John Miller
LSD and magic mushrooms are both classified as psychedelics, and while they share similarities, they produce very different experiences. Both substances are considered to have low toxicity and a low risk of physical dependence, but their misuse can pose dangers, particularly concerning mental health. While psilocybin mushrooms occur naturally, LSD is a semi-synthetic compound derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. The effects of magic mushrooms are often described as more grounded in nature, with users reporting vivid visual hallucinations, an altered sense of time, profound emotional experiences, and a sense of connectedness to the environment. On the other hand, LSD is known for its more intense and mind-expanding effects, with stronger hallucinations and cognitive distortions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural/synthetic | Mushrooms are natural, LSD is synthetic |
| Duration of effects | Mushrooms: 4-6 hours, LSD: 6-12 hours |
| Intensity | LSD is more intense, with stronger visual hallucinations |
| Type of experience | Mushrooms: more grounded, emotional, and introspective; LSD: more mind-expanding and cerebral |
| Addiction | LSD can lead to behavioral addiction and psychological dependence |
| Risk of overdose | Yes, it is possible to overdose on LSD |
| Form | Mushrooms are eaten or brewed into tea; LSD is a liquid chemical, usually dropped on paper or sugar cubes |
| Legality | In the U.S., both mushrooms and LSD are classified as Schedule I drugs, but some states have moved towards decriminalization |
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What You'll Learn
Dosage and duration
The dosage and duration of a substance are important factors to consider when comparing the effects of LSD and mushrooms.
Dosage
When it comes to dosage, both LSD and mushrooms can produce similar subjective effects in users, even at equivalent doses. A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that healthy individuals given moderate to high doses of LSD, psilocybin, or mescaline reported extremely similar acute subjective effects. Many participants were unable to identify the drug they had been given during any one administration session.
However, it is worth noting that the side effects of LSD can be unpredictable and vary depending on the person's experience with the drug. Additionally, it typically takes far less LSD than psilocybin to produce psychedelic effects, making it easier to ingest more LSD than intended.
Duration
In terms of duration, LSD typically lasts longer than psilocybin mushrooms. An LSD trip can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, while a mushroom trip usually lasts around 4 to 6 hours. This longer duration of LSD can result in more intense cerebral experiences, often involving deep thought patterns and vivid visual hallucinations.
It is important to note that the duration of the effects can vary from person to person, and factors such as whether the substances are taken on a full or empty stomach can also influence the onset and duration of the effects.
Combining LSD and Mushrooms
Some people may consider combining LSD and mushrooms to enhance the intensity of the experience. However, it is important to exercise caution when doing so as it can increase the risk of a bad trip or overdose. It is recommended to start with low doses of each substance and monitor their effects. Additionally, planning and setting aside doses while sober can help ensure that one does not inadvertently take too much.
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Method of consumption
The method of consumption for LSD and magic mushrooms differs. Magic mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi, while LSD is a synthetic drug.
Magic mushrooms are typically dried and eaten raw, either alone or mixed with food or drinks. They may also be brewed into a tea or coated with chocolate to disguise their bitter taste. Mushrooms can be fresh or dried, and they are always taken by mouth.
LSD, on the other hand, is a liquid chemical. It is usually dropped onto small squares of paper or sugar cubes, or directly into the mouth. It is also sold in the form of drops dried onto gelatin sheets or pieces of blotting paper. LSD is sometimes taken from a dropper, but it is more commonly applied to small tabs of paper that dissolve in the mouth. It is also available in tablet and capsule form.
It is important to note that neither LSD nor mushrooms are snorted or smoked. However, there have been rare and dangerous reports of people injecting LSD intravenously.
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Psychological effects
While LSD and magic mushrooms share some psychological effects, they also have distinct differences. Both substances are hallucinogenic and can induce altered states of consciousness and perception. However, the differences in their chemical composition and how they are consumed result in varied psychological experiences and risks for users.
LSD is a synthetic substance derived from a fungus that grows on rye, while magic mushrooms are natural and contain the naturally occurring psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. LSD primarily affects serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor, leading to profound changes in mood, cognition, and perception. It is known for producing highly visual and mind-bending experiences, sometimes involving complex thought patterns, distorted reality, and shifts in consciousness. The effects of LSD tend to be longer-lasting than those of magic mushrooms, with trips lasting 8 to 12 hours compared to 4 to 6 hours for mushrooms. This longer duration can result in more intense cerebral experiences, often involving deep thought patterns and vivid visual hallucinations. LSD trips can also be more unpredictable, with some users experiencing severe and terrifying thoughts, fear of losing control, or fear of insanity and death. These "bad trips" can cause paranoia, confusion, or fear, leading to psychological distress and potential harm. The intensity and duration of LSD's effects also make it more likely to cause psychological discomfort or anxiety.
In contrast, magic mushrooms tend to produce a more grounded, emotional, and spiritual experience. Users often feel a deeper connection to nature, their emotions, and their surroundings. While magic mushrooms can induce strong visual effects, especially at higher doses, they are generally considered to provide a more fluid sense of reality. However, bad trips on magic mushrooms can occur and may involve confusion, anxiety, or frightening hallucinations. Psilocybin mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, but regular use can lead to psychological dependency and increased tolerance, making it easier to develop a substance use disorder.
Both substances carry the risk of psychological complications, including the potential for unpleasant trips involving paranoia or fear. While these effects typically wear off within 24 hours, some individuals may experience lingering distress or develop hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), resulting in recurring hallucinations or "flashbacks" long after the initial psychedelic experience. Additionally, both LSD and magic mushrooms can lead to psychological dependency and substance use disorders with prolonged use.
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Physical effects
LSD and magic mushrooms (shrooms) are both hallucinogens that can cause a range of physical and psychological effects. While they produce similar effects, there are some key differences in their physical impacts.
One of the most notable differences in the physical effects of LSD and shrooms is the type of experience they provide. Shrooms are known to produce more of a whole-body experience, while an LSD trip is predominantly cerebral. Shrooms are associated with a more fluid" sense of reality and can provide more emotional and spiritual insight. On the other hand, LSD is often described as having a more intense and mind-expanding effect, with stronger visual hallucinations and cognitive distortions, especially at higher doses.
In terms of physical effects, both substances can cause an increased heart rate. Additionally, shrooms have been found to induce higher diastolic blood pressure readings compared to LSD. Shrooms have also been shown to change the function of smooth muscles of the heart, lungs, and glands, as well as impacting motor reflexes.
Both LSD and shrooms can lead to what is commonly known as a ""bad trip""", where the effects become scary and anxiety-inducing. During a bad trip, individuals may experience paranoia, fear, panic, psychosis, or aggression. These negative experiences can put users or those around them at risk of physical harm. It is important to note that the risk of a bad trip may be influenced by the user's mindset and environment before ingestion.
While both substances have low toxicity and low potential for physical dependence, there are some physical health risks associated with their use. Chronic users of LSD and shrooms may develop hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which involves recurring hallucinations or "flashbacks" that can last for weeks, months, or even years after ingestion. Additionally, excessive consumption of shrooms can lead to physical side effects such as loss of coordination, dizziness, and slurred speech.
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Addiction and tolerance
While LSD and psilocybin mushrooms are both considered to have a low risk of addiction, they can both lead to substance use disorder if not taken seriously. There is a possibility of psychological dependence and behavioural addiction with both substances. Users can become addicted to the hallucinations and the feelings of pleasure associated with the drugs, leading to compulsive patterns of use.
LSD is not considered physically addictive, but the body can quickly develop a tolerance, with users needing to take higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can increase the risk of a "bad trip" and adverse psychological side effects, as well as the risk of overdose. Tolerance to LSD is believed to result from serotonin 5-HT2A receptor downregulation. It is thought that tolerance returns to baseline after a few days to a couple of weeks of not using psychedelics.
Psilocybin mushrooms also carry the risk of developing a tolerance, and this can lead to cross-tolerance with other hallucinogens, such as LSD. However, mushrooms are not considered to have the same addictive properties as more commonly abused substances. Treatment for addiction to psilocybin mushrooms may include individual counselling or group therapy, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Both substances have been associated with a rare condition called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where individuals experience flashbacks of past trips for weeks, months, or even years after use. Regular users with pre-existing mental disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing HPPD.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are typically dried and eaten or brewed into tea, whereas LSD is a liquid chemical that is usually dropped on small squares of paper, sugar cubes, or straight into the mouth. Mushrooms produce more of a whole-body experience, whereas an LSD trip is largely cerebral.
While it is difficult to determine a safe dosage for a person's body composition due to the potency of both drugs, it typically takes far less LSD than psilocybin to produce psychedelic effects. As a result, it is easier to ingest more LSD than one can handle, which may explain why there are generally more reports of "bad" LSD trips.
Both substances present few major risks, but there are some potential physical and psychological complications to be aware of. There is a risk of having an unpleasant trip involving paranoia or fear, and some people experience lingering distress. Both substances have also been associated with hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where people experience recurring hallucinations or "flashbacks" after a psychedelic experience.
