Sarah Brown
As the trend for psilocybin mushrooms grows, so do retreats for psychedelic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, but there are a few countries where they can be taken as part of Indigenous ceremonies and customs, or in a familiar, quiet, and relaxed environment. When taking magic mushrooms, it is important to be in the right frame of mind and to have a sober friend to support you and ensure your safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | A calm, safe, and peaceful environment; outdoors in nature, under shade; in a familiar, quiet, and relaxed setting |
| Company | A sober friend or trip sitter to help look after you; a buddy who won't be tripping |
| Substances | Only one substance at a time; no cannabis or alcohol |
| Duration | 8-12 hours |
| Preparation | Check your drugs; know your dealer; plan your trip; discuss intentions and things to do if you have a bad trip |
| Mindset | Be in the right frame of mind; remain calm and reduce anxiety |
| Activities | Yoga, ecstatic dance, sound baths, reiki, meditation, music, therapy |
| Safety | Do not drive; be able to keep yourself and others safe; do not use if you have a heart condition or mental health problems |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Mushrooms retreats: Legal magic mushrooms retreats are available in certain countries
- Safe environment: A quiet, relaxed, and familiar environment can reduce the risk of a bad trip
- Trip sitting: A sober person can support someone using psychedelics and ensure their safety
- Planning: Choose a safe place, check your drugs, and find a buddy who won't be tripping
- Apps: Apps can support at-home psychonauts on a trip, but they don't replace professional therapy
Mushrooms retreats: Legal magic mushrooms retreats are available in certain countries
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, have drawn global attention for their potential mental health benefits and psychedelic experiences. While the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, there are a few countries and jurisdictions that have legal or decriminalized access to these mushrooms. Here are some options for mushroom retreats in countries where magic mushrooms are legal or decriminalized:
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its once-liberal drug laws, which have tightened in recent years. However, truffles containing psilocybin are still legal in the country, allowing for legal psychedelic experiences. The Psychedelic Society offers retreats that range from hippie-ish outdoor ceremonies to retreats based on the latest scientific research. Synthesis, a retreat in collaboration with leading universities, offers a professionally curated setting that safely and effectively integrates psychedelics into modern culture. European retreats, particularly in the Netherlands, generally cost €500-1200 per day.
United States
In the United States, the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin are illegal under federal law, and it is classified as a Schedule I drug with a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. However, there are some jurisdictions within the country that have decriminalized or legalized psilocybin mushrooms for supervised non-medical use. These include Oregon, Washington, D.C., Somerville, Massachusetts, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Northampton, Massachusetts, Seattle, Washington, Detroit, Michigan, and Washtenaw County, Michigan. Additionally, certain cities in Washington and Colorado have also decriminalized natural psychedelics or psilocybin, respectively. It's important to note that the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across different states and jurisdictions within the United States, so always check the local laws before planning a retreat.
Canada
Canada is another country with certain provinces and cities offering legal or decriminalized access to psilocybin mushrooms. However, specific information about the locations and legal status within Canada was not readily available.
Mexico
Mexico is known for its contribution to keeping psilocybin mushrooms off the United Nations' list of prohibited substances. While the legal status of these mushrooms in Mexico is unclear, there are retreats located in the Tulum jungle and coastal Sayulita that offer a relaxing environment for intentional tripping. Group retreats in Mexico are more affordable, costing USD $200-350 per day.
It's important to note that transporting psilocybin across borders is illegal, even between countries where it is legal. Always ensure to check the latest local laws and regulations before planning a mushroom retreat to ensure compliance and safety.
Inoculating Mushroom Jars: Best Time to Start
You may want to see also
Safe environment: A quiet, relaxed, and familiar environment can reduce the risk of a bad trip
When it comes to tripping on mushrooms, safety is paramount. The effects of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, can vary from positive to negative and are unique to each individual. While a "bad trip" can occur due to various factors, a quiet, relaxed, and familiar environment can reduce the risk of such an experience.
Set and Setting
The concept of "set and setting" is crucial to understanding how to create a safe environment for tripping on mushrooms. "Set" refers to an individual's state of mind, prior encounters with psychedelic drugs, expectations, and current mood. "Setting" refers to the physical environment, including factors such as location, company, lighting, and music. By ensuring a positive set and setting, you can significantly influence your mushroom trip experience.
Creating a Safe Environment
When preparing to trip on mushrooms, it is essential to choose a quiet, relaxed, and familiar environment. This can be indoors or outdoors, but the key is to feel safe, comfortable, and unconstrained. If you're outdoors, find an open space where you can move freely and connect with nature. Bring a blanket, pillows, and perhaps some earphones to listen to calming music. Being surrounded by nature can provide a peaceful and soothing atmosphere for your trip. Ensure you have access to basic necessities like water and a restroom, and consider having a notebook to jot down your thoughts and experiences.
Company and Support
While the setting is important, who you're with is equally crucial. It is generally recommended to have a trusted friend or a "sober sitter" accompany you, especially if it's your first time. They can help guide and support you through the experience, and their presence can contribute to a sense of safety and familiarity. This person should be someone you know well, feel comfortable with, and who ideally has experience with psychedelics. Additionally, consider having a buddy who is not tripping themselves. They can provide additional support and help you cope in case of any unexpected challenges.
Planning and Preparation
Before embarking on your mushroom trip, take the time to plan and prepare. Ensure you have researched the substance, understood potential risks, and are in the right frame of mind. If possible, know your dealer and check your drugs using test strips or drug-checking services. Discuss with your companion beforehand about potential activities and strategies to employ if you encounter a challenging experience. Having a positive mindset, feeling safe and comfortable, and being in a familiar environment are key components to reducing the risk of a bad trip.
Mushrooms and Histamine: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Trip sitting: A sober person can support someone using psychedelics and ensure their safety
Trip sitting is the harm reduction practice of staying sober to support someone using psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms) or LSD, and ensuring their safety throughout the experience. A trip sitter can help reduce the risk of a negative experience or a 'bad trip'.
When planning to use magic mushrooms, it is important to choose a safe, peaceful place to hang out, as trips can last 8-12 hours. Using in a familiar, quiet, and relaxed environment can lead to a more pleasant experience, while being in a noisy, crowded place could lead to a bad trip. Music can also affect someone's experience on psychedelics. Playing intense music could lead to anxiety or panic, while relaxing music may help people feel calm and have a more positive experience. The type of music that people find comforting can vary, so it is important to check in with everyone on how the music is making them feel.
In some countries, such as the Netherlands and Mexico, magic mushrooms have been legal or tolerated in certain contexts. For example, in Mexico, they can be used as part of Indigenous ceremonies and customs. However, it is important to be mindful of the ethical implications of partaking in this way.
When trip sitting, it is important to remain a calm presence throughout the trip. Talking to the person reassuringly and holding their hand can help reduce any anxiety they may be feeling. If the person experiences any concerning physical symptoms or has a bad trip, it is important to call an ambulance and stay with them, following the directions of emergency services.
The Ultimate Guide to Shiitake Mushroom Harvesting
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Planning: Choose a safe place, check your drugs, and find a buddy who won't be tripping
Planning is crucial to having a positive and profound mushroom trip. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable experience:
Choose a safe place:
It is important to select a peaceful and safe environment for your trip. This could be indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference and comfort level. If you choose to be outdoors, make sure you have access to shade, water, and snacks. Prepare for being outside for an extended period by bringing along anything that might enhance your experience, such as music, yoga mats, or eye masks.
Check your drugs:
Whenever possible, it is essential to check your drugs. Test strips can be used, but they only indicate the presence of a specific drug in the sample. For a more comprehensive analysis, consider using a drug-checking service, which can inform you about the composition, strength, and potential contaminants in your drugs. These services also provide harm reduction information about drug effects.
Find a buddy who won't be tripping:
Tripping with a friend who remains sober can provide support and enhance your experience. This person should be someone you trust and feel comfortable with. They can help watch over you, especially if you are trying psychedelics for the first time. It is beneficial to plan your trip together, discussing possible scenarios and things to do if you have a bad trip. Having a buddy also ensures that you won't be alone if you need assistance or experience any adverse effects.
Remember, it is crucial to be in the right frame of mind and embrace the experience with an open mind. By following these planning steps, you can help create a safe and positive environment for your mushroom trip.
Mushroom Supplements: Constipation Side Effect?
You may want to see also
Apps: Apps can support at-home psychonauts on a trip, but they don't replace professional therapy
Apps like Field Trip and Lumenate are designed to support at-home psychonauts on trips fuelled by psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, ketamine, or other psychedelics. These apps aim to provide a foundation for intentional tripping, especially for those new to psychedelics. While they can offer guidance, relaxation, and insights, they do not replace professional therapy.
Field Trip promises to help users have more meaningful experiences with psychedelics. The app provides a good starting point for those interested in microdosing or intentional tripping, but it is not a substitute for professional supervision.
Lumenate, developed in collaboration with researchers at Freie Universität Berlin and Imperial College London, uses the smartphone flashlight and unique voice-guided soundtracks to induce a semi-psychedelic altered state of consciousness. The app explores themes of relaxation, better sleep, and internal exploration. It also includes a journal feature for post-session notes.
Another tool that has gained popularity is the use of AI chatbots like ChatGPT as "trip sitters." These chatbots can provide an affordable alternative to in-person therapy, offering companionship and guidance during challenging moments. However, experts warn that AI cannot replace the human touch or the empathetic presence of a traditional trip sitter, and solely relying on AI feedback can be a dangerous path to take.
While apps can provide support and guidance for at-home psychonauts, they should not be considered a replacement for professional therapy. These tools can complement the experience, but users are advised to approach them with caution and conduct thorough research before embarking on their journey.
Mushrooms: Nature's Magical Appearance
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you trip in a familiar, quiet, and relaxed environment. You can trip at home, or in nature, under the shade, with music, yoga mats, recliners, and eye masks.
Yes, there are many retreats for psychedelic mushrooms, including in Mexico, where magic mushrooms are used as part of Indigenous ceremonies and customs.
It is important to be mindful of your set and setting. Your set refers to your mood, and your setting refers to the environment you are in. Being in a noisy, crowded place could lead to a bad trip. It is also important to have a sober trip sitter present to ensure your safety throughout the experience.
A trip sitter is a sober person who helps look after someone who has taken a psychoactive drug, such as magic mushrooms. They remain a calm presence throughout the trip and help reduce any anxiety the person may be feeling.
