Emma Wilson
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are mushrooms that contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin. They have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples and are currently being studied for their therapeutic benefits in treating mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. When considering how to dose psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to note that the effects and safety of ingestion depend on various factors, including the type of mushroom, dosage, individual physiology, and setting. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms varies depending on the desired effects, with microdosing involving small, non-perceptual amounts, while larger doses can lead to full psychedelic experiences or even ego dissolution. It is crucial to exercise caution and be well-informed about the potential risks and variability in psilocybin content across different mushroom species before consuming psilocybin mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are psilocybin mushrooms? | Mushrooms containing the psychedelic psychoactive compound psilocybin or psilocin. |
| How are they consumed? | Usually eaten (either raw or dried) or mixed into food such as chocolate. They can also be brewed into tea or extracted using an alcohol solution. |
| What are the effects of psilocybin? | Hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, hallucinations, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. |
| What is microdosing? | Consuming a fraction of a regular dose or a subperceptual dose. A microdose could be around 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, taken up to three times a week. |
| What is a standard dose? | A common dose is considered to be between 1 and 2 grams of dried mushrooms. |
| What is a strong dose? | 2.5 to 5 grams of dried mushrooms is considered a strong dose and may induce classic psychedelic experiences with kaleidoscope visuals, sensory and perceptual changes, and synesthesia. |
| What is a heavy dose? | Above 5 grams of dried mushrooms is considered a heavy or "heroic" dose and may cause a complete loss of the sense of self and the ability to think or make decisions. |
| What are the risks? | It is very easy to poison oneself as many types of mushrooms look similar, but some are poisonous and can harm the liver or even cause death. Mixing with other drugs may have unintended effects. |
| What is the law? | Most psychedelic mushrooms are covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) as Class A drugs. |
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What You'll Learn
- Microdosing: a fraction of a regular dose, enhancing mood, creativity, concentration, and empathy
- Common dose: between 1 and 2 grams of dried mushrooms, depending on the strain
- Medium dose: 2 to 3 grams, likely to cause psychedelic effects, but you may still be able to walk around
- High dose: 30 to 40 mg of psilocybin, or 2.5 to 5 grams of dried mushrooms, causing ego dissolution
- Heroic dose: over 5 grams of dried mushrooms, potentially causing a complete loss of the sense of self
Microdosing: a fraction of a regular dose, enhancing mood, creativity, concentration, and empathy
Microdosing involves taking a fraction of a regular dose of psilocybin mushrooms. It is important to note that the weight of the dose will depend on whether the mushrooms are fresh or dried. Fresh mushrooms have more water weight than dried mushrooms. Typically, a microdose ranges from 100 mg to 300 mg of dried mushrooms, taken between 2-5 times a week. This is equivalent to about 10% of a regular dose.
Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms has been reported to have several benefits, including enhanced mood, creativity, concentration, and empathy. Some studies have found that microdosers showed greater improvements in mood and larger reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress over a one-month period compared to non-microdosers. These positive effects were observed regardless of whether psilocybin was used alone or in combination with other substances.
It is important to note that the effects of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on individual factors and the specific mushroom strain. Additionally, there is a potential risk of negative effects, such as cardiac valvulopathy with long-term use. Therefore, it is crucial to approach microdosing with caution and to start with low doses to ensure a comfortable experience.
While microdosing has gained popularity, the evidence from studies is mixed, and more rigorous research is needed to confirm the potential benefits and risks associated with this practice. The varying potency of mushrooms due to a lack of regulation outside of clinical trials also complicates consistent research in this area.
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Common dose: between 1 and 2 grams of dried mushrooms, depending on the strain
When it comes to dosing psilocybin mushrooms, it's important to be cautious and well-informed. The common dose of dried mushrooms typically falls between 1 and 2 grams, but this can vary depending on the specific strain of mushrooms. It's crucial to understand that different strains have different potencies, and the same species can vary significantly in psilocybin and psilocin content. Therefore, it's always recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase if needed.
Psilocybe cubensis, also known as Golden Teacher or Penis Envy, is a commonly foraged and ingested species. The psilocybin content in this species is typically around 0.5% to 1% of the dried weight, with some strains containing up to 1.78%. For this species, a dose of 0.5 grams to 1 gram of dried mushrooms is considered a low dose, and 2 grams to 3 grams is a medium dose, where you may experience psychedelic effects while still maintaining a sense of self.
It's worth noting that a microdose, or a small perceptual dose, typically ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms. These doses are often taken to ease social anxiety, induce relaxation, and improve focus without experiencing the full psychedelic effects. Microdosing has gained popularity due to its perceived benefits, such as enhanced mood, creativity, and concentration.
When consuming psilocybin mushrooms, it's essential to be mindful of the potential risks and adverse effects. While it is challenging to overdose on psilocybin mushrooms, ingesting the wrong type of mushroom can be dangerous. Some mushrooms are highly toxic and can cause severe illness or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly identify the mushroom species and always obtain them from a trusted source. Additionally, mixing psilocybin mushrooms with other drugs, including ketamine and cannabis, may lead to unintended and unpredictable consequences.
Before consuming psilocybin mushrooms, it is advisable to have a practice run in a safe and familiar environment to become accustomed to the effects. The experience can be intensely personal, and it is beneficial to have a supportive group of people to process the experience with afterward. Remember, the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be profound and should not be taken lightly. Always start with a low dose, especially if you are new to these substances, and gradually increase the amount while monitoring your comfort level.
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Medium dose: 2 to 3 grams, likely to cause psychedelic effects, but you may still be able to walk around
A medium dose of psilocybin mushrooms, typically between 2 and 3 grams, will likely cause psychedelic effects. However, at this dosage, you may still be able to walk around and maintain a sense of self.
It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on several factors, including the type of mushroom, its potency, and your individual physiology. For example, the common cubensis strain, such as Golden Teacher or Penis Envy, typically requires a higher dose than other strains to achieve the same effects. Additionally, the weight of the dose will depend on whether the mushrooms are fresh or dried, as fresh mushrooms have more water weight.
Before consuming psilocybin mushrooms, it is essential to follow the golden rule of "start low, go slow." This is especially important if you have limited or no experience with psychedelics. It is recommended to start with a low dose of around 0.5 to 1 gram of dried mushrooms to get a sense of the effects. You can then gradually increase the dosage over time as you become more familiar with the effects and how they impact you.
When taking a medium dose of psilocybin mushrooms, it is crucial to be in a safe and comfortable setting, preferably with someone to watch over you, especially if you are inexperienced with psychedelics. Additionally, stay hydrated and avoid mixing with alcoholic beverages or other substances that may interact negatively with psilocybin.
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High dose: 30 to 40 mg of psilocybin, or 2.5 to 5 grams of dried mushrooms, causing ego dissolution
A high dose of psilocybin mushrooms can be defined as consuming between 30 to 40 mg of psilocybin, or 2.5 to 5 grams of dried mushrooms. This high dose is also referred to as a "heroic dose" by Terence McKenna, and it can induce ego dissolution, a complete loss of the sense of self.
When consuming psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to understand the concept of dosing. The weight of the dose will depend on whether the mushrooms are fresh or dried, with wet mushrooms having more water weight. A microdose involves consuming small, non-perceptual amounts of psilocybin, which means you do not experience the full mind-altering effects of the mushroom but may feel subtle improvements in mood or energy. A common microdose is around 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on the individual, the environment, and their state of mind. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase, especially if you are new to psilocybin. A low dose of dried mushrooms is typically considered to be between 0.5 and 1 gram, which can help you get accustomed to the experience. A medium dose of 2 to 3 grams will likely induce psychedelic effects, but you may still be able to walk around and maintain your sense of self.
A high dose of psilocybin mushrooms, or a "heroic dose," can result in classic psychedelic experiences, including kaleidoscope visuals, sensory and perceptual changes, synesthesia, cognitive changes, and ego dissolution. Ego dissolution refers to the loss of the sense of self, where you may experience a complete shift in your perception of reality and your sense of identity. This level of cognitive impairment should not be taken lightly, and careful preparation and supervision are necessary to ensure safety.
It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on the strain and the individual's body weight. The psilocybin content in mushrooms can range from 0.1% to 2% of their dry weight, and mushroom caps tend to have higher psilocybin levels than stems. Additionally, the effects of psilocybin can be influenced by factors such as set and setting, including your mindset and environment.
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Heroic dose: over 5 grams of dried mushrooms, potentially causing a complete loss of the sense of self
A heroic dose of psilocybin mushrooms is defined as over 5 grams of dried mushrooms, or roughly 50 mg of psilocybin. This term was coined by Terence McKenna, a famous proponent of magic mushrooms, and it refers specifically to the more potent Psilocybe Cubensis species. A heroic dose is significantly higher than an average macrodose, which usually sits at around 1 to 3.5 grams.
At this level, a user may experience a complete loss of the sense of self, known as "ego dissolution" or "ego death", as well as the inability to think or make decisions. This level of cognitive impairment should not be taken lightly, and careful preparation and supervision are necessary for safety.
If you are considering taking a heroic dose of psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to work your way up gradually, starting with smaller doses and increasing incrementally until you reach the desired amount. This approach will allow you to understand how magic mushrooms affect you personally and help you choose the optimal dose for your trip. It is also important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on the species and the individual's mental and physical state, so it is crucial to do your research and be mindful of the potential risks involved.
Additionally, it is recommended to have someone to watch over you or provide professional human support during your experience, as the intensity of a heroic dose may be challenging to navigate alone. It is also crucial to avoid mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs, as this can increase the risk of unintended or unpredictable effects and make it more difficult to handle any potential negative experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
Microdosing is the practice of taking a fraction of a regular dose of psilocybin mushrooms. A microdose is about 10% of a recreational dose, which may be 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, taken up to three times per week. Microdosing does not produce the full psychedelic experience.
The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly between and within the same species. Psilocybe cubensis, the most popular species, has been reported to contain 0.63% psilocybin and 0.6% psilocin, or about 1.2% of psilocybin and psilocin combined. A common dose could be between 1 and 2 grams of dried mushrooms, while a strong dose is considered to be between 2.5 and 5 grams.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The psychological consequences of a large dose may include panic reactions and psychosis.
All drug use has risks. Psilocybin mushrooms can cause a terrifying or even traumatic experience if too large a dose is taken. It is very easy to poison oneself with the wrong type of mushroom, as many types of mushrooms in nature look similar but are poisonous and can harm your liver, causing severe illness or even death. Mixing with other drugs that produce a psychedelic effect, including ketamine and cannabis, may also have unintended or unpredictable effects.
