The world has slowly embraced magic mushrooms as a naturally occurring psychedelic drug. While they have a history of being used for medicinal, therapeutic, and spiritual reasons, now we have clinical trials and data to back up these findings. Keep reading and learn everything you need about the positive effects of psilocybin mushrooms.
What do Magic Mushrooms look like?
Before taking magic mushrooms, it would be good to cover some physical characteristics. Being educated on the subject also means knowing what they look like. While they’re found in different shapes and sizes, some features remain consistent.
How to Identify Psychedelic Mushrooms
You’ll see a small, brown, or tan cap which can be smooth or slightly bumpy. And also has a long, slender stem that is typically colored white or pale and has a fibrous texture to the touch. Overall, magic mushrooms look distinct, which sets them apart from other mushrooms.
Make sure not to confuse them with agaric mushrooms, which can be toxic. These have white gills below their cap; some can be spotted thanks to their bulbous base or ring on the stem. You should avoid these poisonous mushrooms.
Experience, Benefits, & Side Effects of Psilocybin Containing Mushrooms
Hallucinogenic mushrooms are nothing new to the world; while some look at them as a purely addictive drug, it’s more nuanced than one might think. While clinical trials have proven the mental effects of psilocybin mushrooms, there’s also ongoing research to investigate physical effects on the body. So let’s look at the available information.
Potential Benefits of Magic Mushrooms
The connection between magic mushrooms and mental health disorders has been covered everywhere. In the media, on the news, and in the scientific community, there is consensus on the effects of psilocybin use.
These benefits include:
- Evidence suggests it can effectively target treatment-resistant depression
- Enhances mental health and mental processes, leading to increased creativity
- Helps in managing symptoms for recovering addicts
- It can encourage more feelings of empathy and mental clarity
- Targets serotonin receptors in the brain and increases neuroplasticity
Common Side Effects of Psilocybin Mushrooms
But that doesn’t mean there are no risks attached. In-depth research is still underway, and while psilocybin’s ability to help is established, the psychedelic effects of psilocybin mushrooms can affect some people more heavily than others.
Some people have reported heightened emotions and intense reactions. While others shared frightening hallucinations. This is called a bad trip; to prevent it, it’s recommended to experience psilocybin mushrooms under supervision from a therapist or other qualified individual.
Substance Use Disorders and Withdrawal
If ingesting psilocybin mushrooms, space out how often you use them. Thanks to addiction biology, we know that magic mushroom use isn’t addictive. But you can still develop dependence, leading to psychological distress when you stop using magic mushrooms abruptly. There’s also no risk of mushroom poisoning, so long as you’re taking the right shrooms.
Psilocybin Tolerance & Using Magic Mushrooms with Other Drugs
Taking mushrooms with other drugs can increase the risk of a bad trip, particularly when combined with ones that boost serotonin. In worst-case scenarios, you might experience increased heart rate, high body temperature, high blood pressure, panic attacks and psychosis.
On the other hand, spacing out how often you’re taking magic mushrooms also prevents building tolerance. It doesn’t last for long, typically some days or weeks, depending on how much you’ve taken.
Long-term Effects of Magic Mushrooms
Clinical research is still underway, but current data shows that most people experience some combination of increased spirituality and creativity. Many have also shared more openness. But as said earlier, overuse leads to dependence and its associated complications.
Therapeutic Use of Psilocybin Containing Species
Now that we know of treatment-resistant mental health conditions, it’s led to an increase in exploring alternatives. Psilocybin and psilocin clinical trials have yielded favorable results though research is ongoing in the field. This is thanks to the talented researchers at Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research and their hard work.
Impact on Mood and Environment
Since we’re talking about psychedelic drugs, it’s important to remember these aren’t uppers or downers in the conventional sense. Taking magic mushrooms leads to altered perception, but a good or bad trip is determined by your physiology and the circumstances in which you take it. So if you’re using it as part of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, you’re likely to experience the positive effects most intensely.
The hallucinogenic effects can prove effective against intense symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, along with easing anxiety and depression. When taking the suitable mushroom species, you’ll likely feel increased brain activity and healthier thought patterns.
Psychoactive drugs like mushrooms can also be taken in different forms to accommodate convenient use. So you benefit from a mushroom trip, whether in capsule form now or cooked. Even dried mushrooms are an option. However, it’s not recommended for them to be eaten raw.
How Do I Microdose with Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Magic mushroom is best when micro-dosed; even though it’s not poisonous, the more sparingly you use it, the better. Since some effects can be overwhelming or otherwise uncomfortable, you can minimize the odds of them occurring.
The recommended amount for micro-dosing is believed to be around 0.1-0.5 grams every few days, so there are subtle benefits without the intense psychedelic effects.
Effects by Dose
When taking low doses (0.5-1.5 grams), you feel mild changes in perception and mood. Intense visual and auditory hallucinations can happen on higher doses (2-5 grams), such as a distorted sense of time and space. Even higher doses (over 5 grams) can result in overwhelming or terrifying experiences and physical symptoms like nausea, sweating, and rapid heartbeat.
Wrapping It Up
With all this said, in conclusion, thanks to in-depth research, it’s believed that magic mushrooms have the potential to impact brain function and promote psychological well-being positively. This includes healthier decision-making and boosting one’s creative and sympathetic side.
If you want to start your journey with magic mushrooms, stop by The Magic Dispensary for all your needs!
