Under the name psilocybe, the hallucinogenic mushroom is a wild species or cultivated mushroom containing psilocybin, which is a natural psychoactive and hallucinogenic component.
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic component ingested from certain types of mushrooms that grow in parts of Europe, South America and the United States. Once used for cultural and spiritual reasons, the majority of individuals now use psilocybe as a recreational drug. Indeed, this use of psychedelic mushrooms evokes feelings of euphoria and sensory distortion that are common to hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD. According to the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, the active component of psilocybe is a Schedule I component of controlled substances, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and has no legitimate medical utility. Find information about psilocybe such as their various uses, side effects and potential danger.
What is a psilocybe?
Psilocybe is a type of mushroom with psychotropic aspects, which contains hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin and psilocin. In small doses, the trip modifies perceptions, reflection and puts the consumer in a euphoric state while keeping him lucid. It is in high doses that the power of psilocybe generates real hallucinatory effects and disrupts the perception of time and space.
The active component of psilocybe; psilocybin
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance that works by activating serotonin receptors, primarily in the prefrontal cortex. It is an area of the brain that intervenes at the level of mood, knowledge and perception. Hallucinogens also affect other parts of the brain that control arousal and panic reflexes. The amount of drug, previous experiences and the format of the trip that will be performed can have an impact on the effects of psilocybin. Once the body has ingested and absorbed psilocybin, the digestive system converts it into psilocin. The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin usually manifest within 30 minutes of ingestion and last between 4 and 6 hours. In some individuals, changes in sensory perception and thinking patterns can last up to several days.
The general appearance of a psilocybe
Mushrooms that contain psilocybin are small in size and usually have a brown or tan colored appearance. In nature, many people often confuse psilocybin-containing mushrooms with other poisonous mushrooms.
The most famous psilocybes
The most common fungus in the world: Psilocybe semilanceata
Also known as lanceolate psilocybe or spearhead psilocybe, psilocybe semilanceata is the most common mushroom in the world. It is a species that is very frequently found in nature, in addition to being recognized as one of the most powerful. Psilocybe semilanceata is found mostly in particularly humid habitats, such as in a grassy meadow where the land is fertilized by livestock. Its metabolism feeds on cells from dying herbs and does not depend on animal droppings. You’ll be very likely to find psilocybe semilanceata in temperate regions like Europe and North America. Did you know? Although picking psychedelic mushrooms is illegal in France, it is also a country where you will have the opportunity to find psilocybe semilanceata.
Psilocybe cubensis: the most consumed mushroom in the world
Considered the most popular mushroom and appreciated by a large majority, psilocybe cubensis is a species that is easily cultivated. Indeed, its growth requires very little effort at the cultivation level and feeds on manure. The potency of this psilocybe is considered average, which makes it accessible to many people. Discovered for the first time in Mexico – hence its name “Mexican mushroom” – it is generally in the humid forests, in subtropical regions that we find the psilocybe cubensis. Did you know? This species of psilocybe has existed for more than 15,000 years now, according to archaeological excavations carried out in Thailand.
How to consume magic truffles or psychedelic mushrooms?
In general, people consume psilocybe in the form of brewed tea or prepare it with a food to mask its bitter taste. Growers also reduce dried mushrooms to powder and prepare them in capsule form. The majority of people consume magic mushrooms for two reasons: either for pleasure or for a spiritual ritual. In low doses, the psilocybe trip is light and pleasant. It is a power that is suitable for those who are in a recreational approach. Then there are people who perceive psilocybe as a solution to open the doors of consciousness: in this case, higher amounts are required. With experience, the necessary knowledge and some advice, the power of mushrooms allows you to better understand the realities that surround you, the life in which you evolve but also the one that exists beyond. Regardless of your preference, there are several criteria you need to keep in mind. If you are new to the subject, we do not recommend consuming psilocybe in one go. Consuming half a bag is more than enough. After ingesting them, you should expect several hours of alternating consciousness (do not take them before going to work, driving…). It is advisable to stay indoors, especially at home or in another pleasant place, especially if it is your very first time. Going out to a place can give you more colorful visions, but since you will be less in control of the situation, it is a rather recommended initiative for seasoned trippers. Consuming mushrooms doesn’t have to be a disgusting experience. Enjoy this psychedelic moment, thanks to its four modes of consumption.
Chewing and ingestion of magic mushrooms
The most common technique for ingesting mushrooms is to swallow them at all. In this case, it is essential to chew them well and swallow all the juice that comes out of them. The psychoactive component released from the fungus by your saliva will begin to mix with your blood and affect every cell in your body. It will take about 45 minutes to experience the effects, depending on the contents of your stomach; The experience will be better if you are fasting. It is desirable to avoid eating for a few hours.
Would you like a cup of tea?
You are not a fan of the bitter taste of mushrooms? Why not prepare a magical drink? Making a tea with your mushrooms will remove their unpleasant flavor. It will be enough to heat water, then reduce the desired amount of mushrooms into small units and immerse them in water.
The capsules give users the opportunity to micro-dose their mushrooms or truffles. If navigating the depths of existence for hours does not interest you, but you want to live the trip of pure ultimate clarity without having to waste a whole day, capsules are an ideal choice. In terms of micro-dosing, it is possible to get a more or less personalized trip with constant doses. Many consumers report using the psilocybes of this method to accompany them in their creative or problem-solving activities. The effect of psilocybe should not overwhelm the consumer. You know your tolerance level better than anyone. So it’s important to experiment a little to find out what’s right for you. Do not forget to take a small start and gradually increase.
Psilocybin-based edible
Combine magic mushrooms with gastronomy and you’ll be immersed in a whole new world of sensations, not only in terms of psychedelic journeys, but also culinary creations. Indeed, incorporating psilocybe into food would help remove both the taste and the feeling of disgust that most consumers suffer from. A great example is mixing mushrooms with pesto or fresh honey, which can be enjoyed cold. Magic chocolate truffles are also very popular. Again, it is advisable to experiment with the dosage until you can find what you like.
Depending on the dose, the tolerance of the user and the type of species ingested, hallucinogenic mushrooms cause side effects such as hallucinations: • Visual that materializes in an intensity of colors, kaleidoscopic vision and transformation of forms. • Auditory with increased perception of voice, hissing and buzzing. • Tactile with increased finger sensitivity. • Synesthetic with an alteration in the reception of perceived noises, images felt or heard. The effects of psilocybin are generally similar to those of LSD.They include altered perception of time and space in addition to intense changes in mood and feelings. The effects that psilocybe can generate are numerous: • Euphoria and tranquility • Spiritual awakening and a rapid change in emotions • Derealization • Depersonalization or the feeling of being detached from one’s environment • Distorted thinking • Dilated pupils • Dizziness and drowsiness • Trouble concentrating and muscle weakness • Unusual body sensations • Nausea, paranoia and confusion The effects of psilocybin vary from person to person, depending on the user’s mental state, personality and environment.
The long-term dangers of psilocybe
Long-term use of psilocybe can lead to unwanted behaviors related to delusions and agitation. The consumer can then find himself in danger, have a bad fall or present a violent character. The danger of overdose is also not to be ruled out, especially with fly agaric whose hallucinogenic amount is very similar to the toxic dose. In some users, regular use of psilocybe can lead to bouts of paranoid delirium with a break in touch with reality and suicide attempts or self-harm. Hospital treatment and medication are then necessary in such a situation.
The effects of psilocybe on the brain
Due to their direct psychotropic effect on serotonin located in the brain, psilocybe causes an increase in mood and hallucinations. They cause an alteration of the perception of reality by the five senses. Illusions can thus be visual, auditory, and synesthetic, with a modification of the reception of one’s body and its environment. Symptoms disappear immediately after digestion and removal of fungi.
The consequences of psilocybe on the body
The repercussions of hallucinogenic mushrooms on the body are mainly related to digestion with risks of dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea.
How long does it take to notice the first effects manifest themselves?
The effects occur about 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking the mushroom. The effects of the trip last up to 12 hours depending on digestion. The effects of psilocybe are directly dependent on the dose ingested and digestion of the consumer. Nevertheless, the psychotropic dose is often very close to the toxic dose, which can lead to a mortal danger. It is therefore advisable to always start a trip with the smallest dose to proceed to a gradual increase, at least one hour after the first ingestion, to avoid an overdose.
What does it feel like to ingest psilocybin?
Psilocybin, the main hallucinogenic component of magic mushrooms, is a psychedelic drug that has been used for over 10,000 years in various spiritual and medical rituals. Experiences may vary, but people report altered perceptions of time and space, feelings of euphoria, and a contemplative and dreamlike state. Researchers often measure what they call “mystical experience,” which measures feelings of unity, positive mood, transcendence of time and space, etc.
Researchers believe psilocybin may help reduce addiction to nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and possibly opioids. A small study (involving only nine participants) on nicotine dependence found that 80% of participants who took psilocybin therapy quit smoking, and 60% of them were still abstinent 16 months later, which is impressive compared to the 35% or less success rate of other therapies.
How can psilocybe be a contribution to the fight against addiction and depression?
Researchers believe that psilocybin promotes people’s behavior change process while increasing their sense of open-mindedness. In situations such as depression, addiction or anxiety, people are caught in a very restricted mental and behavioral pattern from which it is difficult to break free. There are many self-reinforcing properties – more negative thoughts lead to less social interaction and then greater focus on the addictive substance – and it is this feeling of “confinement” that really seems to be affected by psychedelic experiences.
What are the risks of using hallucinogenic mushrooms?
Because psilocybin can exacerbate or trigger the onset of underlying psychotic disorders, people with a personal history or conditions such as schizophrenia are at high risk of lasting damage and should avoid taking psilocybin.
Psilocybes, based on psilocybin, are known for their ability to generate a narcotic syndrome. This symptom is described as causing accelerated neuropsychic and sensory signs: euphoria, sensory hyperesthesia, visual and auditory illusions, confusion of space and time, dry mouth, redness of the face and more rarely convulsions. Before starting a trip of hallucinogenic mushrooms, it is advisable to follow certain precautions such as avoiding eating 6 to 8 hours before ingesting them. In addition, it is advisable not to combine several products with each other and to always leave 24 hours between each intake. Due to the increase in body temperature, it is recommended to wear light clothing and stay hydrated. Finally, consumption should always be considered in groups, around people with confidence and who have not consumed psilocybe. Feel free to share your experience or ask questions by comments. You can also find information on ordering psilocybes on our online store here.