Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound. The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are psilocin and psilocybin, which converts to psilocin in the body. The length of time shrooms stay in a person's system depends on many factors, including the strength of the mushroom, dose, and the individual’s body. The effects of magic mushrooms generally begin after about 30 to 45 minutes and can last as long as 6 hours. The immediate effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms come from the body breaking down psilocybin into psilocin. The effects might range from tranquil to severe hallucinations and fear. The experiences one might have with psilocybin or other psychedelics are very sensitive to one's mental and physical state, and environment. The average rule of thumb for a strong trip is one to two grams of dried shrooms per 50 pounds of body weight, so two to three grams usually covers most people. What is usually considered a heroic or excessive dose for most people is anything above three to seven grams. However, the term breakthrough is subjective, and some people have reported breakthrough moments on 3.5 grams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Psilocin, Psilocybin, Baeocystin |
| Average Rule of Thumb for a Strong Trip | 1-2 grams of dried mushrooms per 50 pounds of body weight |
| Heroic Dose | 5 grams of Psilocybe Cubensis species |
| Average Macrodose | 1-3.5 grams |
| Average Microdose | 0.1-0.9 grams |
| Average Time to Kick In | 30-60 minutes |
| Average Duration of Effects | 3-10 hours |
| Factors Affecting Duration of Effects | Dose, Food Intake, Metabolism, Resistance Level |
| Factors Affecting Intensity of Effects | Strength of Mushrooms, Dose, Individual's Body, Mood, Personality, Expectations |
| Harm Reduction Practices | Trip Sitter, Controlled Breathing, Distracting Activities, Peaceful Music |
| Risks | Anxiety, Paranoia, Nervousness, Distorted Sense of Time, Place and Reality, Psychosis, Death |
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What You'll Learn
The effects of magic mushrooms are subjective
The effects of magic mushrooms are highly subjective and vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the setting. While some people may experience a sense of euphoria and enhanced senses, others may encounter anxiety, paranoia, and distorted senses of time and reality. The intensity and duration of these effects are influenced by factors such as the strength of the mushroom, the dose consumed, and the user's body type, mood, personality, and expectations.
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms," contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound that induces psychedelic effects. The active compound responsible for these effects is psilocin, which is produced when psilocybin is metabolized by the body. The mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including eating them fresh or dried, mixing them with food, brewing them into tea, or inhaling them as a fine powder. The effects typically begin within 30 to 60 minutes, with early impacts such as nausea and yawning, followed by the onset of the "trip."
The dosage plays a significant role in the effects experienced. A low dose of around one gram can induce noticeable changes, such as enhanced senses and euphoria. As the dose increases, the effects become more intense, leading to visual, auditory, and sensory hallucinations, along with altered states of consciousness. Some users report "breaking through," having profound experiences that lead to personal transformations. However, it is important to note that higher doses also increase the risk of adverse effects, including terrifying thoughts, paranoia, panic attacks, and, in rare cases, even death.
The setting and mindset in which the mushrooms are consumed also influence the experience. Trips can be extremely context-dependent, and factors such as lighting, sound, and the presence of a "trip sitter" can impact the intensity and nature of the effects. Additionally, an individual's mood, personality, and previous experiences play a role in shaping their unique journey.
It is crucial to approach magic mushrooms with caution. The mantra for trying psychoactive drugs like magic mushrooms is "start low, go slow." Beginning with smaller doses and gradually increasing allows individuals to understand how their body and mind respond to the substance. Furthermore, having professional human support or a trusted companion during the experience can help manage any unexpected challenges that may arise.
While magic mushrooms can induce subjective and transformative experiences, they are not without risks. It is essential to be well-informed about the potential benefits and dangers before considering their consumption.
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Factors influencing the trip
The effects of psilocybin vary between people. Here are some factors that influence the trip:
Mental State
The mental state of the user can have a significant impact on their experience. People with pre-existing mental health conditions or feelings of anxiety may be more likely to have adverse effects from psilocybin, such as extreme anxiety or short-term psychosis. A 2020 analysis suggests that higher doses of psilocybin may increase the risk of negative experiences.
Personality
Different personalities may respond differently to psilocybin. Dr Russell Newcombe, a harm reduction researcher, suggests that a trip is an interaction of the drug, set (mood, personality, and experience), and setting, making each trip unique to the individual.
Environment
The immediate environment or setting can also affect the user's response. Terence McKenna, a famous proponent of magic mushrooms, suggested that taking a "heroic dose" in a dark, silent room can lead to breakthroughs, ego death, and dissociation from present reality.
Quantity
The quantity of psilocybin consumed plays a role in the intensity of the trip. A "heroic dose" typically refers to doses of around five grams of potent Psilocybe Cubensis species, while an average macrodose is about one to 3.5 grams. However, the threshold for a heroic dose varies from person to person, ranging from three to seven grams or even higher.
Body Type
The effects of psilocybin can also depend on the individual's body type and how their body metabolizes the compound. Factors such as body weight and kidney function influence how psilocybin is processed and excreted from the body, impacting the duration and intensity of the trip.
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The dangers of a 'bad trip'
The effects of magic mushrooms are extremely subjective and context-dependent. They can vary depending on the type and potency of the mushroom, the dose, and the individual’s body and mental state. While some people experience positive sensations of unity or peace with their surroundings, others may have a "bad trip".
A "bad trip" is characterised by feelings of anxiety and unease. During a bad trip, a person may get caught on a negative thought that they can't shake, such as a realisation that makes them unhappy. Bad trips can also take the form of disturbing hallucinations, which may persist as flashbacks for weeks, months, or even years.
The dangers of a bad trip are serious and should not be underestimated. They can lead to self-harm or harm to others, as the person experiencing the bad trip may act on their negative thoughts or hallucinations. For example, a person may become convinced that they are being attacked or pursued and try to defend themselves, potentially injuring others in the process. Even if no physical harm occurs, a bad trip can be a traumatic experience that leaves a lasting negative impact on a person's mental health.
To reduce the risk of a bad trip, it is important to be in a good state of mind and to have trusted friends and a safe environment before taking magic mushrooms. It is also recommended to have a "trip sitter"—someone who is not tripping themselves but can look out for you during your experience. This person can help you manage a bad trip by controlling your breathing, distracting you with peaceful music, or helping you meditate or relax.
It is important to remember that the only way to guarantee you won't have a bad trip is to avoid taking hallucinogens altogether. The potential dangers of a bad trip far outweigh any perceived benefits of the experience.
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Recommended doses
The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin (which converts to psilocin in the body). The strength and effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on the species and individual body type. As such, recommended doses differ depending on these factors and the desired effects.
A microdose of magic mushrooms is a sub-perceptual dose, typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 grams. At this dosage, users may not experience full-blown psychedelic effects, but rather enhanced senses and euphoria.
A low dose of magic mushrooms is typically considered to be around one gram, which can produce noticeable effects. At this dosage, users may experience enhanced senses, such as seeing more vibrant colours, as well as euphoria.
A medium dose of magic mushrooms is considered to be in the range of 1 to 3.5 grams. At this dosage, users are likely to experience psychedelic effects, including open-and-closed-eye visuals, synesthesia, and a heavier euphoria.
A heroic dose, or breakthrough dose, of magic mushrooms is considered to be anything above 3 to 7 grams. Some users report breakthrough experiences at lower doses of around 3.5 grams, while others suggest that a dose of 50 grams may be required to achieve a breakthrough. It is important to note that taking extremely high doses of magic mushrooms can be detrimental to one's health and may even lead to death in very rare cases. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over time to determine one's personal threshold and comfort level.
It is also worth noting that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on how they are ingested. For example, making mushroom tea can lead to faster effects, typically within 10 to 20 minutes, as liquids pass through the digestive tract more quickly than solids. Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms typically last for a few hours but can vary depending on individual body chemistry and the specific mushrooms ingested.
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How to take mushrooms
The number of mushrooms required to "break through" depends on several factors, including the type and potency of the mushroom, the dose, and the individual's body weight and composition. According to Dr. Russell Newcombe, a harm reduction researcher, the "average rule of thumb" for a strong trip is consuming one to two grams of dried mushrooms per 50 pounds of body weight. Heroic doses, or those exceeding three to seven grams, are considered excessive and can lead to intense psychedelic experiences.
- Understand the Risks and Legal Implications: Magic mushrooms are considered illegal drugs in many places due to their hallucinogenic properties. Using them carries risks, including unpredictable experiences, negative thoughts, and potential long-term mental health impacts such as psychosis or flashbacks. It is essential to understand these risks and make an informed decision.
- Research and Identify the Mushrooms: Not all mushrooms are edible or safe. Some wild mushrooms can cause irreversible damage or even be poisonous. Always research and correctly identify the mushroom species before consuming them.
- Prepare Your Mindset and Setting: Trips are highly dependent on context and individual factors. Ensure you are in the right frame of mind and choose a safe, peaceful, and comfortable environment to consume mushrooms. Avoid taking mushrooms alone and consider having a sober trip sitter who can support and guide you through the experience.
- Plan Your Dose: Start with a low dose, typically around one gram of dried mushrooms or 10 mg of psilocybin. You can gradually increase the dose every 25 minutes if needed. It is crucial to weigh the mushrooms properly and understand their potency to avoid taking too much.
- Consume the Mushrooms: Magic mushrooms can be eaten raw or dried, mixed with food to mask their bitter taste, or brewed into tea. When consuming, it is recommended to have a light meal 1-2 hours beforehand to avoid nausea.
- Wait and Assess the Effects: The effects of mushrooms typically begin within 15 to 60 minutes, but this can vary. Early signs may include nausea, yawning, enhanced senses, and a sense of relaxation. The "trip" phase follows, which can last for several hours and includes more intense hallucinations, euphoria, and altered perceptions.
- Manage Your Experience: Trips can be enjoyable or challenging. If you experience a bad trip, remember that it will eventually pass. Techniques such as controlling your breathing, walking, listening to peaceful music, or changing your environment may help. Having a supportive trip sitter can also guide you through any difficulties.
Remember, the key mantra when trying magic mushrooms is to "start low, go slow." Always prioritize harm reduction and your well-being when considering whether and how to take mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
A "breakthrough" experience with mushrooms involves a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. It is a subjective experience that may vary from person to person. Some people describe it as entering another dimension, while others report feeling reborn or having an out-of-body experience.
The amount of mushrooms required to "break through" depends on various factors, including the type and potency of the mushroom, the individual's body weight and metabolism, and their mental and physical state. According to some sources, a heroic dose of mushrooms, which is typically considered to be between 3 and 7 grams of dried mushrooms, is often associated with breakthrough experiences. However, some people have reported breaking through with lower doses of around 3.5 grams, while others suggest that a higher amount, such as 50 grams, may be necessary.
Taking high doses of mushrooms can lead to a bad trip, which may include terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. In very rare cases, ingesting a huge amount of mushrooms can have severe consequences, including death. Additionally, it is important to note that mushrooms can stay in a person's system for several hours, and the effects may last for up to 10 hours.
