Magic mushrooms are some of the most ill-understood psychedelics in the world, in part because of the draconian laws that make them illegal in most places. However, this guide can still break down the basics of using magic mushrooms safely. Let’s get started.
What Are “Magic” Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms actually comprise a few different types of mushrooms – it’s not just a single species! In fact, the defining aspect of magic mushrooms is that they have to have a compound called psilocybin, which is a naturally occurring psychoactive ingredient.
Psilocybin is one of the most well-known psychedelics in the world and has been used for thousands of years by people wanting to adjust their thinking or enjoy an out-of-body experience.
Despite their widespread use and popularity, it’s important to remember that magic mushrooms are strictly illegal in the US according to federal law. There are a couple of states where psilocybin is either legal for medical use or has been effectively decriminalized in certain cities, such as Colorado, California, and Oregon.
Why Do People Take Magic Mushrooms?
Practically all people who try magic mushrooms do it to experience a “mushroom trip”. When you consume magic mushrooms in moderate to high doses, you can induce a psychedelic trip that alters your state of mind and changes the way your brain operates temporarily.
Under the right circumstances and when done properly, magic mushrooms can lead to:
- Challenging mental experiences or thoughts
- Resolution of lifelong grief or shame
- Mystical or life-changing experiences
- Addiction resolution – some people have found that they lost longtime addictions to things like alcohol or smoking after a single mushroom trip
- Treatment for issues like anxiety and depression
- and more…
Because of all these benefits, it’s important to know the basics of using magic mushrooms safely and properly. Magic mushrooms also come with the risk of certain side effects, including:
- Anxiety
- Intense fear
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- and more…
When taken improperly, magic mushrooms can induce a so-called “bad trip”.
Ways to Take Magic Mushrooms
There are multiple ways to prepare and take magic mushrooms. Let’s break down how you can do this so you don’t make yourself feel nauseous or experience a bad trip.
Eating
Naturally, you can simply chew and swallow magic mushrooms. In this case, your stomach will digest the mushrooms and the psilocybin compound will gradually be absorbed by your body.
To eat magic mushrooms properly, be sure to chew them thoroughly to coax all of the mushroom juices. It’ll take around 45 minutes or less for the trip to begin, though you can accelerate this process by eating mushrooms on an empty stomach.
This being said, lots of people find chewing mushrooms to be less than pleasant. You can instead use a typical kitchen truffle grinder, which can mash the magic mushrooms into an easy-to-swallow paste.
Tea
Alternatively, you can brew a special tea, which may help you avoid the normally bitter taste of magic mushrooms. To make magic mushroom tea:
- Boil some water
- Use a truffle grinder or your bare hands to crush some magic mushrooms into small pieces
- Put the mushroom pieces into the hot water and allow it to simmer for a few minutes
- Do not let the tea boil since you may destroy the psilocybin
- Let the tea rest for between 10 and 15 minutes, then drink
You should feel effects within 45 minutes or so, as with eating magic mushrooms.
Capsules
Capsules are ideal for avoiding the taste of magic mushrooms entirely and they are very easy to take. Capsules are best for micro-dosing or getting your brain used to the psilocybin effects as opposed to jumping into a full mushroom trip right off the bat.
You can find magic mushroom capsules at retailers that sell psilocybin products. Remember to not try a capsule with a high concentration at first if it’s your first trip.
Edibles
Lastly, you can eat psilocybin edibles, which are a lot like cannabis edibles. You can add crushed-up mushroom pieces to favorite recipes for treats like brownies or cookies, then eat the snack to get a mushroom trip and solve your munchies at the same time.
How Can You Take Magic Mushrooms Safely?
As mentioned, it’s important to take magic mushrooms safely so you don’t experience a bad trip or endanger yourself or others. Follow these tips to make sure your first trip is safe and enjoyable.
Be in a Good Headspace
Only try a mushroom trip when you’re in a good headspace. Your mental state prior to ingesting magic mushrooms can affect the entire tone or content of your trip. Those who are feeling confident and excited will likely have a good magic mushroom trip, while those who are worried may have a bad trip.
Have Someone with You
We’d also recommend having a buddy present for your first trip, especially if they have already taken psilocybin before. Someone who is sober can sit with you and make sure you don’t do anything too crazy or accidentally hurt yourself.
Consider the Setting of the Trip
Where you sit while you experience your magic mushroom trip can affect the trip’s experience as well. For the best results, try to situate yourself with lots of natural lighting or flora, such as a small garden or a room with potted plants. Avoid places where you are likely to be disturbed by loud noises or sudden surprises.
Don’t of Magic Mushroom Trips
- Don’t drive – your trip-sitter should prevent you from driving under any circumstances, as you could injure someone or get arrested.
- Don’t look in mirrors. On psilocybin, your brain can quickly become confused and terrified upon seeing yourself in a mirror.
- Don’t take too many mushrooms at first. Your first trip will likely be plenty intense even if you only take a small dose.
Summary
All in all, taking magic mushrooms can be an enjoyable and life-changing activity for just about anyone. Be sure to take your trip seriously and with the right precautions and you might find that your magic mushroom trip is one of the most important experiences in your life.