GUIDE TO DOSING MUSHROOMS
Against the backdrop of a North American medical system facing challenges and the alarming surge in depression and anxiety rates (a trend that’s been escalating, reaching 29.0%, nearly 10 percentage points higher than in 2015), a curious shift is emerging among young adults. As the modern pillars of healthcare often fall short, many are seeking relief in the ancient wisdom of our ancestors. For millennia, certain natural aids like cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms have been cherished for their therapeutic potential, providing both physical and mental relief to societies of old.
Today, young adults, in their quest for genuine healing, are revisiting these age-old remedies. Their hope? That the same fungi which sustained and healed our predecessors can offer a beacon of hope and relief in our contemporary, often tumultuous, world. This guide to dosing serves as an exploration into the realm of these potent fungi, aiming to demystify their use and potential in the modern era.
WHAT ARE PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS?
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms”, are a group of fungi that contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down in the body to produce psilocin, which affects the brain and leads to hallucinogenic effects and altered perceptions of reality.
This guide will focus on how to use psilocybin mushrooms, how to dose them for different effects and how to take advantage of the intention, set and setting to create a healing experience for yourself. The doses mentioned below refer to dried mushrooms.
HOW TO TAKE SHROOMS
While consuming a handful of dried mushrooms is a great choice for some, there are various other alternative methods to consider—especially if you find the taste of shrooms unpalatable. Many opt for mushroom tea, finding solace in its soothing nature. Mushroom-infused edibles such as chocolates and gummies have gained popularity, as they conveniently mask the distinctive mushroom taste.
The “lemon tek” method is another favored preparation. By immersing mushrooms in lemon juice, they begin to break down even before entering your digestive system, potentially reducing the nausea that some individuals associate with shroom consumption.
Psilocybin capsules are of course another excellent way to avoid the taste and texture, and get a precise measured dose with magic mushrooms.
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE
Your psychedelic journey is deeply personal and can be influenced by a variety of factors:
1. Mushroom Potency:
Different species of psilocybin mushrooms have distinctly different psilocybin levels. For those seeking milder experiences, our B+ and Golden Teachers are ideal choices due to their lower potency. If you’re looking to venture further, consider our Hawaiian (PES Hawaiian) variant for a euphoric body buzz or the Huautla for introspective reflections. Newcomers should exercise caution with stronger strains from the Penis Envy family, Avery Albino, and PESA.
2. Mushroom Anatomy:
Specific portions of the mushroom exhibit higher potency. A 2003 Japanese study on six cubensis samples revealed the caps to be more potent than the stems. To be precise, the study discovered psilocin/psilocybin content levels in caps ranging between 0.17–0.78%/0.44–1.35%, whereas the stems stood at 0.09–0.30%/0.05–1.27%.
3. Growing Conditions:
The environment where the mushrooms flourish plays a pivotal role in their potency. A comprehensive study demonstrated that psilocybin levels could fluctuate, spanning from a mere 0.1% in some species to a substantial 2% in others.
4. Personal Biology & Mindset:
Each individual’s unique physiology and psychological makeup can shape their psychedelic experience. For instance, if you’re prone to dissociation, your trip might feel subdued compared to others. However, this doesn’t negate the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for you. For a deeper dive into how dissociation might influence your experience, consider an article titled “Why MDMA and Other Psychedelic Therapies May Not Work for You.