverse effects. The ongoing investigation into the exact causes of these illnesses highlights the need for caution when consuming mushroom edibles, as the potential risks are not yet fully understood.
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Psychoactive effects are typically felt after ingesting 8-20 mg of psilocybin
It is important to note that mushroom gummies that are legally sold do not contain psilocybin, the psychoactive substance in magic mushrooms. Instead, they contain compounds such as muscarine, ibotenic acid, and muscimol, which can lead to psychedelic and sedative effects. However, these substances are distinct from the psychoactive components found in illegal substances and do not produce the same high. Legal mushroom gummies are carefully formulated to avoid containing any illegal substances, focusing on delivering health and wellness benefits.
The psychoactive effects of psilocybin are typically felt after ingesting 8-20 mg, with most people reporting mystical experiences at a dose of 20 mg or higher. Small perceptual shifts may be noticed after taking 2-4 mg of psilocybin. It is important to note that psilocybin levels in dried mushrooms can vary between species, ranging from 0.1% to 2% of dry weight. For example, 3.5 grams of dried Psilocybe cubensis is likely to contain 35 mg of psilocybin (a high dose), while 2.0 grams of dried mushrooms contain 20 mg of psilocybin (a standard dose).
Dried mushrooms taken at doses between 2.5 grams to 5 grams will induce classic psychedelic experiences with kaleidoscope visuals, sensory and perceptual changes, synesthesia, cognitive changes, and ego dissolution. A 'heroic dose', as coined by Terrence McKenna, refers to doses over 5 grams of dried mushrooms (or roughly 50 mg of psilocybin). This large dose may cause a complete loss of the sense of self and the ability to think or make decisions, and should not be taken lightly.
Microdosing involves consuming small, non-perceptual amounts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, typically 100 mg to 250 mg of dried magic mushrooms (5-10% of a standard dose) consumed across dosing days and days off. There are several microdosing protocols, including the Stamets Protocol (5 days of microdosing followed by 2 days off) and the Fadiman Protocol (1 day of microdosing followed by 2 days off). It is important to remember that if you start to feel any psychedelic effects, it is no longer a microdose, and you should reduce your dosage.
While mushroom gummies can offer various health benefits, it is important to approach their consumption with caution and awareness. Overconsumption can lead to side effects such as nausea and vomiting, so it is essential to adhere to the recommended doses. It is always advisable to start with the lowest recommended dose, monitor your body's reaction, and gradually adjust your intake based on your experience.
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A standard psilocybin microdose is around 200 mg, but this may vary
A standard psilocybin microdose is typically around 200 mg (0.2 grams). However, this amount can vary depending on several factors, and it's important to remember that microdosing involves consuming small amounts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms without experiencing any mind-altering effects.
Firstly, the potency of the mushrooms themselves can vary. Psilocybin levels in dried mushrooms can differ significantly between species, ranging from 0.1% to 2% of dry weight. Additionally, mushroom caps tend to have higher psilocybin levels than stems. Therefore, it's crucial to know the specific mushroom species and the psilocybin concentration within it.
Secondly, individual factors such as body weight and sensitivity play a role in determining the appropriate microdose. It is generally recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to find the optimal amount for your unique needs. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting is essential, especially if you have any pre-existing mental health conditions or concerns, as microdosing may not be suitable for everyone.
The form in which psilocybin is consumed also affects the dosage. Mushrooms are available in natural form or more processed options like chocolates or gummies. In the case of gummies, each piece should contain a proportionate amount of psilocybin, as indicated by the package or seller. However, it's worth noting that the amount of psilocybin in chocolate bars can vary from bar to bar and even within the same bar.
Furthermore, the desired outcome of the experience influences the dosage. A microdose is typically defined as 5-10% of a standard psychoactive dose, which aims to enhance mood, creativity, and focus without inducing a full psychedelic journey. A higher dose may be considered for a more intense experience, but caution is advised as the effects can be unpredictable and vary across individuals.
It's worth noting that the legal status of psilocybin is complex and evolving, and it's essential to understand the regulations in your jurisdiction. Additionally, the rise of unregulated psychoactive products, including mushroom edibles, has raised concerns about alarming additives and their potential health risks. As a result, it's crucial to be mindful of the source, communication style, and energy associated with the product to ensure a safe and positive experience.
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Magic mushroom potency varies by species
Magic mushrooms are available in various forms, such as chocolates, gummies, pills, and capsules. Each piece should contain a proportionate amount of mushrooms, indicated by the package or seller. However, it is important to note that the potency of magic mushrooms varies across different species.
Psilocybe cubensis, for instance, is one of the most commonly sourced species due to its ease of cultivation. It is widely available through grow kits and has been the subject of extensive research. Wild Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms contain 0.14-0.42% psilocin and 0.37-1.30% psilocybin when dried. In comparison, commercially purchased grow kits can provide better information about the potency of Psilocybe cubensis, making it a suitable option for beginners.
Another species, Psilocybe azurescens, is known to be generally stronger than Psilocybe cubensis. Some varieties within the Panaeolus genus are even more potent, and their exploration for cultivation is gaining traction. The increasing availability of super-strong mushrooms, such as those in the Panaeolus genus, has raised concerns about accidental consumption of higher doses than intended, potentially leading to distressing trips.
The Enigma strain is another example of a potent magic mushroom species, known to be 1.5 to 2 times stronger than other cubenses strains. Additionally, it is worth noting that smaller mushrooms tend to be stronger gram for gram, containing higher concentrations of indoles. However, larger mushrooms will still contain a higher overall amount of the active compounds.
The potency of magic mushrooms also depends on factors beyond the species. For example, mushroom caps typically have higher psilocybin levels than stems. Furthermore, the freshness of the fungi, the individual's mental state, and their body's preparedness can all influence the effects of the mushrooms.
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Psilocybin can increase serotonin and dopamine
Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic that acts as a prodrug of psilocin, the active form of the drug. Psilocybin is found in mushrooms of all types, many of which grow naturally. Psilocybin has been shown to increase serotonin, also known as the "feel-good hormone", as it interacts with the serotonin receptor 5-HT2A. Balanced levels of serotonin can result in feelings of pleasure, calmness, and clarity.
Psilocybin is also known to increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter located in the brain's reward centre that is associated with happiness and depression. Psilocybin's effects on dopamine may be related to its low addictive potential. Psilocybin produces its effects by acting as a partial agonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. It shows high affinity for most serotonin receptors, except for the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor.
Psilocybin's ability to increase serotonin and dopamine has been demonstrated in animal studies. For example, in rats, administration of psilocybin's active metabolite, psilocin, increased extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, a region of the brain involved in the dopaminergic system. Additionally, psilocin increased extracellular serotonin levels in the medial prefrontal cortex, a region associated with the serotonergic system.
In humans, psilocybin has been found to produce changes in mood, disturbances in thinking, illusions, and complex visual hallucinations. Preliminary clinical trials suggest that psilocybin may be effective in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety in terminal cancer patients.
When it comes to mushroom gummies, it is important to exercise caution. The rise of unregulated psychoactive products has led to concerns about their safety. Some mushroom edibles have been found to contain alarming additives, and there have been reports of illnesses and adverse reactions, including seizures and "bad trips". It is crucial to be aware of the source, ingredients, and potential risks associated with these products.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no standard safe dosage for mushroom gummies as it depends on a variety of factors such as the strain of the mushroom, the form of the product, individual body weight and sensitivity. It is always best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to find the optimal dosage.
The effects of consuming mushroom gummies can vary depending on the dosage and the individual. Some people may experience enhanced mood, creativity, focus, and emotional resilience. Higher doses may lead to hallucinations, mystical experiences, or even a complete loss of sense of self ("ego death").
The legality and regulation of mushroom gummies vary depending on the jurisdiction. In some places, mushroom spores may be legal to purchase and possess, but the moment they are germinated, they become illegal. There have been reports of people requiring hospital evaluation after ingesting mushroom gummies, with symptoms including tachycardia, confusion, anxiety, nausea, and seizures. It is important to be cautious and informed about the source and contents of mushroom gummies before consuming them.
