Mystic Magic Mushrooms

A Beginner’s Guide That May Leave More Questions Than Answers

In the twisted landscape of psychoactive exploration, magic mushrooms stand out as one of the most potent and mysterious gateways. Attention can also be attributed to the efforts made by the scientists at the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research and other research centers.

But before venturing into this fungal wonderland, the inquisitive psychonaut (someone who uses psychedelic substances), in this case, someday to be myself, often grapples with a slew of burning questions. While I am well-versed in the cannabis industry, my knowledge of psychedelics is still a stage of wonder. 

**Editor’s Note: I feel it is important that you, my reader, know that I have yet to experience my own personal journey; however, I have absolute intent of doing so when I am ready. This article’s intent is to answer the questions that, I, the writer, have in regard to these amazing substances and to answer those questions with the humble knowledge I’ve acquired about psychedelics. **

Let us together embark on a deep dive into some inquiries that haunt the minds of those of us about to tread the psychedelic path of magic mushrooms.

What the Hell Are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms are not your garden-variety fungi. 

These little devils, known scientifically as psilocybin mushrooms, harbor the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. 

These chemicals are the keys to a realm where reality bends, warps, and redefines itself in vivid technicolor. They’ve been used for centuries by shamans and spiritual seekers, but in the modern era, they’ve found a home among the curious and the adventurous, those seeking a glimpse beyond the veil of ordinary perception.

But for many, not just for the recreational pleasure of the experience. 

Research from Johns Hopkins has revealed that psilocybin has shown positive results regarding major depression.

“The magnitude of the effect we saw was about four times larger than what clinical trials have shown for traditional antidepressants on the market,” stated Alan Davis Ph.D.

Are Magic Mushrooms Safe?

Safety is a relative concept, especially when dealing with substances that can catapult your consciousness into uncharted territories that you’ve never experienced before.

Physically, magic mushrooms are considered non-toxic and non-addictive. 

You’re not going to find yourself hooked, scratching at the walls for your next fix; however, they can unearth intense psychological experiences that can be both enlightening and terrifying. 

Proper preparation, set, and setting are the triad of safety. Approach with respect, and you might just come out the other side with a whole new perspective on life.

What Are the Effects of Magic Mushrooms?

Imagine if you will, a carnival of the senses where clowns and acrobats mingle happily together, crossing each other’s acts to a crescendo of craziness. 

Or it could be very introspective and chill.

The effects of magic mushrooms can vary wildly depending on dose, environment, and individual psychology. 

Common experiences include a profound alteration of time and space and visual and auditory hallucinations that can range from the beautiful to the bizarre.

Then there’s the introspective journey, a voyage into the dark corners of your mind where truths lie hidden beneath layers of society’s conditioning. The experience lasts between four to six hours depending on dose and other contributing factors, but the insights gained can linger much longer.

In his book How to Change Your Mind, Michael Pollan states, “You go deep enough or far out enough in consciousness, and you will bump into the sacred. It’s not something we generate; it’s something out there waiting to be discovered.”

How Do I Take Magic Mushrooms?

There are many roads to the same destination. Magic mushrooms can be consumed fresh or dried, brewed into a tea, or incorporated into culinary creations such as chocolate bars. 

Fresh mushrooms are potent and can be eaten as is, though the taste leaves much to be desired. 

“Picture eating moist cardboard”, as it was once described to me.

Dried mushrooms are more common and can be taken on their own or ground into a powder and mixed with food or drink. Brewing a tea can mitigate some of the gastrointestinal discomfort that sometimes accompanies ingestion as some psychonauts have reported nausea symptoms. 

The choice is yours, but always remember: the dose determines the destination.

What is the Correct Dosage?

Dosage is the juice behind the journey. 

Too little, and you’re left wandering the fringes of the psychedelic experience. Too much, and you could find yourself grappling with existential terror. 

For the uninitiated, a low dose is recommended—around 1 to 1.5 grams of dried mushrooms. This should be enough to open the doors of perception without kicking them off their hinges. 

Experienced psychonauts might venture higher, but always with caution. The potency of the mushrooms, your body weight, and individual sensitivity to psilocybin all play a role in determining the right dose.

Remember, you can always eat more, you can’t eat less!

What Should I Expect During the Experience?

Expect the unexpected. 

A magic mushroom trip is a roller coaster through the mind’s eye. From euphoria and awe to anxiety and confusion, the range of potential experiences is vast. 

A trip sitter—a sober, trusted friend—can be an invaluable anchor to reality, especially if you’re sailing through choppy psychological waters. 

Your environment, too, plays a crucial role. A comfortable, familiar setting can ease the journey and help steer it towards positive shores. 

Keep in mind that every trip is unique; a reflection of your mind’s current state.

In the book, The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on The Tibetan Book of the Dead which was coauthored by Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner and Richard Alpert/Ram Dass respectfully, it states:

“A psychedelic experience is a journey to new realms of consciousness. The scope and content of the experience is limitless, but its characteristic features are the transcendence of verbal concepts, of spacetime dimensions, and of the ego or identity. Such experiences of enlarged consciousness can occur in a variety of ways: sensory deprivation, yoga exercises, disciplined meditation, religious or aesthetic ecstasies, or spontaneously. Most recently they have become available to anyone through the ingestion of psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, DMT etc. Of course, the drug does not produce the transcendent experience. It merely acts as a chemical key—it opens the mind, frees the nervous system of its ordinary patterns and structures.”

How Do I Prepare for a Magic Mushroom Trip?

Preparation is half the battle. 

Start with a positive mindset. Entering the experience with fear or apprehension can taint the journey from the outset. Choose a safe, familiar environment free from interruptions and the responsibilities of daily life. This is not a ride you want to take in a crowded nightclub or a keg party. Trusted companions can enhance the experience, providing comfort and grounding. 

It’s also wise to avoid alcohol and other substances (see above); they can muddy the psychedelic waters and lead to unpredictable effects. You want this journey to be untainted.

Hydrate well, have some snacks and water on hand, and create a playlist of soothing or uplifting music.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal?

Ah, legality. 

The legal status of magic mushrooms varies widely around the globe. In many places, they’re classified as illegal, and lumped in with other controlled substances; however, there’s a growing movement towards decriminalization and legalization for therapeutic use. 

Cities like Denver and Oakland have decriminalized personal possession, and countries like the Netherlands allow for the sale of psilocybin truffles. 

Always check your local laws before acquiring or consuming magic mushrooms. The penalties for possession can be severe, and the risk is not worth the potential legal fallout.

What Are the Risks of a “Bad Trip”?

A bad trip is the dark side of the psychedelic coin. 

It can drag you through hellish landscapes of fear, paranoia, and disturbing hallucinations. The psychological terror can be overwhelming, leading to panic attacks or a sense of impending doom. 

To mitigate these risks, set and setting are paramount. 

Ensure you are in a good mental state and a supportive environment. Start with a low dose to test the waters. If a trip does go south, having a trip sitter who can provide reassurance and grounding can make all the difference.

Remember, the effects will pass, and you will return to baseline.

As you stand at the precipice of the psychedelic abyss, armed with these answers, or perhaps even more questions, the journey ahead hopefully seems a bit less daunting. 

Magic mushrooms are not to be trifled with, but for those who dare to explore, they offer a glimpse into the infinite. Embrace the experience with an open mind and a respectful heart, and the rewards can be profound. 

“The mystical experience is doubly valuable; it is valuable because it gives the experiencer a better understanding of himself and the world and because it may help him to lead a less self-centered and more creative life.” Aldous Huxley The Doors of Perception.