Dried shrooms are among the most sought-after psychedelics available today. If you’ve heard about them and are considering trying them out, but aren’t certain if they’re the right choice for you, keep reading.
It’s normal for those new to psychedelics to ponder over the best option to start with. We’re here to clarify how dried mushrooms stand out from other options and why they could be an excellent choice for your inaugural psychedelic experience.
[toc]Key Points:
- The active ingredient in Psilocybe is the most extensively studied psychedelic for mental health due to its safety, minimal potential for misuse, and brief duration of effects.
- The most common form is dried Psilocybe, which retains potency and extends shelf life.
- Psilocybin activates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, leading to enhanced perception, vivid imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortion.
Psilocybin Mushrooms: Exploring the Mystical World of Psychedelic Fungi
Psilocybin mushrooms are home to the psychoactive compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, which produce the hallucinogenic effects experienced by users. The most recognized species, Psilocybe cubensis, features a light brown cap, dark spots, and a distinctive shape. Several other species within the Psilocybe genus also produce these compounds.
Some toxic mushrooms containing harmful toxins resemble Psilocybe, which is why we strongly advise against wild mushroom foraging.
In the past, numerous mushrooms played a significant role in Central American spiritual practices. Presently, their potential for treating mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, is under scientific scrutiny.
Drying and Storing: The Dehydrated Option
The most commonly accessible form of Psilocybe is the dried variety. Dehydration is vital for preserving potency and extending shelf life. Fresh mushrooms are generally dried using a food dehydrator or left on a wire rack in a cool, dry spot.
This process is essential for removing excess
When dried, magic mushrooms can be stored for future use. However, they must be kept away from moisture to prevent the growth of mould and the degradation of their active compounds.
Follow this step-by-step guide to properly dry and store magic mushrooms:
- Firstly, thoroughly dry the mushrooms using a suitable food dehydrator or wire rack.
- Store the dried mushrooms in airtight containers to protect them from excessive moisture and keep their potency intact.
- Keep the containers in a dry, cool place to ensure the preservation of their psychoactive compounds.
- Avoid exposing the mushrooms to direct sunlight to prevent the degradation of their active substances.
- Regularly inspect the mushrooms for mould or dark spots, which indicate spoilage.
Comparison Between Psilocybe Cubensis and Other Psychedelics
In addition to dried mushroom products, there are other psychedelic substances available online. Each of these produces different effects on the body and can be consumed in various ways. Some are categorized as classic hallucinogens, similar to psilocybin.
| Substance | Origin | Physical Effects | Potential Therapeutic Applications | Duration of Effects |
| Psilocybin | Occurs naturally in over 200 mushroom species | Enhanced perception, hallucinations, altered sense of time | Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Cluster headaches, Alzheimer’s disease | 4-6 hours |
| DMT | Found naturally in plants like Psychotria viridis | Intense spiritual experiences, visions, auditory hallucinations | Depression, Addiction | 15-30 minutes |
| LSD | Synthetic, first produced by Albert Hofmann in 1938 | Heightened emotions, altered perception, auditory and visual hallucinations | Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Cluster headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD | 8-12 hours |
| MDMA | Synthetic, first synthesized by Anton Köllisch in 1912 | Increase in serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and possibly oxytocin release | PTSD, Autism spectrum disorder, Obesity, Narcolepsy, ADHD | 3-6 hours |
| Ketamine | Synthetic, first synthesized by Calvin L. Stevens in 1962 | Anesthetic with psychedelic effects at high subanesthetic doses | Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Suicidal ideation, Addiction, Autism spectrum disorder, Chronic pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia | 1-3 hours |
Grasping the Body’s Response to These Substances
The functional workings of each substance are theoretical, based on witnessed outcomes. These hypothetical explanations offer some understanding of how these substances might exert their effects, but they do not provide a conclusive grasp of the involved underlying processes.
- Psilocybin: Easily stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, resulting in amplified perception, vibrant imagery, complex hallucinations, and temporal distortions. It also instigates changes in thalamic gating and heightened prefrontal cortex activity.
- DMT: Its influence on serotonin receptors is just a portion of its overall impact, the full range of which remains indistinct. The serotonin receptor is crucial, but it doesn’t fully account for all the effects of DMT.
- LSD: It functions in the serotonergic system in the Dorsal Raphe, binding to the 5-HT2A receptor as a partial agonist and the 5-HT1A receptor as a full agonist.
- MDMA: Triggers an immediate feeling of pleasure by enhancing the release of dopamine and serotonin.
- Ketamine: Its exact mechanism of action is still uncertain. Its antidepressant effect may come from blocking NMDA receptors on neurons, though selective inhibition of NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons and suppression of AMPA receptors may also contribute.
What Are the Impacts of Psychedelic Mushrooms?
The mental and physical reactions can vary significantly based on dosage, environment, and the user’s psychological state. Common experiences associated with the use of psychedelic mushrooms include:
- Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Users may experience patterns, colors, and shapes that do not exist in reality.
- Distorted Sense of Time: Time might appear to either slow down or speed up.
- Altered Perception: Sensory experiences may be intensified or distorted.
- Emotional Fluctuations: A wide range of emotions can be experienced, from elation to anxiety.
- Spiritual Revelations: Users might have experiences of a spiritual or mystical nature.
- Physical Effects: These may include an increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as sensations of nausea.
Shroom consumption is deemed safe when used responsibly. Lack of proper preparation, however, can result in unpleasant experiences for some users. Experienced users may find higher doses effective, but novice users consuming large amounts may experience a distressing trip.
Managing your experience with this substance is straightforward. Choose a peaceful, quiet environment and have a sober “trip guide” available for support.
A Preferable Substitute to Other Substances
Dried shrooms are often favored by medical professionals due to their long shelf life and easy dosage. Their shorter duration and manageable intensity make them a suitable option for individuals new to psychedelic therapy. They’re also more natural than other synthetic hallucinogens, barring DMT.
Differentiating the benefits of various compounds can be challenging as many clinical trials produce similar outcomes, particularly between LSD and psilocybin. The latter is the most extensively researched psychedelic for mental health concerns, mainly due to its excellent safety record, minimal risk of dependency, and short-lasting perceptual trips.
Health Benefits
- This natural compound may help reduce “cognitive rigidity,” lessen self-defeating thoughts, and promote self-compassion.
- A 2022 study reported that a single 25 mg dose reduced depression scores in individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression. A 2023 study highlighted significant and lasting reductions in depressive symptoms through the combined use of controlled substances and psychotherapy.
- A 2022 clinical trial found that psilocybin-aided psychotherapy substantially decreased the number of heavy drinking days over an eight-month period compared to a placebo.
- A 2017 study published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse revealed that two to three doses, when combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), allowed 10 out of 15 participants to quit smoking for a year.
- In a 2022 pilot study published in Biological Psychiatry, four out of five patients with anorexia reported symptom improvement after a single shroom dose combined with psychotherapy. In addition, two of them also saw a reduction in anxiety levels.
- Preparation Phase: During this phase, you will have one or more sessions, each spanning 1-6 hours, with a facilitator. These sessions are designed to address any of your concerns, define your goals, and set clear expectations. The key objective is to build trust and create a safe environment.
- Dosing Phase: This is a 5-8 hour phase where you’ll be lying down, wearing an eye mask, and listening to a pre-selected playlist. A therapist will be by your side throughout the entire experience.
- Integration Phase: This phase includes follow-up sessions designed to help you make sense of your experience. These sessions, which take place over a few meetings, last for several hours each.
Is it more economical to buy shroom products over other substances?
When compared to LSD products, dried shrooms are considerably less expensive. For example, you can buy 3.5 grams for approximately $20. Conversely, the cost of LSD in gel tabs varies depending on the dosage. For instance, six tabs with a strength of 100 micrograms each could set you back around $90.
