Research shows that magic mushrooms can be beneficial in the treatment of a number of conditions, but you need to exercise caution when giving them a try. Read on for the goods on this psychedelic, including guidelines for dosing.
Magic mushrooms have grown in popularity due to their proven effectiveness in treating depression, PTSD and anxiety, among other conditions. There has also been a rise in the recreational consumption of psilocybin, especially in cities and states where it is are decriminalized. If you plan to take psychedelic mushrooms at home, taking the correct dosage is essential.
Read on for guidelines for dosing magic mushrooms to ensure a safe and effective trip.
What Are Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms (or “shrooms”) contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. There are more than 200 different species of magic mushrooms. They can be consumed fresh but are often dried for preservation. Most people consume magic mushrooms by eating the caps and stems, adding them to food, or grinding them into a powder to make tea or capsules.
The psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms grow stronger the more you eat. A small dose of one gram can induce feelings of euphoria and connection, while larger doses, around three to five grams, can lead to more intense psychedelic visuals, distorted senses, disconnection from ego and sometimes mystical experiences.
Psilocybin mushrooms are federally illegal, but they are decriminalized in Oregon and cities like Denver, Oakland, Seattle and Detroit. More counties and states are considering decriminalizing psychedelics as research shows their proven health benefits.
Magic Mushrooms and Depression
In 2019, the FDA classified magic mushrooms as a breakthrough therapy for treating severe depression. Psilocybin will likely become legal for administration in clinical settings by 2024.
Psilocybin acts as a serotonin receptor agonist, which means it can activate the receptor for our “happiness hormone.” The therapeutic potential for magic mushrooms looks promising for treating anxiety, smoking and alcohol dependence and treatment-resistant depression.
How to Dose Magic Mushrooms
The principles for dosing magic mushrooms is similar to guidelines for eating cannabis edibles—go low and go slow.
Dosing is most accurately measured by weight in grams of mushrooms. It should be noted that caps contain more psilocybin than stems. Also, depending on the strain you are consuming, potency may vary. You’ll need a small digital scale in order to dose magic mushrooms accurately.
The estimated weights for magic mushroom doses are as follows:
- Microdose: 0.1 – 0.5 grams
- Low Dose: 0.5 – 2 grams
- Moderate Dose: 2 – 3.5 grams
- High Dose: 3.5-5 grams
- “Heroic” Dose: 5+ grams
Just like cannabis, mushrooms affect everyone differently, and the psilocybin content of magic mushrooms varies for different species and different harvests. For your first time, it’s recommended to take no more than one gram. You may be more or less sensitive and should always tailor your dosing to your personal experience.
Microdosing Magic Mushrooms
Microdosing has proven effective for improving mental health, so people can benefit from magic mushrooms without taking a psychedelic trip. When done right, you won’t hallucinate or feel high from microdosing, but you may have enhanced focus and feelings of euphoria and connection. Most people follow a regimen that consists of taking one microdose every three days.
Macrodosing Magic Mushrooms
When consuming a gram or more of psilocybin shrooms, you should prepare for a psychedelic experience. A full trip on magic mushrooms can last from four to seven hours. The most intense part, or “peak,” wanes after the first two hours.
Side effects of mushrooms include nausea, vomiting and panic attacks. You can ease the impact on your stomach by eating your mushrooms with food, by brewing a mushroom tea or by soaking in lemon juice for “lemon tek.”
For psychedelic trips, it is recommended to have a sober trip sitter present. A trip sitter should be experienced with psychedelics and have a stable, calming demeanor. Other things to have on hand include cozy clothing and blankets, plenty of water and healthy snacks, calming music and anything else that enhances your feelings of comfort and safety, like a favorite stuffed animal.
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