Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin)

Jul 7

What are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms are any variety of mushrooms that contain psilocybin or psilocin.
Psilocybin and psilocin are psychedelic drugs that belong to the tryptamine family and have effects similar to LSD, but shorter acting.
Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures around the world to induce altered states of consciousness during celebratory and religious rituals.
Recent scientific studies have used psilocybin to ease end-of-life anxiety in terminally ill patients.
Magic mushrooms are usually eaten raw or brewed into a tea. They can be consumed fresh or dried for later use.

What are the effects?

At low doses, magic mushrooms produce feelings of relaxation, similar to cannabis.
At higher doses, colors appear sharper, moving objects leave “trails” behind them, and flat surfaces may appear to “breathe.” Imaginary visions may begin to appear, as well as feelings of euphoria.
Users often report laughing a lot and finding things funnier than they would normally.
A mushroom “trip” tends to last about four to five hours.
Many people say the mushroom experience is more “earthy” than other psychedelics, increasing emotional awareness and causing less psychological confusion.

What is a normal dose?

The amount of psilocybin or psilocin in magic mushrooms can vary greatly between strains as well as within the same strain, making it difficult to dose precisely.
A typical dose of the popular strain, Psilocybe Cubensis, is about two dried grams. A threshold dose (one you can just barely feel) is considered around 1/4 dried gram, and five dried grams is considered a very strong (“heroic”) dose.
Starting out with a smaller dose and waiting at least an hour to see how it feels is always a safer way to avoid having too strong a trip.
On an empty stomach the full effects should be felt within 30 minutes to an hour. On a full stomach it could take much longer.

Be Careful!

The greatest danger associated with taking magic mushrooms is accidentally ingesting poisonous mushrooms instead. There are about 200 species of edible, magic mushrooms, but only a handful of these are common. Learn how to identify them and always buy from a known, trusted source.
Magic mushrooms may precipitate the onset of schizophrenia in genetically predisposed individuals.
Mushroom trips can sometimes be frightening, induce extreme anxiety and panic. Although rare, some people relive the experience days, weeks, or even years later in episodes known as “flashbacks.” Flashbacks are not unique to hallucinogenic drugs. They can result from any intense, psychological trauma.
Magic mushrooms can impair judgement. Never drive while under the influence of magic mushrooms.
Magic mushrooms are illegal. Possession can result in long prison terms. Supplying mushrooms to someone else (whether or not money was exchanged) and growing mushrooms (even for personal use) can carry even longer sentences.

More Harm Reduction Tips

Some users experience nausea during the first hour after consuming magic mushrooms. Boiling the mushrooms for twenty minutes into a tea before consuming them can reduce the chances of becoming nauseous.
As with all psychedelics, ‘set’ and ‘setting’ are important factors in determining whether someone has a positive or negative experience. “Set” is the mental state a person brings to the experience - their thoughts, moo and expectations. “Setting” is the physical and social environment in which the drug is consumed. Being in a good mental state with trusted friends in a supportive environment before taking magic mushrooms reduces the risk of having a difficult trip.
Be self aware! If you choose to use magic mushrooms, knowing why is the best way to maximize the benefits and reduce the risks. Whether it’s for therapeutic, psychonautic, or purely recreational purposes, knowing your intentions is necessary to assess whether or not they are being met.

Michael Layeux

Cannabis (“Marijuana,” “Mary-Jane” )