Laura Smith
The use of magic mushrooms, or shrooms, is a topic that raises important questions about safety, legality, and responsible consumption. While magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, some jurisdictions like Denver and a few other cities in the United States have decriminalized their possession and personal consumption, allowing for a discussion on the potential benefits of controlled usage. As the legalization of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound in magic mushrooms, gains traction, it is crucial to understand the implications of using this substance. Consumers must be aware of potential risks, including the similarity in appearance between psilocybin and poisonous mushrooms, and take steps to ensure a safe and positive experience. This involves choosing a comfortable setting, being mindful of dosage, and adopting the right mindset. While the effects of magic mushrooms can be profound, it is important to prioritize safety and legality when considering their consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Indoors or outdoors. If indoors, choose a clean, uncluttered space with easy access to a toilet. If outdoors, choose an open space where you feel free and unconstrained. |
| Company | Alone or with friends/peers. |
| Mindset | Prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. |
| Amount | The amount of mushrooms consumed will depend on your goals. For instance, a microdose is recommended to boost creativity and self-expression. |
| Safety | Choose a safe, peaceful place to hang out. Avoid climbing, looking in the mirror, or having sex with anyone other than a familiar partner. |
| Legal status | Possession of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in most places. However, some cities have decriminalized possession up to a certain amount. |
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What You'll Learn
Indoors vs outdoors
Growing mushrooms at home can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can be challenging to know where to start. One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to grow your mushrooms indoors or outdoors. Both methods have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific circumstances and preferences.
One benefit of growing mushrooms outdoors is that it requires less infrastructure and start-up capital. You can take advantage of natural conditions in a forest or shady environment with good humidity and airflow, which creates an ideal environment for mushrooms to fruit. Additionally, outdoor systems use less energy over their life cycle and can support sustainable forest management practices. However, outdoor mushroom production has its limitations. It may be challenging to access logs or a suitable growing environment if you live in an urban area. Additionally, the climate can be unpredictable, making production cycles less reliable than with indoor growing.
On the other hand, growing mushrooms indoors allows for more control over the growing environment, including temperature, light, and humidity levels. This can be especially advantageous if you're growing mushrooms that require specific conditions, such as Blue Oyster mushrooms, which need a lot of fresh air to produce large fleshy caps. By growing indoors, you can also protect your mushrooms from pests and diseases and grow them year-round. However, indoor growing may require more initial investment in equipment and space, and it can be challenging to create the right balance of humidity and fresh air.
Ultimately, the decision to grow mushrooms indoors or outdoors depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. If you have limited space or want to grow mushrooms that require specific conditions, indoor growing may be the best option. On the other hand, if you live in an area with natural growing conditions and want to minimise start-up costs, outdoor growing could be a better choice. Some growers even choose to use a hybrid system, combining the benefits of both indoor and outdoor growing.
Whether you choose to grow your mushrooms indoors or outdoors, it's important to do your research and carefully manage their growing conditions to ensure a successful harvest. With the right knowledge and dedication, you can enjoy the satisfaction of cultivating your own fresh and healthy mushrooms.
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Legal considerations
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit psilocybin. However, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government.
Many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms. For example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. In some jurisdictions, Psilocybe spores are legal to possess and sell because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, a few jurisdictions, such as Germany and some US states, have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.
The cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is generally considered drug manufacture and is often severely penalized. However, some countries and one US state (New Mexico) have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards decriminalization and legalization of psilocybin mushrooms in some jurisdictions. For example, Oregon voters passed a 2020 ballot measure decriminalizing psilocybin and legalizing its supervised use, making it the first state to do so. However, much of the measure was repealed in 2024, effectively recriminalizing it. Other US cities that have decriminalized psilocybin include Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Washington, D.C., Somerville, Seattle, and more.
Outside of the United States, psilocybin mushrooms are legal in a few countries, including Brazil, Bulgaria, Jamaica, the Netherlands, and Samoa. Some countries have also decriminalized the possession and cultivation of mushrooms, while others have only legalized mushrooms in dried form.
It is important to note that the legal landscape regarding psychedelics is constantly evolving, and interested parties should consult with legal professionals in their jurisdiction for the most up-to-date information.
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Preparation
Before cooking mushrooms, it's important to prepare them properly. Here are some key steps to follow:
Cleaning
Mushrooms should not be washed under running water as they are porous and will absorb the moisture, affecting their texture. Instead, use a damp paper towel or a soft brush to gently wipe off any dirt. If you must rinse them, do it quickly and pat them dry immediately.
Trimming and Cutting
Remove any tough stem ends. You can also peel the mushrooms if they are past their prime. Then, cut the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces. You can slice, chop, cube, or quarter them, depending on the recipe and your preference. Larger mushrooms, like portobellos, can be diced.
Pan Selection
Choose a wide, heavy-bottomed pan, preferably with a non-stick coating, to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. A skillet is a good option for cooking mushrooms.
Spacing
Don't crowd the mushrooms in the pan. Spread them out in a single layer to allow for even cooking and browning. Overcrowding the pan will cause the mushrooms to steam instead of fry, affecting their texture and flavour.
Timing
Add the mushrooms to the pan and let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes until they start to release their juices and brown. Then, stir and continue cooking until they are golden brown on all sides.
Seasoning
Avoid salting the mushrooms too early as salt draws out moisture and hinders the browning process. It is recommended to salt the mushrooms towards the end of cooking. You can also add other seasonings, such as pepper, garlic, lemon juice, or herbs, according to your taste preferences.
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Activities
The activities one can do on mushrooms vary depending on one's intention and the dosage. On smaller doses, people have reported engaging in activities such as hiking, dancing, and working out. On larger doses, any strenuous activity can be overwhelming, and one may prefer to simply lie down, put on eye shades, play some music, and let the experience unfold.
For those who enjoy being outdoors, a walk in nature, whether in a park, forest, or by the beach, can be a wonderful experience. The colours and shapes of nature can take on a new dimension, and the mind can enter a place of calm. If you're feeling more adventurous, a rave could be an option, or simply people-watching in public.
At home, one can listen to music, play with pets, or engage in creative pursuits such as writing or art. Some people also enjoy gaming, either on Oculus or Xbox, as the experience can feel very different while on mushrooms.
For those seeking a more spiritual experience, activities such as shamanism, sensory deprivation, and other archaic and modern uses of entheogenic substances can provide deeper insights into the mind and spirituality.
Lastly, some people enjoy the simple act of just being while on mushrooms, allowing the experience to unfold without any specific agenda.
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Safety
Consuming psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, can be dangerous, and it is currently illegal in most of the U.S. If you choose to consume them, there are several safety precautions you should take.
Firstly, it is important to be in a good state of mind and a safe, calm, and familiar environment before taking magic mushrooms. Being in a positive mindset and having trusted friends around can reduce the risk of a "bad trip". A bad trip can include terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. It is also important to avoid taking magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, as the effects can be unpredictable and dangerous. Mixing magic mushrooms with certain drugs, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, can increase the likelihood of a bad trip and lead to panic. Additionally, individuals taking psychiatric medications should avoid consuming magic mushrooms as it could lead to a relapse or worsening of their condition.
Secondly, it is crucial to correctly identify the mushrooms before consuming them. Poisonous mushrooms can look very similar to psilocybin mushrooms, and misidentification can lead to serious health consequences or even death. Unless you have experience identifying mushrooms, do not rely solely on their physical characteristics.
Thirdly, the effects of magic mushrooms can alter your sense of reality and affect your judgment. Driving or engaging in activities that require clear thinking and awareness of your physical surroundings should be avoided. Magic mushrooms typically increase your heart rate and blood pressure, so individuals with heart conditions should exercise caution.
Lastly, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects, which can include nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, agitation, confusion, and delayed headaches. While psilocybin has a low level of toxicity, in rare cases, consuming a large amount of mushrooms can lead to severe side effects and even death. If you choose to consume magic mushrooms, it is advisable to have someone sober present who can provide assistance or seek medical attention if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
As of May 2019, Denver has decriminalized the use of shrooms for individuals 21 years of age or older. Possession and personal consumption are still not legal in Colorado, but the city council cannot spend local resources to inflict criminal charges. In addition, there are a few other cities in the US where possession has been decriminalized.
You should choose a safe, comfortable, and peaceful place. If you want to be alone, your home is a good option. If you want to be with friends, choose a familiar setting. You can choose between an indoor or outdoor environment, depending on your preference. If you choose to be outdoors, find an open space where you feel free.
It is important to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Take it easy and remain quiet the day before. Make sure you are in the right frame of mind. Talk to your friends about things you can do if you have a bad trip.
Just being on mushrooms can be enough, as the tripping is an activity in itself. However, you can also wander around nature, meditate, or watch a movie. If you are with a group, make sure there is enough space to move around.
Mushrooms are illegal in most places, so it is important to be careful about where you do them. In addition, it can be easy to mistake a poisonous mushroom for a psilocybin mushroom, so always make sure to get your mushrooms from a trusted source. Do not mix mushrooms with other substances, and do not drive.
