This is for educational purposes only. GG4 does not condone the illegal sale, use, or possession of any psychedelics. Please check with your local authorities to ensure you are following all laws and rules pertaining to psychedelic use and possession in your state or region.
Psilocybin mushrooms are one of the most frequently consumed psychedelic drugs. Psilocin, psilocybin, and baeocystiini (another psychoactive) may all be found in magic mushrooms. We’ll go through everything you need to know about them, from how to correctly identify and utilize them to what you can anticipate during your trip.
What Are Magic Mushrooms?
Mushrooms, including psilocybin-containing species and psilocin-containing species, are considered psychedelic fungi. These chemicals bind with serotonin receptors in the brain to produce a psychedelic experience known as a “trip.”
There are several various sorts of magic mushrooms, with well over 180 species having been discovered thus far.
Individuals who have been under the influence of THC have reported a wide range of manifestations. Their effects, on the other hand, are all somewhat comparable. Depending on the dosage, they may produce anything from moderate pleasure to severe hallucinations and spiritual encounters.
For thousands of years, humans have used psychoactive substances like drugs in religious ceremonies and rituals. In recent years however, their popularity has grown as a recreational drug among people looking for new ways to get haut. Some scientists are even investigating the potential therapeutic uses for these substances.
Magic Mushrooms Effects and Dosage
The user, the surrounding conditions, and the quantity consumed all impact how magic mushrooms work.
People who use psychedelic drugs often report feeling intense emotions and having deep insights about themselves. Some users also feel like time is moving differently, or they may taste colors instead of just seeing them.
Taking an appropriate amount of magic mushrooms is critical to having a pleasurable experience. While the effects of each dose varies from person to person, many recommend starting with a microdose for first-time users. More experienced mushroom consumers may ingest up to 5 grams at once, however this large of a quantity typically produces powerful psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects and can cause paranoia in inexperienced users.
It’s also important to take mushrooms in a comfortable, safe setting with a good attitude. Having a buddy or professional as a ‘trip sitter’ may help make the experience even more enjoyable. They should have psychedelic drug experience and remain sober so they may serve as an advisor if necessary.
What is the Best Kind of Psychedelic Mushroom?
There are numerous sorts of magic mushrooms, but they all have the same active ingredient: psilocybin. As a result, comparing one mushroom to another is difficult. However, Psilocybe cyanescens, also known as wavy caps, is one of the most powerful varieties. Psilocybe azurescens is another species that has a lot of psilocybin.
Some other common types of magic mushrooms include:
- Psilocybe semilanceata
- Psilocybe cubensis
- Psilocybe subcubensis
What Kind of Mushrooms Get You High?
Aside from psilocybin mushrooms, another potent fungus that produces psychoactive effects is Amanita muscaria, often known as fly agaric.
This mushroom, unlike the previous one, acts differently. Instead of psilocybin and ibotenic acid, it contains ibotenic acid and muscimol in its intoxicating chemicals.
The fly agaric mushroom’s high is not your typical psychedelic; it instead resembles being drunk, causing euphoria and lack of coordination. Later on, this mushroom will make you drowsy and some users have reported having very vivid dreams while under its influence.
Do not consume fresh fly agaric, as it is poisonous. If you must eat it, make sure to follow specific preparation instructions to minimize sickness.
What Do Magic Mushrooms Look Like?
There exist many types of magic mushrooms, so it is not at all surprising that they can look very different from one another. For this reason, the best way to identify psilocybin mushrooms growing in your area is to become familiar with the local varieties.
Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms, colloquially known as Liberty Caps, are popular among many due to their small size and bell-shaped caps. They have wavy stems that may turn blue when touched. These shrooms thrives in a myriad of places, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Psilocybe cubensis is a type of mushroom that is commonly found in tropical regions around the world. They are characterized by their parasol-shaped caps, stubby stems, and light to golden-brown color. The caps are bulbous when young but flatten out as the mushrooms mature.
Other than that, there are numerous different types of magic mushrooms with distinct characteristics.
How to Find Magic Mushrooms
Mushrooms require two things to thrive: an environment containing adequate nutrients and high dampness levels. With that in mind, magic mushrooms thrive near large bodies of water, where they can obtain all they require from dead trees. Keep your eyes open if you’re looking for them in those areas!
Psilocybe semilanceata, for example, may be found growing in open grasslands. However, on farmland that is potentially using pesticides, it is essential to avoid gathering mushrooms. It’s also important not to pick until you’re certain how to identify magic mushrooms.
Picking the wrong species could cause sickness and death, luckily the latter is rare.
Magic Mushrooms Side Effects
Although psilocybin has a low chance of being toxic, addictive, or causing an overdose according to scientific literature, it can still have some negative side effects.
The most common side effects of mushrooms include the following:
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- La nausée
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Increased tendon reflexes
- Dilated pupils
Anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and mood swings are just a few of the strange reactions that can occur after taking mushrooms. By preparing correctly and developing a good mentality before tripping, one may decrease the likelihood of these unfavorable effects happening.
Some people may experience a less common condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) which can cause an individual to have altered perceptions for weeks or even months after taking a psychedelic.
Finally, magic mushrooms can react with a variety of drugs, especially those that have psychotropic effects. It is dangerous to ingest psychedelics together with stimulants like Adderall, Xanax, or SSRI antidepressants. At the same time as drinking alcohol and taking magic mushrooms, you may suffer from negative side effects.
How to Use Magic Mushrooms
While many people opt to eat magic mushrooms, their taste can be incredibly unpleasant. To make them more bearable, some choose to brew them into a tea, mix them with peanut butter or Nutella, or blend them into smoothies.
You can also grind dry mushrooms into a powder to make capsules, which might be the best way to take them if you’re microdosing for their medical benefits.
Can You Smoke Mushrooms?
Magical mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular, with advocates pushing for the decriminalization of psilocybin – the active compound in mushrooms that produces their hallucinogenic effects.
Although selling them is still illegal in most of the United States, possession and consumption have been decriminalized in small amounts in some areas. Recently, Oregon passed a bill to establish a medical model that would legalize psilocybin.
It’s easy to find companies selling magic mushrooms online without any negative consequences. However, because the industry is unregulated, people may be using them incorrectly.
An unregulated industry means that people may be using magic mushrooms incorrectly.
Users believe they are safe to smoke; after all, people consume a variety of psychoactive drugs, such as cannabis, Salvia Divinorum, and DMT. However, it is an incorrect method for many other psychedelics, including magic mushrooms.
The most popular way to consume magic mushrooms is in the form of fresh or dried mushrooms, as well as tea. Many people, on the other hand, find them unpleasant in taste and texture. As a result, some persons are looking for alternatives.
A man injected himself with mushroom tea and landed in the hospital fighting for his life early this year. enduring bacterial and fungal infections, as well as organ failure. luckily, doctors were able to save him.
This is not an unusual occurrence, but it serves as a reminder that individuals are interested in alternative consumption methods, which may be hazardous.
Psilocybin is thermally labile, which means it breaks down at high temperatures. As a result, it is unlikely to provide the intended effects. Furthermore, smoking mushrooms comes with a slew of dangers and negative effects, some of which we’ll go over below.
What Happens if You Smoke Shrooms?
There has not been any study on the effects of smoking psilocybin currently. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that people who smoke shrooms obtain little advantage from doing so. In reality, it appears that smoking shrooms may be harmful in some circumstances.
Smoking Shrooms: Effects
According to reports on internet communities such as Reddit, the effects of smoking psilocybin mushrooms are mild or non-existent. Some claim that they felt little psychedelic effects, while others believe this was due to the placebo effet. Others claim that nothing but adverse side effects were produced, including nausea.
The fly agaric mushroom, Amanita muscaria, is an exception. Users state they experienced psychoactive effects after smoking this fungus. However, the fly agaric mushroom does not include psilocybin. Ibotenic acid is the active component of the plant, which transforms to muscimol when dried. The former may induce severe nausea, whereas the latter causes soothing and euphoric effects.
We advise against smoking any mushroom, regardless of its effects. We will discuss the reasoning behind this decision below.
How to Use Mushrooms Safely
It should now be clear that smoking shroom dust or mushrooms intact is not a good idea. It’s preferable to consume the drug via the mouth. Some seasoned psychonauts advocate mashing crushed dried mushrooms with food, such as peanut butter, chocolate spread, or other similar items. This disguises the mushrooms’ bitterness and makes them easier to swallow.
Other people put powdered mushrooms in capsules that have been emptied and swallow them with water. Many individuals use this approach, particularly those who microdose on mushrooms frequently.
Regardless of the method of ingestion, magic mushrooms must be used responsibly. To get the most out of your trip and minimize the chance of a negative experience, you must properly prepare.
Your mood, mindset, and physical environment are all critical elements to consider before consuming psilocybin. Psilocybin should only be consumed under the supervision of a professional psychedelic guide or therapist.
Finally, keep in mind that magic mushrooms are still highly illegal in most countries, although there are a few exceptions. This article is for educational and risk reduction purposes only. It is the reader’s duty to familiarize themselves with the relevant legislation in their jurisdiction.
Magic Mushrooms Medical Use
Various studies in the past few years have explored magic mushrooms’ medical applications. Some of these conditions include:
- Cluster headaches
- Dépression
- Anxiété
- Addiction
Unfortunately, magic mushrooms are still classified as a Schedule 1 Drug under the Controlled Substances Act. As a result, anyone looking to use psilocybin for medical purposes may be prevented from doing so. Individuals who wish to pursue this option should first look into whether any clinical trials are currently underway in their region or if they can visit retreat facilities in countries where psilocybin is legal.
Are Magic Mushrooms Addictive?
There are no known cases of magic mushroom addiction. In fact, there is some evidence that magic mushrooms may help those addicted to other substances, such as alcohol.
Final Thoughts on Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms have been used by humans for thousands of years in religious and spiritual ceremonies. In recent years, they have become popular among recreational users. Some people also use magic mushrooms medicinally to treat various conditions.
Psilocybin’s medicinal potential has been recognized by scientists in the last century, but its legal status has stifled exploration.
There is evidence that magic mushrooms could help alleviate certain conditions, and more research is likely to be published soon. However, it’s important to remember that these mushrooms are illegal in most places. So if you do choose to use them, know that you’re doing so at your own risk.