How to Take Shrooms Safely

Considering taking shrooms? Before taking psilocybin, be sure to understand dosing, set, and setting. Stay safe!

What are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are fungi consumed for their psychedelic effects. The primary ingredient in these mushrooms that makes them magic is the compound psilocybin. When consumed, psilocybin is rapidly metabolized into psilocin which is the molecule that reaches the brain and induces the psychedelic mushroom experience, often referred to as a journey or trip.

Researchers have discovered over 200 different species of psilocybin mushrooms, and each species has numerous strains [1]. There are differences between mushroom species and their subsequent strains, creating a parallel to the variations found within cannabis strains. Different species and strains contain varying concentrations of psilocybin and reportedly have variations in the psychedelic effects a person experiences.

Some common magic mushroom strains are:

• Psilocybe cubensis (many types)
• Golden Teacher
• Albino Goldies
• Penis Envy
• Stargazer
• Liberty Caps

What are the Effects of Magic Mushrooms?

Psilocybin affects different people in slightly different ways but there are common themes in a psychedelic mushroom journey such as shifts in perception, heightened emotions, and a distortion of one’s sense of time. Many people who consume psilocybin mushrooms report feeling more connected and aware of their feelings and emotions, while some report having mystical experiences. It is not uncommon to feel wonder, awe, immense gratitude or feelings of calm non-attachment.

Visual distortions and hallucinations are common and may include light halos, geometric patterns, distorted vision and audio, movement of objects, such as trees that appear to breathe, amplified colors, and rich closed-eye visuals, like watching a movie with some incredible special effects. Overall, the psilocybin experience can range from being extremely positive to incredibly challenging. Post-trip reports often describe feeling connected with the universe, the infinite, and God [3].

How to Safely Consume Magic Mushrooms

The guidelines below are based on basic harm reduction principles. Harm reduction refers to strategies and principles for substance use that neither encourages or discourages recreational or intentional consumption but instead seeks to minimize the negative consequences of the use of these substances.

Harm reduction is just as it sounds – it aims for consumers to avoid harm and employ common sense. Harm reduction presents a non-judgemental approach to people who choose to consume psychoactive substances

Below are simple guidelines to consider for safety when consuming magic mushrooms.

What Shrooms are you Consuming?

Unless a laboratory tests your mushrooms or you grow your own, it may be challenging to know what type of mushrooms you are consuming. Knowing the strain of mushroom can help you gauge how potent the shrooms may be. For instance, P. azurescens tends to be more powerful than other strains such as the common P. cubensis.

Knowing where your mushrooms were grown can also give you an indication of potency. Indoor-grown mushrooms boost the potency. Wild psilocybin mushrooms are exposed to UV radiation, which can diminish potency. Mushrooms lose potency over time, and the storage method can accelerate this. For example, light and heat exposure will decrease potency more rapidly than if stored in the dark. Generally speaking, when stored in a cool dry space at room temperature, psilocybin mushrooms begin to lose their potency after approximately 12-18 months.