How Does the Experience with Dried Mushrooms Contrast with Other Psychedelics?

Dried shrooms are among the most sought-after psychedelics available today. You might have heard about them and contemplated trying them, but you’re unsure if they’re the right choice for you.

It’s normal for novices to feel uncertain about which psychedelic to start with. We’re here to clarify how dried mushrooms are distinct from other substances and why they might be an excellent choice for your inaugural psychedelic experience.

Key Points:

• The active ingredient in Psilocybe, it is the most studied psychedelic for mental health due to its safety, low risk of abuse, and transient effects.
• The most common form is dehydrated Psilocybe, which retains potency and extends shelf life.
• Psilocybin activates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, initiating heightened perception, vivid imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortions.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: An Exploration of the Psychedelic Fungi Realm

A psilocybin mushroom carries the psychoactive compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for the hallucinogenic effects experienced by users. The most recognized species—Psilocybe cubensis—has a light brown cap, dark spots, and a unique shape. Various other species within the Psilocybe genus also generate these compounds.

Certain toxic mushrooms that contain dangerous toxins resemble Psilocybe’s look, which is why we caution against picking shrooms.

Historically, many mushrooms played significant roles in Central American spiritual rituals. Presently, their potential in treating mental health issues, including substance use disorders, is under investigation.

Preparation and Preservation: The Dehydrated Variant

The most prevalent form of Psilocybe is the dried variant. Dehydration is key to preserving potency and prolonging shelf life. Fresh mushrooms are usually dried using a food dehydrator or placed on a wire rack in a cool, dry area. 

This process is crucial for removing excess

Excess moisture can foster mold growth and impair the active substances in magic mushrooms. However, once dried, these mushrooms can be safely stored for later use.

Below is a detailed guide on how to properly dry and preserve magic mushrooms:

1. Use a suitable food dehydrator or wire rack to thoroughly dry the mushrooms.
2. Preserve them in airtight containers to ensure potency and prevent moisture overload.
3. Store in a dry, cool place to maintain their psychoactive effects.
4. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
5. Regularly inspect for mold or dark spots, which are indications of spoilage.

Comparing Psilocybe Cubensis with Other Psychedelics

Besides dried mushroom products, various other psychedelic products are available online. They produce distinct effects on the body and are consumed differently. Some of these substances are viewed as classic hallucinogens, similar to psilocybin.

Comprehending the Body’s Response to Substances

The operational mechanisms of each substance are hypothetical, grounded on observed outcomes. These hypotheses offer an understanding of how these substances may generate their effects, though they do not supply a conclusive comprehension of the intricate processes involved.

• Psilocybin: It easily stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, leading to heightened perception, lively imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortions. Also, it instigates changes in thalamic gating and amplified prefrontal cortex activity.
• DMT: Its interaction with serotonin receptors is merely a fragment of its overall impact, the full scale of which remains undefined. While the serotonin receptor is vital, it cannot entirely 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 triggers an immediate sense of pleasure by facilitating the release of dopamine and serotonin.
• Ketamine: Its exact mechanism is still uncertain. Its antidepressant effect may arise from blocking NMDA receptors on neurons, although selective inhibition of NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons and suppression of AMPA receptors could also contribute.

What Are the Impacts of Psychedelic Mushrooms?

The mental and physical reactions can vary significantly depending on the dosage, environment, and the user’s psychological state. Common experiences associated with the use of psychedelic mushrooms include:

• Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Users may perceive patterns, colors, and shapes that do not exist in reality.
• Time Perception Distortion: Time may appear to either stretch out or shrink.
• Perception Alteration: Sensory experiences might become intensified or distorted.
• Emotional Swings: A wide range of emotions, from happiness to anxiety.
• Spiritual Insights: Occurrence of spiritual or mystical experiences.
• Physical Effects: These may include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as sensations of nausea

Shrooms, when used responsibly, are generally considered safe. However, without proper preparation, some users may have unpleasant experiences. While experienced users may find higher doses beneficial, beginners could have an adverse reaction, often referred to as a “bad trip,” if they consume too much.

Regulating your experience with this substance is straightforward. Choose a peaceful, quiet environment and have a sober “trip guide” on hand to help if necessary. 

A Preferable Option Compared to Other Substances

Due to their long shelf-life and ease of dosage, dried shrooms are often preferred by medical professionals. Their shorter duration and manageable intensity make them a suitable option for beginners of psychedelic therapy. Additionally, they are more natural than other manufactured hallucinogens, with the exception of DMT.

Deciphering the benefits of various compounds can be challenging, as many clinical trials produce similar results, particularly between LSD and psilocybin. However, psilocybin is the most extensively researched psychedelic for mental health issues, largely due to its proven safety record, low risk of abuse, and short perceptual trips.

Health Benefits

• This natural substance may help to reduce “cognitive rigidity,” lessen negative self-talk, and promote self-compassion. 
• A 2022 study showed that a single 25 mg dose reduced depression scores in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. A 2023 study reported significant and long-lasting reductions in depressive symptoms when it was used alongside regulated substances and psychotherapy.
• In a 2022 clinical trial, it was found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced 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 combining two to three doses with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) enabled 10 out of 15 participants to quit smoking for a year.
• According to a 2022 pilot study published in Biological Psychiatry, four out of five patients with anorexia reported an improvement in symptoms of their eating disorder after a single dose of shroom combined with psychotherapy. Additionally, two of them also experienced a reduction in anxiety.
1. Preparation Phase: This initial phase includes one or more sessions, each lasting between 1-6 hours, with a facilitator. These sessions aim to address your concerns, define your goals, and set realistic expectations. They serve to build trust and create a safe atmosphere.
2. Dosing Phase: This phase lasts for 5-8 hours. During this period, you’ll be reclining, blindfolded, and listening to a preselected playlist. A therapist will accompany you throughout the entire experience.
3. Integration Phase: This phase involves follow-up meetings aimed at helping you understand and process your experience. These sessions are spread across multiple meetings, each lasting for several hours.

Are shroom products more affordable than other substances?

When compared to LSD products, dehydrated mushrooms are noticeably cheaper. For example, you can buy 3.5 grams for around $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 might cost approximately $90.