How Do Dried Shrooms Compare to Other Psychedelics?

Dried shrooms are among the most common psychedelics available today. You might have heard about them and considered trying them, but you’re unsure if they’re the right choice. 

Many beginners are confused about which psychedelic to start with. We’re here to clarify how dried mushrooms differ from other substances and why they could be an excellent choice for your first psychedelic experience.

Key Takeaways:

• The Psilocybe active compound is the most studied psychedelic for mental health due to its safety, low abuse potential, and short-lasting effects.
• The most common form is dehydrated Psilocybe, which preserves potency and extends shelf life.
• Psilocybin activates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor to induce heightened perception, vivid imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortions.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: The World of Trippy Fungi

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

There are also poisonous mushrooms that contain harmful toxins that look like Psilocybe, which is why we do not recommend picking shrooms.

Historically, most mushrooms were part of Central American culture for spiritual rituals. Researchers are currently studying its potential to treat mental illnesses, including substance use disorders.

Preparation and Preservation The Dehydrated Version

The most common form of Psilocybe in the market is the dried version. Dehydration is essential for preserving potency and extending shelf life. Fresh mushrooms are dried using a food dehydrator or placed on a wire rack in a dry place with low temperatures. 

This process helps remove excess moisture, which can result in mould growth and the degradation of the active compounds. Once dried, you can store magic mushrooms.

When drying and storing a magic mushroom, follow this step: 

1. Use the right food dehydrator or a wire rack to dry the shroom products properly.
2. Store them in airtight containers to preserve potency and prevent exposure to excess moisture.
3. Keep them in a dry place with low temperatures to maintain their psychoactive properties.
4. Store away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
5. Regularly inspect for mould or dark spots, which can indicate spoilage.

Other Psychedelics and What You Might Experience vs. Psilocybe Cubensis

Aside from the dried shroom products, you can also access other products online. These can be consumed in many ways and affect your body differently. Some of these compounds belong to the classic hallucinogens with psilocybin.

What How Do They Work In Your Body?

The mechanisms of action for each compound are theories based on the observed results of these substances. While they offer insights into how these compounds may induce their impacts, they do not definitively explain the ultimate pathways involved.

• Psilocybin: Easily activates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. This activation produces heightened perception, vivid imagery, complex hallucinations, and distortions of time. It also induces changes in thalamic gating and increased activity in the prefrontal cortex.
• DMT: Interaction on serotonin receptors is only part of the story, and its full impact is not yet fully understood. Although the serotonin receptor is a key pathway, it alone cannot account for all its effects.
• LSD: Involves the serotonergic system in the Dorsal Raphe, where it binds to the 5-HT2A receptor as a partial agonist and the 5-HT1A receptor as an agonist.
• MDMA: Provides an immediate sense of pleasure by stimulating the release of dopamine and serotonin.
• Ketamine: The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. The antidepressant impact may come from blocking NMDA receptors on neurons, but selective inhibition of NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons and suppression of AMPA receptors could also contribute.

How Do Psychedelic Mushrooms Make You Feel?

One’s mind and body reactions can vary widely depending on the dose, the environment, and the individual’s mental state. Common experiences associated with shroom use include:

• Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Users may see patterns, colours, and shapes that are nonexistent in reality.
• Distorted Sense of Time: Time may appear to slow down or speed up.
• Altered Perception: Sensory experiences may become more intense or distorted.
• Emotional Shifts: Wide range of emotions, from euphoria to anxiety.
• Spiritual Insights: Spiritual or mystical experiences.
• Physical Effects: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, or nausea

Taking shrooms is considered safe when used responsibly. Some users may experience unpleasant scenarios due to not preparing before the experience. Higher doses are effective if you have experience with this substance, but if you are a beginner and tried to take high amounts, you may experience a “bad trip.”

Managing your experience with this substance is easy. You can choose a quiet and calm space and find a sober “trip guide” to offer support. 

A Better Choice Compared to Other Substances

Clinicians prefer dried shrooms for their longer shelf life and ease of dosing. It also has a shorter duration and more manageable intensity, which makes it a suitable option for patients who may be new to psychedelic therapy. It’s also more natural compared to other synthetic hallucinogens (except DMT).

Distinguishing the benefits of different compounds can be challenging, as many clinical trials show similar results, particularly between LSD and psilocybin. The latter is the most extensively studied psychedelic for mental health conditions, largely due to its well-established safety profile, low potential for abuse, and short duration of perceptual trips.

Health Benefits

• This natural compound may help break “cognitive rigidity,” ease self-defeating thoughts, and promote self-compassion. 
• A 2022 study showed that a single 25 mg dose reduced depression scores in people with treatment-resistant depression. Another study (2023) found significant and sustained reductions in depressive symptoms with the use of controlled substances and psychotherapy.
• A 2022 clinical trial found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced heavy drinking days over eight months compared to a placebo.
• A 2017 study from the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse showed that two to three doses, alongside cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helped 10 of 15 participants quit smoking for 12 months.
• In a 2022 pilot study from Biological Psychiatry, four out of five anorexia patients reported improvements in eating disorder symptoms after a single dose of shroom with psychotherapy. Two also experienced reduced anxiety.
• Research on terminal cancer patients found that this compound, combined with support, reduced depression, anxiety, drug addiction, and fear of death while improving quality of life and optimism. These benefits lasted for six months in 80% of participants.

Your Choice of Dried Shrooms to Kick-Start Your Journey

With the rise of hassle-free online services, you can now satisfy your curiosity about these products. Make a purchase, and you will receive the product straight to your door. 

Choose Properly Dried Magic Mushrooms for Their Clinically Proven Effects and Benefits

Dehydrated shroom products provide a unique and powerful psychedelic experience, similar to LSD, MDMA, DMT, and mescaline. They are known for their introspective effects and potential therapeutic benefits. They are the most studied compound, which makes it easier for you to understand its benefits and learn how to incorporate it compared to others. Zoomies Canada offers a selection of these fungi, from highly potent to beginner-friendly strains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should consider (or avoid) psychedelic therapy?

If you have depression, anorexia, alcohol use disorder, want to quit smoking, or are facing a terminal diagnosis, this therapy might be worth exploring. If you have a personal or family history of schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder, do not engage in the activity unless you consult your doctor.

What can you expect from psilocybin therapy?

This therapy can be intense but potentially long-lasting. The process involves three key stages:

1. Preparation: You’ll have one or more sessions (1-6 hours) with a facilitator to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations. This helps build trust and create a safe environment.
2. Dosing: The session lasts 5-8 hours. You’ll lie down, wear an eye mask, and listen to a specific playlist. A therapist will stay with you throughout the experience.
3. Integration: Post-session meetings help you process and understand your experience. These sessions take a few hours over a couple of meetings.

Are shroom products cheaper than other compounds?

Dehydrated fungi are much cheaper than LSD products. For example, you can buy 3.5 grams for around $20. In contrast, LSD in gel tabs varies in price based on dosage. For instance, six tabs of 100 micrograms each can cost about $90.