John Miller
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, mushies, psilocybin, cubensis, liberty caps, or golden teachers, are mushrooms containing the psychedelic psychoactive compound psilocybin or psilocin. The active dose of magic mushrooms varies depending on the type of mushroom and the desired effect, ranging from microdoses to 'heroic doses'. It is important to correctly identify the type of mushroom and the dose to reduce harm and avoid a negative experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dosage | A common dose is between 1 and 2 grams of dried mushrooms. However, this varies depending on the strain of mushrooms and the desired effect. |
| Microdosing | Consuming small, non-perceptual amounts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, typically 100 mg to 250 mg of dried magic mushrooms (5-10% of a standard dose). |
| Macrodosing | An average macrodose sits at around 1 to 3.5 grams. |
| Heroic Dose | Coined by Terence McKenna, this term refers to a high dose of 5 grams of the Psilocybe Cubensis species. |
| Safety | It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually. Never combine with other substances without knowledge of potential interactions. |
| Individual Variation | The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, depending on factors such as brain chemistry, physical composition, sleep, and diet. |
| Preparation | Mushrooms can be eaten as they are or incorporated into food, blended into a smoothie, or encapsulated. |
| Freshness | Freshness affects the potency of the mushrooms. |
| Mental State | An individual's mental state can influence their experience. |
| Research | It is crucial to research the type of mushroom and its active dose before consumption. |
| Weighing | Weighing the mushrooms accurately is important to avoid taking too high a dose. |
| Setting | Planning the setting, including a safe and comfortable environment and trusted company, is essential for a positive experience. |
| Harm Reduction | Resources such as Psychedelic Support's free Harm Reduction course provide valuable information on safe practices. |
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What You'll Learn
- Microdosing: Consuming non-perceptual amounts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms
- Macrodosing: Consuming higher doses for a full psychedelic experience
- Safety: Understanding harm reduction practices and potential interactions with other substances
- Species and Strains: Different species and strains of mushrooms vary in strength and effects
- Form and Consumption: Methods of consuming mushrooms, including fresh or dried, and in food or pill form
Microdosing: Consuming non-perceptual amounts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms
Microdosing involves consuming small, non-perceptual amounts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. This means that you do not feel or perceive any of the mind-altering effects of the mushroom. However, you may feel subtle effects like a boost in mood or energy. The intention is to achieve subtle enhancements in mood, creativity, focus, and emotional resilience while maintaining the ability to engage in normal daily activities like work and socializing.
The weight of the dose will depend on whether the mushrooms are fresh or dried. Wet mushrooms have more water weight than dried mushrooms. A microdose is typically defined as 5-10% of a standard psychoactive dose, which is generally estimated to be between 0.1 and 0.3 grams (100 to 300 mg) of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. However, it is important to note that there is no precise definition of "microdosing," and the upper limit of a microdose has been debated. One source suggests that 0.7 grams exceeds the commonly considered upper limit of a microdose.
It is crucial to prioritize safety when microdosing mushrooms. Always purchase mushrooms from a trusted source, as it is very easy to poison oneself with the wrong type of mushroom. Even if the mushrooms are correctly identified, consuming too large of a dose can result in a terrifying or even traumatic experience. Start with a very low dose and exercise extreme caution, especially if you are new to microdosing.
Some people combine microdosing with other substances, such as Lion's Mane Mushroom or Niacin (Vitamin B3), which are believed to enhance the neurogenerative potential of psilocybin. However, it is important to never combine magic mushrooms with other substances without proper knowledge of potential interactions. For example, avoid mixing mushrooms with alcohol or medications.
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Macrodosing: Consuming higher doses for a full psychedelic experience
Macrodosing involves consuming higher doses of psilocybin-containing mushrooms to induce a full psychedelic experience. This experience can be intense and is often referred to as a "trip". It is important to approach macrodosing with caution and to prioritize safety.
When macrodosing, it is crucial to accurately weigh the mushrooms to ensure the desired effect. A micro digital scale can help with this. The weight of the dose will depend on whether the mushrooms are fresh or dried, as wet mushrooms have more water weight. The typical dose for a full psychedelic experience is between 1 and 2 grams of dried mushrooms, but this can vary depending on the strain of mushrooms and individual factors.
It is recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase if desired, as everyone's reaction to magic mushrooms can vary greatly. It is also important to plan your dose in advance and wait at least two hours before re-dosing. Tripping on a full stomach can cause nausea, so it is advised to eat something 1-2 hours beforehand.
Macrodosing should be done in a safe, supervised setting, and it is not advisable to take a high dose unless you have a trusted companion and are in a comfortable environment. It is also essential to identify the correct mushrooms, as many wild mushrooms are not edible and can be harmful. Combining magic mushrooms with other substances, including alcohol and medications, should be avoided, as it can lead to unpredictable interactions and negative experiences.
Psychedelics can cause a profound shift in perception, and it is recommended to leave at least three months between trips to allow for full processing and recovery from the experience. It is beneficial to have a support system or people to talk to about your experience, especially if it was challenging.
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Safety: Understanding harm reduction practices and potential interactions with other substances
When considering the use of psychedelics and plant medicines, it is important to follow the mantra of 'safety first'. Understanding dosage is a key component of harm reduction. Different species of psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms vary in strength and effects, and there are many ways to dose mushrooms to produce a variety of experiences.
Harm Reduction Practices
- Start with a low dose: If desired, the dose can be increased once the effects of the original dose are known.
- Trip sitter: One of the most common harm reduction practices is to have a trip sitter, someone who isn't tripping and can look out for you during your experience. A trip sitter can help ensure your safety and comfort.
- Safe, supervised setting: It is not advisable to take a high dose unless you have a safe, supervised setting to take them in.
- Weighing your dose: Unless you are buying pre-made, pre-measured psilocybin-containing products, you will need a micro digital scale to help you accurately weigh your dose.
- Stay hydrated: Avoid alcoholic beverages and other substances or medications that may interact negatively with psilocybin.
- Tolerance: Tolerance to psilocybin builds rather rapidly and diminishes quickly after use. When consuming magic mushrooms, assess your experience at the 60 to 90-minute mark to determine if you would like to consume more. After this additional 60-90 minute window, your tolerance will build to any additional psilocybin.
Interactions with Other Substances
Psychedelic Support advises against combining magic mushrooms with other substances without proper knowledge of potential interactions. For example, there is an article about psilocybin and SSRIs that may be worth reading.
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Species and Strains: Different species and strains of mushrooms vary in strength and effects
The Psilocybe genus is the most popular and well-known, with at least 245 different species. Psilocybe cubensis, also known as "Golden Teachers," is one of the most well-known strains of psilocybin mushrooms. It is commonly found in the southern and central regions of the United States, as well as in Mexico and Central and South America. This strain is typically larger in size, with caps that can reach up to 8 cm in diameter, and is known for its golden-yellow caps and its ability to provide users with deep insights and introspection.
Psilocybe semilanceata has effects similar to Psilocybe cubensis, but they may be more intense due to the smaller size of the mushrooms. Psilocybe cyanescens, also known as "wavy caps," are potent psilocybin mushrooms found in the Pacific West region of the United States and Canada. These mushrooms are often smaller but contain higher levels of psilocybin and psilocin, the psychoactive compounds in magic mushrooms.
The B+ strain of Psilocybe mushrooms is known for its large, meaty caps and thick stems. It is a potent strain that can provide users with intense visuals and a strong sense of euphoria. The Penis Envy strain is a unique and potent strain with a distinct appearance, including a thick, bulbous cap and a short stem. This strain is known for its strong visual hallucinations and its ability to induce deep introspection.
Psilocybe azurescens is the most potent out of all the Psilocybe species, containing the highest psilocybin content at 1.78%. Consuming these mushrooms can lead to intense visual experiences, heavy physical sensations, and profound changes to one's perception of reality at moderate to high doses.
It is important to distinguish between edible and non-edible mushrooms, as some species contain compounds that are toxic and can cause negative health effects, including upset stomach and organ failure. Additionally, wild mushrooms should be identified correctly, as some can cause irreversible damage.
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Form and Consumption: Methods of consuming mushrooms, including fresh or dried, and in food or pill form
Magic mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including fresh, dried, and in food or pill form. Here are some common methods of consumption:
Fresh Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms can be consumed directly, but some people may find their bitter taste unpleasant. It is important to distinguish between psychedelic mushrooms and non-edible mushrooms, as some wild-growing mushrooms can be harmful or even poisonous. Always identify the correct mushrooms before consuming them.
Dried Mushrooms
Drying the mushrooms is a common method of consumption. The mushrooms can be eaten as whole pieces or ground into a powder. Dried mushrooms are often preferred as they have a longer shelf life and a more concentrated form of the active compounds.
Tea
Psilocybin mushroom tea is a popular method of consumption. The dried mushrooms are steeped in hot water, and the tea is then consumed. This method allows for faster absorption and can produce effects within 20 to 40 minutes. The effects can last up to 6 hours, with the intensity lessening over time.
Food and Chocolate
Mushrooms can be added to food items to mask their bitter taste. They can be mixed into baked goods, chocolates, or other substances. Some people consume fresh mushrooms covered in chocolate. It is important to note that consuming mushrooms with food may delay the onset of effects, as it takes time for the body to digest the food and absorb the active compounds.
Capsules and Pills
Dried mushrooms can also be ground into a fine powder and placed into capsules or pills for easier consumption. This method provides a more precise dosage and avoids the bitter taste associated with other forms of consumption.
Microdosing
Microdosing involves consuming small, non-perceptual amounts of mushrooms. The typical microdose ranges from 100 mg to 250 mg of dried mushrooms, taken across dosing days and days off. Microdosing does not produce full-blown psychedelic effects but may provide subtle enhancements in mood and energy levels.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on dosage, individual physiology, environment, and mindset. Always start with a low dose and gradually increase if needed. Additionally, leave adequate time between trips to fully process and recover from the experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no one-size-fits-all dosage for magic mushrooms. An appropriate dose will vary from person to person and depend on factors such as brain chemistry, physical composition, sleep, and diet. The general rule of thumb is to start with a low dose and increase gradually. A low dose of around 1 gram of dried mushrooms is typically considered a good starting point, while a microdose is usually between 0.1 and 0.9 grams.
The effects of magic mushrooms are highly dependent on context and individual factors. The type of mushroom, its potency, and the method of consumption all play a role. Additionally, your mindset, mood, personality, and previous experiences can significantly influence your trip. It's important to be mindful of these variables and prioritize safety when dosing magic mushrooms.
It's important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. Allow at least 30 to 60 minutes between each increase to gauge the effects. Always be mindful of your comfort level and surroundings, and avoid combining with other substances unless you have proper knowledge of potential interactions. The effects of magic mushrooms can be profound, so it's crucial to approach dosage increases with caution.
