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

Dried shrooms are among the most sought-after psychedelics in today’s market. If you’ve heard about them and have been considering trying them out, but you’re unsure if they’re the right fit for you, continue reading. 

Many beginners often struggle to decide which psychedelic to start with. We’re here to guide you on how dried mushrooms differentiate themselves from other substances and why they could be a great start for your first psychedelic adventure.

Main Points:

• The primary compound in Psilocybe, it’s the most studied psychedelic for mental health due to its safety, low potential for misuse, and brief-lasting effects.
• The most common form is the dehydrated Psilocybe, which retains potency and extends shelf life.
• Psilocybin activates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, leading to heightened perception, vivid imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortions.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: An Exploration of the Psychedelic Fungi Realm

A psilocybin mushroom contains the mind-altering compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, responsible for the hallucinogenic effects experienced by users. The most recognized species—Psilocybe cubensis—has a light brown cap, dark spots, and a distinctive shape. Several other species within the Psilocybe genus also produce these compounds.

Some poisonous mushrooms bearing harmful toxins resemble Psilocybe’s appearance, hence our recommendation against wild mushroom picking.

Historically, various mushrooms were pivotal for Central American spiritual practices. Presently, their potential in treating mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, is under investigation.

Preparation and Preservation: The Dried Variety

The dried version is the most accessible form of Psilocybe. Dehydration is essential to retain potency and prolong shelf life. Fresh mushrooms are typically dried using a food dehydrator or placed on a wire rack in a cool, dry area. 

This process is crucial to remove excess

Moisture can instigate mold development and diminish the active compounds in magic mushrooms. However, when properly dried, these mushrooms can be safely preserved for future use.

Below is a systematic guide on drying and storing magic mushrooms:

1. Utilize a suitable food dehydrator or a wire rack to thoroughly dry the mushrooms.
2. Preserve the dried mushrooms in airtight containers to retain their potency and safeguard them from excessive moisture.
3. Store these containers in a dry, cool place to maintain the mushrooms’ psychoactive properties.
4. Avoid exposing the stored mushrooms to direct sunlight to prevent their degradation.
5. Regularly inspect the mushrooms for mold or dark spots, which are indications of spoilage.

Contrasting Psilocybe Cubensis with Other Psychedelics

In addition to dried mushroom products, other psychedelic products can be procured online. These substances elicit diverse effects on the body and have varied consumption methods. Some of these substances fall under the category of classic hallucinogens, much like psilocybin.

How Does Your Body Respond to These Substances?

The operational mechanisms of each substance are conjectural, based on observed effects. These hypotheses give us an idea of how these substances might elicit their responses, but they do not offer a concrete explanation of the core processes involved.

• Psilocybin: It readily stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, resulting in heightened perception, vibrant images, complex hallucinations, and time warping. It also induces alterations in thalamic gating and heightened activity in the prefrontal cortex.
• DMT: Its interaction with serotonin receptors is just a fraction of its overall effect, the complete scope of which is still uncertain. While the role of the serotonin receptor is essential, it doesn’t fully account for all the effects of DMT.
• LSD: It works 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 feeling of joy by facilitating the release of dopamine and serotonin.
• Ketamine: Its exact mode of operation remains elusive. Its antidepressant effect might be due to NMDA receptor blocking on neurons, though selective inhibition of NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons and the dampening of AMPA receptors could also contribute.

What Impact do Psychedelic Mushrooms Have?

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

• Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Users may perceive non-existent patterns, colors, and shapes.
• Distorted Sense of Time: Time might seem to slow down or speed up.
• Altered Perception: Sensory experiences might intensify or become distorted.
• Emotional Fluctuations: A wide range of emotions, from happiness to anxiety.
• Spiritual Revelations: Experiences of a religious or mystical nature.
• Physical Effects: For instance, heightened heart rate and blood pressure, along with possible sensations of nausea

When used responsibly, this substance is generally safe. However, insufficient preparation may result in unpleasant experiences for some individuals. Expert users may benefit from larger doses, while beginners consuming high amounts might experience a “bad trip.”

Controlling your experience with this substance is quite straightforward. Choose a peaceful, quiet environment and enlist the help of a sober “trip guide” if needed. 

A Preferred Option Over Other Substances

Medical practitioners often prefer dried shrooms due to their long shelf life and easy dosing. Its shorter duration and more manageable intensity make it an appropriate selection for those new to psychedelic therapy. Unlike other synthetic hallucinogens, it is entirely natural, with DMT being the only exception.

Determining the benefits of different compounds can be challenging, as many clinical studies produce similar outcomes, particularly between LSD and psilocybin. The latter is the most extensively researched psychedelic for mental health issues, mainly due to its strong safety profile, low abuse potential, and short perceptual trips.

Health Advantages

• This natural compound could potentially alleviate “cognitive rigidity,” reduce self-defeating thoughts, and promote self-compassion. 
• A study in 2022 demonstrated that a single 25 mg dose reduced depression scores in individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression. A 2023 study revealed considerable and enduring reductions in depressive symptoms with the combined usage of regulated substances and psychotherapy.
• In 2022, a clinical trial found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced the frequency of heavy drinking days over an eight-month period compared to a placebo.
• Research conducted in 2017 and published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse revealed that two to three doses, combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), enabled 10 out of 15 participants to quit smoking for an entire year.
• A 2022 pilot study published in Biological Psychiatry reported that four out of five patients with anorexia saw an improvement in their eating disorder symptoms after a single dose of shroom combined with psychotherapy. Additionally, two of these patients experienced a reduction in anxiety.
1. Preparation Phase: This initial stage comprises one or more sessions, each lasting between 1 and 6 hours, with a facilitator. These sessions are designed to address any of your concerns, identify your goals, and set realistic expectations. The aim is to build trust and create a safe setting.
2. Dosing Phase: This phase lasts between 5 and 8 hours. You’ll spend this time lying down, wearing an eye mask, and listening to a preselected playlist. A therapist will accompany you throughout the entire experience.
3. Integration Phase: This final stage involves follow-up meetings intended to help you understand and process your experience. These sessions are spread out over several meetings, each lasting a few hours.

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

Dried fungi are considerably cheaper than LSD products. For example, you can buy 3.5 grams for around $20. In contrast, the cost of LSD in gel tabs varies depending on the dosage. For instance, six tabs containing 100 micrograms each could cost roughly $90.