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

Are you considering trying dried shrooms? These are among the most sought-after psychedelics currently available. However, if you’re unsure whether they’re the right choice for you, you’re not alone.

Many novices struggle with deciding which psychedelic to experiment with first. Allow us to highlight the distinctions between dried mushrooms and other substances, and why they could be an excellent starting point for your inaugural psychedelic experience.

Key Points to Remember:

• The main compound in Psilocybe is widely researched for mental health due to its safety, low abuse potential, and brief duration of effects.
• The most common form, dried Psilocybe, retains its potency and has an extended shelf life.
• Psilocybin stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, resulting in enhanced perception, vivid imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortions.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: An Exploration of Psychedelic Fungi

Psilocybin mushrooms contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin, responsible for the hallucinogenic effects experienced by users. Psilocybe cubensis—the most recognized species—has a light brown cap, dark spots, and a distinct shape. Other species within the Psilocybe genus also produce these compounds.

Some toxic mushrooms, carrying harmful toxins, mimic the appearance of Psilocybe, which is why we strongly discourage mushroom foraging.

Historically, many mushrooms played essential roles in Central American spiritual practices. Nowadays, scientists are exploring their potential for treating mental health disorders, including substance abuse problems.

Preparation and Preservation: The Dried Variant

Dehydrated Psilocybe mushrooms are the most accessible form. Dehydration is essential for preserving potency and extending shelf life. Fresh mushrooms are usually dried using a food dehydrator or left on a wire rack in a cool, dry location.

This process is crucial for removing excess

Excess moisture can lead to the growth of mould and can also diminish the potency of the active compounds. Once dried, Magic mushrooms can be stored for future consumption.

Here is a detailed guide on how to effectively dry and store magic mushrooms:

1. Dry the mushrooms thoroughly using a suitable food dehydrator or a wire rack.
2. Preserve them in airtight containers to retain their potency and shield them from unwanted moisture.
3. Place them in a dry, cool spot to maintain their psychoactive attributes.
4. Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent deterioration.
5. Regularly inspect for any mould or dark spots which could indicate spoilage.

Comparing Psilocybe Cubensis with Other Psychedelics

Besides dried mushroom products, there are other psychedelics available online. These substances induce varying effects on the body and can be administered in various ways. Some of these substances are considered classic hallucinogens, akin to psilocybin.

Comprehending Your Body’s Response

The operational mechanisms of each substance are theoretical, based on observed outcomes. These theories offer an understanding of how the substances might generate their effects, but they do not offer a conclusive comprehension of the involved underlying processes.

• Psilocybin: Easily stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, resulting in enhanced perception, vivid imagery, complex hallucinations, and distortions of time. It also prompts alterations in thalamic gating and increased prefrontal cortex activity.
• DMT: Its interaction with serotonin receptors is a part of its overall effect, the full range of which is yet to be determined. While the serotonin receptor plays a critical role, 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 joy by encouraging the release of dopamine and serotonin.
• Ketamine: Its exact operational mechanism remains unclear. Its antidepressant effect might stem from blocking NMDA receptors on neurons, although selective inhibition of NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons and suppression of AMPA receptors could also be involved.

What Are the Effects of Psychedelic Mushrooms?

The psychological and physical reactions can vary significantly based on dosage, environment, and the user’s mental condition. Typical experiences related to the consumption of psychedelic mushrooms include:

• Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Users may notice patterns, colors, and shapes that are not present in reality.
• Distorted Sense of Time: Time may appear to speed up or slow down.
• Altered Perception: Sensory experiences may be amplified or distorted.
• Emotional Fluctuations: A wide range of emotions, from happiness to anxiety.
• Spiritual Revelations: Spiritual or mystical experiences may occur.
• Physical Effects: For example, an increased heart rate and blood pressure, or a sensation of sickness

Taking shrooms can be safe when done thoughtfully. However, without proper preparation, some users may have unpleasant experiences. Experienced users might find higher doses effective, but beginners consuming large amounts could experience a “bad trip”.

Controlling your experience with this substance is straightforward. Choose a calm, quiet environment and have a sober “trip guide” on hand for support. 

A Preferable Choice Compared to Other Substances

Medical experts often prefer dried shrooms due to their long shelf life and easy dosage. The shorter duration and more manageable intensity make them an ideal option for those new to psychedelic therapy. They are also more organic than other synthetic hallucinogens, except for DMT.

Differentiating the benefits of various compounds can be challenging as many clinical trials show similar outcomes, particularly between LSD and psilocybin. The latter is the most extensively studied psychedelic for mental health concerns, largely due to its excellent safety profile, low abuse potential, and brief perceptual trips.

Health Benefits

What to expect from psilocybin therapy?

Psilocybin therapy, while intense, is known for its potentially long-lasting effects. It typically unfolds in three main stages:

1. Preparation Phase: In this preliminary stage, you’ll have one or more sessions, each lasting between 1 to 6 hours, with a facilitator. These sessions aim to address any concerns you may have, clarify your goals, and set realistic expectations. The objective is to build trust and create a safe environment.
2. Dosing Phase: This stage lasts between 5 to 8 hours. During this period, you’ll be lying down with an eye mask on, listening to a preselected playlist. A therapist will be by your side throughout the entire experience.
3. Integration Phase: This phase involves post-session meetings designed to help you process and understand your experience. These sessions, spread across several meetings, run for multiple hours each.

Is buying shroom products more cost-effective than other substances?

When compared to LSD products, dried mushrooms are considerably more affordable. 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 each with a potency of 100 micrograms could cost roughly $90.

• This natural compound can potentially reduce “cognitive rigidity,” lessen negative thinking, and promote self-compassion. 
• A 2022 study showed that a single 25 mg dose lessened depression levels in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. A 2023 study reported significant and sustained reductions in depressive symptoms with the regulated use of substances alongside psychotherapy.
• A 2022 clinical trial found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly cut down 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 suggested that two to three doses, together with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helped 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. Two of them also noted a reduction in anxiety.

What to expect from psilocybin therapy?

Psilocybin therapy, while intense, is known for its potentially long-lasting effects. It typically unfolds in three main stages:

1. Preparation Phase: In this preliminary stage, you’ll have one or more sessions, each lasting between 1 to 6 hours, with a facilitator. These sessions aim to address any concerns you may have, clarify your goals, and set realistic expectations. The objective is to build trust and create a safe environment.
2. Dosing Phase: This stage lasts between 5 to 8 hours. During this period, you’ll be lying down with an eye mask on, listening to a preselected playlist. A therapist will be by your side throughout the entire experience.
3. Integration Phase: This phase involves post-session meetings designed to help you process and understand your experience. These sessions, spread across several meetings, run for multiple hours each.

Is buying shroom products more cost-effective than other substances?

When compared to LSD products, dried mushrooms are considerably more affordable. 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 each with a potency of 100 micrograms could cost roughly $90.