Sarah Brown
The use of hallucinogens is risky because they are illegal drugs, and it is difficult to know what you are buying or using. The two most common hallucinogens are LSD and magic mushrooms, but their effects differ greatly. Mushrooms produce more of a whole-body experience, whereas an LSD trip is largely cerebral. As a result, the set and setting are even more essential to an LSD experience. People tend to report more extreme experiences with LSD, and it is easy to take too much, which can lead to a bad trip. However, mushrooms are not completely harmless, and there is a risk of accidental injury, panic, confusion, and fear of losing one's mind. Both substances can lead to substance use disorder if not taken seriously.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural or man-made | LSD is a man-made chemical compound. Magic mushrooms are naturally grown. |
| Common names | LSD: acid, lysergic acid diethylamide. Mushrooms: shrooms, magic mushrooms, psilocybin mushrooms. |
| Form | LSD: crystalline substance, diluted into a liquid form, capsules, tablets, gelatin sheets, blotted paper, liquid droppers. Mushrooms: dried, raw, brewed into tea, mixed with food or drinks, coated with chocolate. |
| Dosage | It typically takes less LSD than psilocybin to produce psychedelic effects. |
| Duration of effects | Mushrooms: up to 6 hours. LSD: up to 10 hours. |
| Effects | Mushrooms: more of a whole-body experience, vivid visual hallucinations, altered sense of time, profound emotional experiences, a sense of connectedness to the environment. LSD: largely cerebral, intense hallucinations and emotional experiences, altered states of consciousness, a sense of time distortion. |
| Safety | Both are generally considered safe when used responsibly and in a controlled environment. Mushrooms are considered safer than LSD according to a Global Drug Survey. |
| Medical treatment | Of the more than 12,000 people who reported taking psilocybin mushrooms in 2016, 0.2% said they needed emergency medical treatment. Of the almost 10,000 LSD consumers who took part in the GDS 2017 survey, around 1% reported seeking emergency medical treatment. |
| Addiction | Regular recreational use of LSD can lead to behavioral addiction or psychological dependence. |
| Overdose | It is possible to overdose on LSD, although deaths due to overdose are rare. Overdose on psilocybin mushrooms is extremely rare. |
| Legality | Both are illegal drugs. |
| Risks | Hallucinogens affect judgement and coordination. There is a risk of a bad trip involving paranoia, fear, confusion, anxiety, or frightening hallucinations. There is a risk of accidental injury, panic, short-lived confusion, disorientation, and fear of losing one's mind. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are the safest recreational drug, according to a survey
- LSD is a man-made chemical compound, while mushrooms are natural
- Mushrooms produce a whole-body experience, while LSD is largely cerebral
- Both substances can lead to substance use disorder if not taken seriously
- LSD can be easier to overdose on as it's harder to gauge the dosage
Magic mushrooms are the safest recreational drug, according to a survey
Magic mushrooms and LSD are both classified as hallucinogens or psychedelics, which significantly alter sensory experiences, emotional states, and thought processes. They are also both known to induce altered states of consciousness, vivid visual hallucinations, and a sense of time distortion. However, the two drugs differ in their chemical composition, sources, and effects on the brain. Mushrooms produce more of a whole-body experience, whereas an LSD trip is largely cerebral. As a result, the concepts of "set" and "setting" are more important for LSD users than mushroom users.
While magic mushrooms are considered safer than other recreational drugs, they are not completely harmless. Magic mushrooms can induce altered states of consciousness, and while many users report profound and positive experiences, there is a risk of a ""bad trip". Bad trips on mushrooms might involve confusion, anxiety, or frightening hallucinations. Combining magic mushrooms with alcohol and using them in risky or unfamiliar settings can increase the risk of harm, including accidental injury, panic, short-lived confusion, disorientation, and fear of losing one's mind.
It is also important to note that using hallucinogens is always risky due to their illegal status. The substances obtained may be contaminated or mixed with other unknown substances. Additionally, hallucinogens can affect an individual's relationships with others and may trigger mental health problems or interact with mental health medications.
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LSD is a man-made chemical compound, while mushrooms are natural
LSD and magic mushrooms are both classified as hallucinogens or psychedelics, significantly altering sensory experiences, emotional states, and thought processes. However, they differ in their chemical composition, sources, and effects on the brain.
LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a man-made chemical compound derived from ergot, a type of fungus that grows on rye. It is synthesized into a white or crystalline substance and then typically diluted into a liquid form due to its potency. LSD is a synthetic compound, heavily popularized for its hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects. It induces intense hallucinations and emotional experiences that can be overwhelming, especially for those with a history of mental health issues. A ""bad trip"" on LSD can lead to paranoia, confusion, or fear, resulting in psychological distress and potential harm. While LSD is not considered physically toxic, its disorienting effects can lead to dangerous behavior if the user is not in a safe environment.
On the other hand, magic mushrooms are natural and contain the active compound psilocybin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. They are wild mushrooms that are typically dried and eaten raw or brewed into tea. Psilocybin mushrooms are known for providing a calming high and spiritual experience. While they can induce altered states of consciousness, many users report profound and positive experiences. However, bad trips on mushrooms can occur and may involve confusion, anxiety, or frightening hallucinations.
In terms of safety, magic mushrooms are considered one of the safest recreational drugs. In a survey, a small percentage of mushroom users reported seeking emergency medical treatment, significantly less than those who used LSD. Mushrooms are generally non-toxic, and overdose is rare. However, there are risks associated with misidentifying mushrooms in the wild, and individuals with a history of mental health disorders should avoid their use as they can exacerbate symptoms.
While LSD and mushrooms share similarities, their differences in chemical composition and sources result in distinct experiences and safety profiles. It is important to understand the effects of these substances and their potential risks to ensure responsible and informed use.
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Mushrooms produce a whole-body experience, while LSD is largely cerebral
While both LSD and magic mushrooms are classified as psychedelics, they differ in their chemical composition, sources, and effects on the brain. Mushrooms produce a more whole-body experience, while LSD is largely cerebral.
Magic mushrooms are naturally grown and well-known for providing a calming high and spiritual experience. Psilocybe mushrooms, specifically, contain the active compound psilocybin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, influencing mood, perception, and consciousness. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are often described as more grounded in nature, with users reporting vivid visual hallucinations, altered sense of time, profound emotional experiences, and a sense of connectedness to the environment. However, excessive consumption of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to behavioural issues such as aggression, violence, and risky behaviour. Additionally, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms in the wild, which can lead to poisoning and accidental ingestion of toxic fungi.
On the other hand, LSD is a synthetic compound derived from ergot, a type of fungus that grows on rye. It is a man-made chemical compound heavily popularised for its hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects. LSD induces intense hallucinations and emotional experiences that can be overwhelming, especially for individuals with a history of mental health issues. A "bad trip" on LSD can lead to paranoia, confusion, or fear, resulting in psychological distress and potentially harmful behaviour. While LSD is not considered physically toxic and does not typically lead to overdose, the disorienting effects can be dangerous if the user is not in a safe environment.
The differences in the onset time and duration of effects between mushrooms and LSD also contribute to their distinct experiences. Mushrooms usually take about an hour to kick in when consumed on an empty stomach and typically last for around 6 hours. LSD also takes about an hour to take effect but can last for up to 10 hours. Despite the longer duration, people often perceive LSD trips as proceeding at a more rapid pace than mushroom trips.
It is important to note that using hallucinogens always carries risks. Both mushrooms and LSD can lead to substance use disorder and psychological dependence if not used responsibly. Additionally, there is a risk of experiencing "bad trips" with either substance, which can be influenced by the mindset and environment of the user. To reduce risks, it is recommended to be mindful of your reasons for using hallucinogens, choose a trusted dealer, and consume these substances in a safe and calm environment.
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Both substances can lead to substance use disorder if not taken seriously
While LSD and magic mushrooms are generally considered safe for most people when used responsibly and in a controlled environment, they can lead to substance use disorder if not taken seriously. Both substances are classified as psychedelics, which alter sensory experiences, emotional states, and thought processes. They can induce hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and a sense of time distortion.
LSD and magic mushrooms can affect individuals differently, and it is challenging to determine a safe dosage due to their potency. It is easier to ingest more LSD than intended, as it typically takes less LSD than psilocybin mushrooms to produce psychedelic effects. This can lead to a ""bad trip,"" which involves paranoia, fear, confusion, or anxiety. These negative experiences can be mitigated by understanding the effects of these substances and taking them in a calm and safe environment.
Regular recreational use of LSD can lead to behavioural addiction or psychological dependence. Repeated use can result in drug tolerance, causing users to consume larger doses and potentially leading to overdose. While overdose on magic mushrooms is rare, excessive consumption can cause aggression, violence, and risky behaviour.
It is important to note that using hallucinogens is inherently risky due to their illegal status. There is a lack of certainty about the substances being purchased and consumed. Additionally, hallucinogens can impact relationships and impair judgment and coordination. Individuals with a history of mental health issues should exercise caution, as hallucinogens may trigger symptoms or interact with mental health medications.
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LSD can be easier to overdose on as it's harder to gauge the dosage
Although both LSD and magic mushrooms are classified as hallucinogens or psychedelics, they differ in their chemical composition, sources, and effects on the brain. Both substances are commonly used recreationally, with magic mushrooms being the most used psychedelic drug, and LSD coming in at a close second.
When it comes to safety, magic mushrooms are considered one of the safest drugs in the world, with a very low rate of people needing emergency medical treatment. On the other hand, LSD is a potent drug that can be easier to overdose on due to the difficulty in gauging the dosage. LSD is often broken down and mixed with other substances, making it available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, blotted paper, and liquid droppers. As a result, it can be challenging to determine how much LSD one is consuming, especially when buying from different sources where the potency of the tabs can vary widely.
This unpredictability of dosage can lead to accidental ingestion of larger amounts of LSD than intended, which can result in a "bad trip". A bad trip on LSD can include intense hallucinations and emotional experiences that are overwhelming, especially for individuals with a history of mental health issues. The disorienting effects of LSD can also lead to dangerous behavior if the user is not in a safe environment.
While it is rare for someone to overdose on LSD and die, there have been cases where individuals have needed to be hospitalized due to erratic behavior caused by ingesting a large amount of LSD. For example, a 15-year-old female accidentally ingested more than 1,000 micrograms of LSD at a party and exhibited erratic behavior, requiring overnight hospitalization.
In summary, while both LSD and magic mushrooms can produce hallucinogenic effects, LSD carries a higher risk of accidental overdose due to the difficulty in accurately dosing the substance. This unpredictability of dosage can lead to "bad trips" and potentially harmful situations for the user. It is important for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with LSD use and to prioritize harm reduction practices when choosing to consume these substances.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Global Drug Survey, magic mushrooms are the safest of all the drugs people take recreationally. Of the more than 12,000 people who reported taking psilocybin hallucinogenic mushrooms in 2016, just 0.2% said they needed emergency medical treatment. However, it is important to note that any use of hallucinogens is risky due to their illegality and the potential impact on mental and physical health.
LSD can induce intense hallucinations and emotional experiences that can be overwhelming, especially for those with a history of mental health issues. A ""bad trip"" can cause paranoia, confusion, or fear, which can be psychologically distressing and potentially harmful. It is also possible to overdose on LSD, although deaths due to overdose are rare.
Like LSD, magic mushrooms can induce altered states of consciousness, and while many users report profound and positive experiences, there is a risk of a "bad trip" involving confusion, anxiety, or frightening hallucinations. It is extremely rare to overdose on magic mushrooms, and they are not known to cause long-term physical harm or organ damage. However, there can be risks associated with misidentifying mushrooms in the wild.
If you choose to take LSD or magic mushrooms, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risks. It is important to be in a safe and familiar environment, and to be with people you trust. Avoid mixing with other substances such as alcohol or cannabis, and do not drive or operate machinery. It is also important to know your dealer and check your drugs if possible.
