Emily Johnson
The right dose of magic mushrooms for one person is highly subjective and depends on a variety of factors. Generally, it is believed that people with a higher body weight may require a slightly higher dosage to achieve the desired effects. However, personal metabolism and susceptibility to mind-altering substances play a more significant role in determining the dose. For example, if one tends to feel loopy after one alcoholic beverage or a puff of cannabis, they should start with a lighter dose. The species of mushroom, emotional state, and environment can also influence a person's experience. It is recommended to start with a low dose and increase gradually, keeping notes on what works and what doesn't.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average macrodose | 1 to 3.5 grams |
| Heroic dose | 5 grams |
| Low dose | 1 gram |
| Average price per gram | $10 |
| Average quantity | 3.5 grams |
| Average cost of average quantity | $30 |
| Harm reduction practices | Avoid combining with other substances, have a trip sitter |
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What You'll Learn
Factors influencing dosage
The ideal dosage of magic mushrooms for one person can vary based on several factors. Firstly, the species of mushroom plays a role, as different species contain varying levels of psychoactive ingredients such as psilocybin and psilocin. The same dose of different species can lead to diverse experiences. The potency of mushrooms also depends on their freshness, as psilocybin content is highest when mushrooms are fresh and degrades over time, especially when stored at cold temperatures.
An individual's body composition, chemistry, and weight are also influential factors. While there is limited evidence, it is generally believed that higher body weight may necessitate a slightly higher dosage. However, personal metabolism and susceptibility to mind-altering substances are more critical determinants of dosage than weight alone. For instance, if one tends to feel loopy after a single alcoholic beverage or a puff of cannabis, it is advisable to start with a lighter dose of mushrooms.
Additionally, one's emotional state and environment can impact their experience. It is recommended to avoid consuming magic mushrooms when in a negative or stressful mindset and to refrain from violent media and social media prior to ingestion. Having a "trip sitter," someone who remains sober to provide support and assistance during the experience, is a common harm reduction practice.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms are highly subjective and context-dependent. Therefore, it is generally recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage once the effects of the initial dose are understood. Keeping a journal of what works and what doesn't can be a helpful way to learn about one's personal experience with these substances.
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Dangers and safety
While consuming edible varieties of mushrooms is generally considered safe, overindulgence may lead to several health issues. Firstly, digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, stomach pain, and diarrhea can occur due to the fiber content in mushrooms. Some individuals may experience an upset stomach or digestive issues due to allergies, food intolerances, or sensitivity to specific types of mushrooms. It is recommended to try different types of mushrooms separately over time to identify any adverse reactions.
Secondly, excessive mushroom consumption can result in mild toxic effects, particularly with wild or unidentified varieties. Certain wild mushrooms can be highly toxic and even deadly if ingested. Proper identification and sourcing from trusted suppliers are crucial to ensure safety. Consuming extremely high amounts of specific vitamins and minerals found in mushrooms, such as B6, niacin, and vitamin D, can lead to nerve toxicity, liver problems, and other toxic effects. However, it is important to note that one would need to consume an extremely large quantity of mushrooms, far beyond the recommended daily intake, to reach toxic levels of these nutrients.
Thirdly, mushrooms may contribute to weight gain due to their calorie content. While mushrooms are low in calories, with most varieties providing around 50 calories per cup, overindulgence can lead to a calorie overload. Additionally, some mushrooms may be high in sodium, which can contribute to health issues such as high blood pressure.
It is important to practice mindful consumption and moderation when it comes to eating mushrooms. The recommended daily intake of mushrooms is generally considered to be around 3.5 ounces (100 grams) for adults, but this may vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, and overall health. For those with specific dietary requirements or health conditions, it is advisable to seek professional guidance to determine the appropriate portion size. Cooking mushrooms, chewing them well, and avoiding evening consumption can also help improve digestion and reduce potential adverse effects.
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Cost and availability
The cost and availability of magic mushrooms depend on various factors, including the quantity purchased, species, freshness, and method of procurement. In the United States, the average price of magic mushrooms is around $10 per gram, with prices ranging from $7 to $12 per gram. Dealers typically sell mushrooms in quantities such as an eighth, a quarter, or half an ounce, a full ounce, or a pound. An eighth of an ounce (3.5 grams) usually costs around $30. The price may be influenced by the species of mushroom and its freshness, with certain species being more potent and sought-after than others.
In terms of availability, magic mushrooms can be purchased from dispensaries, shops, online stores, or dealers. Their availability is also influenced by the legal status in a particular region. In places where psychedelic mushrooms are legalized, decriminalized, or relatively unregulated, they tend to be more readily available and may be purchased at dispensaries or stores. However, in areas where the sale and consumption of magic mushrooms are illegal, buyers and sellers may face risks and penalties, impacting the availability.
The ease of growing magic mushrooms also plays a role in their availability. Since they are relatively easy to cultivate, prices may not be excessively inflated, especially in regions with low enforcement of related laws. However, growing mushrooms can be risky and time-consuming, requiring the purchase of spore kits and involving uncertainty regarding the harvest. Foraging for mushrooms in the wild is another option, but it can be dangerous due to the risk of misidentifying poisonous species.
Additionally, the availability of magic mushrooms can fluctuate based on demand and supply dynamics. In areas with high demand and limited supply, the price of mushrooms tends to increase. Events such as art or music festivals, where there is a high concentration of interested consumers, may also drive up the cost of mushrooms. Conversely, purchasing larger quantities of mushrooms typically results in a lower price per gram.
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Medical use
The use of psilocybin, the active compound in magic "mushrooms", for medicinal purposes is gaining traction. In jurisdictions where psilocybin has been approved for medical use or is legal/decriminalised, it can be purchased at dispensaries, shops, or online stores.
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is one such medical use. PAP is a treatment modality for patients with a complex and medically vulnerable nature. It involves the use of psilocybin to assist in psychotherapy, with the aim of improving patient care and safety. As global jurisdictions move towards decriminalisation and legalisation of psychedelic substances, it is important for healthcare professionals to have a baseline pharmacotherapy knowledge of psilocybin treatment.
When considering the use of magic mushrooms for medicinal purposes, it is important to understand the concept of dosing. A light dose of psychedelic mushrooms usually contains between one and two grams. This dose induces noticeable changes in perception and thought patterns. Consuming two to 3.5 grams of mushrooms is considered a standard dose and generally brings about hallucinations and a suite of psychedelic effects, such as colourful visual imagery and an altered perception of time.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and are influenced by factors such as species of mushroom, body composition and chemistry, emotional state, and environment. The mantra for trying magic mushrooms is "start low, go slow". It is recommended to start with no more than one gram of dried mushrooms or 10 mg of psilocybin and increase the dose gradually. Microdosing is another concept, where small doses of around 0.1 grams of dried mushrooms are taken, which does not produce full psychedelic effects.
The effects of magic mushrooms are often referred to as a "trip". These trips can be extremely context-dependent and subjective, with varying durations and intensities. While some people report positive experiences such as euphoria, enhanced senses, and feelings of connectedness to nature, others may have a "bad trip" characterised by anxiety and negative thoughts. It is important to prioritise safety when consuming magic mushrooms, and harm reduction practices such as having a "trip sitter" are recommended.
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History
The history of psychedelic mushroom usage dates back thousands of years. Rock art from around 9000–7000 BCE found in Tassili, Algeria, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and their effects on users. Similarly, prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago.
The hallucinogenic species of the Psilocybe genus have a long history of use among the native peoples of Mesoamerica for religious communion, divination, and healing, from pre-Columbian times to the present day. An important figure in the history of mushroom usage in Mexico was María Sabina, who used native mushrooms such as Psilocybe mexicana in her practice.
After the Spanish conquest, Catholic missionaries campaigned against the cultural traditions of the Aztecs, including the use of hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms. Despite this suppression, the use of teonanácatl persisted in some remote areas.
The first mention of hallucinogenic mushrooms in European medicinal literature was in the London Medical and Physical Journal in 1799. The journal described a family who experienced psychedelic effects after consuming Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms picked from London's Green Park.
In modern times, the availability of psilocybin mushrooms from wild and cultivated sources has made them one of the most widely used psychedelic drugs. The legality of psilocybin mushrooms and their active compounds varies across the world. In recent years, some jurisdictions, such as Oregon and Colorado in the United States, have decriminalized or legalized psilocybin for therapeutic use.
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Frequently asked questions
One gram of magic mushrooms is commonly considered a low dose that still produces noticeable effects.
The term "heroic dose" was coined by Terence McKenna, a famous proponent of magic mushrooms, and refers to doses of five grams of the potent Psilocybe Cubensis species.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and are influenced by body weight, metabolism, susceptibility to mind-altering substances, emotional state, and environment.
