Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms or psilocybin mushrooms, are one of the most popular hallucinogenic recreational drugs. They have been used since 9000 BC to induce a trance and produce visions. When trying magic mushrooms for the first time, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects, which can include hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. It is also important to have a positive mindset and to be in a safe and comfortable environment. Having a friend around, especially someone who has previously tried mushrooms, can be beneficial. It is recommended to start with a small dose and gradually increase, as it can be overwhelming for first-time users. Additionally, it is crucial to stay hydrated and prepare any items you may need during the trip, such as water, music, and snacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dosage | 1 gram is a light dose, 2-4 grams is a moderate to strong recreational dose, and 4 grams and above is an intense or spiritual dose. |
| Duration | A mushroom trip takes several hours. |
| Food and Drink | It is important to eat and drink during a trip. It is recommended to not eat anything for at least 3 hours beforehand to reduce the chance of nausea. During the trip, it is suggested to have water, cola, fruit juice, and snacks. |
| Set and Setting | It is important to be in a positive mindset and comfortable environment. Having a tripsitter or guide is recommended to prevent bad trips and enhance the experience. |
| Preparation | Research the specific variety of mushrooms and their effects. Weigh the mushrooms carefully, as the dosage can vary with fresh and dried mushrooms. |
| Risks | There is a risk of a ""bad trip" or negative experience, especially with higher dosages. It is not advised to take mushrooms if there is a personal or family history of psychotic disorders. Mushroom poisoning can be deadly, with Amanitin being the most serious toxin. |
| Benefits | Psilocybin in mushrooms can produce mystical or peak experiences and has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your mindset and environment
Prepare your mindset
The mindset you enter a psychedelic experience with is called the "set". It includes your thoughts, mood, and expectations. A positive mindset increases the likelihood of a smooth journey. To cultivate a calm state of mind, you can try meditation, yoga, journaling, making art, or spending time in nature. Setting intentions and managing expectations can also positively impact the experience. Ask yourself questions and challenge yourself on things you'd like to improve in your life. Surrender to the experience and don't resist it, as this can create a "bad trip". The fewer expectations you have, the less anxious you'll be.
Prepare your environment
The physical and social environment in which you take mushrooms is called the "setting". This can include the people you choose to be around, the music you listen to, the movies you watch, and the art you look at. Choose a comfortable and familiar indoor space, and ensure you have somewhere to lie down. Clear your schedule and consider having a "trip sitter", a friend, family member, or professional who can ensure you have a safe experience. If you're outdoors, be attentive to risks in the environment and have someone who can "trip sit" and keep tabs on you.
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Know the risks
While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, they are still illegal in most places. In the US, for example, they are classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning that they are considered to have a high potential for misuse and no accepted medical use. Magic mushrooms are also illegal in Canada.
Physical and Psychological Risks
The biggest risk associated with magic mushrooms is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms, which can make you severely ill and even kill you. Poisoning symptoms may include muscle spasms, confusion, delirium, and in some cases, organ damage. It's important to only purchase mushrooms from an established guide or grower that can be trusted.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary widely and can be unpredictable. They generally begin within 30-45 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. Early effects typically include nausea and excessive yawning, followed by a range of psychological effects. A "trip" can be mild, leaving a person feeling drowsy or relaxed, but higher doses or stronger mushrooms can lead to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. Too large a dose can lead to a long-term mental health condition called psychosis.
Some people may also experience a ""bad trip" or "flashbacks," which can be terrifying and include panic attacks and fears of death. The risk of a bad trip is increased by taking higher doses, having feelings of anxiety before taking the mushrooms, or combining them with other drugs. Combining magic mushrooms with certain psychiatric medications can also lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition.
It's important to note that while magic mushrooms may not be physically addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance, meaning that even high amounts will no longer produce the desired effect.
Reducing Risks
To reduce the risks associated with magic mushrooms, it's important to be careful about the amount consumed and the environment in which they are taken. Taking magic mushrooms in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment with trusted friends can contribute to a positive experience. Being in a good state of mind and ensuring a safe environment before taking magic mushrooms reduces the risk of a bad trip.
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Understand the effects
It's important to understand the effects of psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "shrooms" or "magic mushrooms", before you try them. Mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can cause a range of psychological and perceptual effects. They can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, mood, cognition, and perception. The effects of mushrooms usually begin within 20 to 50 minutes of consumption and can last for 3 to 6 hours. The duration of the effects depends on various factors, including the dosage, the method of consumption, and individual differences.
The psychological effects of mushrooms can vary widely, ranging from euphoria and sensory distortion to feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and fear. Some people may experience a "bad trip", which can include terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. It's worth noting that the risk of a bad trip may be influenced by factors such as mental health, setting, quantity consumed, and expectations. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe environment can reduce the risk of a bad trip.
In terms of perceptual changes, mushrooms can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, where people see or hear things that aren't there or are distorted. These hallucinations can sometimes be disturbing. Mushrooms can also distort how people perceive objects and people in their environment. It's important to note that some people who regularly use mushrooms may experience flashbacks, known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), where they relive parts of a previous mushroom experience. These flashbacks can be triggered by various factors and can be disturbing, especially if they involve frightening hallucinations or distortions.
The physical effects of mushrooms are typically mild or moderate and may include delayed headaches that usually last less than a day. However, in rare cases, people have experienced serious medical complications, such as systemic mycological infections, requiring hospitalization. It's important to be cautious when consuming mushrooms, as they can be easily mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness or even death.
While the risk of addiction to psilocybin is considered low, regular use may lead to tolerance, where the drug has little to no effect over time. Long-term use has been associated with potential alterations in brain chemistry, specifically the serotonin system, which regulates mood, emotions, and cognitive functions. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these changes and their potential impact on long-term mental health.
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Dose safely
It is important to dose safely when trying mushrooms. Here are some key considerations:
Know the Risks
Psychedelic mushrooms, often called "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", contain hallucinogenic drugs called psilocybin, psilocin, or psilocin. They can cause a range of effects, from mild feelings of drowsiness or relaxation to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. Too high a dose can lead to a long-term mental health condition called psychosis. In rare cases, a very large dose can even be fatal. Additionally, some mushrooms are extremely poisonous, so it is crucial to correctly identify the type of mushroom before consuming it.
Prepare Your Environment
The environment in which you take mushrooms is crucial to the experience. Choose a calm, quiet, and relaxed setting, as a noisy or crowded place may lead to a negative experience. Ensure you are in a safe, comfortable, and familiar space where you have somewhere to lie down if needed. Some people prefer being in nature during their trip, but this may cause anxiety for others. It is also important to prepare any items you may need during your trip, such as water, a place to use the restroom, music, and a notebook.
Have a Trip Sitter
It is highly recommended to have a "trip sitter", or a sober companion, during your mushroom experience. This person can be a trusted friend, family member, or a paid professional guide. They should ideally have experience with mushrooms and can help ensure your safety and provide support if any challenges arise.
Start with a Low Dose
A typical perceptual dose of psilocybin ranges from one to five grams of dried mushrooms. One gram is considered a low dose and will produce noticeable effects. Ingesting five grams is considered a significant or "heroic" dose. It is important to remember that psilocybin levels vary from strain to strain and with each harvest, so it is challenging to know the exact amount of psilocybin in your mushrooms unless they are laboratory-tested.
Avoid Mixing Substances
Combining magic mushrooms with other substances, including over-the-counter or prescription medications, can lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects. Mixing mushrooms with certain drugs, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic. Additionally, mushrooms should not be taken by individuals on psychiatric medications as they could trigger a relapse or worsen their condition.
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Plan your trip
Psychedelic mushrooms can distort your sense of reality and affect your judgment, so it is important to plan your trip carefully. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Set and setting: Choose a safe, peaceful, and comfortable environment for your trip. Make sure you have everything you need, such as water, a place to use the restroom, music, and anything else that might help you feel relaxed and at ease. Some people like to have a notebook and markers to document their journey. If you plan to be outdoors, consider the potential risks of your environment and how long you will be outside.
Mindset: Having a positive mindset is crucial to a good mushroom trip. Make sure you are in the right frame of mind before taking mushrooms. Engage in practices that help you feel calm, such as spending time in nature, meditation, yoga, journaling, making art, or speaking to loved ones. Reflect on your intentions for the trip and be open to the experience.
Company: It is generally not recommended to trip alone. Consider having a sober friend or "trip sitter" who can watch over you, especially if it is your first time. Choose someone you trust and feel comfortable with. If you do trip alone, have a plan for support, such as keeping a friend on speed dial or using an app like Fireside Project.
Preparation: Take at least one day off work before your trip and allow yourself time afterward to process the experience. Put your phone away to minimize distractions. Be kind to yourself and create space for reflection and stillness.
Safety: Know the risks and potential side effects of mushroom use. Understand your family history and be aware that psilocybin can trigger psychotic episodes in those prone to them. Avoid mixing mushrooms with other substances, including cannabis and alcohol, as this can change your experience in unpredictable ways. Do not operate any vehicles during your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
The effects of magic mushrooms, or shrooms, vary from person to person. Common short-term effects include a distorted sense of reality, an altered sense of time, hallucinations, and a feeling of euphoria. Some people also experience negative side effects such as nausea, dizziness, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness.
It is recommended to start with a small dose, especially if it is your first time. Take one cap, wait 20-40 minutes, and then decide if you want to take more. This way, you can gauge how you feel and gradually increase the intensity.
It is important to be in a positive mindset and a safe, comfortable environment. Avoid operating any vehicles as mushrooms alter your perception of reality and affect your judgment. Have a sober friend around, preferably someone who has experience with mushrooms, to watch over you. Make sure you have everything you need, such as water, music, and snacks.
Listen to music that feels right in the moment, and consider spending time in nature. Some people also enjoy looking in mirrors during their trip, as it can be a bizarre or profound experience. You may also want to bring a notebook to record your thoughts and experiences.
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