Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin. While the use of magic mushrooms has been advocated for its potential health benefits in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions, it is important to note that they are illegal in most places and can be extremely dangerous. If you choose to consume magic mushrooms, it is crucial to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. This includes finding a safe and comfortable space, having a trusted person accompany you, and being mindful of potential risks such as mistaking poisonous mushrooms for psilocybin mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length of trip | 8-12 hours |
| Peak of trip | 1.5-2 hours after consumption |
| Cost | $25-40 per eighth of an ounce |
| Legal status | Illegal in most places |
| Health risks | Distorted sense of time, place and reality, psychosis, terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, flashbacks, death |
| Safety advice | Choose a safe, peaceful place, talk to a friend about what to do if you have a bad trip, be in the right frame of mind, stick to one substance at a time, do not drive |
| Precautions | Do not forage or purchase from strangers without an introduction, do not consume if you are on parole or probation, do not consume if you take prescription drugs, do not consume if you have epilepsy, do your research |
| Consumption method | Dried mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Know the risks and side effects
It is important to be aware of the risks and side effects associated with magic mushrooms before consuming them. While magic mushrooms are considered one of the least toxic drugs, the risks are mostly psychological rather than physical. The physical effects are generally minor and can include dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, nausea, increased perspiration, numbing, and tremors.
The biggest risk associated with magic mushrooms is the possibility of consuming poisonous mushrooms by mistake, as they look very similar. It is crucial to only consume mushrooms from a trusted source to reduce this risk. Consuming a large amount or a strong batch of magic mushrooms can lead to a ""bad trip,"" which may include fear, paranoia, anxiety, panic attacks, and mood swings. The risk of a bad trip is higher if one consumes a higher dose or has feelings of anxiety beforehand.
Magic mushrooms can alter one's sense of reality, leading to hallucinations, distorted sights and sounds, and loss of sense of time and space. They can also cause intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror. In very rare cases, consuming a huge amount of mushrooms can lead to severe side effects and even death. Some users experience flashbacks, which are sudden recalls of a part of a drug trip, days, months, or even years after consuming mushrooms.
The use of magic mushrooms can also lead to delayed headaches, which usually last less than a day. While magic mushrooms are not known to cause physical dependence, there may be mild psychological withdrawal effects or feelings of tiredness. It is important to approach magic mushrooms with caution, considering the potential risks and impact on overall well-being.
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Understand the laws in your location
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across the world. Psilocybin is a Schedule I drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit it. However, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government.
In the United States, psilocybin is federally illegal and classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This means that it is deemed to have no medicinal benefit and a high potential for abuse and addiction. However, state laws vary, and in some places, psilocybin is legal or decriminalized for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. For example, in 2021, Denver, Colorado passed a ballot measure decriminalizing psilocybin mushrooms, and Oregon has also legalized certain uses. A few cities have also made investigations and arrests for possession and use of entheogenic plants among the lowest priorities for law enforcement. However, these permitted uses often conflict with federal law, and a person could still be subject to federal prosecution even if they comply with state law.
Outside of the United States, psilocybin mushrooms are legal for recreational use in Brazil, Vietnam, Jamaica, and previously in the Netherlands. They are also legal for medicinal use in Canada, Australia, and Denmark. In some jurisdictions, psilocybin mushroom spores are legal to possess and sell because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, in other places, such as Germany and some US states, the sale and possession of spores are specifically prohibited.
It is important to note that laws can change, and it is advised to consult a lawyer to understand the specific laws in your location and the potential legal risks or penalties associated with psilocybin mushrooms. Interactive maps and trackers are also available to help individuals understand the shifting legal landscape and the latest reforms at the state and local levels.
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Identify the type of mushroom
Identifying the type of mushroom is a critical step in the process of consuming mushrooms. It is important to remember that some mushrooms are poisonous and can be deadly. Therefore, it is essential to be 100% sure about the type of mushroom before consuming it. The best approach is to consult a professional mycologist (a scientist who studies fungi) or seek advice from experts in your local mushroom club. Here are some key factors to consider when identifying mushrooms:
Appearance
The physical characteristics of a mushroom can provide important clues for identification. Observe the colour of the cap, gills, and stem. Edible mushrooms typically have brown or tan gills, while mushrooms with white gills are often poisonous. Choose mushrooms with white, tan, or brown caps and stems, and avoid red mushrooms, which are usually unsafe to eat. Additionally, look for the presence of a second cap or ring of tissue beneath the main cap, which could indicate a poisonous mushroom.
Spore Colour
Creating a spore print is a helpful technique for identifying mushrooms. Place the cap of a fresh mushroom on a sheet of paper and wait for a few hours. The spore print will reveal the colour of the spores, which can be used as a reference in field guides for identification.
Substrate
Identifying the substrate, or the material on which the mushroom is growing, can provide insights into its ecology. Some fungi grow in soil, while others grow on living trees or rotting wood. Understanding the mushroom's ecological preferences can help narrow down the possible species.
Stipe or Stem
Examine the stipe or stem of the mushroom for distinctive features. Look for the presence of an annulus, which is a skirt of tissue around the circumference of the stipe, and a volva, which is a sack of tissue at the base of the stipe. Some mushrooms have both, and these features can help differentiate between species.
Hymenial Layer
The underside of the cap is often the fertile surface where spores are formed, known as the hymenial layer. This area can provide important clues for identification, so be sure to examine it closely.
Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are unsure about the type of mushroom, do not consume it. Leave wild mushroom foraging to professional mycologists, and always prioritise accurate identification to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Prepare your environment
Preparing your environment is crucial to having a good mushroom trip. It is not advisable to do mushrooms in an unsafe, uncomfortable, or unfamiliar environment. Choose a comfortable and familiar environment, preferably at home or a friend's home. If you are outdoors, make sure you have someone to watch over you, as your senses and perception of reality will be altered, and you might not be attentive to risks in the environment.
Before you begin, clean up your environment and adjust the lighting so it is soft. You may want to burn a dried plant to energetically cleanse the air. Sound-cancelling headphones and eyeshades can help facilitate a more internal experience. If you are someone who gets cold easily, make sure to have blankets or layers available.
You should also prepare some snacks, preferably those that don't need preparation, like dried fruits or nuts. It is also important to stay hydrated, so make sure you have water available. If you are prone to nausea, it is recommended to eat a light meal a few hours before taking mushrooms.
Finally, make sure you have a sober trip sitter, and plan a safe and quiet space. Have a charged phone or another way to communicate, and always let someone know what you are doing.
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Have a trip sitter
A "trip sitter" is someone who stays sober to supervise and support a person's psychedelic experience with hallucinogens, ensuring their safety. They are often referred to as a "sober sitter" or "psychedelic carer".
Psychedelics can cause a ""trip from reality", altering one's perception, cognition, and emotional state. The effects can last for hours, and the experience can be intense. Therefore, a trip sitter is essential to ensure the safety of the person having the psychedelic experience.
- Do your research: Educate yourself on the specific substance being used, including its effects and duration. Psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms alter cognition and perception and can induce visual and auditory hallucinations, sensory changes, and feelings of happiness, euphoria, and relaxation.
- Have a conversation beforehand: Discuss expectations, intentions, boundaries, and create a loose plan for the trip. Talk about the location and address any potential surprises or interruptions.
- Create a safe and comfortable space: Remove any potential hazards and consider enhancing the environment with things like fresh flowers, scented candles, or comfortable blankets.
- Remain calm, nonjudgmental, and supportive: Be a reassuring presence throughout the trip. Hold their hand or offer a shoulder to cry on if needed.
- Provide food and water: Anticipate "the munchies" and encourage the person to stay hydrated, as dry mouth is a common side effect.
- Respect their journey: Allow the person to go through their process without interfering. Listen or sit with them in silence, without offering opinions or advice unless asked for.
- Be prepared for emergencies: As the sober trip sitter, you are the point person to determine the best course of action in case of an emergency.
Having a trip sitter can make a significant difference in a person's psychedelic journey, providing support and ensuring safety. It is a role that requires responsibility and the ability to remain calm and nonjudgmental throughout the experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin, which causes hallucinogenic and other mind-altering effects.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on the user's mood, personality, and expectations. Some trips may be enjoyable, while others may lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. It's important to note that magic mushrooms can also have long-term effects, such as psychosis and flashbacks.
The legality of magic mushrooms varies by location. In some cities, possession of psilocybin mushrooms has been decriminalized, but it is important to check the laws specific to your area.
You can find magic mushrooms through a trustworthy source or by foraging for wild mushrooms with the help of an experienced forager. It is important to be cautious as some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can look very similar to psilocybin mushrooms.
Choose a safe and comfortable environment and consider having a trusted friend, or "trip sitter", present. Educate yourself on the potential risks and effects, and be mindful of your reasons for wanting to use hallucinogens.
