Your Quick Guide to Magic Mushrooms

What is Magic About a Mushroom?

There are hundreds of varieties of magic mushrooms around the world. They are “magic” because they contain a naturally occurring hallucinogenic compound called psilocybin or its derivative psilocin.

Magic mushrooms have become widely used in Canada and all over the world. They have a long history of use in Central and South America for religious ceremonies and spiritual awakening.

What are Magic Mushrooms Used for?

Today psilocybin mushrooms are frequently part of a treatment for disorders such as addiction, depression, anxiety, headaches, and OCD. Magic mushroom usage is determined by the person taking them. They are useful for several reasons. For whatever purpose they are used, one thing seems constant they can lead people to new and different levels of consciousness. They have provided the ability for users to self-actualize, and they have helped people kick bad habits.

Many people turn to magic mushrooms as a way to achieve a “trip.” This takes the individual to a place that allows them to experience significant psychological change. Significant realizations and perspective adjustments result from this exploration.

Then there’s microdosing. Increasingly those looking to improve their performance at work are microdosing. This is the practice of taking small amounts of this psychedelic on a schedule to improve social sensitivity, creative thinking and performance.

How Does One Consume Magic Mushrooms?

There are several ways to consume magic mushrooms. This depends on what they are being used for. They can be eaten fresh or dried although certain varieties can cause digestive system discomfort so eating them is not the best option for all varieties or all users. Since psilocybin is destroyed under high temperatures, inhaling the smoke proves ineffective. Psilocybin must be ingested and digested to be effective.

For those who aren’t attracted to the flavour, taking a capsule is a consistent way to dose with reasonable accuracy. You might also brew magic mushroom tea or hot chocolate. Doing this does not heat the psilocybin to the point that renders it ineffectual.

Dried magic mushrooms can be kept for as long as 2 years, providing that light, temperature and aeration are properly observed.

What Are the Effects of Shrooms?

With a “regular dose” of magic mushrooms, which varies according to variety and if they are fresh, dried, or made into tea. Be sure to ask if you are not sure. One can expect a trip that results in increased emotional intensity, introspection, time-loss, and an alteration of psychological perception, which is neurologically similar to dreaming.

It often begins with changes in visual perception. Colourful glowing and geometric patterns are often reported. A general openness to new ideas and perspectives is common. A new perception of wonder and delight in people, experiences, and environments also occurs. Sometimes the experiences are not as pleasant and so it is important to remember that they are transient and not real. A general acceptance of these “negative” events typically helps to get through the experience positively.

What Are the Different Types of Shrooms?

The most well-known and common magic mushrooms are psilocybin mushrooms. Here is a shortlist of the most popular:

Psilocybe asurescens: Also known as “flying saucer mushroom,” is an extremely potent species. They are caramel or chestnut brown in colour and thrive in both wood-chip piles and coastal dune grassy areas.

Psilocybe baeocystis: Also known as “bottle caps,” “knobby tops,” “bluebells,” and “olive caps.” Found in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, they display a unique Olive brown tone, sometimes with blue tinges.

Psilocybe cubensis: Also known as “golden teacher,” is the most popular magic mushroom and is a good “entry-level” shroom. Their large golden caps can be found from the United States to and Central and South America to Southeast Asia.

Psilocybe cyanescens: Also known as “wavy caps,” their caramel or chestnut brown caps can be found in regions from the Middle East to Europe and North America. This species was also spread globally in wood chip piles.

Psilocybe Mexicana: Native to Central and South America, their caps are conical or bell-shaped. They have a bluish to greenish tint.

Psilocybe semilanceata: Also known as “liberty caps,” are one of the most potent of the psilocybin mushrooms. They are also one of the most available. Their light-coloured stems and brown leathery caps have ridges that correspond to the location of the gills underneath the cap.

What Dose is the Right Dose?

The right dose depends on what you are looking to achieve. Your dose can range from that which provides you with a significant hallucination, down to microdosing, which affects performance and mood without a psychedelic experience.

If this is your first time or you are newer to this experience, Zoomies always advise starting slow with a low dose and stay safe. Get an idea of what you’re dealing with before diving in. Always know that you can look to Zoomies Canada for magic mushrooms in Canada, for guidance, and for help.