Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of psychedelic. Shrooms have been used for medicinal use, religious ceremonies, and spiritual practices for centuries. Recently, there has been a resurgence in the use of magic mushrooms for recreational purposes.
If you are thinking about trying shrooms, knowing how to prepare for a trip is essential. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about magic mushrooms and how you can prepare to take them safely.
What are Magic Mushrooms?
Shrooms are a unique type of mushroom that contains the psychedelic compound psilocybin. While there are over 180 different strains that contain psilocybin, the most popular type of magic mushroom is Psilocybe Cubensis.
When consumed, psilocybin can cause hallucinations, changes in perception, and euphoria. For this reason, magic mushrooms are often used to achieve a recreational high that can lead to profound psychedelic experiences.
What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally-occurring compound that can be found within more than 200 species of fungi – aka shrooms.
Upon ingestion, psilocybin turns into a compound called psilocin, which will cause mind-altering effects. This particular chemical was identified in 1959, although there has been documentation of magic mushrooms being used as early as 6,000 years ago.
Bodily effects of magic mushrooms
There are many different potential bodily effects that a person can experience. Most often, these sensations will change depending on the person, dosage, and species. Some of the potential effects are:
1. Joy/Giddiness
The most common effect of psilocybin is a strong sense of elation. Many people experience a heightened level of happiness or euphoria during the trip.
2. Synesthesia
Synesthesia is known as a mixing of sensory functions. This leads to the user being able to associate one stimulus to a different stimulus. For example, some people may smell colors or see music.
3. Enhanced introspection
Another one of the most common effects of magic mushrooms is a higher level of introspection. People will often have long-lost memories resurface or spend time analyzing their own thoughts and behaviors. Many people will dive deep within themselves and can often correct unwanted future behaviors.
4. Time Distortion
Another one of the most common experiences that consumers will undergo is a change in their perception of time. Many people report feeling that time slows down and that minutes will feel like hours. Researchers have no definitive answer for this phenomenon.
5. Spiritual Experiences
An important sensation related to shrooms – especially at higher doses – is going through a mystical experience. This can be different for every person, but generally is a result of an increased level of self-awareness, hallucinations, and euphoric sensations. Many users will experiences feelings like altruism and gratitude which can have life-lasting effects after the trip, as well.
For this reason, many cultures and magic mushroom experts will combine these experiences with meditation to support a spiritual program or personal growth practices.
In other words, the previously mentioned effects can be experienced simultaneously, leading many to interpret a spiritual trip.
6. Visual changes
Finally, changes to the consumer’s visual perception are incredibly common. This can come in the form of shapes and colors altering or seeing different lights and patterns formed when closing your eyes. However, a more intense form of change to visual perception can occur in the form of hallucinations. This means that you could see people, events, or forms that simply aren’t there.
Generally, users will consider these psilocybin-induced visual changes to be pleasant, however, they can also be associated with bad trips, which we’ll discuss next.
What Does a Psilocybin Trip Feel Like?
The effects of psilocybin vary from person to person, and the resulting trip will vary based on the dosage as well. In moderate to high doses, shrooms can feel like a psychedelic escape from reality. Trips can feel like a journey through your mind, with users experiencing colorful hallucinations, spiritual insights, and profound emotions.
In lower doses, shrooms can produce milder effects that can still be enjoyable. These more gentle trips include mild feelings of euphoria and a feeling of connection with the environment. Shrooms can also cause laughter and giggling, the results of a more mellow and happy state of being.
How to Prepare for a Shroom Trip Safely
If you are thinking about taking shrooms, it is vital to take some precautions before your trip. As these psychedelics do cause you to enter an altered state of consciousness where you experience time and reality in an entirely different way, it’s important to be in a safe and comfortable setting.
To avoid the possibility of a bad trip and to ensure you have a positive experience, keep the following details in mind:
Be in a Calm State of Mind: Shrooms can amplify your current mood, so it is important to be in a positive and relaxed headspace before you trip. If you feel anxious, tired, or stressed out, it is best to postpone your trip until you are mentally in a better place.
Set Your Intentions: Shrooms can be used for personal growth and self-discovery, so it’s essential to set some intentions before your trip. What do you hope to gain during your psychedelic experience? What questions do you want to answer? Having some clear intentions will help focus your mind during the trip.
Be with Trusted Friends: This one is essential. The people around you can significantly impact your mood and state of mind, so it’s important to be with people you trust and feel the most comfortable with.
Be in a Safe and Comfortable Environment: Shrooms can cause you to feel overwhelmed or even fearful in unfamiliar environments. Make sure your surroundings are familiar, safe, and comfortable, with no possible triggers that could cause a bad trip.
Allow Yourself to Disconnect: Shrooms can cause you to feel a sense of connection with your surroundings, so it’s important to unplug from electronics and the internet. Before tripping, ensure that you are entirely free of any responsibilities, chores, or work-related tasks. Allow yourself to welcome this psychedelic experience and to explore the depths of your mind without interruption.
Stay Hydrated: Shrooms can cause you to become dehydrated, so it’s helpful to drink plenty of fluids before and during your trip. The experience itself can be very draining, so water can help keep you hydrated and prevent you from getting a headache afterward.
Trip on an Empty Stomach: This is recommended for two reasons. One, it can help to prevent any stomach discomfort or nausea. And two, it allows the psilocybin to have the greatest effect as you can digest it more effectively.
Clear Your Schedule: Shrooms can cause you to lose track of time, so it’s important to clear your schedule for the day of and after your trip. This will help ensure that you can relax and recover without any outside obligations that could negatively impact your experience.
Shroom Trip Timeline
The Shroom Trip Timeline can be unpredictable depending on the person and dosage, so it’s helpful to be aware of the different phases you may experience.
Onset: The onset of a shroom trip can take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours. This is when the psilocybin begins to take effect, and you will start feeling the changes in your perception and state of mind.
Peak: The peak of a shroom trip can last anywhere from two to six hours and will typically kick in around three to four hours after ingesting. This is the most intense and transformative stage of the experience, where you will feel the greatest effects.
The Come Down: After the peak has passed, you will begin to come down from the trip. This phase can last another four to six hours, and you may still experience another wave or two of the psychedelic experience before returning to a more normal state.
How to Eat Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms can be eaten whole, which tends to be the most common method. Since these mushrooms don’t taste very good, you may also consider brewing them into a tea.
Psilocybin Mushroom Dosage: How Much Shrooms Should You Take
The dosage for dried psilocybin mushrooms depends on the potency of the mushrooms, as well as your personal tolerance. It’s important to start with a smaller dosage and work your way up if you’re new to shrooms to avoid feeling completely overwhelmed by the experience.
Microdose: 0.1 – 0.5g
Low Dose: 0.5 – 2g
Moderate Dose: 2 – 3.5g
High Dose: 3.5 – 5g and above
For beginners, we recommend starting with a low dose to help ease into the experience.
What You Need to Know About Microdosing Shrooms
Microdosing is the practice of taking very low doses of psychedelics (usually psilocybin mushrooms) to experience its therapeutic effects. When taken in such small dosages, shrooms will not trigger a full-blown psychedelic experience but rather produce subtle reductions in anxiety and can potentially improve your mood.
Microdosing has become increasingly popular to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic pain. Shrooms have even been shown to help improve focus, creativity, and communication while reducing stress and negative thinking.
Are shrooms addictive?
There is no evidence of physical dependency (addiction) related to magic mushrooms. While you can build up a tolerance to mushrooms, they will not produce the same addictive side effects like other substances such as nicotine or alcohol.
Can magic mushrooms expire?
Yes, magic mushrooms can expire. Fresh mushrooms will only last for a few weeks, even in the fridge. Dried mushrooms can last for up to a year, but high levels of moisture or poor storage can lower their shelf life considerably.
If you see mold developing or a change in the smell, they’re no longer safe for consumption.
Where Can I Buy Shrooms?
If you’re looking to buy shrooms, it’s important to do your research and purchase them from a reputable source. At Shroom Surfer, we offer various strains of psilocybin mushrooms that have been lab-tested for potency and purity. If you’re looking to buy shrooms in DC, take a look at our online shop to browse our selection.
Disclaimer: Shrooms should not be taken lightly and should only be consumed in a safe and controlled setting. Psychedelics can cause unpredictable reactions in some people, so it’s important to educate yourself before taking them. Shroom trips can also be very emotionally intense, so make sure that you are mentally prepared for what may happen. These mushrooms should not be taken if you are pregnant, have a severe mental illness, or are on any medication that could potentially interact with psilocybin. Always consult with a medical professional before taking psychedelics. This guide is not an intended substitute for medical advice.