Michael Davis
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, and the experience is influenced by factors such as the amount consumed, the environment, and the individual's state of mind. While lights are not necessary for the growth of mushrooms, as they do not rely on photosynthesis, they can play a role in the mushroom's growth direction and shape. The setting in which magic mushrooms are consumed can impact the experience, with a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment contributing to a positive trip, while a noisy and crowded place may lead to a negative experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Changes in lighting can have a profound effect on mood and the direction of the trip. Indirect sunlight is considered best for growing mushrooms. |
| Environment | Being in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience. |
| Preparation | Preparing for a trip by exercising, sleeping well, and eating can improve the quality of the trip. |
| Dosage | Accurately dosing psilocybin mushrooms is key to having a safe and effective mushroom experience. |
| State of Mind | Being in a good state of mind and having the right set and setting can reduce the risk of having a bad trip. |
| Trip sitter | Having a trip sitter who is experienced with psychedelics can make the tripping person feel safe and comfortable. |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of set and setting
The "set and setting" concept is crucial when preparing for a psychedelic experience with magic mushrooms. "Set" refers to one's mental state, encompassing thoughts, mood, expectations, personality structure, and history, while "setting" refers to the physical and social environment in which the experience takes place. Understanding and preparing for these factors can help ensure a positive and enjoyable trip.
The "set" is about understanding your inner world and how you are feeling. It involves reflecting on your personal beliefs, emotions, and mental state. Are you in a good physical and mental condition to embark on this experience? It's important to be honest with yourself and ensure you are in the right headspace. Additionally, having an idea of what you want to explore during the trip can be beneficial, but it's also crucial to maintain an open mind as the experience may take you in a different direction. Surrendering to the experience, rather than resisting it, can help transform a potentially challenging trip into one of learning and growth.
The "setting," on the other hand, is about the external world and your physical location. Are you indoors or outdoors? At home or in nature? Who is with you? The setting includes factors such as the number of people present, the art on the walls, the temperature, the lighting, and whether you feel safe and comfortable in your surroundings. Being outdoors may require additional preparation, such as having a trip sitter to keep tabs on your safety, staying hydrated, and having snacks and a charged phone with you.
Social support networks play a significant role in the outcome of the experience. A trip sitter, for example, should be selfless and free of judgment, providing a caring presence if needed. It is also generally recommended to only trip with people you know well and trust, especially those with experience in psychedelic substances. Mirrors are another aspect to consider—while some may enjoy the experience, others find it disturbing, so it's best to keep them out of sight if possible.
Preparation is key. This can include simple steps such as setting the right lighting, exercising beforehand, getting a good night's sleep, and having water and snacks available. By taking the time to prepare and understand your set and setting, you can help ensure a positive and enjoyable mushroom trip, allowing yourself to fully honour and embrace the experience.
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Mixing mushrooms with other substances
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, interacts particularly badly with stimulants, as both can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Combining mushrooms with depressants like alcohol and opioids can also increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Mixing mushrooms with alcohol can cause unpredictable results and increase the risk of a "bad trip", including hallucinations and frightening emotions. It may also be difficult to think clearly. The effects of one drug can mask the effects of the other, leading to increased consumption of both.
Mushrooms should also not be mixed with any other substance that acts on serotonin, such as other hallucinogens and antidepressants, as this could lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. Psilocybin and marijuana are a common combination, with nearly 60% of university students who had recently taken magic mushrooms consuming cannabis at the same time.
It is important to note that several types of poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, and even professionals sometimes mistake these types. Poisonous mushrooms can make you severely ill and can even be fatal.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, it is important to take the time to get in the right set and setting. This includes preparing for the trip by getting enough sleep the night before and doing some light exercise to help your body and mind connect.
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Poisonous lookalikes
The Jack O'Lantern mushroom is another poisonous lookalike that can be mistaken for the Chanterelle. While the Chanterelle has folds, the Jack O'Lantern has true gills, and the gills end abruptly along the stem, whereas the folds of the Chanterelle run along the stem and end unevenly. Calvatia gigantea, or the Giant Puffball, is edible when fresh, but deadly toxic lookalikes, including Amanita virosa and Amanita bisporigera, can be mistaken for it once the spores develop.
It is very important to be able to identify mushrooms correctly before consuming them. Even professionals sometimes mistake poisonous mushrooms for psilocybin mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms have long and thin stems with wide caps that are typically dark brown around the edges and lighter in the center. If you are not 100% sure that a mushroom is psilocybin, do not consume it.
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Physical side effects
While the effects of magic mushrooms are typically psychological, there are some physical side effects that can occur. The physical side effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can depend on factors such as dosage, environment, and individual differences. Here are some of the possible physical side effects:
Altered Perception of Light
Changes in lighting conditions can have a profound impact on the experience of someone who has consumed magic mushrooms. They may become more sensitive to light and perceive even minor fluctuations, such as a thin cloud passing over the sun. These changes in lighting often correspond to shifts in thought patterns, potentially leading to a sense of unease or discomfort.
Visual Disturbances
Magic mushrooms can cause visual disturbances, such as hallucinations and altered perception. In some cases, individuals may experience "bad trips," where they perceive sinister spirits or have frightening hallucinations. These experiences can vary based on the environment, with calm and natural settings often contributing to more positive experiences.
Increased Heart Rate and Anxiety
Magic mushrooms can induce anxiety and increase heart rate. However, engaging in light physical activities, such as walking or stretching, can help mitigate these effects. Movement can help ground the individual in their body, leading to a calming effect and a reduction in anxiety.
Delayed Headaches
Consuming magic mushrooms may result in delayed headaches that typically last less than a day. These headaches usually occur after the psychedelic effects have worn off and are considered mild in intensity.
Nausea
Nausea is another potential physical side effect of magic mushrooms. However, proper preparation and consumption methods can help minimize the chances of experiencing nausea.
Flashbacks
Regular or frequent use of magic mushrooms may lead to flashbacks, which are unexpected recurrences of previous psychedelic experiences. These flashbacks can be disturbing and are often triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise. They typically last for a short duration but can be disorienting.
It is important to note that the physical and psychological effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and vary significantly from person to person. It is always advisable to approach their consumption with caution and to prioritize safe and controlled environments when experimenting with these substances.
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Legal status
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. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse or drugs that have no recognized medical uses. However, the mushrooms themselves were not specifically included in the convention, due in large part to pressure from the Mexican government.
The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances requires its members to prohibit psilocybin and restrict its use to medical and scientific research under strictly controlled conditions. Most national drug laws have been amended to reflect the terms of the convention. Examples include the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the US Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978, the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 1996, and the Japanese Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law of 2002.
The possession and use of psilocybin are prohibited under almost all circumstances and often carry severe legal penalties. However, there is ambiguity in many national, state, and provincial drug laws regarding the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, and a strong element of selective enforcement in some places. In the United States, psilocybin is illegal under federal law, but state laws vary, and in some places, it is legal or decriminalized for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. In Oregon and Colorado, for example, psilocybin is legal.
In Canada, the province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy since January 2023, and there has been a recent surge in the number of stores selling the product. In Australia, psilocybin has been approved for use in prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. In Europe, psilocybin is legal for medicinal use in Denmark. In South America, psilocybin is legal in Peru and Bolivia. In Asia, psilocybin is illegal in India. In Africa, psilocybin is illegal in South Africa.
Research into the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and other psychedelics is contributing to continuing changes in legislation. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration designated psilocybin as a 'breakthrough therapy', allowing for increased research and studies into its treatment potential. There is a growing body of evidence that psilocybin can be beneficial in the treatment of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. As a result, there is advocacy for removing some of the longstanding legal restrictions on mushroom possession in the United States, and it is predicted that psychedelics will be legalized throughout the US by 2037.
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Frequently asked questions
Lights will not ruin your mushroom trip. However, your environment and setting can impact your experience. Being in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience, while being in a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience.
Your state of mind and previous encounters with psychedelic drugs can also impact your experience. Feelings of stress or anxiety before taking magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip.
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains hallucinogenic drugs called psilocin or psilocybin. They can cause hallucinations and affect a person's thoughts and emotions.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically last between 3 to 6 hours, but this can vary depending on the individual. It is important to note that the main risk of taking magic mushrooms is that they can be mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can be dangerous and even fatal.
Yes, there are several risks associated with taking magic mushrooms. In addition to the risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms, mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs or medications can have unpredictable and dangerous effects. It is important to be careful and consume magic mushrooms responsibly.
