Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be eaten raw or cooked and have a savoury umami flavour. They are also a good source of potassium, vitamin B6, and selenium. In addition to their nutritional value, mushrooms can also be used as hallucinogens, inducing altered states of consciousness for spiritual exploration or insight into the human mind. However, it is important to exercise caution when consuming mushrooms, especially wild mushrooms, as some varieties can be poisonous. When consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, it is recommended to be in a safe environment and have a sober companion to avoid any potential risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effects | Hallucinogenic, psychedelic, visual, auditory, mental, physical, and gustatory effects |
| Duration | 8-12 hours |
| Dosage | Effects depend on the dosage, user's size, and other drugs taken |
| Side Effects | Fixation, paranoia, flashbacks, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Safety | Keep a sample of the mushroom for identification, avoid mixing drugs, do not drive |
| Legal Status | Illegal to possess, sell, or supply |
| Precautions | Test the mushrooms, use with a buddy, choose a safe environment, have a trip sitter |
| Activities | Listening to music, walking in nature, people-watching, art, raves |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking methods: sautéing, roasting, steaming, grilling, frying, and blending
Sautéing Mushrooms
To sauté mushrooms, start by cleaning and slicing or chopping them to your desired size, or leave them whole if they're not too large. Use a dry skillet heated just over medium heat (or a little higher if you're not using butter). If you want to add butter, add it now, followed by your mushrooms.
Let the mushrooms cook without stirring for 3 to 5 minutes, then stir and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until they're golden brown. When the liquid evaporates, continue cooking the mushrooms, stirring every 15 to 30 seconds for a couple of minutes. When the pan is dry, season with salt or truffle salt, pepper, and/or fresh herbs.
Roasting Mushrooms
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Clean your mushrooms with a damp paper towel, removing any hard stems. Chop them into 1/4-inch slices or, for larger mushrooms, cut them into 1/4-inch cubes. Toss the mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and transfer them to a foil-lined baking sheet, spreading them into an even layer.
Sprinkle thyme or rosemary sprigs on top and roast for about 15 minutes, until the mushrooms release their liquid. Drain this liquid into a separate container, as it can be used for cooking later. Return the mushrooms to the oven and roast for about 30 minutes more, or until they're browned but still tender. Discard the herbs, and toss the mushrooms with parsley, chives, or tarragon before serving.
Steaming Mushrooms
Prepare a steamer by filling a pot with a few inches of water and placing the steamer basket inside, ensuring the water doesn't touch the basket. You can also use a colander if you don't have a steamer basket. Chop your mushrooms into evenly sized pieces, and place them in the basket. Cover the pot and steam the mushrooms for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they're tender.
In a separate pan, melt some butter and sauté minced garlic until it's fragrant. Toss the steamed mushrooms in the garlic butter, season with salt and pepper, and finish with fresh parsley. You can also add an umami flavour to the garlic butter by adding soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Grilling Mushrooms
Thread your mushrooms onto skewers, alternating with sliced onions, peppers, or zucchini if desired. Brush the mushrooms with melted butter, dill, and garlic salt, then grill over medium-high heat until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Baste and turn the mushrooms every 5 minutes, and serve with grilled lemon wedges if desired.
Frying Mushrooms
Pan-frying mushrooms is a quick and easy option. Simply fry them in a pan with butter and black pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice.
Blending Mushrooms
Blending mushrooms with meat or meat alternatives is a great way to add flavour and texture to dishes like burgers, tacos, meatloaf, and pasta sauce. Finely chop your mushrooms, either by hand or using a food processor, and blend them with your choice of ground meat. Then, simply cook according to your recipe.
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Safe consumption: only eat store-bought mushrooms
It is important to remember that magic mushrooms are a Class A drug, and it is illegal to have them, give them away, or sell them. Possession can result in up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying someone, even friends, can lead to life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.
The biggest danger to your health when consuming magic mushrooms is accidentally eating a poisonous mushroom. There are many types of mushrooms, and some, like the fly agaric, can be deadly. If you have ingested poisonous mushrooms, you will soon know, and you must seek immediate medical attention.
To ensure safe consumption, only eat store-bought mushrooms. When buying mushrooms, it is essential to verify their safety. Test strips can be useful, but they only indicate the presence of a specific drug in the sample. Instead, consider using a drug-checking service, either community-based or provided by a health service provider. These services can determine the composition and strength of your drugs, identify potential contaminants, and offer harm reduction information about drug effects.
Additionally, always keep a sample of the mushroom you have consumed. In the event of an adverse reaction, having a sample will enable doctors to identify the mushroom and provide appropriate treatment.
It is also crucial to be mindful of your mental health when considering consuming magic mushrooms. These substances can worsen existing mental health issues and interact with mental health medications. If you or a family member has a history of mental health problems, it is advisable to refrain from using hallucinogens.
Safe consumption of magic mushrooms also involves avoiding the use of other substances concurrently. Mixing drugs, especially with cannabis and alcohol, can alter your experience in unpredictable ways. Furthermore, driving under the influence of hallucinogens is illegal and extremely dangerous, as your judgment and coordination may be significantly impaired.
Remember, the only way to guarantee you won't have a bad trip is to abstain from using hallucinogens altogether. If you choose to consume magic mushrooms, always do so responsibly and in a safe, peaceful environment.
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Tripping: find music that moves you and go somewhere safe
Tripping on magic mushrooms can be a profound experience, and it is important to ensure you are in a safe, peaceful place to ride it out. The effects of magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic, and they can alter your sense of reality, so it is crucial to be in a secure environment.
Before taking magic mushrooms, it is always a good idea to check your drugs. Test strips can be useful, but they are limited in what they can tell you. A drug-checking service can provide more detailed information on the composition and strength of your drugs, and they can also screen for contaminants.
Once you are tripping, music can be a great way to enhance the experience. Find music that moves you and put on your headphones. You can go anywhere, but it is best to avoid driving or operating any machinery. If you are in nature, a park or forest can be a great setting. Alternatively, you can stay at home and put on your favourite album.
It is important to remember that larger doses of mushrooms can cause unpredictable behaviour. You might find yourself fixating on certain things, or you could become emotional or paranoid. If you feel like you are having a bad trip, go to a quiet spot where you feel safe and can relax. Having a friend who is not tripping to talk to can also be helpful.
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Activities: walk in nature, rave, or people-watch
Walking in nature is a popular activity while on mushrooms. You can go to a park or a forest and explore the natural world around you. The fresh air and surroundings can provide a calming and immersive experience. If you want to stay in your home's comfort, try watching nature documentaries like Planet Earth or Fantastic Fungi. These shows offer breathtaking visuals and calming narratives that can deepen your connection to nature.
If you're feeling more adventurous, consider going to a rave. The combination of vibrant lights, music, and people can create an intense and exhilarating experience. You can also put on your favourite music and go for a walk. The familiar and beloved music can enhance your experience, providing a sense of comfort and joy.
People-watching is another interesting activity while on mushrooms. You can go out in public and observe the world around you. The interactions and behaviours of people can take on new meanings, offering a unique perspective on human nature. You can also choose to stay at home and people-watch from the comfort of your window, creating a safe and controlled environment for your trip.
It's important to remember that everyone's experience with mushrooms is unique, and it's always good to prioritise safety. Have a trusted companion with you or nearby, and ensure you're in a comfortable and safe environment.
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Safety: do not drive, and avoid mixing with other substances
While enjoying the effects of magic mushrooms, it is important to keep in mind that the drug can alter your sense of reality and affect your judgment. This makes activities such as driving extremely dangerous and illegal. If caught driving under the influence, you may be fined heavily, banned from driving, or even sent to prison.
It is also important to avoid mixing magic mushrooms with other substances. Using cannabis and alcohol while tripping can change your experience in unpredictable ways and can be extremely dangerous. Mixing drugs is always risky, but some mixtures are more dangerous than others. The effects of magic mushrooms are also dose-dependent, and larger doses can cause unpredictable behaviour, including fixation on certain things, emotional outbursts, or paranoia.
In addition, if you have any mental health issues, magic mushrooms can exacerbate them. Hallucinating can trigger symptoms of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, and hallucinogens may interact with mental health medications. Therefore, it is crucial to be in the right frame of mind and choose a safe, peaceful place to use magic mushrooms. It is also recommended to have a sober trip sitter or buddy who can help you if you experience a bad trip.
Finally, it is important to exercise caution when sourcing magic mushrooms. Always check your drugs and, if possible, use a drug-checking service to verify their composition and screen out potential contaminants. Buying mushrooms can be risky, as some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can cause severe illness or even death. Always keep an example of the mushroom you've eaten so that doctors can identify it in case of an emergency.
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Frequently asked questions
While on magic mushrooms, people usually go out into nature, like a park or forest, or go to raves. Some people stay at home, and some go out into public spaces to people-watch. It is important to remember that magic mushrooms are hallucinogens, and driving while under the influence of them is illegal and dangerous.
Before taking magic mushrooms, it is important to check your drugs. Test strips are helpful, but a drug-checking service can tell you the composition and strength of your drugs, screen out potential contaminants, and provide harm reduction information. It is also important to plan your trip by choosing a safe, peaceful place to hang out, as most trips last 8-12 hours.
If you feel like you're having a bad trip, let your friends know and get their help. Go to a quiet spot where you feel safe and can relax. Put on some calming music, and try to meditate or relax.
