How do Dehydrated Mushrooms Stack Up Against Other Psychedelics?

Take a look at dried shrooms, one of the most sought-after psychedelics available today. If you’ve heard about them and are considering trying them, but unsure if they’re suitable for you, we’re here to help. 

It’s normal for beginners to be uncertain about which psychedelic to start with. This article will shed light on how dried mushrooms differ from other substances and why they could be an excellent choice for your first psychedelic experience.

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Main Points:

• The main component in Psilocybe is the most extensively studied psychedelic for mental health due to its safety, low abuse potential, and brief effects.
• The most common form is dried Psilocybe, which retains potency and extends shelf life.
• Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, triggering amplified perceptions, colorful imagery, complex hallucinations, and time distortions.

Psilocybin Mushrooms: Exploring the World of Psychedelic Fungi

Psilocybin mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, which induce the hallucinogenic effects experienced by users. The most recognized species—Psilocybe cubensis—features a light brown cap, dark spots, and a distinct shape. Many other species within the Psilocybe genus also produce these compounds.

Some toxic mushrooms, which contain harmful toxins, closely resemble Psilocybe, which is why we caution against harvesting shrooms independently.

Historically, many mushrooms played a significant role in Central American spiritual rituals. Today, these fungi are being explored for their potential in treating various mental health issues, including substance addiction disorders.

Preparation and Preservation: The Dried Variant

The most commonly found form of Psilocybe is the dried variant. Dehydration is essential for preserving potency and extending shelf life. Fresh mushrooms are typically dried using a food dehydrator or by placing them on a wire rack in a cool, dry area. 

This process is crucial for removing excess moisture, thus preventing the growth of mould and bacteria.

Dried magic mushrooms can be kept for future use. However, they can deteriorate and mold can form if exposed to moisture. Hence, it is crucial to store them properly.

Here are the steps to properly dry and store magic mushrooms:

1. Firstly, thoroughly dry the mushrooms using a suitable food dehydrator or a wire rack.
2. Then, store the dried mushrooms in airtight containers to preserve their efficacy and prevent moisture damage.
3. Keep the containers in a dry, cool area to maintain the mushrooms’ psychoactive properties.
4. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
5. Regularly inspect for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or dark spots.

How Psilocybe Cubensis Compares to Other Psychedelics

Besides dried mushroom products, you can find various psychedelic products online that have different effects on the body and can be consumed differently. Some of these substances fall under the category of classic hallucinogens, just like psilocybin.

Substance	Origin	Physical Effects	Possible Therapeutic Uses	Duration of Effects
Psilocybin	Found naturally in over 200 varieties of mushrooms	Enhanced perception, hallucinations, altered sense of time	Potentially beneficial for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Cluster headaches, Alzheimer’s disease	4-6 hours
DMT	Naturally occurring in plants like Psychotria viridis	Deep spiritual experiences, visions, auditory hallucinations	Potentially beneficial for Depression, Addiction	15-30 minutes
LSD	Synthetic, first produced by Albert Hofmann in 1938	Heightened emotions, altered perception, auditory and visual hallucinations	Potentially beneficial for Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Cluster headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD	8-12 hours
MDMA	Synthetic, first synthesized by Anton Köllisch in 1912	Increased release of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and possibly oxytocin	Potentially beneficial for PTSD, Autism spectrum disorder, Obesity, Narcolepsy, ADHD	3-6 hours
Ketamine	Synthetic, first synthesized by Calvin L. Stevens in 1962	Anesthetic, produces psychedelic effects at high subanesthetic doses	Potentially beneficial for Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Suicidal ideation, Addiction, Autism spectrum disorder, Chronic pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia	1-3

Comprehending Your Body’s Reaction

The operational mechanisms of each substance are speculative, based on observed phenomena. These theories shed light on the potential effects of these substances, but they do not offer a concrete understanding of the involved underlying processes.

• Psilocybin: It stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor effortlessly, resulting in enhanced perception, vivid images, complex hallucinations, and time distortions. It also induces changes in thalamic gating and heightened prefrontal cortex activity.
• DMT: Its interaction with serotonin receptors is a part of its overall impact, the full scope of which remains uncertain. While the serotonin receptor is significant, it can’t entirely account for all the effects of DMT.
• LSD: It functions within the serotonergic system in the Dorsal Raphe, binding to the 5-HT2A receptor as a partial agonist and the 5-HT1A receptor as a full agonist.
• MDMA: It triggers an immediate sense of pleasure by enhancing the release of dopamine and serotonin.
• Ketamine: Its exact mode of action remains indistinct. Its antidepressant effect may stem from blocking NMDA receptors on neurons, but selective inhibition of NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons and suppression of AMPA receptors might also contribute.

What Happens When You Take Psychedelic Mushrooms?

The psychological and physical reactions can vary significantly based on dosage, environment, and the user’s psychological state. Typical experiences associated with the consumption of psychedelic mushrooms include:

• Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Users may perceive non-existent patterns, colors, and shapes.
• Distorted Sense of Time: Time may seem to stretch or shrink.
• Altered Perception: Sensory experiences can either be amplified or distorted.
• Emotional Fluctuations: A wide range of emotions can be experienced, from happiness to anxiety.
• Spiritual Revelations: Users may have experiences of a spiritual or mystical nature.
• Physical Effects: These may include an increased heart rate and blood pressure, or sensations of feeling sick.

Shroom consumption is regarded as safe when used responsibly. Yet, inadequate preparation can result in unpleasant experiences for some individuals. While more seasoned users may find higher doses beneficial, beginners who try to ingest large amounts might experience a “bad trip.”

It’s quite straightforward to control your experience with this substance. Choose a calm, quiet environment and have a sober “trip guide” present for support. 

A Preferred Alternative to Other Substances

Medical practitioners often prefer dried shrooms for their prolonged shelf life and easy dosage. The shorter duration and more manageable intensity make them an appropriate option for those new to psychedelic therapy. They are also more organic than other synthetic hallucinogens, barring DMT.

Determining the benefits of different compounds can be challenging as most clinical trials show similar outcomes, particularly between LSD and psilocybin. The latter is the most extensively researched psychedelic for mental health issues, mainly due to its excellent safety records, low abuse risk, and short-lived perceptual trips.

Health Benefits

• This natural compound may help reduce “cognitive rigidity,” lessen self-defeating thoughts, and encourage self-compassion. 
• According to a 2022 study, a single 25 mg dose was found to 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 cut down 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 demonstrated that two to three doses, in combination with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helped 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 a reduction in symptoms of their eating disorder after a single dose of shroom with psychotherapy. Two of them also noted a reduction in anxiety.
• Studies on terminal cancer patients have shown that this compound, when combined with supportive measures, can help reduce depression, anxiety, drug dependence, and fear of death, while improving the quality of life and fostering optimism. These improvements were maintained for six months.
• In 80% of the cases, the effects lasted for several months.

Choose Your Favourite Type of Dried Mushrooms to Embark on Your Journey

Thanks to the ease of online services, discovering these products is now effortless. Make a purchase and have it delivered straight to your front door.

Attribute	Blue Meanies	Golden Teacher	Alacabenzi
Effects	Elation, Hallucinations, Joy, Profound Laughter	Spiritual Enlightenment, Connection with Nature, Spiritual Healing	Physical and Spatial Effects, Relaxation, Perception Change
Appearance	Brown-yellow caps with blue stains	Broad light caps, slender stems	Large caps, reddish-brown stems
Potency	High	Moderate	Moderate
Recommended Usage	Festivals, Celebrations, Artistic Expression	Shamanic, Spiritual Journey, Enlightenment	Relaxation, Evening Unwind, Meditative State

Choose Well-Desiccated Magic Mushrooms for Their Recognized Effects and Benefits

Dried mushroom products provide a unique and powerful psychedelic experience, similar to LSD, MDMA, DMT, and Mescaline. They are lauded for their introspective effects and potential therapeutic benefits. As the most studied compound, it’s simpler to understand its advantages and how to use it effectively. Fungalfriend Canada offers a variety of these fungi, from highly potent strains to those suitable for novices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the right candidate (or not) for psychedelic therapy?

If you are struggling with depression, anorexia, alcohol addiction, trying to quit smoking, or facing a terminal illness, 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 undertaking this therapy.

What should you expect from psilocybin therapy?

This type of therapy, while intensive, promises potentially long-lasting benefits. It’s made up of three fundamental steps:

1. Preparation Phase: In this phase, you’ll have one or several sessions (lasting 1-6 hours each) with a guide. These meetings are meant to address any issues you might have, define your objectives, and set realistic expectations. The goal here is to cultivate trust and create a safe environment.
2. Dosing Phase: This phase lasts between 5-8 hours. During this period, you’ll be reclining, wearing an eye cover, and listening to a pre-chosen playlist. A therapist will be there with you throughout the entire experience.
3. Integration Phase: This phase includes post-session discussions designed to assist you in understanding and interpreting your experience. These sessions, distributed over several meetings, each extend for a number of hours.

Is buying shroom products a more economical choice compared to other substances?

When contrasted with LSD products, dried mushrooms are significantly more affordable. For example, you can buy 3.5 grams for about $20. Conversely, the cost of LSD in gel tabs varies depending on the dosage. As an illustration, six tabs with a strength of 100 micrograms each might cost around $90.