Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains the hallucinogenic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They can induce intense and long-lasting effects, including hallucinations, altered emotions, and a sense of peace or unity with one's surroundings. The effects can come on gradually, with minor changes in senses or feelings that progress to stronger hallucinations. The duration of the effects varies from 30 to 120 minutes, and they can last for hours with no set time for when they will end. Before consuming shrooms, it is important to understand the associated risks and legal implications, as well as the potential interactions with any medications one may be taking. It is recommended to have a trusted person, known as a trip sitter, accompany first-time users. This person can provide support and ensure a safe experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Shrooms, Magic Mushrooms, Psilocybin Mushrooms |
| Active compounds | Psilocybin, Psilocin |
| Forms | Plain, Cooked (dried or fresh), Powder, Capsules, Tea, Fruit juice |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Profound emotions, Relaxation, Drowsiness, Sense of unity or peace, Euphoria |
| Duration of effects | 30-120 minutes to onset, Peak at 2-3 hours, Effects can last for hours |
| Factors influencing effects | Metabolic rate, Dose, Food intake, Time since last meal, Presence of addictive substances in the body |
| Consumption methods | Swallowing, Inhaling, Injecting, Snorting |
| Risks | Poisoning, Addiction, Impaired memory, Nightmares, Lethargy, Agitation, Psychological dependency |
| Legal status | Mostly illegal in the US, Decriminalized in some cities, Possession limits apply |
| Cost | 1/8 ounce for $25-40 |
| Safety considerations | Check local laws, Consult a doctor or therapist, Avoid with prescription drugs or epilepsy, Do not operate vehicles |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the risks and legal status
The risks of consuming psychedelic mushrooms are varied and depend on a range of factors, including the user's mental health, setting, quantity consumed, and expectations. Magic mushrooms can cause feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. However, they can also lead to adverse side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. One of the biggest risks associated with magic mushroom consumption is the possibility of a ""bad trip""", which can be influenced by factors such as dosage, anxiety, and the consumption of other drugs.
Another risk to consider is the potential for accidental poisoning. Magic mushrooms resemble ordinary mushrooms, as well as poisonous mushrooms that can cause sickness and even death. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can result in poisoning, with symptoms including muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium.
In terms of long-term effects, some users may experience flashbacks involving previous magic mushroom experiences. These flashbacks can involve visual distortions, changes in emotions or perception, and can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience is recalled. Flashbacks can occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken and can be triggered by various factors such as stress, other drug use, or exercise.
It is also important to note that the consumption, possession, and sale of magic mushrooms are illegal in many places around the world, with varying penalties and levels of enforcement. Psilocybin and psilocin, the key psychoactive compounds in magic mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit or heavily restrict their use. While there have been recent moves towards decriminalization and legalization for therapeutic use in some jurisdictions, it is important to be aware of the legal status of magic mushrooms in your specific location.
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Preparation and setting
Preparation for a psychedelic mushroom trip involves taking care of both your inner world and the external setting. This includes your mindset, physical location, and the people and things around you.
Set: Your Inner World
To prepare for a psychedelic experience, it's important to cultivate a habit of knowing your body and mind. This involves creating time and space for yourself, which may include taking at least one day off work before and after your trip to ensure a rested mind. During this time, you can engage in practices that help you feel calm, such as spending time in nature, meditation, yoga, journaling, making art, or connecting with loved ones.
It's also crucial to surrender to the experience and maintain an open mind, as resisting the journey can lead to a challenging or "bad trip." Accept that your journey may not follow a set track, and be prepared to go with the flow.
Setting: Your External World
When choosing a physical location, consider whether you want to be indoors or outdoors, at home or elsewhere, and with many people or just a few. If outdoors, be mindful of the different risk factors and consider having a "trip sitter," someone who can keep an eye on you and ensure your safety. Prepare for being outside by bringing water and snacks, and consider the duration of your trip and any potential environmental risks.
Whether indoors or outdoors, you can influence your experience by adjusting elements like lighting, scent, and music. Having a favourite playlist can be beneficial, although it's not necessary. Additionally, ensure you are in a safe and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed and can fully surrender to the experience.
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Consumption methods
Before consuming psychedelic mushrooms, it is important to identify them safely to reduce the risks associated with their use. It is also crucial to understand the physical and mental effects of consuming them, as they can lead to substance abuse or addiction. Proper dosing is critical for a safe and enjoyable experience. Tools such as a Magic Mushroom Dosage Calculator can help determine an appropriate dose based on factors like body weight and experience with psychedelics.
Psychedelic mushrooms can be consumed in various ways, each with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Common methods include ingesting them raw, either whole or ground into a powder and put into capsules. They can also be brewed into a tea or incorporated into other foods, such as chocolate, to mask their bitter taste. Consuming mushrooms on an empty stomach can intensify the experience, as the active compounds will be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. Conversely, consuming them after eating will lead to a milder and slower-acting high. Combining mushrooms with lemon juice or other acids converts psilocybin into psilocin outside the body, resulting in stronger and faster effects.
It is important to note that the experience of consuming magic mushrooms can vary significantly depending on the method of ingestion, with certain methods leading to distinct experiences. For example, eating them whole may result in a more intense and immediate psychedelic experience compared to brewing them into a tea. Additionally, it is vital to avoid injecting magic mushrooms intravenously, as this can lead to severe consequences such as septic shock and multi-system organ failure.
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms typically begin within 30 to 45 minutes of consumption and can last up to 6 hours. Early effects may include nausea, excessive yawning, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. Higher doses or stronger mushrooms can lead to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. It is important to approach the experience with the right mindset ("set") and environment ("setting") to ensure a positive trip.
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Effects and experiences
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms are subjective and vary among individuals. The experience, often referred to as a "trip", is influenced by factors such as dosage, preparation method, personal metabolism, and the user's state of mind and environment. The effects can last between 3 to 8 hours, with the first 3 to 4 hours typically being the most intense or the "peak".
Psychedelic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical that, when ingested, binds to and activates serotonin receptors in parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception. This results in a range of effects, including visual and auditory hallucinations, distorted perception of time and space, and intense emotional changes. The hallucinations can be so intense that users may have difficulty discerning fantasy from reality.
The early effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms typically include nausea, excessive yawning, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. As the "trip" progresses, users may experience hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation (including dilated pupils), and heightened senses. The experience can be positive or negative, with feelings of euphoria and bliss, or anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. A negative environment or a user's anxious state of mind can contribute to a "bad trip", while a comfortable and familiar setting can enhance the experience.
In rare cases, consuming large amounts of psychedelic mushrooms can have severe consequences, including accidental poisoning, extreme fear, anxiety, panic, paranoia, and even death. Some users may experience flashbacks or "hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder", where they relive parts of their trip or have visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception. These flashbacks can occur anywhere from a few days to years after taking the mushrooms and can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise.
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Safety and support
While the use of psychedelic mushrooms is becoming increasingly common, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and well-being. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you navigate this experience in a safe and supported manner:
Set and Setting:
The "set" refers to your mindset and expectations, while the "setting" is the physical environment in which you choose to take the mushrooms. It is crucial to be in a good state of mind and to have realistic expectations of the experience. Ensure you are in a calm, quiet, and familiar environment, preferably with trusted friends or a professional guide who can provide support and assistance if needed.
Dosing:
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms vary from person to person and are influenced by factors such as the type of mushroom, its potency, and the amount consumed. It is important to understand that the psilocybin levels within mushrooms vary from strain to strain and with each harvest. A typical perceptual dose of psilocybin ranges from one to five grams of dried mushrooms. One gram is considered a low dose, while five grams is a significant or "heroic dose." Always start with a lower dose to gauge your tolerance and gradually increase if necessary.
Mixing with Other Substances:
Mixing psilocybin with other drugs, including alcohol, can have unintended consequences and increase the risk of a negative experience. It is generally advised to abstain from alcohol for at least a week before and after taking magic mushrooms. Additionally, if you are taking any medications, consult your doctor beforehand, as some medicines may interact negatively with psilocybin.
Potential Risks:
It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with psychedelic mushrooms. While physical and psychological dependence on magic mushrooms is rare, regular use can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects. Additionally, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms, as some species are extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or even death.
Flashbacks:
Some individuals may experience flashbacks, which are sudden and unexpected recall of a previous mushroom experience. These flashbacks can occur without warning, from a few days to months after taking mushrooms, and can be disturbing, especially if the original experience was negative.
Support and Guidance:
If you are considering using psychedelic mushrooms, it is beneficial to seek guidance from experienced individuals or professionals. This could include friends or family members who have firsthand experience with mushrooms and can provide support during your journey. Additionally, there are online courses and resources available that offer comprehensive information on the science, effects, and safety protocols related to psilocybin.
Remember, while psychedelic mushrooms can induce unique and transformative experiences, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being. Always approach this experience with careful preparation, a supportive environment, and a mindful awareness of the potential risks involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as shrooms or magic mushrooms, can be consumed in various ways. Some people prefer to eat them plain, while others cook them in dried or fresh form. They can also be soaked in tea, blended with food, or mixed with fruit juice. Psilocybin, the active compound in mushroom powder, can be injected or snorted, or swallowed as a tablet.
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms typically take 30 to 120 minutes to onset, but this duration can vary depending on individual factors such as metabolism, dose, food intake, and the presence of other substances in the body. The peak effects usually last for about 2 to 3 hours.
Psilocybin mushrooms can induce hallucinations, altered thoughts and emotions, and profound experiences. However, there are potential risks, including impaired memory, nightmares, lethargy, and psychological dependency. Mixing mushrooms with alcohol or other substances can increase these risks, and it is crucial to distinguish them from poisonous mushrooms to avoid adverse health consequences.
Psilocybin mushrooms are mostly illegal in the United States, classified as Schedule I substances. However, there is a growing movement to decriminalize their possession and use due to their potential health benefits in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions. As of now, possession laws vary across different cities and states.
Before consuming psychedelic mushrooms, it is essential to conduct thorough research and understand the associated risks. Consult with your doctor or therapist, especially if you are on prescription medication or have any health conditions. Ensure you have a trusted person to accompany you during the experience, and choose a comfortable and safe environment, either at home or in nature.
