All the things you need to know about Magic Mushrooms
Curious about learning more about magic mushrooms? Regardless if this is your first foray into mushrooms, or you’ve had several experiences, this guide will help you with your journey.
In this guide we’ll discuss how magic mushrooms work, dosing, microdosing, what you can expect, if mushrooms are safe, the benefits of capsules and most importantly – how to make the most of your magic mushroom experiences.
There are thousands of species of mushrooms that grow naturally around the world. Some of those species (the most common is known as psilocybin cubensis) contain a compound called psilocybin. This is the active ingredient that makes these particular mushrooms psychedelic or ‘magic’.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for determining what dosage to begin with. However, almost everyone recommends starting with mushrooms slowly and gradually. This has the advantage of allowing you to truly understand how the experience affects you at various dosages while also allowing you to gradually increase your dosage.
Here’s a quick introduction into dosing amounts, but lots more information below
Plants produce extraordinary compounds, some of which are very beneficial for humans. There are many ingredients in magic mushrooms that combine to produce the psychedelic effect. As mentioned above, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms that give them their magic is Psilocybin.
In the body, psilocybin is broken down into the compound psilocin, both of which are psychedelic tryptamines. The chemical structure is very similar to serotonin, which is a chemical messenger that’s believed to act as a mood stabilizer. Due to the similar structure, psilocin binds to the brain receptors meant of seratonin. This ends up suppressing parts of the brain that filter out information, allowing for different information to reach a person’s consciousness, often causing hallucinogenic effects and changes in perception.
This blocking of the serotonin receptors allows for regions of the brain to connect that normally don’t communicate with each other. This allows for psilocybin to ‘re-wire’ the brain. In doing so, this has the potential to break unhealthy thought patterns that are thought to be the root of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Furthermore, psilocybin slows down activity in the default mode network (DMN). This helps people to feel more present in the moment as the DMN is the part of the brain where we ruminate on the past or worry about the future (this is why our brand slogan is ’empower the present’).
25 - 500mg
Improved mental health. No psychedelic ‘high’ or interference with normal day activities
500mg - 1.5g
Introspection and sense enhancement, such as vivid colors or patterns.
1.5 - 3g
Psychedelic effects and synesthesia. Strong sense of euphoria, openness and feeling of connection
3 - 5g
Profound insights including feelings of self dissociation, oneness, divine presence.
5g+
Dissolution and sense of timelessness. Not recommended without experience.
Dosing Magic Mushrooms is both straightforward, and complicated.
The one dosage recommendation that everyone agrees on, is that you should start low and slow. In other words, you should start with a low dosage, and don’t rush the process trying to take more. This approach will help ensure you don’t have a bad experience with mushrooms and allow you to understand how you individually react to mushrooms.
Every magic mushroom experience has a degree of ineffability to it, which means that words are incapable of describing the experience. Each person’s individual experience is unique and as such, providing an accurate dosage is only a recommendation.
Dosing is straightforward, as you can simply weigh the dried mushrooms to get a relatively accurate dose. However, you have to remember that mushrooms are a natural plant medicine. There are a lot of variables in a natural product – two mushrooms harvested side by side can have different levels of potency. Furthermore, factors such as diet, tolerance, strain, etc… all affect the dose.
Generally speaking, dosage guides for Magic Mushrooms are given in milligrams (mg) and grams (g). As a reminder, there are 1000 mg in 1 g. As such, a 250 mg dose, is 0.25 g.
25 - 500mg
500mg - 1.5g
1.5 - 3g
At a medium or classic dose, you will start to experience a full psilocybin trip. At this dose, you might feel a euphoric high, with sharpened senses and mental stimulation Patterns, colors and mild hallucinations should be in effect, often giving the feeling that everything is moving or breathing. Often people feel a strong sense of connection to everything or a feeling of oneness.
3 - 5g
5g+
Microdosing is the practice of taking a very small dose of a psychedelic drugs like psilocybin mushrooms. This dose is so small that is considered sub-perceptual, as in, at this low dose, you should not perceive or notice any of the traditional psychedelic effects, yet experience both physical and mental health benefits.
We’ll highlight the benefits and discuss how to microdose.
Microdosing doesn’t produce the hallucinogenic effects of a full dose, but more and more studies are proving that microdosing can help with:
Microdoses most commonly come in pre-measured capsules for both accurate and consistent dosage. In addition to psilocybin mushrooms, these capsules often contain holistic and medicinal ingredients that aim to increase the overall health benefits. These are often referred to as “stacks” as the ingredients and benefits are combined or stacked.
The dosage in a microdose typically ranges from 50 to 500 mg of psilocybin mushrooms. The dosage is dependent on the person, their activities, tolerance levels, and many other factors. As such, it is recommended to start with the low to medium microdose and experiment with which dose level works best for you.
Microdosing can be done as a one time event, where only one microdose is taken. However, research has shown a benefit in following a microdosing schedule. These schedules are often referred to as regimens or protocols. The most popular protocols are proposed by Paul Stamets (famous mycologist) & James Fadiman (researcher known as the “Father of Microdosing”).
In the Stamets Protocol, users take a microdose for four days in a row, then take a three day break. In other words, four on, three off. The Fadiman protocol recommends one day on, two days off. This cycle is typically repeated for about a month or two, followed by an extended break to avoid tolerance build up.
Generally speaking, it is recommended for people to take their microdose in the morning as taking it too late into the day can make it harder to fall asleep. Many people pair microdosing with other wellness practices such as yoga, mindfulness meditation and other morning rituals. Many active microdosers recommend setting an intention with the microdosing practice as this can compound the benefits. This is related to the key values of set and setting, which we will discuss in detail below. To track their experience microdosing, people often use journals, or apps to track and be mindful about the experience. This is particularly useful when determining your optimal dosage.
If you are participating in a Microdosing protocol, we recommend contributing to Quantified Citizen’s study on the effects of Microdosing.
Microdoses most commonly come in pre-measured capsules for both accurate and consistent dosage. In addition to psilocybin mushrooms, these capsules often contain holistic and medicinal ingredients that aim to increase the overall health benefits. These are often referred to as “stacks” as the ingredients and benefits are combined or stacked.
The dosage in a microdose typically ranges from 50 to 500 mg of psilocybin mushrooms. The dosage is dependent on the person, their activities, tolerance levels, and many other factors. As such, it is recommended to start with the low to medium microdose and experiment with which dose level works best for you.
Microdosing can be done as a one time event, where only one microdose is taken. However, research has shown a benefit in following a microdosing schedule. These schedules are often referred to as regimens or protocols. The most popular protocols are proposed by Paul Stamets (famous mycologist) & James Fadiman (researcher known as the “Father of Microdosing”).
In the Stamets Protocol, users take a microdose for four days in a row, then take a three day break. In other words, four on, three off. The Fadiman protocol recommends one day on, two days off. This cycle is typically repeated for about a month or two, followed by an extended break to avoid tolerance build up.
Generally speaking, it is recommended for people to take their microdose in the morning as taking it too late into the day can make it harder to fall asleep. Many people pair microdosing with other wellness practices such as yoga, mindfulness meditation and other morning rituals. Many active microdosers recommend setting an intention with the microdosing practice as this can compound the benefits. This is related to the key values of set and setting, which we will discuss in detail below. To track their experience microdosing, people often use journals, or apps to track and be mindful about the experience. This is particularly useful when determining your optimal dosage.
If you are participating in a Microdosing protocol, we recommend contributing to Quantified Citizen’s study on the effects of Microdosing.
Magic Mushrooms are not recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 19 years old.
Generally speaking Psilocybin mushrooms have been found to be very safe with very few harmful effects. Studies do not show chemically addictive qualities, nor do they find an increased in mental health problems from habitual use – unlike the effects of cocaine or cannabis. Furthermore, you cannot overdose, however, taking too much can lead to n extremely negative and uncomfortable experience
In 2017 a Global Drug Survey was released and noted that Magic mushrooms are the safest “recreational” drug to take. Furthermore, that those who take them are the most sensible and prepared. Out of almost 10,000 people who took them, only 0.2% needed emergency medical treatment.
Those who do get admitted to the hospital often ingested a very high dosage, often unintentionally due to lack of education on the correct dosage. Others admitted to the hospital are usually experiencing so-called ‘bad trips’. While these bad trips can be avoided through preparation, set and setting – bad trips are known for anxiety, frightening hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion in some people.
However, there are some serious risks that need to be considered.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, encourages guidelines for safety for their clinical studies, and should also be followed for recreational usage. If you or your family have a history with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic disorders, you should avoid magic mushrooms, as they can up the chances of developing prolonged psychosis. Those with a pre-existing risk for psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder may be more susceptible to negative side effects when using psychedelics.
You also should not mix magic mushrooms with any drugs that affect the serotonin system. For example, certain antidepressants, SSRIs, or serotonin supplements such as 5-HTP. Certain recreational drugs can also be dangerous. There are no known side effects of combining microdosing with other substances such as alcohol or marijuana, but it hasn’t been researched in clinical settings.
Tripsit has a great drug combination checker online.
There is also the risk of developing hallucinogen-induced persisting perception disorder, or HPPD. Essentially, this is when a user experiences hallucinations or “flashbacks” after the trip is over. However, reported cases of this disorder are rare. More research is needed on the long-term, lasting side effects of magic mushrooms but it has been reported that people can experience long-term changes in personality, as well as flashbacks long after taking mushrooms.
Magic Mushrooms are not recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 19 years old.
Generally speaking Psilocybin mushrooms have been found to be very safe with very few harmful effects. Studies do not show chemically addictive qualities, nor do they find an increased in mental health problems from habitual use – unlike the effects of cocaine or cannabis. Furthermore, you cannot overdose, however, taking too much can lead to n extremely negative and uncomfortable experience
In 2017 a Global Drug Survey was released and noted that Magic mushrooms are the safest “recreational” drug to take. Furthermore, that those who take them are the most sensible and prepared. Out of almost 10,000 people who took them, only 0.2% needed emergency medical treatment.
Those who do get admitted to the hospital often ingested a very high dosage, often unintentionally due to lack of education on the correct dosage. Others admitted to the hospital are usually experiencing so-called ‘bad trips’. While these bad trips can be avoided through preparation, set and setting – bad trips are known for anxiety, frightening hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion in some people.
However, there are some serious risks that need to be considered.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, encourages guidelines for safety for their clinical studies, and should also be followed for recreational usage. If you or your family have a history with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic disorders, you should avoid magic mushrooms, as they can up the chances of developing prolonged psychosis. Those with a pre-existing risk for psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder may be more susceptible to negative side effects when using psychedelics.
You also should not mix magic mushrooms with any drugs that affect the serotonin system. For example, certain antidepressants, SSRIs, or serotonin supplements such as 5-HTP. Certain recreational drugs can also be dangerous. There are no known side effects of combining microdosing with other substances such as alcohol or marijuana, but it hasn’t been researched in clinical settings.
Tripsit has a great drug combination checker online.
There is also the risk of developing hallucinogen-induced persisting perception disorder, or HPPD. Essentially, this is when a user experiences hallucinations or “flashbacks” after the trip is over. However, reported cases of this disorder are rare. More research is needed on the long-term, lasting side effects of magic mushrooms but it has been reported that people can experience long-term changes in personality, as well as flashbacks long after taking mushrooms.
Before you trip its best to cover these 5 steps before you embark on your journey:
1. Set & Setting
2. Right frame of mind
3. Intentions
4. Trip sitter
5. Diet
Below, we will cover what each of these mean and how important they are to your first trip.
Since your reality is about to be altered, its important to choose who you’re around and where you are very carefully. Don’t take shrooms for the first time at a party where you don’t know anybody or in the back alley of a club with some stranger. Be somewhere you feel safe in, like your house or a secluded spot outdoors.
Its super important to be in the right state of mind before taking mushrooms or any kind of hallucinogen for that matter. If you decide to take psilocybin, think about your mental and emotional well-being and health in the past and present. Psilocybin has the potential to trigger or exacerbate mental illnesses that are already present.
If you’re going to take mushrooms, you should do so first thing in the morning. Because magic mushrooms can cause nausea and vomiting, it’s advisable to fast for 4-12 hours before taking them. Because there’s nothing else in your stomach to compete for digestion, the onset time and effectiveness of the mushrooms may be faster. Fasting can also help to prevent gastrointestinal problems. Consider being vegetarian for at least one day before your trip if you’re making dietary modifications ahead of time.
It’s a good idea to partner up with someone who understands what they’re doing. Especially If you’ve never tried psilocybin before, plan on having a sober companion and begin with a low dosage. Your sitter should have prior expertise with the drug and, preferably, should have aided others in similar situations. They should be someone you know, are comfortable with, and feel secure around.
Keeping your mind and energy focused on why you’re consuming magic mushrooms will help them flow in the proper direction. If you have a journal, write the intention within it, or put it on a piece of paper and hang it somewhere visible. Intentions can act as an anchor, providing a framework for the trip and a place to return to for reassurance when the going gets tough.
Please reach out to us!
Hello@momentmushrooms.com
We would love to answer you questions or connect you with someone who can support you further.
You can also reach out to our community.
Our friends at The Flying Sage believe in a world where everyone has safe and equitable access to psychedelic medicines. They stand for ethical decriminalization and legalization occurring simultaneously.
Our friends at Legacy Journeys offer guided psychedelic experiences that bridge ceremonial, clinical and therapeutic approaches.
Our friends at How to Use Psychedelics have a comprehensive resource to safe and effective psychedelic use for healing and growth. They also provide preparation and integration consultations on a sliding scale. Learn more about their offerings here
ps://www.howtousepsychedelics.com/consultations
The short answer. No.
Are you going to get arrested for magic mushrooms. No.
The long answer:
First, as a disclaimer, we should clarify that we recommend you seek legal advice from a lawyer, not from this article.
From the government of Canada perspective, all drugs are controlled legally through the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Psilocybin is listed as a Schedule III controlled substance. Psilocybin is the hallucinogenic alkaloid, or in other words, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. Possession, sale and production of psilocybin is illegal unless an exemption is given by Health Canada.
One could stop there and clearly say that magic mushrooms are illegal, but that’s not the complete picture.
There is a growing movement across Canada to change the course for Magic Mushrooms. Even the government of Canada website says “There is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin.” Source. Since 2020, companies such as Numinus are growing legal magic mushrooms under license from Health Canada.
In another example, you can legally buy magic mushroom spores and grow kits. This is legal as the psilocybin is not present until late in the growing cycle.
In Vancouver, the city council has decided not to enforce the laws surrounding magic mushrooms to instead focus their policing efforts elsewhere. They are allowing magic mushroom dispensaries in the same way cannabis dispensaries existed before legalization. As councillor Pete Fry said “We’re in a serious overdose crisis where we’ve heard people describe this as a medicine … research is ongoing to look at this as a drug therapy treatment for drug addiction,” he said. (source). In fact, the city has gone further than that and has “asked the federal government to exempt the city from part of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act” (source). They aren’t the only ones. Montreal’s city council also voted to support decriminalization. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has come out and said, “I would call for the immediate decriminalization of all personal possession offences when it comes to drugs. Period.” (source)
Maybe one of the biggest signs of change is the fact that even the police themselves support decriminalization (source).
As you can see, big changes are happening across Canada and many believe those changes will happen soon.
We are excited to be part of them!
Hello@momentmushrooms.com
