How Does the Effect of Dried Mushrooms Compare to Other Psychedelic Substances?

Dried shrooms are among the most sought-after psychedelics available today. You might have come across them and considered trying them out, but you’re uncertain they’re the right fit for you. 

It’s normal for those new to psychedelics to be unsure about which one to experiment with first. We’re here to clarify how dried mushrooms vary from other substances and why they could be an excellent choice for your initial psychedelic experience.

Key Takeaways:

• As the active ingredient in Psilocybe, it’s the most researched psychedelic for mental health due to its safety, minimal abuse potential, and brief effects.
• Dehydrated Psilocybe is the most commonly used form because it retains potency and extends shelf life.
• Psilocybin stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, resulting in enhanced perception, vivid imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortion.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: An Exploration of the Psychedelic Fungi World

Psilocybin mushrooms contain the mind-altering compounds psilocybin and psilocin, responsible for the hallucinogenic effects experienced by users. The most recognized species—Psilocybe cubensis—has a light brown cap, dark spots, and a distinctive shape. Numerous other species within the Psilocybe genus also produce these compounds.

Some toxic mushrooms that contain harmful toxins resemble Psilocybe, which is why we strongly discourage mushroom picking.

Historically, many mushrooms played a significant role in Central American spiritual rituals. At present, their potential use in treating mental health issues, including substance abuse disorders, is being explored.

Preparation and Preservation: The Dehydrated Variant

The most widely available form of Psilocybe is the dried variant. Dehydration is essential in preserving potency and extending shelf life. Fresh mushrooms are typically dried using a food dehydrator or placed on a wire rack in a cool, dry area. 

This process is crucial for removing excess

Magic mushrooms, once dried, can be kept for later use. Moisture, however, can cause mould to form and degrade the active ingredients.

Here is a detailed guide on drying and storing magic mushrooms:

1. Dry the mushrooms thoroughly using a suitable food dehydrator or a wire rack.
2. Use airtight containers for storage to ensure their effectiveness and avoid excessive moisture.
3. Store them in a location that is dry and cool to maintain their psychoactive properties.
4. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
5. Regularly inspect for mould or dark spots as these are indications of spoilage.

How Psilocybe Cubensis Compares to Other Psychedelics

There are other psychedelic products available online, apart from dried mushrooms. They have different effects on the body and can be consumed in various ways. Some of these substances are classified as traditional hallucinogens, similar to psilocybin.

How Does Your Body Respond?

The operational mechanisms of each substance are theoretical, derived from observed outcomes. These theories offer insights into potential effects of the substances, but do not provide a concrete understanding of the underlying processes.

• Psilocybin: It effortlessly stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, resulting in enhanced perception, vibrant imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortions. Additionally, it provokes alterations in thalamic gating and increased activity in the prefrontal cortex.
• DMT: Its interaction with serotonin receptors represents only a fraction of its overall impact, the full scope of which remains undefined. The serotonin receptor is important, but it doesn’t fully account for all the effects of DMT.
• LSD: It functions within 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: It generates an immediate sensation of pleasure by fostering the release of dopamine and serotonin.
• Ketamine: Its exact function is still uncertain. Its antidepressant effect could be attributed to the blocking of NMDA receptors on neurons, although selective inhibition of NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons and the suppression of AMPA receptors may also be involved.

What Are the Impacts of Psychedelic Mushrooms?

The mental and physical reactions can vary significantly depending on dosage, environment, and the user’s mental condition. Typical experiences associated with the consumption of psychedelic mushrooms include:

• Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Users may perceive non-existent patterns, colors, and shapes.
• Distorted Perception of Time: Time might appear to speed up or slow down.
• Altered Perception: Sensory experiences may be intensified or distorted.
• Emotional Swings: A wide range of emotions, from happiness to apprehension.
• Spiritual Insights: Experiences of a spiritual or mystical nature.
• Physical Effects: These may include an increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as feelings of nausea

Shroom consumption is generally safe when used responsibly. However, without proper preparation, some users may experience unpleasant effects. Experienced users may benefit from higher doses, but beginners trying to consume large amounts may have an unfavorable “bad trip.”

Managing your experience with this substance is straightforward. Choose a calm, quiet setting and enlist the support of a sober “trip guide”. 

A Superior Substitute to Other Substances

Dried shrooms are often preferred by medical professionals due to their long shelf life and easy dosage. Their shorter duration and more controllable intensity make them an ideal option for those new to psychedelic therapy. They are also more natural than other synthetic hallucinogens, with the exception of DMT.

It can be challenging to distinguish the benefits of various compounds since many clinical trials yield similar outcomes, particularly between LSD and psilocybin. Psilocybin is the most extensively researched psychedelic for mental health issues, mainly because of its excellent safety profile, low abuse potential, and short-lasting perceptual trips.

Health Benefits

• This natural compound might help ease “cognitive rigidity”, reduce self-defeating thoughts, and promote self-compassion. 
• A study in 2022 discovered that a single 25 mg dose decreased depression scores in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. A 2023 study reported significant and lasting reductions in depressive symptoms with the combined use of regulated substances and psychotherapy.
• A 2022 clinical trial found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly lowered the number of heavy drinking days over eight months compared to a placebo.
• A 2017 study published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that two to three doses, in conjunction with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), enabled 10 out of 15 participants to quit smoking for a year.
• In a 2022 pilot study published in Biological Psychiatry, four out of five anorexic patients reported an improvement in symptoms of their eating disorder after a single dose of shroom with psychotherapy. Two of them also experienced a reduction in anxiety.
1. Preparation Phase: This phase includes one or several sessions, each ranging from 1-6 hours, with a facilitator. The sessions aim to address any concerns you may have, define your goals, and establish realistic expectations. They are designed to build trust and create a safe environment.
2. Dosing Phase: This phase lasts between 5-8 hours. During this period, you will be laying down with an eye mask on, listening to a pre-selected playlist. A therapist will accompany you throughout the whole experience.
3. Integration Phase: This phase includes follow-up meetings to assist you in understanding and interpreting your experience. These sessions are distributed over several meetings, each lasting for a few hours.

Is buying shroom products more economical than other substances?

When compared to LSD products, dehydrated mushrooms are considerably less costly. For example, you can buy 3.5 grams for roughly $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.