Magic Mushrooms; Everything you need to know about magic mushrooms. From dosage to staying safe during your trip.
Quick History of Magic Mushrooms
Historians believe that magic mushrooms have been used for over 10,000 years. Paintings and carvings of mushrooms have been found throughout many cultures across the world. Many believed it could help “communicate with the gods.” The Aztecs called it “Teonanacatl” which translates to “God mushroom”. It was used in ceremonies to induce trance-like states, as well as in many religious ceremonies.
Magic Mushrooms were introduced to western culture in 1950 by Gordon Wasson. He traveled down to Mexico and had a ceremony with a shaman. He documented the experience and Time Magazine ran an article about it called “Seeking the Magic Mushroom”. From there, word of magic mushrooms took off and many other doctors started studying the mushroom. Most notably Dr. Hoffman, the doctor that synthesized LSD.
The fun was short-lived because in 1965 the use of psilocybin was banned. Stating it was banned due to the “threat of mass hallucinations and a population gone mad”. Others believed they banned it because they didn’t want the population exploring their consciousness and becoming more aware. Which do you believe?
As of today more and more countries are starting to decriminalize the personal use of magic mushrooms. Oregon has recently become the first state to legalize psilocybin for the treatment of people with mental health problems.
We are coming into a new phase as a society, wanting to go back to natural medicines. The laws are going to have to change with it.
Different Ways to Consume Mushrooms
There are many ways that people enjoy their magic mushrooms. Below are just a few.
Eating the mushroom whole. This is the most common way to enjoy them. Whether they are dried or freshly picked, some people just like to pop them in their mouth, chew them up and go.
Adding to Edibles. If you don’t enjoy the taste of mushrooms, another way to enjoy it is to cut it up and add it to food. A common way is to melt some chocolate, add in the shrooms, and then let the chocolate harden and enjoy it that way. You can experiment with adding them to different dishes but be careful. Exposing them to too much heat will break down the psilocybin (the chemical that makes you trip.)
Brewing with Tea. Shrooms are often enjoyed as tea. Grind them up and add them to a tea bag. Seep for 10 minutes, or if you’d like it to be a little stronger 20 minutes. Enjoy your trip.
Microdosing. Taking mushrooms can leave you unavailable to do anything for the rest of the day. if you’re not looking to do that, micro-dosing may be the way to go. Many people microdose by taking a small amount of shrooms, adding them to a capsule, usually between 0.1-0.5g, and taking them that way. It is said to boost energy and creativity, without the hallucinations and an 8-hour trip.
Effects of Mushroom Dosage
The dosage depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Do you just want to have a good day without being blasted? Are you looking to see some visuals? Do you want a full psychedelic, talking to other beings type trip?
0.2-.05g
This dosage will give you a nice energy and creativity boost. Allowing you to still be able to function throughout the day. It’s always best to start with less and see how that makes you feel, and then work your way up. Feeling calm and grounded have also been reported with this dose.
0.5-1.0g
This is good if you want more than an energy boost. Said to be great for creative processes. People have reported feeling like a feather or like you’re floating. Other effects may include, Increased mental clarity and focus, improved mood and heightened perception of the mind and emotions.
1.0-2.0g
Great for when you are ready to try a psychedelic experience, but you’re still new so you don’t want it to be too out of control. Said to give a body high, and put you in a laughing mood. Some visuals may be seen. Things around you may seem like they’re “breathing”. Abstract thoughts and thoughts that focus on space and time have also been reported.
2.0-3.0g
This is the trip that everyone talks about when they say they “tripped on shrooms”. Prepare for an adventure. You will make new connections and have deep insights. Sometimes it can get crazy, but at the end of it you will be amazed at what just happened. You will perceive new things and have existential thoughts, euphoria and visuals. People have reported a “loss of sense of time”.
3.0-4.0g
Experienced people only should try these doses. Maybe you’ve done the classic trip a few times and you want to try a little more. People who have done this dosage are said to feel like they are connected to the universe and had ego death. You should make sure you are in a very good headspace mentally before trying. Effects include everything listed above.
Scientific Studies of Mushrooms
The magic mushroom industry is moving forward in research on how it can help with depression, anxiety, addiction, headaches, Alzheimer, PTSD, and a wide range of personality disorders. Many countries are lifting the ban on magic mushrooms, due to their low toxicity levels and their promising ability to help people.
A study in the UK concluded that the compounds found in magic mushrooms are just as good, if not better than many leading antidepressants prescribed today. It has been found that treatment with psilocybin has had positive effects on people with addictions like smoking and alcohol. It has also had positive effects on people who have a life-threatening illness and are facing existential distress.
The plant has been shown to form new neural pathways in the brain, allowing people to break free from old habits that were holding them back. Almost like an epiphany allowing you to rewrite your life and grow.
What You May Experience
I listed positive effects you may experience with each dosage. But not everything is always sunshine and daisies. If you are not prepared mentally you may have what is called a “bad trip”.
The symptoms could include, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, terror, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
How to Make Sure You Don’t Have a Bad Trip.
You’re going to want to make sure you are in a setting you are familiar with and with people you are comfortable being around. People that you feel safe around. I like to also make sure it’s a nice day outside so I don’t feel claustrophobic. Going outside has been proven to be very therapeutic when taking magic mushrooms.
- Avoid Noisy Places- Too much noise or being around strangers can make you uncomfortable during your trip.
- Watch Your Dose- Taking too high of a dose can make you have experiences you’re not mentally ready for. It is recommended to start small and see how you react, slowly working your way up to more.
- Avoid Mixing- Taking mushrooms with other substances could cause a bad trip. You don’t want to drink alcohol and take mushrooms. Other psychedelic drugs should also be avoided when taking shrooms.
- Stay Hydrated- Not being hydrated. If not properly hydrated you could experience dry mouth, cold sweats, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
- Be Positive- Being in the wrong mindset. You need to make sure you are in a positive mindset before consuming. Being anxious before your trip could make you have a bad trip. Defining a positive goal for the trip could help have lasting benefits. Never take psychedelics if you are not in a good mood because it will only magnify it 100x.
- Educate yourself- It is always wise to research magic mushrooms before you take them. Read about other peoples experiences and what they did to help prepare themselves.
- Wear comfy clothes. While on mushrooms, you may not notice how hot or cold you might be. So, putting on some comfy clothes before taking mushrooms will prevent you from overheating or getting too cold.
How to Calm Someone Down from a Bad Mushroom Trip
To calm someone down who is having a bad trip. Do not tell them they are having a bad trip. Sit them down somewhere cozy and make sure they are comfortable. Offer water. Let them know they are ok and in a safe space. Bad trips last just as long as good ones. It may be hours before they feel better.
You should be stable enough to be able to go with the flow of your experience and know how to manage any fear that may arise. Or you should have someone with you that can calm you down if needed.
Happy Tripping! Safety First!
Fun fact: Terence McKenna has been known throughout the psychedelic community for his “Stoned Ape Theory”. The theory states that after the ice age, the apes had to come down from the trees in search of food. During this search they came across the magic mushrooms. The theory goes that these mushrooms had a great impact on the development of the brain. We will never know if this theory is true, but it is fun to think about.
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