Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, mushies, psychedelic mushrooms, psychotropic mushrooms or psilocybin, are one of the most widely used recreational psychotropic drugs. They are hallucinogenic when eaten and can cause differences in mood, perception and behaviour that are commonly known as tripping. A typical magic mushroom trip lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours, but the effects tend to come in waves. The first effects are usually felt within 20 to 40 minutes of ingesting the mushrooms. The peak effects tend to last 2 to 3 hours, and this is when the visuals are most intense. While some people may view magic mushrooms as a recreational substance, they can have serious negative effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration | A typical trip lasts 4 to 6 hours, but can be up to 8-12 hours. |
| Onset | Effects are usually felt within 20 to 40 minutes, but can be as quick as 5-10 minutes when taken as tea. |
| Physical Sensations | Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increased heart rate, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and numbness. |
| Perception | Distortion of sound, vision, and other senses. Intensification of feelings and emotions. |
| Mental State | Mood swings, paranoia, anxiety, nervousness, terror, euphoria, unity, joy, transcendence of the ego, panic attacks, and dangerous behavior. |
| Behavior | Fixation on certain things, laughter, emotionality, unpredictability. |
| Long-term Effects | Lasting changes in outlook or behaviors, flashbacks, and increased risk of addiction. |
| Consumption | Raw, dried, tea, capsules, chocolate or candy, tinctures or extracts, microdosing. |
| Risks | Poisoning from poisonous mushrooms, bad trips, interaction with medications, increased heart rate, and impaired judgment and coordination. |
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What You'll Learn
The duration of a trip can vary from 4 to 12 hours
The duration of a trip on magic mushrooms can vary from 4 to 12 hours. The length of the trip depends on several factors, including the individual's metabolism, the dosage consumed, and the specific mushroom species. For example, the fly agaric mushroom is usually more potent than the liberty cap mushroom. Additionally, the emotional state of the user and the type of environment they are in can impact the length of the trip.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 20 to 40 minutes when ingested, but this can vary depending on the preparation method. For example, when taken as a soup or tea, the effects may be felt within 5 to 10 minutes. The first effects may include physical sensations, changes in perception, nausea, and an increased heart rate.
The peak effects of the trip typically last for 2 to 3 hours, during which the visuals are most intense, and individuals may experience a dreamy, detached feeling with distorted time perception. After the peak, the trip enters a plateau phase, which can last for another 1 to 2 hours. However, it's important to note that the effects tend to come in waves, and individuals may continue to experience the effects for several hours after the trip.
Some individuals may experience a "bad trip," during which they feel paranoid, anxious, nervous, or terrified instead of euphoric. It's important to have an experienced friend present to guide you through the experience and provide a safe and peaceful environment. The risk of a bad trip can be reduced by being in a good state of mind and having trusted friends around.
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Physical effects include nausea, dizziness, and increased heart rate
The physical effects of tripping on mushrooms can vary from person to person, but some of the most commonly reported effects include nausea, dizziness, and increased heart rate. These symptoms can be intense and may be accompanied by other issues such as muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and numbness.
Nausea is a well-documented side effect of mushroom usage, with some users even experiencing vomiting. This can be mitigated to some extent by consuming mushrooms in the form of tea or capsules, which avoid the strong earthy taste and rubbery texture of raw mushrooms. However, it is important to note that nausea is still a common occurrence even with these consumption methods.
Dizziness is another frequently reported effect of mushroom usage. This can be exacerbated by the distorted perception of space and time that often accompanies a mushroom trip. Users may feel disoriented and unstable, which can be dangerous if they are in an unsafe environment or engaging in activities that require coordination, such as driving.
Increased heart rate is also a common physical effect of tripping on mushrooms. This is particularly important to note for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, as hallucinogens can affect blood pressure and heart rate. It is crucial to prioritize safety and avoid activities that may put oneself or others at risk during the duration of the trip.
While the physical effects of mushroom usage can be intense, they are typically not life-threatening. However, it is important to exercise caution and be mindful of the potential risks associated with their usage. The duration of these physical effects is usually temporary, lasting for the duration of the trip, which can range from approximately 4 to 6 hours, although it may last up to 8-12 hours in some cases.
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Psychological effects include hallucinations, mood swings, and paranoia
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic when eaten. They can cause hallucinations, mood swings, and paranoia, among other psychological effects. The active ingredient in shrooms, psilocybin, can lead to hallucinations and intense mood swings, potentially causing panic attacks or even dangerous behaviour.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 20 to 40 minutes of ingestion and can last approximately four to six hours, although this duration can vary depending on individual factors such as metabolism, dosage, and mushroom species. The first phase of the trip may include physical sensations, perceptual changes, and the initial stages of the trip. During the peak of the trip, which typically lasts for two to three hours, visuals are most intense, and individuals may experience a dreamy, detached feeling. Time perception is often distorted, and some people report feelings of unity, joy, and transcendence of the ego.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on an individual's mood and environment. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe and calm environment can contribute to a positive experience. Conversely, feelings of stress or anxiety before taking magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. During a bad trip, individuals may feel paranoid, anxious, nervous, or terrified instead of euphoric.
To reduce the risk of a bad trip, it is recommended to have an experienced friend present to guide you through the experience. Additionally, it is crucial to check your mushrooms and avoid mixing them with other substances, as this can lead to unpredictable effects. While magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, tolerance can develop rapidly, and there may be cross-tolerance with other psychotropic drugs.
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Set and setting are important for a positive experience
The effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and unpredictable, and can lead to a "bad trip". The only way to guarantee a bad trip doesn't happen is to abstain from taking hallucinogens. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of a negative experience, or "bad trip", and promote a positive experience. This is where the concept of "set and setting" comes in.
The "set" refers to the mindset of the person taking the hallucinogen, and the "setting" refers to the physical and social environment in which the drug is taken. Being mindful of these factors when using psychedelic and dissociative drugs can reduce the risk of a negative experience.
For the "set", it is important to be in good physical health and a positive state of mind. It is recommended to only take magic mushrooms on an empty stomach, as nausea and vomiting are common side effects. It is also important to be in the right frame of mind, and not to use hallucinogens as a way of coping with or avoiding problems. It is also important to consider whether you are taking any medication, and whether you have a history of mental health problems, as this may increase the risk of a bad trip.
For the "setting", it is important to be in a calm, safe, peaceful, and familiar environment. Being in a noisy, crowded place could lead to a bad trip. It is also important to be with people you know and trust, and who have experience with psychedelic substances. Having a "trip sitter", a sober person who looks after the person who has taken the drug, can help to ensure the safety of the user throughout the experience.
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Mixing mushrooms with other drugs can be dangerous
Mixing mushrooms with alcohol can be particularly dangerous. According to some reports, psilocybin may reduce the perceived effects of alcohol, potentially leading the individual to drink too much. Anecdotal reports claim that consuming alcohol increases the likelihood of a bad trip on mushrooms or a psilocybin overdose. Both substances can cause nausea and vomiting, and combining them can make you feel very sick. You may also experience disorientation and confusion and become dehydrated. Large amounts of alcohol can cause a loss of coordination and a lowering of inhibitions, which, combined with psychedelics’ distortion of perception, can increase the risk of injuries and accidents.
Mixing mushrooms with MDMA is another dangerous combination. Both substances impact the pleasure centre of the brain – MDMA increases the feel-good chemical serotonin, while psilocybin also induces serotonin-like effects in the brain. This combination will likely impact someone’s mood and judgment, as well as induce unusual sensory experiences. There is also a risk that a substance sold as MDMA is actually another unknown substance, which could have fatal consequences.
Mixing mushrooms with any other substance that acts on serotonin, such as other hallucinogens and antidepressants, can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. Antidepressant users who have taken more magic mushrooms because they initially didn't have much effect are at particular risk of serotonin syndrome. Psilocybin could also increase the depressing effect of opioids on the central nervous system (CNS), slowing down or even stopping the user's breathing and heart rate.
It is also important to note that using hallucinogens can trigger symptoms of a mental health problem. Magic mushrooms should not be taken by people on psychiatric medications as a relapse or worsening of the condition could occur.
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Frequently asked questions
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately 4 to 12 hours. Effects include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and feelings of stress or anxiety.
A bad trip refers to a negative or frightening experience when using psychedelics. It can be characterized by feelings of losing oneself, going crazy, or ego dissolution. A bad trip can be avoided by being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe, calm, and quiet environment.
The amount of mushrooms to take varies depending on individual tolerance and the potency of the mushrooms. A macrodose of magic mushrooms is typically considered to be between 2-5 grams, while microdoses are also an option. It is important to start with a small dose and gradually increase as needed to avoid taking too much.
It is generally not recommended to mix magic mushrooms with other drugs, including cannabis, alcohol, or psychiatric medications, as it can lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects, such as an increased risk of a bad trip or negative interactions with medications.
If you or someone you know is having a bad trip, it is important to remain calm and provide reassurance. Help the person meditate or relax, and remind them that the experience will pass. Ensure that you are in a safe environment and, if necessary, seek professional help or advice from emergency services.
