Dried shrooms are among the most sought-after psychedelics in the market today. If you’ve heard about them and are considering trying them, but unsure if they’re the right fit for you, this guide might help.

It’s normal for beginners to question which psychedelic to begin with. This guide will provide clarity on how dried mushrooms stand out from other substances and why they could be an excellent choice for your initial psychedelic experience.

Main Points:

• The active compound in Psilocybe is highly researched for mental health due to its safety, low abuse potential, and brief duration of effects.
• The most common form is dehydrated Psilocybe, which preserves potency and extends shelf life.
• Psilocybin activates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, resulting in enhanced perception, vivid imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortions.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: A Journey through the Psychedelic Fungi World

A psilocybin mushroom contains the psychoactive compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for the hallucinogenic effects users experience. The most known species—Psilocybe cubensis—features a light brown cap, dark spots, and a distinctive shape. Several other species within the Psilocybe genus also produce these compounds.

Mushrooms that contain dangerous toxins can resemble Psilocybe, which is why we strongly discourage mushroom picking.

Historically, various mushrooms played a vital role in Central American spiritual rituals. Presently, their potential use in treating mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, is being studied.

Preparation and Preservation: The Dehydrated Form

The most commonly found form of Psilocybe is the dried version. Dehydration is essential for preserving potency and increasing shelf life. Fresh mushrooms are typically dried using a food dehydrator or placed on a wire rack in a cool, dry location. 

This process is critical for removing excess

Once dried, magic mushrooms can be kept for future usage without the risk of mould growth or the degradation of their active compounds due to moisture.

This is a step-by-step guide on the drying and storage of magic mushrooms:

1. Dry the mushrooms effectively using a suitable food dehydrator or wire rack.
2. Preserve them in airtight containers to maintain their potency and prevent exposure to too much moisture.
3. Store them in a dry, cool place to conserve their psychoactive properties.
4. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
5. Check regularly for mould or dark spots, which are indicators of spoilage.

Comparing Psilocybe Cubensis with Other Psychedelics

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

How Does Your Body Respond to Psychedelics?

The functional mechanisms of these substances are largely theoretical and based on observed outcomes. While these theories offer insights into possible ways these substances could produce effects, they don’t offer a conclusive understanding of the involved processes.

• Psilocybin: It easily stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, resulting in heightened perception, vibrant visuals, complex hallucinations, and distortions of time. It also initiates changes in thalamic gating and raises activity in the prefrontal cortex.
• DMT: While its interaction with serotonin receptors forms part of its overall effect, the full scope of its impact remains unknown. Serotonin receptors play a vital role, but they don’t fully account for all the effects of DMT.
• LSD: It operates within the serotonergic system in the Dorsal Raphe, partially binding to the 5-HT2A receptor and fully binding to the 5-HT1A receptor.
• MDMA: It generates an immediate feeling of pleasure by triggering the release of dopamine and serotonin.
• Ketamine: Its exact mode of action is still unknown. Its antidepressant effect could be due to the blockage of NMDA receptors on neurons, but the selective inhibition of NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons and the suppression of AMPA receptors could also contribute.

What Do Psychedelic Mushrooms Do to You?

The psychological and physical reactions may vary significantly based on factors like dosage, environment, and the user’s mental condition. Typical experiences associated with psychedelic mushroom usage include:

• Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Users may see patterns, colors, and shapes that don’t exist in the real world.
• Distorted Sense of Time: Time may seem to speed up or slow down.
• Altered Perception: Sensory experiences might become intensified or distorted.
• Emotional Fluctuations: Users may experience a wide range of emotions, from happiness to anxiety.
• Spiritual Revelations: Users may have experiences of a mystical or spiritual nature.
• Physical Effects: These may include symptoms like an increased heart rate and blood pressure, or feelings of nausea.

The use of shrooms is considered safe when done responsibly. However, lack of proper preparation may result in unpleasant experiences for some individuals. While veteran users might find larger doses effective, newcomers attempting to consume substantial amounts could potentially have a “bad trip.”

Managing your experience with this substance is straightforward. Choose a calm, quiet environment and employ a sober “trip guide” for support. 

A Preferred Alternative to Other Substances

Medical practitioners often prefer dried shrooms due to their longer shelf life and easy dosage. Its shorter duration and more manageable intensity make it an appropriate choice for those new to psychedelic therapy. It’s also more organic than other synthetic hallucinogens, barring DMT.

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

Health Benefits

• This natural compound may reduce “cognitive rigidity,” lessen self-destructive thoughts, and promote self-compassion. 
• According to a 2022 study, a single 25 mg dose reduced depression scores in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. A 2023 study found significant and enduring reductions in depressive symptoms with the concurrent use of regulated substances and psychotherapy.
• A 2022 clinical trial revealed that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly lowered the number of heavy drinking days over a period of eight months compared to a placebo.
• A 2017 study published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse showed that two to three doses, along with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helped 10 out of 15 participants to quit smoking for an entire year.
• In a 2022 pilot study published in Biological Psychiatry, four out of five patients with anorexia reported improved symptoms of their eating disorder following a single dose of shroom with psychotherapy. Additionally, two of them witnessed a reduction in anxiety.
1. Preparation Phase: This initial stage includes one or more sessions that last between 1-6 hours each. Here, a facilitator helps you address any worries, define your goals, and set realistic expectations. The aim is to build trust and create a safe environment.
2. Dosing Phase: This phase lasts for 5-8 hours. During this phase, you will be reclining with an eye mask on, listening to a preselected playlist. A therapist will accompany you throughout this journey.
3. Integration Phase: This phase includes follow-up meetings designed to assist you in understanding and making sense of your experience. Spread over several sessions, each session lasts for several hours.

Is it cheaper to buy shroom products compared to other substances?

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