Dried shrooms are among the top-rated psychedelics in today’s market. If you’ve been curious about them but uncertain if they’re the right fit, this article is for you.
Feeling unsure about which psychedelic to try first is normal for beginners. We’re here to enlighten you on how dried mushrooms stand out from other drugs, and why they could be an excellent start for your first psychedelic experience.
[toc]Key Points:
- The most studied psychedelic for mental health is the active compound in Psilocybe, due to its safety, low abuse potential, and brief effects.
- The most available form is dried Psilocybe, which retains potency and extends shelf life.
- Psilocybin stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, inducing enhanced perception, vibrant imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortions.
Psilocybin Mushrooms: An Exploration of Psychedelic Fungi
A psilocybin mushroom hosts the psychoactive elements, psilocybin and psilocin, responsible for the hallucinogenic effects users experience. The most recognized species, Psilocybe cubensis, features a light brown cap, dark blemishes, and a distinct shape. Various other species in the Psilocybe genus also produce these compounds.
Because some poisonous mushrooms with harmful toxins resemble Psilocybe, we strongly discourage shroom picking.
In the past, many mushrooms were vital to Central American spiritual ceremonies. Today, scientists are exploring their potential role in treating mental health disorders, including substance abuse issues.
Preparation and Preservation: The Dried Variant
The most common type of Psilocybe is the dried form. Dehydration is key to preserving potency and extending shelf life. Fresh mushrooms are usually dried using a food dehydrator or kept on a wire rack in a dry, cool space.
This process is essential for removing excess moisture, which can lead to mold growth and potency loss.
Exposure to moisture can lead to mould growth and the degradation of the active compounds in magic mushrooms. However, once these magic mushrooms are dried, they can be safely stored for future use.
Below is a comprehensive guide on drying and storing magic mushrooms:
- First, dry the mushrooms effectively using a suitable food dehydrator or a wire rack.
- Next, place them in airtight containers to ensure potency is maintained and to safeguard against excessive moisture.
- Store them in a location that is dry and cool to preserve their psychoactive properties.
- Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
- Periodically inspect for the presence of mould or dark spots, which indicate spoilage.
How Psilocybe Cubensis Compares to Other Psychedelics
In addition to dried mushroom products, there are other psychedelic products available online. These substances have different effects on the body and can be ingested differently. Some of these products are classified as classic hallucinogens, similar to psilocybin.
| Substance | Source | Physical Effects | Research Indications | Duration of Effects |
| Psilocybin | Occurring naturally in over 200 species of mushrooms | Enhanced perception, visual distortions, altered sense of time | Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Cluster headaches, Alzheimer’s disease | 4-6 hours |
| DMT | Naturally occurring in plants such as Psychotria viridis | Deep spiritual experiences, visions, auditory hallucinations | Depression, Addiction | 15-30 minutes |
| LSD | Artificially created, first produced by Albert Hofmann in 1938 | Heightened emotions, altered perception, auditory and visual distortions | Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Cluster headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD | 8-12 hours |
| MDMA | Synthetic, initially synthesized by Anton Köllisch in 1912 | Increased release of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and possibly oxytocin | PTSD, Autism spectrum disorder, Obesity, Narcolepsy, ADHD | 3-6 hours |
| Ketamine | Artificially created, first synthesized by Calvin L. Stevens in 1962 | Anesthetic, induces psychedelic effects at high subanesthetic doses | Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Suicidal ideation, Addiction, Autism spectrum disorder, Chronic pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia | 1-3 |
How Does Your Body Respond?
The functional operations of each substance are purely theoretical and based on observed outcomes. These hypotheses offer a glimpse into how these substances may create their effects, but they don’t provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying processes.
- Psilocybin: This easily stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, resulting in enhanced perception, vivid imagery, complex hallucinations, and distortions of time. It also initiates changes in thalamic gating and increased activity in the prefrontal cortex.
- DMT: Its engagement with serotonin receptors is merely a fraction of its overall impact, the breadth of which is still not fully understood. The serotonin receptor is essential, but it cannot entirely account for all the effects of DMT.
- LSD: It functions within the serotonergic system in the Dorsal Raphe, attaching to the 5-HT2A receptor as a partial agonist and the 5-HT1A receptor as a full agonist.
- MDMA: It triggers an instant feeling of pleasure by fostering the release of dopamine and serotonin.
- Ketamine: Its exact mechanism of action is still a mystery. Its antidepressant effect may stem from blocking NMDA receptors on neurons, although selective inhibition of NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons and suppressing AMPA receptors could also contribute.
What are the Impacts of Psychedelic Mushrooms?
The mental and physical effects can vary widely based on the dosage, environment, and the user’s psychological state. Common experiences associated with the consumption of psychedelic mushrooms include:
- Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Users may notice patterns, colors, and shapes that aren’t actually present.
- Distorted Sense of Time: Time may appear to either stretch or shrink.
- Altered Perception: Sensory experiences may become intensified or distorted.
- Emotional Fluctuations: A wide range of emotions, from happiness to anxiety.
- Spiritual Revelations: Users may have experiences of a spiritual or mystical nature.
- Physical Effects: These can include an increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as feelings of nausea.
Shrooms are considered safe when used responsibly. However, inadequate preparation can lead to unpleasant experiences for some users. While those with more experience may find high doses effective, newcomers attempting to consume large amounts may experience a “bad trip”.
Managing your experience with this substance is straightforward. Choose a calm, quiet environment and enlist the help of a sober “trip guide”.
A Preferred Alternative to Other Substances
Medical practitioners often prefer dried shrooms due to their long shelf life and easy dosage. Their shorter duration and more manageable intensity make them an appropriate choice for those new to psychedelic therapy. They are also more natural than other synthetic hallucinogens, except for DMT.
Identifying the benefits of different compounds can be challenging, as numerous clinical trials produce similar outcomes, notably between LSD and psilocybin. The latter is the most extensively researched psychedelic for mental health concerns, mainly due to its excellent safety record, low abuse risk, and brief perceptual trips.
Health Benefits
- This natural compound may help reduce “cognitive rigidity,” lessen self-defeating thoughts, and promote self-compassion.
- A 2022 study found that a single 25 mg dose could reduce depression scores in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. A 2023 study reported significant and enduring reductions in depressive symptoms with the combined use of regulated substances and psychotherapy.
- A 2022 clinical trial found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced the number of heavy drinking days over eight months compared to a placebo.
- A 2017 study published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse reported that two to three doses, when combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), enabled 10 out of 15 participants to quit smoking for a year.
- In a 2022 pilot study published in Biological Psychiatry, four out of five patients with anorexia reported symptom improvement after a single dose of shroom in conjunction with psychotherapy. Two of these patients also experienced reduced anxiety.
- Studies on terminally ill cancer patients have shown that the use of this compound, along with supportive treatments, can alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, drug addiction, and fear of death. It also enhances life quality and fosters a sense of optimism. These benefits were maintained over a period of six months.
- In 80% of the study participants, the positive effects continued for several months.
Choose Your Preferred Dried Mushrooms to Start Your Journey
With the rise of online services, accessing these products is easier than ever. Simply place an order and have it delivered straight to your home.
| Characteristic | Blue Meanies | Golden Teacher | Alacabenzi |
| Effects | Euphoria, Hallucinations, Happiness, Intense Laughter | Spiritual Awakening, Connection with Nature, Spiritual Healing | Physical and Spatial Effects, Relaxation, Perception Alteration |
| Appearance | Brown-yellow caps with blue bruising | Broad pale caps, slender stems | Robust caps, reddish-brown stems |
| Strength | High | Medium | Medium |
| Suggested Use | Festivals, Celebrations, Artistic Creativity | Shamanistic, Spiritual Journey, Enlightenment | Relaxation, Evening Unwinding, Meditation |
Choose Well-Dried Magic Mushrooms for Their Proven Effects and Benefits
Dried mushroom products provide a unique and potent psychedelic experience, similar to LSD, MDMA, DMT, and Mescaline. They are renowned for their introspective effects and potential therapeutic advantages. Being the most studied compound, it’s easier to understand its benefits and learn how to use it effectively. Mushroom Dispensary Canada offers a variety of these fungi, ranging from high potency to strains suitable for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should consider (or avoid) psychedelic therapy?
If you’re dealing with depression, anorexia, alcohol addiction, a desire to stop smoking, or a terminal diagnosis, this therapy could be beneficial. However, if you or your family have a history of schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before engaging in this therapy.
What should you expect from psilocybin therapy?
Psilocybin therapy, while intense, can provide potentially long-lasting benefits. The therapy comprises three crucial stages:
{“ordered”:true} –>- Preparation Phase: This stage includes one or more sessions that each last between 1-6 hours with a facilitator. The aim of these sessions is to address any concerns, define your goals, and establish clear expectations. This helps in building trust and creating a safe environment.
- Dosing Phase: This phase lasts for 5-8 hours. You will spend this time lying down, wearing an eye mask, and listening to a preselected playlist. A therapist will be with you throughout the experience.
- Integration Phase: This phase involves follow-up sessions that help you understand and interpret your experience. These sessions are split over a few meetings and each lasts for several hours.
Is buying shroom products more cost-effective compared to other substances?
When compared to LSD products, dried mushrooms are considerably cheaper. For example, you can buy 3.5 grams for around $20. In contrast, the price of LSD in gel tab form varies depending on the dosage. For instance, six tabs with a strength of 100 micrograms each could cost approximately $90.
