Psychedelics, and especially magic mushrooms, will be touted as having many amazing applications over the coming decades. From large doses of psilocybin for depression to microdoses of mushrooms for arthritis pain—the science has only just started and many questions remain unanswered and unasked.Until concrete data is gathered on the effects of magic mushrooms on the body and mind, we’re left to explore anecdotes, small studies, and theoretical musings on the benefits of psychedelics. One specific area of importance is the possibility of receiving an immune boost from fungi—both a vague marketing term and a very real contributor to optimal health.The...
The psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, has recently been ‘fast-tracked’ by the United States FDA for approval in treating depressive disorders. More specifically, the therapy has been indicated for both Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and Major Depression (MDD). This has prompted interest in the chemical from those who currently suffer from all forms of depression; front-line therapies for the disorders currently employ antidepressant pharmaceuticals, along with behavioral therapies. Unfortunately, antidepressants blunt and diminish the effects of psilocybin—understandably, you may be wondering how to safely combine the two.Antidepressants and magic mushroomsMost antidepressants significantly diminish the psilocybin experience, from microdosing to macrodosing. Not...
Sleep is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think about magic mushrooms. While yawning can be a common side effect, the stimulation of a trip often pushes the thought of sleep to the background. The experience provided by psilocybin is not unlike a waking dream, though the similarities between the two situations continue well beyond the visuals they’re able to project onto your mind’s eye.The direct effect of magic mushrooms on sleepPerhaps the most well-known effect of psychedelics on the sleep of its users is the propensity for wild dreams:“Even when I close my eyes...
“Set and setting” is a concept that is well-known within the psychedelic community, only just now entering mainstream parlance. The phrase was coined by Timothy Leary – American psychologist and psychedelic advocate – in the early 1960s. Recently, the idea is being applied to cannabis in an attempt to maximize therapeutic potential and to understand the nature of memorable experiences – both positive and challenging.The nature of a psychedelic tripPsilocybin is the compound in magic mushrooms that creates the remarkable experiences these fungi are known for. It shares a chemical structure that is very similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. After...
If you’re trying to get the most out of your psychedelic experiences, or simply want to maximize the utility of a first or infrequent dose, there are tools that you can use. Different approaches—whether you’re microdosing, tripping, or preparing for either—have different methods to make your experience easy, insightful and enjoyable.Physical tools for tripping and microdosingThese physical tools make up a part of your ‘setting’ or the environment where you use magic mushrooms.GrinderGrinding your mushrooms in bulk, before weighing doses, is the best way to increase consistency between experiences from the same batch. This eliminates the chance of getting a...
The most obvious outcome of eating magic mushrooms is a memorable and mind-expanding trip. However, like anything with that kind of power, a few side effects are inevitable. With some planning and preparation, most of these undesirable outcomes can be managed or eliminated entirely. In some regards, a side effect for some might be desirable for others—uncontrollable giggles is the best example.What to expect from magic mushroomsPsilocybin shares a chemical structure that is very similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. After eating magic mushrooms, the influx of serotonin-like molecules tricks the brain into exciting the pathways related to happiness, well-being, cognition,...
Taking magic mushrooms with your partner can be an incredible bonding experience with the ability to profoundly deepen your connection. Inevitably, the question of sex will arise (hopefully!), especially with a nickname like “herbal ecstasy” that some give to shrooms. Unfortunately, most people will have trouble with at least once aspect of sex on magic mushrooms, but it’s definitely worth trying if the circumstances align.The connection between magic mushrooms and sex“Sex, like everything else on psychedelics, is amplified,” says Neal Goldsmith, a New York-based psychologist and author of Psychedelic Healing. “Psychedelics enhance what’s already there, they put you in touch...
Unlike trip-inducing ‘macrodosing’, people are taking tiny amounts—or microdoses—of psychedelics for a competitive edge, from business to parenting. Like cannabis, the self-therapy is also being applied to a number of ailments, with anecdotes suggesting positive outcomes for pain, arthritis, and ADHD. The trend has been mentioned alongside Silicon Valley executives and moms alike, so let’s explore the idea of microdosing at work.The demanding nature of workModern work is demanding, we all seek to limit the costs it has on our bodies and minds. For the lucky few that are invigorated by their professions, they too strive for burdenless efficiency. Across...
Stepping into magic mushrooms, or psychedelics, for the first time is like entering into a whole new world, in more ways than one. Even before your first psychedelic experience, there is a universe of information and terminology that can feel daunting enough to ignore it entirely. If there’s one thing you really need to know before you dive in, it’s appropriate dosing for an enjoyable trip.Trippy terms for dosing magic mushroomsWhen it comes to magic mushrooms — the fungi that contain psilocybin — there are a few terms that are thrown around when talking about dosing. The most common are...
The mushroom species Psilocybe cubensis has made a big name for itself; from humble beginnings growing wild in the tropics, this mushroom has traveled to nearly every country on the face of the Earth. You may know it by another name — magic mushrooms — of which over 95% of the ones you might grow or buy are Ps. cubensis.Most magic mushrooms are Psilocybe cubensisPsilocybe cubensis — nicknamed “cubes” or “gold tops” — are the most common species of magic mushroom. There are over 180 different types of fungi that produce psilocybin, the compound that makes these mushrooms magic. The...
Just like at the grocery store, mushrooms of the ‘magic’ variety come in many different shapes, colours, and sizes. The most common is Psilocybe cubensis, also known as “cubes”, “golden tops”, or simply “magic mushrooms.”There are over 180 different species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin, the compound that makes these fungi magic. Psilocybin can comprise up to 2% of the overall weight of a dried mushroom and is named after the largest group of psychedelic mushrooms, the Psilocybe genus. The compounds were originally researched, synthesized and named by Albert Hofmann, better known as the ‘inventor’ of LSD or “acid.”Species of...
Recently, there’s been a surge in reporting on psychedelics. Often, “psilocybin” is used interchangeably with “magic mushrooms”, with little distinction made between the two. This is especially important as results become available from clinical trials — only synthetic psilocybin is used in these settings. Active compounds in magic mushroomsPsilocybin is the compound in magic mushrooms that creates the remarkable experience these fungi are known for. Actually, that’s not strictly true. Psilocybin has little effect on the brain itself — it’s considered a ‘pro-drug’ — and is converted in the body to psilocin, the true star of the show. Psilocin is the...
There aren’t very many psychedelic compounds that can be simply harvested from nature and eaten, with no further preparation. However, this usually requires months of study in the identification of mushrooms and may come with an increased risk of nausea and discomfort.Most people encounter magic mushrooms in a bag, dried and ready to munch. While this method will definitely get you to where you want to go, there are some alternative ways to prepare mushrooms, which may change certain aspects of your psilocybin experience.How to prepare magic mushroomsOne big thing to keep in mind is that your stomach has a...
If magic mushrooms have captured your interest, you may be asking “How does psilocybin affect the brain?” Psilocybin is the compound in magic mushrooms that creates the remarkable experience these fungi are known for.Psilocybin shares a chemical structure that is very similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. After eating magic mushrooms, the influx of serotonin-like molecules tricks the brain into exciting the pathways related to happiness, well-being, cognition, and learning. The result is a “psychedelic trip” and distortions of perception, time and space.The effects of PsilocybinA psychedelic trip is purely temporary, with no known effects on the structure or health of...
Before taking any substance for the first time, it’s best to start by asking a few questions. When it comes to psilocybin, one of the first should be “How safe are magic mushrooms?” A key pillar of harm-reduction is education, both the benefits and possible harms.Psilocybin shares a chemical structure that is very similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. The serotonin-like molecules trick the brain into exciting pathways related to happiness, well-being, cognition, and learning. The result is a “psychedelic trip” — distortions of perception, time and space.Understanding psilocybinA psychedelic trip is purely temporary, with no known effects on the structure...
Magic mushrooms are very safe among recreational drugs when taken responsibly and in moderation. According to Adam Winstock, founder of the Global Drug Survey and consultant addiction psychiatrist, “magic mushrooms are one of the safest drugs in the world.” Compared to users of MDMA, LSD or cocaine; users of magic mushrooms were five times less likely to require medical attention. However, there are a few fringe cases that may create some complications when psilocybin is involved. Read on if you’re wondering “is there any reason why I can’t take magic mushrooms?”Who can’t take magic mushroomsA psychedelic trip is purely temporary, with...
What is Psilocybin? It’s one of the first questions you may be asking when exploring magic mushrooms for the first time. Psilocybin is the compound in magic mushrooms that creates the remarkable experience these fungi are known for.Actually, that’s not strictly true. Psilocybin has little effect on the brain itself — it’s considered a ‘pro-drug’ — and is converted in the body to psilocin, the true star of the show. Psilocin is the molecule that directly interacts with the brain to create the psychedelic mushroom experience. Perhaps the real question should be why psilocybin gets all the attention.Psilocybin and psilocinIn...
When you’re exploring magic mushrooms or psychedelics for the first time, you may eventually find yourself asking “What is microdosing?” The trend has been mentioned alongside Silicon Valley executives and moms alike. Unlike trip-inducing ‘macrodosing’, people are taking tiny amounts — or microdoses — of psychedelics for a competitive edge, from business to parenting. Like cannabis, the self-therapy is being applied to a number of ailments, with anecdotes suggesting positive outcomes for pain, arthritis, and ADHD.What is microdosing?The traditional format for microdosing psychedelics is to take only one-tenth of an ‘average’ recreational dose. At these quantities, the LSD or mushrooms are...
Immunity: Psychedelics and mushrooms
Antidepressants and psychedelics
Magic mushrooms and sleep
What is set and setting when it comes to psychedelics?
Tools for maximizing your trip/microdose/etc.
Physical effects of magic mushrooms: What to expect
Magic mushrooms and sex
Microdosing at work
The difference in dosages and terminology: micro, average, hero
Psilocybe cubensis Species Spotlight
Are there different kinds of magic mushrooms?
Do magic mushrooms contain anything other than psilocybin?
How do I prepare magic mushrooms?
How does Psilocybin affect the brain?
How safe are magic mushrooms?
Is there any reason why I can’t take magic mushrooms?
What is Psilocybin?
What is microdosing?