🍄 Psilocybin Mushrooms
Source: Harm Reduction Victoria · DanceWize Victoria SSB
Overview
Psilocybin mushrooms are naturally occurring psychedelics that produce mind-altering effects similar to LSD, mescaline, or DMT.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms, collectively known as psilocybin mushrooms or more commonly 'magic mushrooms'. As a prodrug, psilocybin is quickly converted by the body to psilocin, which has mind-altering effects like those of LSD, mescaline, or DMT. Psilocybins have been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures around the world to induce altered states of consciousness during festive and religious ceremonies.
Recent scientific studies have used psilocybin assisted psychotherapy to ease end-of-life anxiety in terminally ill patients, and other trials are underway to investigate its use to help relieve depression and substance use disorders. Nearly all psilocybin containing mushrooms are small brown mushrooms easily mistaken for any number of non-psychoactive, or poisonous mushrooms in the wild. This makes identifying true magic mushrooms not only difficult, but potentially hazardous and possibly lethal.
As well as psilocybe mushrooms there is another species called amanita, which are psychoactive but do not contain psilocybin as the active ingredient. These mushrooms are bright red or yellow with white dots and belong to a family of mushrooms that include some deadly poisonous strains.
Safer Using
Remember 'Set' (your current mindset & body), and 'Setting' (the other people and environment around you), can help shape a psychedelic experience as much as the drug itself. Try to only use mushrooms if you feel well (physically or emotionally) as they will amplify what you're feeling. Use around people you trust and somewhere you feel safe.
Make sure you are using the right kind of mushroom - similar looking ones can be dangerous. Wear comfy clothes and check in with yourself before 'departing'. Have a sober or experienced safe person with you (trip sitter) if possible.
Try to eat about 30 minutes before use and have snacks and water ready for the journey. A standard recreational dose is ~1-2.5g of dried mushrooms (depending on body weight, tolerance, frequency of usage and if you've eaten recently.) Potency of fresh mushrooms can vary, so it's best to start slowly with a small dose to gauge the strength. Always measure your dose yourself.
Some people will feel nauseous after eating raw mushrooms. Using the mushrooms to make a tea with lemon or ginger is a common way to reduce the nausea. Wood Lover's Paralysis (WLP) is a rare phenomenon where a person suddenly loses all control and/or sensation of their body after taking mushrooms.
Although very little is known about WLP and it can be quite alarming if it happens to you, there have been no reports of respiratory paralysis and it should almost certainly pass without issue. It is extra important to only take mushrooms in a safe environment so there are people around who can assist you if needed. If redosing, wait at least 2 hours or until after you have passed the peak of the trip.
Try not to make any big decisions about life or people during the experience or until you have fully 'landed'. Research 'Integration' (ongoing learning process after psychedelic experiences).
⚠ Avoid Combining With
Ice, Cocaine/ other stimulants – combining psychedelics and stimulants can increase the risk of psychosis. Psychedelics – combining different psychedelics can have unpredictable effects. It can lead to more intense, challenging experiences.
Cannabis – can cause confusion and lead to a challenging experience, or in rare cases trigger psychosis. Regular cannabis users often wait until after the peak effects of the mushrooms are over before any using cannabis. Ketamine – can increase the intensity of the trip, leading to a challenging experience.
Alcohol – causes nausea, vomiting & a blurred experience of trip. Benzodiazepines - counteracts the intensity of the trip. Antipsychotics/Antidepressants - can inhibit the perceived effects of magic mushrooms, causing you to take too much by mistake.
It is Not recommended that you use psilocybin you have: Sleep Deprivation, Insomnia, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Psychotic disorders, Hypertension, Heart problems, High blood pressure.
🚨 If Things Go Wrong
Roadside saliva tests do not look for psilocybin/psilocin. It is illegal to drive under the influence of any illicit drugs, including mushrooms & any driver may be subject to a roadside behavioural impairment test. Wait at least 24 hours before driving.
Taking multiple doses over a period of several hours can lengthen this time period. Psychedelic drugs may exacerbate or accelerate the onset of mental health issues if you are predisposed. Psilocybin is being researched for its potential as a medicine to aid psychotherapy for a range of mental health conditions.
Be mindful of the environment if you are taking mushrooms from nature. Try not to disturb the surrounding plants or remove whole patches of mycelium. Be careful when handling any potentially toxic mushrooms that may look similar to magic mushrooms.
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or eating anything. Carrying drugs & paraphernalia puts you at greater risk of criminal charges. You can still be charged with trafficking even if you don't actually deal.
Due to how they are weighed, carrying fresh mushrooms in particular can easily attract trafficking charges. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
Effects
Euphoria Mood Lift Emotional sensitivity Connection to nature Intense feelings of fear Intense feelings of wonder Meaningful spiritual experiences Creative, philosophical, or deep thinking. Ideas flow more easily Mundane tasks or occurrences become more interesting and/or entertaining General change in consciousness Distorted perception of time Increased confidence and aloofness Confusion Feelings of isolation Ego death Uncontrollable laughter and giggling Visual hallucinations (open and closed eye visuals) Sensory enhancement (taste, smell, touch) Increased energy Dilated pupils Unusual body sensations (chills, goosebumps, tingling) Feeling numb Yawning (but not tired) Irregular heart rate Difficulty regulating body temperature / sweating Light sensitivity Nausea and vomiting Stomach cramps Headaches
Dose & Duration
Most commonly ingested orally. Total Duration: 4-9 hours, Onset: 15-120 minutes, Peak: 2-3 hours, Coming Down: 1-3 hours, After Effects: 0-6 hours. Even though the apparent effects of the mushrooms may wear off after 4-6 hours, the drug is still active in your system for up to 9-15 hours after taking it.
The effects may linger until you have slept properly.