The Magic of Psilocybin Mushrooms Ebook

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
By: Reality Sandwich

The psychedelic revolution is upon us.
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Abracadabra, alakazam.
Please take your seats as we start the program.
We are Myco the Magnificent and Mycilla the Great,
We aim to amaze and innoculate.
There’s so much in store, so without further ado:

Know that you can change the world, the true magic is you!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
OVERVIEW
• Psilocybin: Effects, Common Uses, Safety
• Microdosing Psilocybin & Common Dosage Explained
• Guide to Magic Mushroom Strains
• Gold Cap Shrooms Guide: Spores, Effects, Identification
• Shrooms vs. Acid: Differences and Similarities Explained
SHROOM EXPERIENCE
• What Fungi Can Teach Us: Magic Mushroom Messages
• The Psilocybin Experience: What’s the Deal With Magic Mushrooms?
• How to Intensify a Mushroom Trip
• How to Come Down From a Mushroom Trip
• Having Sex on Shrooms: Good or Bad Idea?
• Hippie Flipping: When Shrooms and Molly Meet
HOW-TO INFO
• How to Grow Magic Mushrooms
• How to Buy Psilocybin Spores
• A Foraging Trip: Where do Magic Mushrooms Grow?
• How to Dry Magic Mushrooms: Best Practices
• How to Store Shrooms: Best Practices
SHROOMS IN THE KITCHEN

• Guide to Cooking With Magic Mushrooms
• How to Lemon Tek: Ultimate Guide and Recipe
• How to Make Shroom Tea: Best Recipe and Dosage
• Shroom Chocolate Recipes: How to Make Magic Mushroom Chocolates
SHROOM TRAILBLAZERS
• Maria Sabina: The Mazatec Magic Mushroom Woman
• Paul Stamets Profile: Mushroom Guru, Filmmaker, Nutritionist, Scientist
• Kilindi Iyi: Mycologist, Traveler, Teacher
• R. Gordon Wasson: Author and Mushroom Expert
PSILOCYBIN RESOURCES
• Psilocybin and Magic Mushroom Resources
• Guide to Mushroom Grow Kits
• A Look at Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our
Minds, and Shape Our Futures
CREDITS
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OVERVIEW
PSILOCYBIN: EFFECTS, COMMON USES, SAFETY
Psilocybin is a psychedelic prodrug that is widely known for its entheogen properties and found in over 200
species of mushrooms. Fungi, as a species, have played a crucial role in cultivating the earth. They were one
of the first complex life forms to develop on land, helped mammals survive after an asteroid wiped out nearly
all life on Earth 65 million years ago, and may be the oldest evolutionary line leading directly to humans.
Terence McKenna, an ethnobotanist, even believed the evolution from Homo erectus to Homo sapien was a
direct result of humans eating mushrooms that contain psilocybin.
In the 1950s and 1960s, psilocybin emerged into mainstream medicine and culture. In 1957, Life magazine
published R. Gordon Wasson’s seminal essay titled “Seeking the Magic Mushroom.” Then Timothy Leary, a
leading advocate of psilocybin during the 1960s counterculture movement, propelled the recreational use of
mushrooms in the 60s and 70s through the “Harvard Psilocybin Project.” The first psilocybin pills made for
the purposes of scientific research, however, were developed at the end of the 1950s. Studies would continue
to show that psilocybin had the potential to treat a variety of disorders until the FDA banned its use in 1971.
Today it is one of the most used psychedelics throughout the world.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT PSILOCYBIN

• Psilocybin mushrooms are fungi that contain psilocybin. Most of these fungi also contain
baeocystin and psilocin.
• Psilocybin spores are used to cultivate mushrooms.
• Currently, psilocybin is being researched for its potential to help with a variety of mental health
issues such as depression, anxiety, addictions, and OCD.
• Psilocybin is classified as a psychedelic serotonergic tryptamine. When consumed it produces a

psychedelic effect through its metabolite, psilocin.
• Psilocin then binds to various serotonin receptors altering one’s perception of reality.
• Common effects of psilocybin include euphoria, closed and open eye visuals, altered sense of
reality, distorted sense of time, spiritual experiences, nausea, and anxiety.
What is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic prodrug. It metabolizes almost immediately into an active
compound, which is psilocin in this case. While it can be found in over 200 species of fungi, the most potent
and most commonly used species are within the Psilocybe genus. Most of these psilocybin mushrooms also
contain baeocystin, a psilocybin analog, and psilocin. Many scientists even believe psilocybin mushrooms
were the first psychoactive substance that prehistoric humans consumed and catalyzed our evolution from
Homo erectus to Homo sapien.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid found in a wide range of fungi. Besides the genus
Psilocybe, there is a wide range of other genera that also contain psilocybin such as Panaeolus, Inocybe,
Gymnopilus and others. All mushrooms from these genera contain psilocybin.
Once ingested, the liver and stomach metabolize it into psilocin, an active psychoactive compound.
This produces a psychedelic effect similar to that of LSD, mescaline, and DMT with strong entheogenic
properties. Typically, it begins to take effect in 20-40 minutes and lasts about six hours. Psilocybin, like many
other tryptamines, stays in your system anywhere from 24 hours to a few days. Psilocybin can be used for
microdosing as well.
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The Nature of Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a psychedelic serotonergic tryptamine, which places it in the same category as DMT. As a
matter of fact, they are almost structurally identical, with the main difference being that psilocybin contains
phosphate group and DMT does not. Unlike DMT however, psilocybin does not require an MAOI to activate
the substance when ingested orally. This means it can be consumed without any preparation.
Street Names
Picking mushrooms from their natural
• Magic mushrooms habitat can be dangerous. Typically only
• Psilocybin mushrooms well-trained mushroom pickers can
differentiate between species. The
• Psychedelic mushrooms misidentification of mushrooms can
• Shrooms sometimes cause sickness or even
death when consumed.
• Caps Psilocybin Molecule
Forms & Methods of Consumption

Psilocybin is a compound that exists in more than 200 different species of mushrooms. One can consume
psilocybin in its pure form (crystal) psilocybin but typically, one simply consumes a psilocybin mushroom
by eating the dried bodies of the Psilocybe cubensis fungus. This is the most popular species because it
provides the highest yields of dry material when cultivated. In some parts of the world, the fungi can also
produce sclerotia, or truffles, such as P. tampanensis or P. mexicana. These truffles have become popular
because they’re legal in certain countries.
Some users prefer fresh mushrooms over dried mushrooms because some believe that the drying process
reduces potency. There isn’t any scientific research to support these claims but most in the psychedelic
community have experienced this to be true. Fresh P. cubensis can contain as much as double the psilocybin
than dried P. cubensis for example. This loss in potency is likely from oxidation during the drying process.
Both dried and fresh mushrooms can be used in tea or in cooking which many users report this process
makes digestion easier. Lemon tekking is another method of consumption used to help enhance the
psilocybin experience.
HISTORY
The rich history of psilocybin predates recorded history. Some scientists believe that its use dates back to
a time before our evolution from Homo erectus to Homo sapien. Murals from as early as 9000 BCE from
the Sahara Desert depict dancers with geometric designs holding mushrooms above their heads. These
geometric designs are consistent with the visuals many users describe having after consuming psilocybin.
From prehistoric tribes to the Aztecs and Mayans, psilocybin mushrooms have continued to play a key role in
developing communities and religious ceremonies throughout most of the world.
In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion into research for its potential medicinal uses. One study
from 2018 collected the results from a wide variety of earlier studies from 1992 to 2018. This study shows the
substance’s potential to treat a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and
alcohol and tobacco addictions. Ronald R. Griffiths is also leading a new wave of research into psilocybin. In
one of his studies released in 2016, he highlighted its potential to help patients with life-threatening illnesses
battle depression and anxiety associated with that illness. This new wave of research sprung from a change
in legislation in 1992 that eased restrictions on research into the substance.
Indigenous Uses
In Northern Algeria, drawings were found that date back to as early as 7000 BCE depicting human figures
covered in mushrooms. There have also been several discoveries of temples dedicated to “mushroom
gods” in Mexico and Guatemala. In central Mexico, the Mixtec culture worshipped a specific god named
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Piltzintecuhtli who represented all hallucinatory plants — including the magic mushroom. Often, he
is depicted kneeling while holding up mushrooms. Many other groups worshipped similar gods who
represented hallucinogenic plants, including the Aztec god Xochipilli.
In the mid 16th century, a Spanish priest named Bernardino de Sahagún observed and recorded the Aztecs
ingesting hallucinogenic mushrooms in his Florentine Codes. He described how merchants would celebrate
a successful trip by consuming psilocybin mushrooms once they returned. As he wrote: “The first thing to be
eaten at the feast were small black mushrooms that bring on drunkenness.” A Dominican friar, Diego Durán,
reported his experience witnessing the Aztecs celebrating an accession of the throne during which many
consumed psilocybin mushrooms. This was in his book The History of the Indies of New Spain.
Psilocybin mushroom consumption drastically decreased once the Spanish defeated the Aztecs in the
Spanish-Mexican War. The Spanish banned anyone from consuming entheogens as they considered it
too similar to pagan traditions. However, this did not completely stop the Indians of Mesoamerica from
continuing their traditions. They would still practice their traditional ceremonies, only now they had to do so
in hiding from the Spanish authorities for the next four centuries.
Modern Day Discovery

In the 1930s, an anthropologist named Robert Weitlaner observed a Mazatec mushroom ceremony, and later
sent samples of the mushrooms to Dr. Blas Pablo Reko, an Austrian botanist. Dr. Reko then forwarded the
samples to Stockholm and Harvard for examination in order to confirm the existence and use of
“hallucinogenic mushrooms” in foreign cultures. Unfortunately, by the time the samples had reached Harvard
and Stockholm, they were in the process of decay.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that the mycologist R. Gordon Wasson traveled to Huautle de Jimenez to observe a
ceremony, and later obtained Psilocybe caerulescens during another ceremony. In 1957, Wasson wrote an
essay titled “Seeking the Magic Mushroom” in which he recounts his experience taking magic mushrooms in
one of the Mazatec rituals he visited. Wasson is noted for being one of the first westerners to participate in a
Mazatec ritual and record his findings. This essay then appeared in an issue of Life magazine, featured in the
“Great Adventures” series.
In 1956, Sandoz Pharmaceuticals began working to extract the active ingredient in mushrooms. It was none
other than Albert Hofmann (the scientist who first synthesized and ingested LSD) who isolated psilocybin and
psilocin and developed a synthesis technique. Hofmann published the synthesis of psilocybin in 1959.
Important Events, Findings, Studies

A decade or more of extremely promising medical research was conducted using psilocybin before the FDA
banned it in 1971. In the late 50s and early 60s, researchers became interested in psilocybin mushrooms to
treat various disorders such as alcoholism, depression, and addiction.
In this first phase of research, most researchers discovered how suggestible the psychedelic experience
was based on each volunteer’s description of their psilocybin experience (keep in mind we did not have
the advanced neuroimaging devices to observe human brains on psilocybin like we have today). Timothy
Leary documented these experiences during the Harvard Psilocybin Project. He conducted a number of
experiments where he administered psilocybin to various individuals and documented their experiences.
Shortly after Hofmann first extracted psilocybin in the late 50s, Sandoz Pharmaceuticals began producing
psilocybin pills, each of which contained 2 mg of psilocybin. Most studies on psilocybin used these pills prior
to the FDA ban. Sandoz Pharmaceuticals also sold the pills worldwide to physicians and clinicians for use in
psychedelic psychotherapy. During this time there was not a single report of serious complications related to
using psilocybin during psychotherapy sessions.
Recently, researchers have been able to study the effects of psilocybin on the human brain more than ever
due to new neuroimaging technology and a recent renaissance of psychedelic research.
Timothy Leary and Magic Mushrooms
Shortly after tripping on psilocybin mushrooms in the 1960s, Timothy Leary became the first to ingest pure
psilocybin in the form of the Sandoz psilocybin pills. Leary’s profound psilocybin experiences pushed him
and his partner, Richard Alpert, to start the Harvard Psilocybin Project. With this project, they performed a
series of experiments with Harvard graduate students on psilocybin including the Good Friday Experiment,
Concord Prison Experiment, and Marsh Chapel Experiment.
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Good Friday
In his most famous experiment, the Good Friday Experiment, 20 students took psilocybin and reported their
experiences. Later on, Rick Doblin (the founder of MAPS) conducted a follow-up of the study and found
something notable. Leary had failed to mention that one student experienced intense anxiety, and needed
restraining as a result.
Concord Prison Experiment
His Concord Prison Experiment studied psilocybin’s use in psychedelic psychotherapy as a potential way to
reduce recidivism in inmates. This experiment was conducted on 32 inmates from 1961 to 1963. On average,
Concord State Prison saw 62% of their inmates return to prison within six months of parole. Of those 32
inmates that were a part of this experiment, only 25% returned to prison within six months of parole.
Marsh Chapel Experiment
Leary’s Marsh Chapel Experiment administered psilocybin to graduate students at the Harvard Divinity
School to see if it could facilitate profound religious experiences. This study was only performed on ten
individuals, but all ten reported that they had had a profound religious experience while under the effects
of psilocybin.
Following the work of Alpert and Leary from Harvard, recreational use of magic mushrooms skyrocketed —
particularly among college students. This resulted in the US banning the possession of psilocybin in 1968.
In 1970, the Controlled Substance Act was passed, which categorized drugs into a scheduled system. Most
hallucinogens (including psilocybin) were in Schedule I, meaning they were classified as having no medical
value and possessing a high potential for abuse.
PHARMACOLOGY
Psilocybin is a substance that belongs to the group of hallucinogenic tryptamines. Psilocybin’s active
metabolite is psilocin. When ingested, psilocin acts primarily on the serotonergic neurotransmitters. It
primarily acts on the 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors located in the brain with slightly lower activity on the
5-HT2A receptors. This activity causes increased concentrations of dopamine in the basal ganglia which
creates the euphoria and altered sense of reality users experience when taking psilocybin.
The DMN (Default Mode Network) Hypothesis

The Default Mode Network, or DMN, is an interconnected network of interacting regions in the brain. When
a person performs an activity, it triggers certain areas in the brain. The DMN is most active at rest. It is a
specific part of your brain that is always on when you are awake but turns off when you’re sleeping. Studies
indicate that psilocybin turns off this part of the brain as well. Deactivation of the DMN causes a person to
question their everyday activities and lose their sense of reality. Some believe that this deactivation causes
many to understand why they do the things they do on a daily basis, leading them to question and further
understand what motivates their behavior.
The location of the 5-HT2A receptors may explain how and why psychedelics affect the DMN. A large part
of DMN is located in the neocortex where these receptors are located. The neocortex controls sensory
perception, cognition, motor commands, spatial reasoning, and language. Studies show that dysmorphic
alcohol-exposed adults had significantly higher activity within the DMN. Deactivating the DMN could
explain why some users report psilocybin helps treat addiction. Its control over cognition could be how
activation of the 5-HT2A receptors causes the deactivation of the DMN. One study demonstrates that the
psychotomimetic effects of psilocybin can be blocked completely by using a preferential 5-HT2A receptor
antagonist called ketanserin.
Study
A recent study by Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris shows that psilocybin dramatically reduces cerebral blood flow
(CBF) to the default mode network (DMN). The same study also found that psilocybin decreased coupling
between the medial temporal lobes and the DMN. He came up with the hypothesis that decreased MTL-DMN
coupling is necessary to transition into primary consciousness.
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According to Harris’ findings, there are six clear effects: (1) the psychedelics stimulate the 5-HT2A receptor,
(2) the deep layer of pyramidal neurons depolarize, (3) cortical activity will then become desynchronized,
(4) brain networks “disintegrate”, (5) network metastability increases, (6) connectivity motifs within a
limbic/paralimbic network increase.
The net effect of all these processes is an increase in overall entropy. This moves the brain toward a
point of “criticality,” and relieves the structures of narrow/restrained thinking. This is the primary reason
that psychedelic therapies are showing tremendous positive therapeutic effects. These effects express
themselves in patients who experience conditions such as alcoholism, depression, OCD, and anxiety.
Professionals understand that in order for these effects to be beneficial and treat a condition, the transition
to and out of primary consciousness must be mediated by professional therapeutic care.
Toxicity
Before we can discuss whether or not psilocybin is toxic, we first need to define what makes a substance
toxic. Toxicity is based on the levels of exposure required for a substance to cause harm to a human or
animal. The level of toxicity is measured by the dose required to cause harm to a human. Even water can
be toxic in too high of a dose and lethal snake venom can be non-toxic in a small enough dose. LD50
is a common measurement of toxicity, which measures the lethal dose for half of the tested organisms.
Something is toxic when it harms cells and/or bodily tissues. After taking psilocybin, animals didn’t have
any tissue damage. Furthermore, no record exists of any neurophysiological adverse effects after healthy
adult volunteers ingested psilocybin. On the contrary, there have been multiple studies that report positive
neurological effects after the administration of psilocybin.
Psilocybin is one of the “safest” drugs within the psychedelic community. Users of MDMA, LSD, cocaine,
marijuana, opiates, sedatives, antidepressants, methamphetamine, and NSAIDs, have all shown higher
emergency hospital admission than psilocybin users. The estimation is that a 130 lb person would have to
consume a whopping 3.7 lbs of psilocybin to be a lethal dose. This statistic is based on experiments done
with rats and psilocybin mushrooms.
Interactions
Psilocybin, as is true with every other serotonergic psychedelic, is a vasoconstrictor to a certain degree.
This means that it can be unpleasant or dangerous to mix it with other vasoconstrictors. However, some
users mix smaller doses of psilocybin with MDMA or LSD. The combination of LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin is
what the community calls a “Jedi Flip”. Users refer to the combination of psilocybin and MDMA as “Hippie
Flipping”.
When psychedelic substances are mixed with other substances they produce a “synergic action”. This can
increase the positive effects of each substance, and lower the challenging effects. However, when taken in
combination, users reduce the dosage of all of them. They usually take half or one-third of the amount of a
common dose.
Magic mushrooms mix well with MAOI, a “monoamine oxidase inhibitor” such as harmine. Psychedelic
substance users mix mushrooms with plants that contain MAOI, such as banisteriopsis caapi or peganum
harmala. MAOIs usually increase and prolong the effects of tryptamines. Sometimes cacao can replace
stronger MAOIs, as it is a less potent MAOI. According to reports, however, mixing SSRI antidepressants with
psilocybin can reduce the effects of psilocybin. Not enough research however currently exists on this issue.
Refer to other interactions on this external chart.
Safety
Can You Overdose on Psilocybin?
Technically, yes. The estimated lethal dose of P. cubensis for a 130 lb human is 3.7 lb of dried mushrooms.
Is Psilocybin Dangerous?
At the forefront of concern within the psychedelic community, is a person’s predisposition to any mental
illnesses that are in the family history. Psilocybin and other psychedelics may trigger psychosis. “Set and
setting” (coined by Timothy Leary) is a real phenomenon that can greatly impact the feelings, safety, and
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insights of a psychedelic experience. An emphasis on set and setting is paramount in the conversations
within the psychedelic community.
Is Psilocybin Good for You?

Many recent (and older) studies have shown psilocybin helping tremendously with personal insights,
overcoming addiction, end of life anxiety, depression, and creativity. There have been very few reported
cases of persisting Hallucinogen Perception Disorder (HPPD) from psilocybin mushrooms. In the reports that
do exist, the individual was using psilocybin mushrooms with other drugs.
Nevertheless, HPPD is something to be cautious of. In 2005, an 18-year-old man reported experiencing HPPD
after consuming psilocybin and cannabis. In 2013, the only case of HPPD that occurred after ingesting solely
psilocybin was reported.
Common Side Effects

A psychedelic’s effects will have large variances, depending on the individual. A variety of factors contribute
to what one will experience. For example, set and setting. Timothy Leary conducted a study with 175
individuals to whom he administered psilocybin in a setting similar to a common living room. In the larger
groups of eight people or more the individuals felt less support from the group overall and had less
pleasant experiences than those placed in smaller groups of six people or less. This is just one example but
demonstrates how that can impact the experience and effects of a psychedelic experience.
Sometimes sensations will come on as the substance is taking effect and as the person goes through their
experience. It is important to remember that there is a range of effects possible. Everybody is different.
While everyone’s experience with psilocybin will differ and the effects may shift throughout the experience,
based on user accounts and studies, listed below are some common side effects. Lastly, most psilocybin
mushrooms contain the psychoactive compound baeocystin, which may slightly alter the effects compared
to pure psilocybin or psilocin.
PSILOCYBIN TODAY
In recent years, many psychedelic substances—mainly psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA—have experienced a
reemergence in clinical research and advocacy. This is due to an FDA meeting in 1992 where they claimed
that psychedelic drugs have an acceptable risk-benefit ratio. In this meeting, the FDA also claimed
psychedelics are not any more dangerous than other drugs routinely researched. Now scientists can
conduct research with modern tools like brain imagery to further understand the way psychedelics function.
Psilocybin is currently being studied for its therapeutic potential to help with depression, anxiety, addiction,
and various other disorders.
Trends
The popularity of magic mushrooms in the US has remained low compared to other drugs such as cocaine
and alcohol. However, among psychedelics, psilocybin has shown to be highly popular for recreational use
and spiritual/mystical experiences.
Psilocybin is more common among younger adults, and drugs like LSD, mescaline, and peyote remain more
common among older adults. Based on a study from 2013, the use of magic mushrooms has increased in
the US and worldwide since the 1970s. Psilocybin use (and many other psychedelics) are more popular
with males of all ages than in females. However, the popularity of psilocybin as a tool for therapy is greatly
increasing as scientists are publishing more positive research on psilocybin.
Current Studies & Research

Currently classified as a Schedule I substance, researchers at Johns Hopkins University claim that psilocybin
mushrooms should be downgraded from a Schedule I to Schedule IV substance.
In 2019, the city of Oakland, CA voted to decriminalize magic mushrooms just one month after Denver,
CO decided to do so. There is a push in California to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms on a statewide
level, with many psychedelic awareness and advocacy groups supporting this change. Moreover, Oregon
legalized mushrooms in Fall of 2020.
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Psilocybin and Depression
There are many psilocybin research studies currently in progress. Psilocybin research is focusing on effects
in treating Major Depressive Disorder, smoking cessation, alcohol dependence, and many other conditions.
The two major universities in the United States doing psilocybin work are Johns Hopkins and NYU School
of Medicine. At Johns Hopkins, Dr. Roland Griffiths and his team have completed a study titled, “Study
of Psilocybin in Cancer Patients,” which suggests that psilocybin can offer significant help in decreasing
depression and anxiety among cancer patients.
Another study at Hopkins, the “Effects of Psilocybin in Major Depressive Disorder” is assessing whether
psilocybin will help patients with Major Depressive Disorder. The hypothesis for the previously stated study
is that psilocybin will lead to both a rapid and sustained antidepressant response. Both MAPS and Heffter
support national and international psilocybin research, among other institutes.
Around the World

There are also several psilocybin studies currently underway internationally. The Beckley Foundation,
based in the UK, is sponsoring some of the most progressive psilocybin research around today. Founded
in 1996 by Amanda Fielding—an esteemed psychonaut and scientist herself—the Beckley Foundation is
currently sponsoring research on the neuroscience of psilocybin, along with MAPS and Heffter.
This research is taking place at Imperial College London with Dr. David Nutt and Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris,
both of whom have published psilocybin research in the past, namely the “Entropic Brain Model.” Heffter is
also sponsoring a study in Switzerland entitled “Psilocybin Effects on Attention, Perception, and Cognition.”
Similarly, MAPS is sponsoring a study called “Experimental Studies on the Effects of Psilocybin on Binocular
Depth Inversion, Binocular Rivalry” in Germany.
FAQ
How Long Does Psilocybin Stay in Your System?
Psilocybin, like many other tryptamines, stays in your system anywhere from 24 hours to a few days, the
latter of which is rare.
What Does Psilocybin Taste Like?

This highly depends on the method. If mushrooms are dried or fresh, they taste like dry white-buttons with
a bitter aftertaste. If they are in a tea form, the taste is similar to mushroom soup. Mushroom tea tastes
better with a bit of salt added.
What Does Psilocybin Smell Like?

Psilocybin mushrooms smell like ordinary mushrooms, with a hint
of bitterness.
How to Pronounce Psilocybin?

Sil-uh-sahy-bin.
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Threshold .25g 1/100 oz
Light .25g - 1g 1/100 - 1/28 oz
Common 1 - 2.5g 1/28 - 1/10 oz
Strong 2.5 - 5g 1/10 - 1/6oz
Heavy 5g + 1/6 oz +
Onset 10-40 minutes (when chewed & held in mouth)

Onset 20-60 minutes (when swallowed on empty stomach)
Duration 2 - 6 hours
Normal After Effects Up to 8 hours
RealitySandwich.com
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MICRODOSING PSILOCYBIN & COMMON DOSAGE EXPLAINED
Microdosing psilocybin has quickly picked up the attention of the psychedelic community and mainstream
media at a rapid pace. Throughout the past few years, a wide variety of individuals have tried microdosing
to help alleviate their symptoms of depression and anxiety or improve their productivity and overall well-
being. When microdosing, a user takes a sub-perceptual amount of a substance. For a psilocybin dosage, Dr.
Fadiman recommends taking 0.2 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms once every third day to start. That
way you have a baseline day to determine whether or not microdosing is effective for your specific situation.
HOW ARE PSILOCYBIN DOSES MEASURED?

Typically, psilocybin doses are measured in grams. The most common type of psilocybin mushroom is
Psilocybe cubensis which contains approximately 0.6% psilocybin when dried. This means every gram of
P. cubensis contains 6 mg of pure psilocybin. Most users grind up the dried mushroom then put them in size
00 capsules to avoid the bitter taste that these mushrooms have.
LEVELS OF DOSAGE
The psychedelic community developed a way of communicating psilocybin’s effects at different doses using
a 6 level tiered system: Level 1 is a microdose and can lead to mood, attention, and creativity enhancement.
Level 2 references a light dose that is just above threshold. It involves a mild “stoning” effect, visual
enhancements, short term memory anomalies, and an altered perception of music that makes it sound wider
in range. The thrid level involves brightened colors, mild closed and open eye visuals, a distracted thought
pattern, and enhanced creativity.
Level 4 includes visuals with warped kaleidoscope-like patterns, mild hallucinations, three dimensional
closed eye visuals, minor synesthesia, and a distorted sense of time. The fifth level includes effects such as
heavy hallucinations, splitting of the ego, mild loss of reality, complete loss of time, synesthesia, and out
of body experiences with ESP type phenomena. Level 6 involves a heavy dose that will cause effects such
as a total loss of regular senses, total loss of ego, and a complete loss of reality. At this level, a common
description is that the universe ceases to exist for a person, making it hard to put into words.
COMMON CLINICAL RESEARCH DOSES

The Mental Health Clinician conducted a meta-analysis of all studies on psilocybin from 1999 to 2008.
This meta analysis found clinical doses ranged from 25 micrograms per kilogram to 420 micrograms per
kilogram. For an average adult weighing 70 kilograms, or about 150 pounds, this would be a dose between
1.75 milligrams to 29.4 milligrams. Going back to our average amount of psilocybin contained in dried
P. cubensis of 0.60%, this would be 0.3 grams to 4.9 grams of dried mushrooms.
HOW MUCH PSILOCYBIN CAUSES AN OVERDOSE?

Toxicity levels of pure psilocybin are relatively low in comparison to other common substances. Studies
conducted on rats found that the level of toxicity to be even lower than that of caffeine. Cases of overdoses
due to psilocybin alone are also extremely rare. As of 2011, there were only two cases of overdoses caused
exclusively by psilocybin mushrooms.
A measure was also developed by the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances called the
Therapeutic Index (TI). This measures the relative safety of a substance in comparison to the dose required
to receive therapeutic effects. Higher values indicate that the substance has a higher safety profile.
Psilocybin has a therapeutic index of 641. This is a high value compared to commonly used substances such
as aspirin or nicotine which have a value of 199 and 21 respectively.
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MICRODOSING PSILOCYBIN
The act of microdosing is when a user consumes a sub-perceptual dose of a psychoactive compound.
Advocates of microdosing believe consuming an extremely small dose of a psychedelic substance brings
some of the positive effects of the substance while still allowing the user to remain fully functional to carry
on with all of the activities of a standard day. Typical dosages are somewhere around a tenth of the amount
of a standard dose.
History of Microdosing
When it comes to microdosing, there is very little history in regards to scientific studies surrounding
this method of consumption. The history behind microdosing is very unclear, but it is known that Albert
Hofmann, the chemist who discovered LSD, began microdosing in the later parts of his life during the 1990s.
Prior to the 1966 prohibition on psychedelic research, no formal studies were conducted on microdosing.
There has been some progress made in starting the process that will allow researchers to study microdosing
in a formal setting. Some scientists are trying to make their case through congregating user reports while
others are doing initial clinical trials to determine the safety of studying microdosing.
Why Do People Microdose?

People try microdosing for a variety of reasons. Some microdose to alleviate the symptoms of their mental
illnesses such as anxiety and depression, while others are trying to increase their productivity and creative
problem-solving abilities.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED TO BE A MICRODOSE OF PSILOCYBIN?

A microdose is considered a sub-perceptual dose, meaning it does not produce any acute effects. When
a user microdoses they will not feel any effects kicking in or feel as though they are “high.” Most users
microdose psilocybin to help alleviate their symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve both
convergent and divergent thinking performance. A study from 2018 showed preliminary results that back up
the claims surrounding convergent and divergent thinking. Typical microdoses are a tenth of a normal dose.
Dr. Fadiman, a strong advocate for microdosing and psychedelic research, recommends a dosage of 0.2 g of
dried mushroom once every three or four days.
Click to go back to the Psilocybe Cubensis Dosage Chart.

What the Community Says About Microdosing Psilocybin
The psychedelic community strongly believes microdosing psilocybin should be further studied for its
potential therapeutic benefits. A wide range of reports exist that include anecdotal reports of individuals
regularly microdosing with psilocybin.
One of these reports involved a person suffering from Bipolar II and PTSD looking for a solution to
their seasonal depression. After trying a wide range of medications and therapies, they eventually tried
microdosing with a full understanding it could increase their levels of mania. They found taking 0.2 grams
every fourth day highly increased mania, so they cut back the regularity and dosage to 0.15 grams every
other week. This new schedule helped them better manage their seasonal depression even going as far
as stating, “it was the first winter I’ve ever had where I wasn’t depressed.” Another user suffering from
depression reported that they “felt more capable, emotionally resilient, faster in mental/emotional recovery,
and a much-improved ability to choose other actions.
What Critics Say About Microdosing Psilocybin
There has been widespread growth in the attention that microdosing has received in recent years. This has
led to critics pointing out potential downsides as the practice becomes more and more common. A large
amount of these criticisms base their claims on a study conducted on microdosing DMT with rats. The study
found that microdoses of DMT affected the metabolism of male rats resulting in weight gain. It also found
that female rats had developed neuronal atrophy. The other common criticism of microdosing psilocybin is
its potential to cause an upset stomach which is a common side effect of psilocybin mushrooms.
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WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE MICRODOSING PSILOCYBIN
One of the most important aspects of microdosing is ensuring a consistent dosage. Dosage refers to the
dose of the substance as well as the time-frequency and duration that the doses are taken. A microdose
is such a small amount that it is easy to accidentally consume a larger dose than expected. Psilocybin
mushrooms make this even more difficult due to the varying strengths of the different species and individual
mushrooms. One example of this can be seen in the differences in potency between the cap and stem of
psilocybin mushrooms. A study analyzing psilocybin mushrooms in Japan found that the P. cubensis had a
maximum potency of 1.27% in the stem and 1.35% in the cap. This study also showed whole mushrooms had
a potency ranging from 0.37% to 1.30%. Furthermore, as Dr. James Faidman and user reports suggest the
frequency with which you microdose plays a role in its effects. Dr. Faidman prescribes a microdose every
third day, but individuals have experimented with different dosages as well.
Common Effects when Microdosing Psilocybin
Common effects of microdosing psilocybin include: improvements in mood, cognition, and creativity.
How to Microdose Psilocybin
In the psychedelic community, microdosing psilocybin means consuming a very small dose of psilocybin
mushrooms every third or fourth day. Typical doses range from 0.10 grams to 0.25 grams of dried P. cubensis
mushrooms. Most users will pulverize the mushrooms into a powder, weigh out doses, then store those doses
in size 00 capsules for later use.
Paul Stamets created a unique microdosing technique he calls “stacking.” It involves a combination of niacin,
Lions Mane, and P. cubensis. This method combines approximately 0.1-1 gram of P. cubensis, 5-20 grams of
Lions Mane, and 101-200 milligrams of niacin. His belief is the niacin enhances the effects of the psilocybin
while reducing the psychedelic experience.
How Psilocybin Works In The Body
Psilocybin is a serotonergic substance meaning it acts on the serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, receptors in the central
and peripheral nervous system. The primary receptors it acts upon are the 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors. It also activates
the 5-HT2A receptors with slightly lower activity. The activity at these receptors causes an increased concentration of
dopamine at the basal ganglia. This is responsible for the euphoric and psychedelic effects of psilocybin.
Small Doses
Small doses of psilocybin, referred to as a “microdose,” do not produce any acute effects, but rather a
psychological and social benefit from regularly consuming microdoses. These effects include increases in:
Alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety • Enhanced productivity • Improvements in overall
well-being • Enhancements in convergent and divergent thinking
Large doses
When consumed in large doses, psilocybin produces a profound psychedelic effect involving: Closed and open
eye visuals • Dilated pupils • Reduced appetite • Euphoria • Heightened emotions • An altered sense of reality
Common Interactions When Microdosing Psilocybin
Psilocybin, along with most other psychedelics, causes vasoconstriction. This means mixing it with other
vasoconstrictors can cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects. Mixing psilocybin with any
MAOIs can enhance its potency which could cause a microdose to produce stronger effects than expected.
Alcohol mixed with psilocybin mushrooms can place unnecessary stress on the liver since they are both
metabolized by it. Refer to other interactions on this chart.
Safety Concerns
The primary safety concern with microdosing psilocybin is alterations in heart rate. Using psilocybin with a
pre-existing heart condition can cause tachycardia or bradycardia.
Is it Legal to Microdose Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a controlled substance in most of the modern world. In the US, Denver, Oakland, Chicago, Ann Arbor,
and Santa Cruz have decriminalized the possession, but selling mushrooms is still prohibited. In 2020, Oregon
legalized psilocybin, and the District of Columbia decriminalized the use of magic mushrooms. The United Nations
Convention on Psychotropic Substances also lists psilocybin, which requires all members of the UN to prohibit it.
However, psilocybin mushrooms are legal in Brazil and Jamaica. Psilocybin truffles are legal in the Netherlands. The
Virgin Islands prohibit the sale and transport of psilocybin mushrooms, but possession and personal use is legal.
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GUIDE TO MAGIC MUSHROOM STRAINS
Approximately 14,000 mushroom species have been described around the world today. Of these 14,000, just
over 180 of these mushrooms are psychoactive (that is, contain psilocybin). In this section, we’ll highlight
the most common magic mushroom strains and species. As we’ll see, each species differs significantly in its
appearance, distribution, habitat, potency, and potential dangers.
WHAT ARE MAGIC MUSHROOM STRAINS?

By and large, the majority of psilocybin mushroom species are concentrated in the Psilocybe genus, which
contains approximately 117 species. Psilocybin mushrooms are also found in several other genera, including:
• Gymnopilus (13 species)

• Panaeolus (7 species)
• Copelandia (12 species)
• Hypholoma (6 species)
• Pluteus (6 species)
• Inocybe (6 species)
• Conocybe (4 species)
• Agrocybe (1 species)
• Galerina (1 species)
• Mycena (1 species)
The magic mushrooms belonging to these genera are mostly found in tropical and subtropical fields and
forests. Broadly speaking, they can be found on every inhabitable continent in a large variety of habitats,
from the urban lawn to the most humid of jungles.
Each species will give rise to its own distinct shroom trip, due to its unique genetics and alkaloidal profile.
Further, the potency can vary from batch to batch within the same species. This is partly due to differences
in growing conditions. Taken together, all magic mushroom species contain varying levels of psilocybin,
psilocin, baeocystin, and norbaeocystin.
Mycologists have characterized and genetically isolated hundreds of subspecies, or “strains.” Most magic
mushroom strains are different varieties of Psilocybe cubensis, the so-called “commercial Psilocybe.” This
is because P. cubensis is by far the most commonly cultivated species. As a result, dozens of unique strains
have come about over the years. Many psychonauts claim that “a cube is a cube” in terms of their effects.
However, these strains can vary in their potency, appearance, growing requirements, and overall yields.
MOST POPULAR MUSHROOM STRAINS

In this section, we will overview the most popular magic mushroom strains and species, with a particular focus on Psilocybe species.
Panaeolus cyanescens (Blue Meanies)

Also known as Copelandia cyanescens, Panaeolus cyanescens is a potent psilocybin mushroom originating
in Asia. In addition to the moniker of Blue Meanies, they’re also known as Hawaiian magic mushrooms. This is
because they grow abundantly on the island as a result of frequent rain and habitable cattle pastures.
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Overview/Description
P. cyanescens has a convex cap that’s initially light brown, lightening to gray or off-white at maturity. The
center of the cap remains yellowish-brown into old age. The pale-yellowish stem is 8.5–11.5 cm long. Like
many Psilocybe species, both the stem and flesh bruise bluish because of its high psilocin content.
Where It’s Grown

Similar to P. cubensis, P. cyanescens is a dung-loving species that is found in pastures and fields. In the
United States, P. cyanescens grows in California, Hawaii, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee,
and Texas. Worldwide, it is found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Mexico, Central Europe,
Australia, New Zealand, South America, Central Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Common Effects and Strength

According to the mycologist Paul Stamets in his book Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World, Panaeolus
cyanescens is considered “moderately potent.” One study from 1992 analyzed the psilocybin and psilocin
content of P. cyanescens gathered from five locations around the world. It found, on average, 0.012–0.73%
psilocybin and 0.025–1.30% psilocin. This mushroom produces a strongly visual trip with deep euphoria and
a clear head space.
Potential Dangers
Frequent use has been reported to cause a painful red rash around the neck, possibly from the urea content.
In addition, large doses may result in loss of voluntary muscle function, which can produce panic in some
users.
Psilocybe azurescens (Flying Saucer)

Also known as Flying Saucers or Azzies, P. azurescens is the strongest psilocybin-containing mushroom that
grows in the wild. Reportedly, the species was first found by Boy Scouts while they were camping in Oregon
in 1979. It was formally discovered and named by Paul Stamets.
P. azurescens has a caramel-colored cap that’s initially convex but expands to be flat with age. In the middle
of the cap is a pronounced nipple-like umbo. Its white stem can grow to be up to 20 cm long, making it one
of the largest Psilocybes. Another indicator you’re in the presence of P. azurescens is its very strong bluing
reaction. The flesh will bruise a very dark bluish-black when damaged.
Where It’s Grown

While commonly cultivated in many parts of the world, you can find “Azzies” in the wild on the west coast
of the United States. This includes parts of Oregon, Washington, and northern California. They’re particularly
widespread along the northern Oregon coast near Astoria. Their preferred habitats are decaying wood
chips, dune grasses, and sandy coastal soils. Being fairly temperature resistant, they’ll start fruiting in late
September and can be found as late as January.

P. azurescens is extremely potent, up to three times as potent as P. cubensis. According to Stamets, it
contains up to 1.78% psilocybin, .38% psilocin and .35% baeocystin. Owing to its high levels of psilocybin,
they’re known to retain potency for long periods of time, even after months of storage. In terms of effects,
just one dried gram can be an intense entheogenic experience. For this reason, it is a popular microdosing
species because so little is needed for the benefits.
Potential Dangers
P. azurescens is known to have the undesirable side effect of creating temporary paralysis. This effect can
last into the next day, which may cause anxiety and paranoia. It’s best to start with a low dose to gauge
Azzie’s effects, or you may be in for an unexpectedly intense experience. In Michael Pollan’s book How to
Change Your Mind, Stamets tells Pollan, “I find azzies almost too strong.”
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Psilocybe caerulescens (Landslide Mushrooms)
In 1923, Landslide Mushrooms (known as derrumbe in Spanish) were first discovered growing on sugarcane
mulch near Montgomery, Alabama. However, the human use of these shrooms extends far back beyond the
20th century. This species was used by the Aztecs for its entheogenic effects, and more recently by the
Mazatec in southern Mexico. P. caerulescens was the magic mushroom strain given to R. Gordon Wasson by
the famous Mazatec shaman Maria Sabina, an experience he later wrote about in Life magazine.
P. caerulescens has a convex cap that can vary in color from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown. Its cap color
lightens around the margins. In addition to its bluing reaction, it has a unique silvery-blue metallic luster that
can help in its identification. These mushrooms are on the shorter side, with a stem between 4–12 cm long.
Where It’s Grown

In the United States, you can find this mushroom in southern states like Alabama, Georgia, and South
Carolina. It also grows throughout central regions of Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil. The mushrooms usually
fruit inclusters from late spring to early summer. They typically prefer soil with woody debris, where there
aren’t any plants around.

Landslide mushrooms have a low-to-moderate potency, making them an ideal species for unseasoned
mushroom voyagers. The main effects typically last 3–6 hours and produce euphoria, open and closed eye
visuals, time distortion, and altered perspective.
Potential Dangers
Like other Psilocybes, this species has the potential to create negative effects such as panic attacks, paranoia,
anxiety & nausea. Despite its lower-than-average potency, set and setting still very much determines the trip
quality.
Psilocybe caerulipes (Blue Foot Mushroom)

P. caerulipes is widely distributed, but is still considered a rare psilocybin mushroom. It is known commonly
as the Blue Foot Mushroom because of the bluish hues at the base of its stem. Although growers cultivate
this species, the spores are reportedly difficult to acquire.
P. caerulipes is one of the smaller psilocybin mushrooms, with a stem length of only 3–6 cm. It has a
cinnamon-brown cap that is convex to plane with a slight umbo. The flesh shows a mild bluing reaction
which can take a few hours to appear.
Where It’s Grown

You can find this species in the midwestern and eastern US. It grows as far north as Nova Scotia, Canada,
and as far south as North Carolina. It fruits from May to December in deciduous forests, usually around
decaying hardwood logs and woody debris along river systems.

Although its small size may suggest otherwise, P. caerulipes is about as potent as the much larger P.
cubensis. Its potency is known to vary widely among samples, so it’s best to start small—just 1–3 g could be a
strong experience.
Potential Dangers
The potential dangers, apart from psychological precautions, are related to identification in the wild. These
mushrooms can be confused with other LBMs, or “little brown mushrooms.” Some of the non-Psilocybe
LBMs can be poisonous—or even deadly.
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Psilocybe cyanescens (Wavy Caps)
P. cyanescens, known commonly as Blue Halos and Cyans, is a potent psilocybin mushroom first described in
the 20th century by a British mycologist named Elsie Maud Wakefield. The species name cyanescens means
“turning blue,” indicating its strong bluing reaction.
This mushroom has an undulating cap margin, hence its common name. The cap is chestnut-brown when
young, and becomes caramel-colored as it matures. The white stem is 2–8 cm long and bruises a deep bluish
color.
Where It’s Grown

P. cyanescens grow abundantly in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in the fall or early winter when the
temperatures drop to 50–65°F. Along the west coast, it grows as far south as San Francisco, and as far north
as Alaska. Around the world, it grows in temperate regions of Europe, including the UK, Italy, Germany,
Spain, and Sweden. In addition, you can find it in New Zealand and parts of West Asia.
This species grows in large clusters, preferring to feed on decomposing forest matter. It prefers wood chips,
sawdust, and debris fields littered with rotting wood. According to Stamets, it also grows under mixed
woods at the edges of lawns, along wood chip trails, and in heavily mulched gardens in urban areas.

P. cyanescens is highly potent; in fact, it’s commonly known as the “potent Psilocybe.” It has a maximum of
1.68% psilocybin and 0.28% psilocin. Many people report needing half the dosage of what they normally take
of P. cubensis. “Cyans” produce a trip that is highly visionary, euphoric, and introspective.
Potential Dangers
There are some dangerous lookalikes that can make gathering in the wild risky without an experienced
mycologist. This includes Pholiotina rugosa and Galerina marginata, both of which contain deadly amatoxins.
Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Caps)

The magic mushroom strain P. semilanceata is one of the most widely distributed Psilocybes. It is also
responsible for one of the earliest recorded psilocybin mushroom trips. In 1799, a family in London
accidentally prepared an entheogenic meal with mushrooms they’d collected in London’s Green Park.
Liberty Caps closely resemble both P. strictipes and P. mexicana. They have a bell-shaped cap with a
pronounced umbo. The cap color ranges from chestnut brown (when moist) to light tan or yellow (when dry).
Often, it has an olive tint that can help identify it. At just 4–10 cm long, the stem is small and slender. Both the
stem and flesh rarely bruise bluish, since this species has low levels of psilocin.
Where It’s Grown
You can find this species growing alone or in tight groups in pastures, fields, lawns, and grassy areas in
general. Rather than dung, this mushroom’s mycelium feeds off decaying grassroots. Liberty Caps have a
wide distribution, as they grow in at least 17 countries. On the west coast, you can find them growing from
northern California to British Columbia, usually in the fall or early winter. In other parts of the world, they
grow in temperate grassland habitats. You can find them distributed over a handful of European countries,
Chile, northern India, and South Africa. P. semilenceata also grows in a few oceanic countries, including
Australia and New Zealand.
Liberty Caps are highly potent—the 4th most potent entheogenic mushroom, according to Stamets, who did
a potency analysis of 12 popular Psilocybes. The mycologist and chemist, Jochen Gartz, reported 1%
psilocybin on average, with a range of .2–2.37%. Cultivated Liberty Caps have less psilocybin, up to 1.12%, and
no psilocin. You can expect a full-fledged trip with Liberty Caps, including visual distortions and
hallucinations, euphoria, and deep spiritual journeys.
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Potential Dangers
To the untrained eye, P. semilanceata looks similar to several poisonous species—in particular, the deadly
Galerina species, which can coexist in similar habitats. It also resembles Inocybe geiophylla, a toxic species
that contains muscarine.
Psilocybe mexicana (Teonanacatl)

P. mexicana is a magic mushroom strain that has a deep history that dates back several millennia. The Aztecs
used this species ceremonially before the Spanish conquered the empire. The Aztecs referred to them
as teonanacatl, or “flesh of the gods.” In modern times, this was the species that Roger Heim, the French
botanist, sent to Albert Hofmann, from which Hofmann then isolated and named the compounds psilocybin
and psilocin. Today, they’re commonly known in Mexico as pajaritos, meaning “little birds.”
Stamets refer to this species as the “Mexicana Liberty Cap,” since it looks very similar to P. semilanceata. The
bell-shaped cap often has rippled edges that fold inward toward the margins. The cap is brownish to deep
orangish-brown, usually with a slight umbo. The hollow and pale yellow stem is 4–12.5 cm long. Like the flesh,
it bruises bluish when injured.
Where It’s Grown

This species is found at high elevations (1000–1800m) in Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Florida. It grows
alone or in small groups, usually in humid meadows, moss, deciduous forests, and soils rich in manure. In the
wild, it fruits from May to October, but it’s also easily cultivated indoors.

P. mexicana is considered moderately potent. It will produce a euphoric, light visual trip ideal for self-
discovery. When Heim and Hofmann analyzed its potency, they detected 0.25% psilocybin and 0.15% psilocin.
However, its potency is known to vary widely, depending on growing and storage conditions. This species
also grows sclerotia (truffles), which are less potent than the mushrooms.
Potential Dangers
Like other Psilocybes, the main dangers in vulnerable individuals are psychological in nature. Avoid P.
mexicana if you have a history of severe mental illness or are taking antidepressants.
Psilocybe stuntzii (Blue Ringer Mushroom)

P. stuntzii, also known as “Stuntz’s Blue Legs,” were named after the mycologist Daniel Stuntz. Stuntz
originally found this rare species growing on the University of Washington campus.
P. stuntzii can be identified from its whitish partial veil that bruises bluish, and its dark chestnut brown cap.
The cap margin is sometimes spotted with an olive green tinge. The yellowish stem is 3–6 cm long and also
bruises bluish.
Where It’s Grown

P. stuntzii is distributed mostly in the western region of the Pacific Northwest. This includes parts of Oregon,
Washington, and British Columbia, “within 90 kilometers of coastal regions,” according to Stamets. It fruits
from late summer until first frost, but it can be spotted year-round in the Seattle area. It typically grows in
big clusters in wood chips and bark mulch, as well as in soils rich in woody debris. According to Stamets,
they also grow in newly placed lawns and fields, along roads, and in gardens.

P. stuntzii is considered weak to moderately potent, but it’s still capable of producing a typical psilocybin
experience. In 1982, Beug and Bigwood reported a psilocybin content of 0–.36% psilocybin and psilocin
content of 0-0.12%.
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Potential Dangers
Take special care when collecting this species in the wild. P. stuntzii closely resembles the deadly poisonous
Galerina marginata. Several inexperienced collectors were poisoned from mistaking P. stuntzii for this
species. Galerina is differentiated by its orangish-brown cap and rusty brown spores.
Psilocybe tampanensis (Philosopher’s Stone, Magic Truffles)

The species name Psilocybe tampanensis reflects where it was originally discovered in the 1970s, near Tampa,
Florida, by the American mycologist Steven Hayden Pollock. Interestingly, all cultivated P. tampanensis trace
back to a single culture he formed from a wild specimen that he’d collected in Florida. This species produces
the famous magic truffles from its underground sclerotia. These are sold legally in the Netherlands in specialty
shops as a result of a legal loophole.
The yellow-brown cap is convex, expanding to be flat with maturity. The stem stands at just 2–6 cm tall, and
bruises bluish. P. tampanensis has a taste and odor similar to freshly ground flour.
Where It’s Grown

P. tampanensis is a very rare psilocybin mushroom. This species has been collected in the wild only a few times,
and so it survives through cultivation. It was originally found in Florida and later reported in Mississippi.

Philosopher’s Stone has a moderate potency, containing 0.68% psilocybin and 0.32% psilocin. The name
aptly describes the effects, which are characterized by profound introspection, creative thinking, and
philosophical insight. In terms of physical effects, it’s known for having a heavier body load and more nausea
compared to other psilocybin mushrooms.
Potential Dangers
The potential dangers of Philosopher’s Stone apply to all magic mushroom strains: be mindful of set and
setting, and do not use them if you are taking certain medications or have a severe mental illness.
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GOLD CAP SHROOMS GUIDE: SPORES, EFFECTS, IDENTIFICATION
If you’ve recently tripped on psilocybin mushrooms, there’s a good chance they were from one of the many
strains of Gold Cap mushrooms. Also known commonly as cubes, boomers, and gold tops, Gold Caps are the
most commonly cultivated psilocybin-containing mushroom. Their popularity is due to the fact that growers
widely regard Gold Caps as the easiest species to cultivate. This is because they grow well in a variety of
suboptimal conditions that don’t perfectly emulate the conditions they prefer in the wild. In this article, we’ll
take a closer look at this well-known species of psilocybin-containing mushroom, including its effects, how
it’s identified, and where it grows.
WHAT ARE GOLD CAP SHROOMS?

“Gold Cap” is one of several common names for Psilocybe cubensis. Of the more than 150 species of
Psilocybe mushrooms, P. cubensis is the largest of its genus. It’s also the most well well-known and grown;
hence its nickname as the commercial Psilocybe. The genus name derives from Greek and literally translates
to “bare head,” an accurate reflection of its cap’s appearance. P. cubensis was first discovered in Cuba by
the American mycologist F.S. Earle at the turn of the 20th century. The species name, cubensis, reflects this
history, literally meaning “coming from Cuba.” At the time, the species was classified as part of the
Stropharia genus. However, mycologists later reclassified it into the broader Psilocybe genus. Historians
believe that Spaniards first brought P. cubensis to America along with their cattle during their 16th-century
missionary expeditions. Curanderos (shamans) preferred using other Psilocybe species, such as P. mexicana
and P. aztecorum, in their ceremonies.
HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS?

Gold Cap mushrooms are easy to recognize from their large size, deep golden color, and tendency to bruise
blue with age or when injured. When Gold Cap shrooms are young, the caps start out bulbous and
convex, maturing to be flat and wide (roughly 1.5–8 cm in diameter). The young caps are a reddish
cinnamon-brown, lightening with age to a light golden brown. They have a darker golden hue in the middle
and a light whitish ring around the margin. A raised area called the umbo often tops the center of the cap.
The closely-spaced gills (which disperse the spores) are initially a pale white, then become deep purplish
gray to black with age. The spores themselves form a dark purple-brown-to-black spore print.
The stem of a Gold Cap ranges from 4–15 cm in length. It tends to be thicker toward the base of the fruiting
body. It’s off-white to yellowish in color and can be hollow or meaty, depending on growing conditions.
Attached to the stem is a white membranous annulus. The annulus is a ring-like remnant of the partial veil
that covers the gills when the mushroom is young. Both the annulus and stem bruise a bluish color when
injured. This is due to the oxidation of psilocin content in the mushroom.
EFFECTS OF GOLD CAP MUSHROOMS

Gold Cap shrooms are a potent entheogen capable of generating life-transforming, mystical
experiences. In his book True Hallucinations, Terence McKenna states that P. cubensis is
“multifaceted and benevolent, as complex as mescaline, as intense as LSD—the mushroom, as
is said of peyote, teaches the right way to live.”
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Generally, the psilocybin experience produces:
Euphoria
Open and closed eye visuals
Time distortion
Altered thinking and perspective
Profound spiritual experiences (such as feelings of unity)
The effects of Gold Cap shrooms typically come on within 1–2 hours and last 4–6 hours. A common
dose for Gold Caps to bring on mystical-type experiences is around 1–3 grams of dried mushroom.
In addition, you can microdose Gold Cap shrooms to improve mood, productivity, and overall
well-being. They are microdosed at doses ranging from 0.10–0.25 grams of dried mushroom. On
the other hand, a heroic dose of 5 or more grams, especially in complete darkness, produces an
intense and ineffable shamanic experience. This experience is characterized by elaborate
visuals, transdimensional entity contact, and complete ego death. As with all psychedelics, the
effects are heavily contingent on set and setting. This is especially true when it comes to heavy
doses.
Potency Considerations
The major psychoactive compounds present in Gold Cap shrooms are psilocin and psilocybin. To
a lesser extent, they also contain the alkaloids baeocystin and norbaeocystin. According to a 2003
study of six P. cubensis samples, the psilocin content ranges from 0.14–0.42% in the whole
mushroom, while the psilocybin content ranges from 0.37–1.30%. Psilocin is the primary
psychoactive component responsible for the effects of Gold Caps. Psilocybin is the inactive
prodrug of psilocin.
An earlier study by Bigwood and Beug found that the psilocybin potency in cultivated P. cubensis
can vary by a factor of four. Wild P. cubensis, on the other hand, shows a tenfold range in potency.
In addition to age, several factors relating to growing condition can account for the variations in
potency. These include temperature, humidity, presence (or absence) of UV light, and the number
of fruitings. Interestingly, the abovementioned authors found that psilocin content increased with
each subsequent flush (harvest), reaching a maximum by the 4th flush.
Another consideration to factor in is the genetics of the particular Gold Cap strain. There are over
40 marketed P. cubensis strains, most of which carry the name of their origins, e.g. Amazonian,
Ecuadorian, Palenque, and Thai strains. In regard to potency variations, for the most part,
growers hold to the motto that a “cube is a cube.” One exception is the notoriously potent Penis
Envy strain, named for its unmistakably phallic appearance.
WHERE TO FIND GOLD CAP MUSHROOMS

You can find Gold Cap mushrooms in tropical and subtropical climates, especially in pastures and humid
grasslands. Around the world you can find them growing in the United States, Mexico, Cuba, Central
America, and South America. You can also find them in parts of Australia (Queensland and New South
Wales) and a handful of countries in Asia. In the United States, they grow in southeastern states,
particularly in warm-weathered cattle fields where humidity stays above 85%. They most frequently grow
in May or June but will grow until January. The global distribution of Gold Caps intimately relates to the
worldwide cattle ranching industry. In the wild, Gold Caps colonize the dung of grazing herbivores such as
cows, horses, and goats. On manure, they will either grow alone or in small clustered groups. As
mentioned, Gold Cap shrooms are the most popular species for indoor cultivation. They rose to prominence
after Dennis and Terence McKenna published Psilocybin: The Magic Mushroom Grower’s Guide in 1976. Gold
Cap shrooms grow optimally at near 100% humidity, and at temperatures between 75–81°F. The most
popular methods of cultivation are the small-scale “cake methods,” such as the PF Tek method. This method
is highly recommended for beginner growers. It involves a brown rice flour/vermiculite mixture and takes
just 5–6 weeks in total, starting from the mushroom spores.
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SHROOMS VS ACID
COMPARISON CHART
SHROOMS VS ACID: DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES EXPLAINED
Among the classical psychedelics, LSD (acid) and psilocybin mushrooms (shrooms) are likely the most
well-known and widely used today. Although LSD is made in a lab and psilocybin is found in mushrooms
growing naturally in the ground, both can produce life-altering, transcendent experiences. But if we were to
get more granular, what really distinguishes the LSD experience from the psilocybin mushroom experience?
In this article, we’ll compare the effects of shrooms vs acid and consider some of the most popular questions
concerning their differences. We’ll end by discussing some reasons why one or the other experience may
suit you better.
EFFECTS OF SHROOMS VS ACID

Both LSD and psilocybin mushrooms alter consciousness by interacting with the serotonin system, namely
via 5-HT receptor agonism. Experientially, both drugs have a unique ability to facilitate personal and spiritual
development. They can produce enduring therapeutic effects for a wide range of disorders and conditions,
and at high doses, generate ego-dissolving mystical experiences.
With the abundance of anecdotal data available online, it’s possible to extract some general differences
regarding the shrooms vs acid experience. It’s important to note, however, that the effects of shrooms vs
acid will depend heavily on one’s individual sensitivity and reaction to each drug, as well as the dosage,
set and setting. Set refers to the user’s mindset and expectations going into the trip. Setting refers to the
physical environment in which the experience takes place.
Effects of Shrooms Explained

Psilocybin’s effects may be unpredictable and come on intensely. The effects can vary from trip to trip due
to set, setting, and dosage. In addition, there are differences in the psilocybin and psilocin content from one
mushroom species to another.
Broadly speaking, psilocybin mushrooms, in a dose-dependent manner, produce a trip characterized by:
• Euphoria
• Altered thinking and sense of time
• Enhanced empathy
• Closed and open eye visuals
• Synesthesia
• Feelings of unity/interconnection
• Ego death (higher doses)
• Out-of-body experiences (higher doses)
Psilocybin mushrooms tend to produce an inward focus. This makes the trip highly conducive to deep
introspection and personal insight into your thinking and behavioral patterns. When philosophical and deep
thinking arises, the focus may be on more big-picture or cosmic ideas. To this end, reverence of nature and/
or the divine are consistently emerging themes.
Grounded, Earthy, Wild

Thematically, users often describe the mushroom experience as more earthy, primal, and wild when compared
to LSD. As Dr. Albert Hofmann, the Swiss inventor of LSD, stated in his memoir, LSD: My Problem Child, the
psilocybin experience for him and his close associates was more “darkly colored” than LSD, carrying them “not
into luminous heights, [but] rather, into deeper regions.” With shrooms, you may feel like you’re being swept
along by the experience without as much control over the direction in which it’s going. The emotional valence
of the trip can change quickly and often. It can feel as if you’re straddling the dividing line between a “good”
and “bad” trip. At high doses, this can be intense and disorienting, as your familiar grasp of the world and
identity disintegrates.
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Compared to LSD, psilocybin mushrooms produce more grounded and intense physical effects. It’s common
to feel a heavy body load that can make prolonged movement tricky and couch lock likely. A handful of side
effects may emerge early on. These could include GI distress, increased heart rate, pupil dilation, and cold
extremities from vasoconstriction. For many, nausea is a significant drawback, especially during the
come-up. You can alleviate this effect by grinding the dried mushrooms into a powder. The powder can then
be placed in capsules or food/drinks and taken alongside ginger.
Effects of LSD Explained

Similarly to shrooms, LSD will produce the basic effects common to the classical psychedelics. These could
include:
• Strong euphoria
• Closed and open eye visuals
• Emotion enhancement
• Synesthesia
• Altered sense of thinking and perspective
• Sense of unity/interconnectedness
While LSD binds to and activates multiple 5-HT receptors similarly to psilocybin, it’s unique in that it also
interacts with the dopaminergic system by agonizing the dopamine D2 receptor.
This difference in pharmacological action accounts for its more extrospective, energetic, and uplifting
qualities. As a result, socializing may be easier, including interacting with sober people. This is partly
because the LSD trip generally feels more controllable. Many people retain a greater degree of agency over
the direction of the experience, compared to a psilocybin trip. As the saying goes, “with LSD you’re in the
driver’s seat, with shrooms you’re in the passenger seat.”
Cognitively, LSD tends to produce a headspace that is bright, alert, and clear. It often has a more analytical
quality, allowing easy access into your inner psyche. Many people find creative, divergent thoughts and
novel insights come more readily. This makes it ideal for psychotherapeutic work in therapeutic settings.
Physically, LSD produces a less incapacitating body high, making movements like dancing easier. Since it’s a
vasoconstrictor, it can generate some peripheral side effects such as pupil dilation, headaches, cramps, and
muscle tension.
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHROOMS AND ACID

LSD is a semisynthetic substance that’s just over 80 years old. “Semisynthetic” means it is derived from
natural precursors, in this case ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. Not long after its psychic effects were
revealed in 1943, LSD became a hot topic of study in psychiatry. Researchers began to evaluate its use in
therapy, and the CIA researched it as a possible truth serum. After escaping the laboratory, it soon acquired
a reputation as the poster child of the 1960s counterculture and, subsequently, a problem child for Dr.
Hofmann. Over recent years, several LSD analogs have been synthesized, most notably 1P-LSD. While much
less studied than LSD, it has subjective effects that are reportedly nearly identical.
People have used psilocybin mushrooms in sacred shamanic and religious contexts for thousands of years,
mostly in southern Mexico. They were first popularized in the West in the late 1950s by the ethnomycologist
R. Gordon Wasson. Nowadays, psilocybin mushrooms hold center stage in psychedelic clinical trials. Owing to
the studies’ extremely promising results, the FDA has designated psilocybin a breakthrough therapy. Moreover,
decriminalization efforts are advancing in numerous states, with Colorado and California leading the way. The
main psychoactive compounds in the roughly 200 species of magic mushrooms are psilocybin, psilocin, and
baeocystin. These compounds exist in variable quantities, depending on the mushroom species in question.
After we ingest psilocybin, our bodies remove a phosphorus atom from the psilocybin molecule, turning it into
psilocin. This is the primary bioactive component responsible for the effects of magic mushrooms.
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Do Psilocybin Mushrooms Feel More “Natural” Than LSD?
Generally, as noted above, users commonly describe psilocybin mushrooms as more “earthy” and “wild”
compared to LSD. Intense wonder in nature and heightened feelings of interconnection to the Earth are all
part and parcel of a mushroom trip. In addition, the deeply rooted, grounded physical effects of psilocybin
mushrooms may feel more natural than the more stimulating and cerebral effects of LSD.
Since shrooms naturally grow on every inhabitable continent, this gives them a wild and organic quality that
further contributes towards their reputation of feeling more natural. One may feel as if under the tutelage of
a sacred, time-tested entheogen, considering that Indigenous peoples have used psilocybin mushrooms in
ritualistic contexts for millennia to commune with the natural world and divine realms.
Users sometimes liken the experience of ingesting psilocybin mushrooms to learning from a wise, ancient
source—as if one is channeling a reservoir of sacred knowledge and insight into the unconscious from the
planetary mind. After all, one of the most popular strains, aptly enough, has the name of Golden Teachers.
Voices of Experience
In his book Food of the Gods, Terence McKenna likens psilocybin to a molecular tool that grants the psyche
access to ancient shamanic states of ecstatic communion. McKenna states,
“The ambience of psilocybin is different from that of LSD. Hallucinations come easier, and so does a sense
that this is not merely a lens for the inspection of the personal psyche, but a communication device for
getting in touch with the world of the high shamanism of Archaic antiquity.”
Regardless of what the effects reveal, the perception that shrooms feel more natural could be strongly
influenced by one’s expectations and beliefs going into the trip. For instance, according to one Reddit user,
“I’ve always gotten Sci-Fi vibes from shrooms, and more earthy/fantasy vibes from LSD. I blame Terence
McKenna for implanting the idea in me that mushrooms are aliens that came from outer space, and I
always have considered LSD to be very human/earthy because it was created by humans out of Earth’s
elements.”
Want to learn more about the substance

LSD? Check out this content on
RealitySandwich.com.
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Are There Different Visuals With Shrooms and Acid?
Both LSD and psilocybin generate vivid, immersive open eye visuals at normal to high doses. Under closed
eyelids, both will lead to the traversal of some spectacular psychic landscapes similar to the hypnagogic
state between waking and dreaming. Despite individual variability, there are some consistent differences
between their visuals.
LSD commonly produces sharp, realistic visual drifting and intricate environmental patterning. Colorful
kaleidoscopic patterns may appear fast-moving, mathematical, and fractal-like. As Dr. Hofmann famously
wrote in his account of the first-ever (intentional) LSD experience,
“… In a dreamlike state, with eyes closed, I perceived an uninterrupted stream of fantastic pictures,
extraordinary shapes with intense, kaleidoscopic play of colors.”
The visual effects of LSD mirror its cognitive effects in the sense that they strongly accentuate clarity and
brightness. Colors can appear vibrant and highly saturated, and visual perception can feel tuned to a higher
acuity, as if you’ve gained “HD vision.” It’s common to experience tracers on moving objects, as well as
afterimages and depth perception distortions.
Users often describe psilocybin visuals as being more organic, vibrant, and abstract. Static objects may
begin to melt, breathe, morph, and undulate. The visuals may evolve more slowly and smoothly, building in
complexity over time as the user pays attention to a given spot in the visual field. Perspective distortions may
make objects seem much taller, and angles can begin to take on impossible forms. Halos may appear around
lights and objects, and there may be a pastel color tint overlaying the entire visual field. At high-to-heroic
doses, autonomous entities and imagined objects may appear, making their visual effects more similar to
4-AcO-DMT and ayahuasca.
Are Psilocybin Mushrooms “Safer” than LSD?

In terms of physical toxicity, the estimated lethal dose (LD50) of Psilocybe cubensis for a 130-lb. human is
3.7 lb. of dried mushrooms. The lethal dose of LSD isn’t precisely known, but it is presumed to be extremely
high—on the order of 10,000 doses. After ingesting psilocybin, our bodies remove a phosphorus atom from the
psilocybin molecule, turning it into psilocin. This is the primary bioactive component responsible for the effects
of magic mushrooms based on animal LD50 values.
According to the 2017 report from the Global Drug Survey, in 2016, only 0.2% of the 10,000 people who used
psilocybin mushrooms reported they required emergency medical treatment, the lowest rate of all the drugs
assessed. This rate was five times lower than that of LSD, which was responsible for 95 trips to the emergency
room. By and large, psychological adverse effects account for these visits—underscoring the importance of set
and setting for both substances.
Shrooms vs Acid: Safely Sourcing and Dosing

When it comes to sourcing, psilocybin mushrooms may be a safer option as well. LSD is sourced on the black
or dark web markets and is sometimes sold as more dangerous synthetic psychedelics, such as 25I-NBOMe,
unbeknownst to many users who don’t test the substance. On the other hand, you can be sure you are taking
the shrooms you desire, provided you have established a trustworthy source—or grown your own supply. The
exception here is if psilocybin mushrooms in the wild are mistaken for a poisonous variety. This can be prevented
by foraging with a mycologist, and confirming the mushroom identification 100% prior to consuming them.
Lastly, LSD’s extreme sub-milligram potency, coupled with unpredictability in dosage from batch to batch, can
produce an intense and, possibly, harrowing trip for the unaware. Tabs have been known to range in potency
from less than 50 micrograms to several hundred micrograms. Psilocybin mushrooms may also vary in potency
depending on the specific mushroom in question. For instance, P. azurescens (Azzies) is more than twice the
potency of the popular P. cubensis species. But being 100 times less potent than LSD, there is more leeway in
dosing errors and inconsistencies.
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Which Experience Lasts Longer?
When you eat psilocybin mushrooms on an empty stomach, the effects come on within an hour, usually with
more intensity than LSD. The effects peak after about two hours and start diminishing after approximately four
hours. Overall, the psilocybin experience lasts a total of roughly four to six hours. The normal after effects last
up to eight hours.
LSD, on the other hand, has a considerably longer duration of action, anywhere from eight to 12 hours or
more. LSD’s effects gradually ramp up in intensity, hitting a peak about three hours in, with the possibility
of multiple peaks over the 3-to-6-hour plateau time frame. The comedown begins roughly seven hours after
dosing, giving way to an appreciative afterglow that can last into the next day.
For some people, LSD’s longer duration of action is a drawback, especially if the experience turns out to be
challenging. For those that are microdosing, LSD’s long duration of action can sometimes lead to insomnia,
unless it’s dosed very early in the morning.
CAN YOU TAKE SHROOMS AND ACID TOGETHER?

Taking shrooms and acid together (known colloquially as “soul bombing”) can be an intense and life-
changing experience for seasoned psychonauts. Some people say the energetic clarity of LSD can nicely
complement the loopy fuzziness of psilocybin. Others say the effects of each substance pull you in different
directions, resulting in a weird headspace of paranoia, disorientation, and conflicting feelings. For the
inexperienced, they can easily synergize into something too powerful, making one more likely to lose control
and grip on the physical world.
A strong recommendation is to first get comfortable with each substance separately. If you do decide to
take them together, proper dosage is key to having a good experience. Start with a lower dose (perhaps
less than 1 tab and 1.5 g of dried shrooms) to get a feel for the intensity of the combination and how they
interact. The development of cross-tolerance and the different timelines of effects are additional factors you
must take into account and properly coordinate. For instance, if you want the peaks to align, try taking the
shrooms about two hours into the acid trip.
WHICH EXPERIENCE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Overall, it’s possible to piece together a general comparison of the effects of shrooms vs acid, but at the
end of the day, it comes down to your unique biochemistry, as well as your mindset and trip location.
Generally speaking, if you’re looking for a longer-lasting psychedelic experience that’s more energetic, social,
and cerebral, LSD may be the better choice. If you’re after a shorter psychedelic experience that’s highly
contemplative, grounded, and mystical, go with psilocybin mushrooms.
Your choice between shrooms vs acid may also depend on where you want to trip. Many people find
shrooms are best taken in nature, in solo journeys, or with a well-trusted group of friends. On the other hand,
the more outgoing nature of the LSD experience makes it better suited for recreational settings, such as
music events and festivals. Regardless of which you choose, having a trusted, sober trip-sitter who can lend
support and hold space during the experience can go a long way toward having a safe and enjoyable time.
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SHROOM EXPERIENCE
WHAT FUNGI CAN TEACH US: MAGIC MUSHROOM MESSAGES
Few psychedelics emerge as ready for consumption as psilocybin mushrooms. Ayahuasca involves the
brewing of two very specific plants together in order to have its effects. LSD is typically synthesized in
a lab, and even mescaline-containing cacti are usually cooked or dried before consumption. Psilocybin
mushrooms, on the other hand, are ready for consumption. All that is required is that you pluck and swallow
the mushroom. What happens next depends on many factors. For many, the psilocybin experience is one of
realizing the interconnectedness of reality and gaining greater respect for the natural world. Why are these
mushrooms just lying around, ready to give us such an experience? Could it be more than just a coincidence
of brain chemistry? Could it be that this group of fungi evolved to send us a message?
PLANT TEACHERS
For millennia, western thinking has been dominated by the idea that we are separate from, and superior
to, the rest of nature. Plants and fungi are seen as dumb, mechanical processes that we can plunder for
materials and chemicals without considering how we relate to them. Other cultures see other lifeforms
as peers. They are viewed as creatures deserving of respect and from whom we might be able to learn
something. This perspective has given rise to the concept of certain psychedelic plants as “plant teachers,”
given their ability to produce profound insight when consumed.
Intelligence Without a Brain

Why do these naturally occurring substances have such effects? Is it simply the case that if we tried every
chemical in nature some would, entirely by chance, produce altered states of consciousness? Or does it
make more sense to think of us and the plant and fungal worlds that we inhabit as having coevolved, with
them acting on us as much as we act on them? Such a view imbues plants and fungi with the capacity for
intelligent behavior, although not the kind of behavior we’re used to.
Our human-centered perspective on the world finds it easy to think of animals as behaving in intelligent
ways, given that they act on the world via movement as we do. Plant and fungal movements are far slower
and more subtle than our own, making it hard for us to detect. What’s more, their behavior is often chemical,
rather than muscular, something far outside our animal conception of what it is to act in the world.
In addition to the subtleties of their behavior, their actions aren’t typically of immediate survival concern
for us, unlike the movements of a predator that might try to eat us. As a result, evolution didn’t equip us to
perceive the intelligent action of the plant and fungal kingdoms but modern science is finding that intelligent
behavior is indeed there. How can an organism be intelligent without a brain? It turns out that the problem-
solving engine of intelligence is the life-process itself, the instinct for survival by any means that keeps us
existing moment to moment. Coupled with evolution, all organisms find intelligent ways of behaving in their
niche. Brains and nervous systems are just one flexible way to act intelligently in the world.
OUR FUNGAL WORLD

When it comes to the world of psychedelic fungi, the idea of the fungus as an intelligent organism that is
attempting to send us a message seems plausible. Fungi were the first lifeforms to emerge from the sea and
onto land, long before plants and animals. The plants that succeed on land did so by collaborating with the
fungi. Today, some 90% of plants are thought to be dependent on symbiotic relationships with fungi. Homo
sapiens evolved in a fungal context. It was their world first and they still hold it together, often without us
being aware of it.
Master Chemists
Fungi do not absorb sunlight in the way that plants do in order to make their own food. Nor do they eat
food and digest it inside their bodies as animals do. Fungi secrete substances that digest food in place and
then they transfer the nutrients into their bodies. As a result they are the great decomposers of the world,
transforming dead plant and animal matter into usable nutrients that can give rise to new life. Fungi exist at
the border of life and death. They are masters of the circle of life, rebirth, and renewal.
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From our human-centered perspective, fungi seem rather inert and unimpressive. They don’t move much
and seem to be uninteresting passive objects rather than intelligent beings. Just because they don’t move,
however, doesn’t mean they don’t have behavior. Fungi are master chemists who can produce a vast range
of chemicals. They can then act on the world via the effects of these chemicals on different organisms. Some
mushrooms contain substances that are lethal to animals. Other fungi contain chemicals that have more
subtle effects. The cordyceps fungus is one example. Through its chemical action, it can take over the brains
of ants, making them climb as high as possible before shooting a mushroom out of the ant’s head to release
spores on the remaining ants below. This is an effective and complex way of propagating one’s genes.
Intoxicating Insects
Psilocybin is a chemical made by fungi, presumably in order to have an effect on animals that is beneficial
to the evolution of the fungus. However, it is unlikely that we are the primary target of the psilocybin.
The vast majority of animals on this planet are insects. Engaging with the behavior of insects, as with the
cordyceps fungus, is a far more routine part of fungal life than engaging with humans. Psilocybin may serve
to intoxicate insects, resulting in them being less effective at eating the fungus. One psilocybin-producing
species of fungus, massospora, drives cicadas into a mating frenzy but also replaces their genitalia with a
mass of spores so that the cicadas disperse the spores far and wide. This is another complex method of
spore dispersal that shows the astonishing complexity of what fungal chemical action is capable of achieving
when interacting with animal nervous systems.
ALTERING HUMAN MINDS

Just because psilocybin has particular effects on insects does not mean that it didn’t also evolve to affect us.
Evolution often manages to repurpose one trick to achieve multiple goals, depending on the circumstance.
What happens to a human when they consume psilocybin mushrooms? The psilocybin activates specific
receptors in the brain’s serotonin system. The serotonin 2A receptor is densely found in brain areas involved
in building one’s psychological sense of self. As a result of disrupting this process, one can undergo an
experience of ego dissolution. With the removal of one’s usual evolved preoccupation with being something
separate from the rest of the world, the truth that we are all patterns in a single unfolding reality is revealed.
This is the classical, mystical experience and it has been found to lead to greater appreciation for ways of
being found in the non-human natural world. Ecosystems are systems of interdependence, collaboration,
symbiosis, recycling, and regeneration. With the sense of being a separate self out of the way, a self that
seeks to dominate and control in a variety of subtle ways, people may find a deep appreciation for the
wisdom of this ecological way of being.
The Ecological Message

From the perspective of the fungal kingdom, a group of organisms concerned with the interconnectedness
of ecosystems and balancing the needs of different organisms, this shift in the consciousness of one
problematic group of primates is deemed beneficial. When there is a single species on this planet that is
obsessed with its felt separation from nature and the resulting domination of nature that follows from this,
it would be very much in the evolutionary interest of the fungus, and the wider interconnected ecosystem
that it represents, to alter their mental states. This can bring them more in line with ecological principles.
Perhaps this evolutionarily beneficial drive on the fungus in part accounts for their producing such a powerful
psychedelic compound.
Learning From Fungi

Beyond the messages that psychedelic fungi may be sending us, we can learn a lot from the wisdom of the
wider fungal kingdom. Principles of interconnection, symbiotic collaboration, sustainability, recycling, and
acceptance of the death-birth cycle are all easy to see in the ways that fungi organize themselves. Fungal
solutions are being proposed for environmental problems, from dealing with oil spills to cleaning up nuclear
waste. Perhaps by listening to the lessons of psilocybin and learning from the wisdom of the fungal kingdom,
the human race might be able to adjust its behavior in order to become more sustainable and harmonious
with the rest of the natural world.
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THE MAZATEC
As colonizing empires came to dominate the world, the empowering practices of using natural medicines
like psilocybin mushrooms were suppressed. The Roman empire declared such pagan practices immoral
and outlawed them in Europe, and the colonizers of the Americas would do the same with the indigenous
practices there. The use of these mushrooms in one culture, in particular, managed to survive throughout
all of this. Nestled in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, the Mazatec people have continued to use the
mushroom in its traditional context, right up to the present day.
Traditional Mushroom Ceremonies

A Mazatec mushroom ceremony typically takes place at night. The participants eat fresh mushrooms with
honey and cocoa beans. They might start with the equivalent of approximately 2.5-3 dried grams (25 to 30
grams of fresh mushrooms, as they are 90% water) followed by a second plate of the equivalent of 2 dried
grams (20 grams fresh). The ceremony takes place in the dark with the curandera or curandero, the medicine
person, who sings and speaks prayers so that their voice holds the space. In this respect, it is similar to a
Shipibo ayahuasca ceremony. After, there is an emphasis on integrating the experience by focusing on the
emotions felt and sharing experiences.
PSILOCYBIN COMES TO THE WEST

One curandera in particular, María Sabina, was responsible for introducing the west to the mushrooms. She
referred to the mushrooms as “los niños santos” or “the holy children” and used them in healing ceremonies.
Ethnomycologist R. Gordon Wasson visited María Sabina in 1955 and was allowed to take part in a ceremony.
He took the mushroom’s spores with him to Europe and cultivated them, and the active compound,
psilocybin, identified. Unfortunately, this exposure led to a disruptive tourist trail forming to the town of
Huautla de Jiménez, where María Sabina lived. She later commented, “Before Wasson, nobody took the
children simply to find God. They were always taken to cure the sick.”
Finding God
The Western engagement with psychedelics in the 60s placed a large emphasis on the rediscovery of direct
religious experience. These humble mushrooms proved capable of stripping back layers of delusion in one’s
consciousness to reveal a vision of a sacred, spiritual reality underneath. For a generation of Westerners for
whom religion was associated mainly with dogma and institutionalized control, and therefore were starved
of spiritual nourishment, these substances came as a powerful remedy. Many would undergo powerful
healing experiences, but the traditional healing context in which these mushrooms had been used was
comparatively neglected in favor of emphasizing spirituality.
THE MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE

A mystical experience, in which the psychological ego dissolves and is replaced with a blissful feeling of
connection with the rest of reality, is a common feature of psilocybin experiences at around four dried
grams and higher. As distortions in one’s perception get more and more intense, eventually, the perceived
boundaries allowing a person to keep track of where their body ends and the world begins breaks down.
What is left is an experience of the fact that consciousness exists before the sense of self. People may feel
as though they are experiencing a field of awareness with psychedelic patterns constantly changing within it
but with no center or sense of identity.
This experience can lead to profound insights into what exists underneath the sense of self and the
mechanisms of suffering. With the sense of self gone, there is no more suffering and no-one to suffer. These
ideas are in Buddhism’s core teachings, and such an experience can precipitate an interest in exploring these
truths through meditation.
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THE PSILOCYBIN EXPERIENCE:
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH MAGIC MUSHROOMS?
Psychedelic research is having a renaissance, and psilocybin is one of the main substances studied. One
reason that psilocybin has taken center stage is that LSD has not yet recovered from the bad press it
received in the 60s. New companies are popping up every month as they anticipate psilocybin therapy’s
rollout over the coming years, for everything from depression to palliative care. What is psilocybin all about?
Why is the psilocybin experience so special, and why does it hold such power for healing?
Prehistory
Around 5000 BC, the Tassili n’Ajjer plateau inhabitants in modern-day Algeria were painting on the wall
of a cave. One of these paintings was of a person with a bee’s face, grasping mushrooms in each hand.
This figure was interpreted as a shaman or medicine person holding psilocybin mushrooms. Around 4000
BC, artists painted a mushroom mural on a cave wall in what is now Spain. By around 1500 BC, people in
Guatemala had begun carving sculptures of mushrooms in stone. Similar stones were being made in Mexico
by 1000 BC. Perhaps it should not be surprising that this mushroom’s mind-altering effects were identified
and embraced by human cultures across time and space. However, these artifacts provide evidence that
psilocybin mushrooms’ consumption is a characteristic trait of our species.
The Psychedelic Renaissance

In 2006, pioneering researchers Bill Richards, Bob Jesse, and Roland Griffiths published a scientific study
showing that psilocybin can produce mystical experiences in healthy individuals. In these studies, the
equivalent amount of psilocybin found in approximately 4 grams of dried mushrooms is given in its pure
chemical form. Participants lay on a comfortable couch with a blanket and typically with two guides in the
room. The participants wear eyeshades and headphones to listen to a pre-prepared playlist. The safety
and security of such a setting, combined with the eyeshades and music’s internal focus, allows people to
surrender to the psilocybin experience and let go, even of their sense of identity, resulting in the occurrence
of a mystical experience.
Treating Mental Health Issues

Research attention quickly turned to what this could be used for, and in the following decade and a half,
psilocybin-occasioned mystical experiences have shown promise in treating mental health such as anxiety,
addiction, depression, and much more. However, the curandera’s ways, where the mushrooms’ visionary
experiences would be used for psychological healing, have received less attention as a powerful way to use
these mushrooms. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is now studied under clinical trials to treat depression,
which may be the closest equivalent in the western medical model.
A Catalyst for Psychological Healing and Growth

While the medical model struggles with the complexity of holistic healing approaches, the use of mushrooms
in this context has not been lost. For the last several decades, French guide and counselor Françoise Bourzat
has been studying with curandera Julieta Casimiro Estrada in the Mazatec tradition. In 2019, she published
her accumulated wisdom in the book Consciousness Medicine. Many others have independently discovered
the healing potential of these mushrooms in their experiments with them.
TYPICAL EXPERIENCES
At standard full doses, between 1 and 3 grams of dried mushroom, the experience can unveil unconscious
psychological patterns, produce insight into how we live our lives, and allow us to release and process past
traumas. These experiences are more likely if one prepares to turn inward towards psychological material, by
wearing an eye mask, listening to pre-prepared music, and setting an intention. It is common to see colorful
geometric visions in the early stages, often with a distinctly mesoamerican character. As the experience
progresses, associations between memories may begin to unfold, leading deeper into the mind and toward
whatever unconscious thoughts are present.
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Recreational Experiences
Of course, not everyone takes mushrooms for healing or spiritual experiences. Many take them recreationally,
to have a good time. By interacting in the world with one’s eyes open, the chance of confronting inner
psychological material may reduce. If one is out in nature, natural forms may seem captivating and more
alive than usual. Being close to nature may positively impact mood, and one may begin to feel more aware
of the natural form, of the sensations in the body. Recreational experiences are often motivated by the
mood-elevating effects of mushrooms. However, aiming only to experience positive moods opens one up to
struggling with any challenging psychological material that may surface, producing a “bad trip” if one fails
to surrender to and learn from the material coming up. Knowing how to keep calm and move towards any
difficult material is crucial in any such experience.
Microdosing
People report that microdosing, the practice of taking small doses of psilocybin mushrooms, can
help with depression, focus, and creativity. It can also increase one’s psychological ability, facilitating
psychotherapeutic work. Microdosers typically take one-tenth of a full dose, 0.1-0.2 g, once every three days
with a two-day break in between, or for five days in a row with a two-day break to prevent the brain from
adapting to the effects. Microdosers may experience elevated mood, focus, creativity, and energy without
the perceptual distortions associated with full doses of a psychedelic.
The Heroic Dose

The ethnobotanist and psychedelic pioneer Terence McKenna advocated for a specific approach when
engaging with the mushroom. He found that taking a “heroic dose” of five dried grams in silent darkness
would precipitate a confrontation with seemingly alien presences. For creatures such as ourselves that
evolved as prey for larger predators, silence and darkness might push our brains into a threat-detection
mode, making experiences of entities distinct from ourselves more likely. Think of how trees can look
like people when walking through a wood at night. In such a situation, we err on being too cautious and
perceiving the worst until we are sure we are safe.
A smaller dose, around 4 grams, is used in scientific studies to encounter mystical experiences. In such a
situation, the participant feels safe and cared for by a guide, and they listen to reassuring music. The safety
of the situation seems to allow them to surrender to an experience of unity. In contrast to the strange
experience of beings perceived to be very much distinct from ourselves, the difference between self and
other collapses.
Macrodosing
In 2020, the psychedelic community lost a respected pioneer to COVID-19, Kilindi Iyi. Iyi was known for
pushing the boundaries of psychological exploration with the use of psilocybin. While many psychonauts
may never venture near a heroic dose of five dried grams, and the prospect of 7-10 grams terrifies many
veteran psychedelic explorers, Iyi experimented with doses of 40-50 grams. He reported experiences that
bore similarities to experiences had on high doses of DMT, a chemical compound related to psilocybin.
Rather than producing a whiteout or more complex geometric visions, these doses produced highly
structured interactive experiences that can feel like visiting other worlds, rich in symbolic content, in Iyi’s
case of ancient Egypt or “Khamet” in particular.
WHAT IS PSILOCYBIN ALL ABOUT?

Depending on the approach and dose taken, psilocybin has an incredible range of experiences to offer. From
mood-elevating microdoses, to mystical union with the universe; from healing trauma to strange visionary
encounters of other worlds – it can all be found with the psilocybin experience.
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HOW TO INTENSIFY A MUSHROOM TRIP
Psychonauts have been experimenting with ways to intensify trips since they started experimenting with
psychedelic substances. There are myths, anecdotes, and online forums full of ways to supposedly increase
the intensity, duration, and quality of a mushroom trip. And of course, very few, if any, have been proven by
science. That doesn’t mean they are worthless. It just means scientific institutions haven’t put them to the
test. But after decades of experimentation, a few things have come to the forefront as ways to intensify a
mushroom trip.
COMBINE WITH CANNABIS

Weed and mushrooms seem like a natural pairing. They are both from the earth and have a long history of
hippie influences. Combining cannabis with any psychedelic has become a popular way to adjust the trip to
the user’s liking.
Managing Side Effects

The most common way to mix mushrooms and cannabis is during the initial dosage. Mushrooms can be
hard on the stomach, so some people will use weed to ease nausea. Others use it for its relaxation and
anti-anxiety effects. Waiting for a trip to kick in can be stressful. Cannabis can reduce this and put the user
in the right frame of mind before the trip begins. Inhibitions are lowered, making it easier to fall into the
psychedelic world.
Enhancing the Trip
The most common time to take a hit of a joint during a trip is during the come-down. This is around the five
or six-hour mark of a psilocybin trip. Users report that smoking cannabis during this phase can bring back
the intense visuals and euphoria during the peak. It elongates the trip’s intensity, so be careful of smoking if
you have decided you no longer want to be tripping.
Psychedelic mushrooms have two chemicals that activate the trip in the brain, psilocybin and psilocin. They
are considered “uppers” or stimulants and work on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor on the GABA neurons
causing hallucinations and euphoria. Cannabis, a downer, works on an entirely different set of neuron
receptors, endocannabinoids. It is the activation of these receptors, causing the euphoria, relaxation, and
sometimes paranoia associated with getting high.
And while they work on different receptors, both cannabis and psilocybin indirectly increase dopamine in
the brain intensifying visuals, euphoria, and other sensations. But scientists don’t know exactly how these
two compounds interact.
LEMON TEK
Lemon tekking is letting the mushrooms soak in a citric acid juice like lemon or lime for 15 or 20 minutes
before consumption. According to psychonauts, doing this makes a mushroom trip more intense, shorter,
and decreases nausea.
Basically, the citric acid mimics your stomach acid, breaking down the mushroom before you consume it,
making the psilocybin more bioavailable. The come-up is a lot quicker, cutting down from about an hour to
between 10 and 45 minutes. The mushrooms are already partially digested so the psilocybin can enter the
bloodstream much more quickly.
The trip itself will be shorter, more like four hours rather than six. The time it takes to digest the raw dried
mushroom acts as time-release, dripping psilocybin into the brain over the course of a few hours. So the
quick release Lemon Tek method can feel much more intense. You are also creating a mushroom/lemon
extract with a higher concentration of psilocybin per gram and so maybe consuming more than you would
normally, intensifying the trip.
Jump ahead to: How to Lemon Tek.
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SIDE OF OJ
Adding orange juice to your mushroom trip uses the same theory as lemon tekking, except you do
the soaking inside your stomach instead of before consumption. The citric acid should help digest the
mushroom, soothing your stomach, and have you peaking faster. But it won’t be as intense as lemon
tekking before you consume. While first-time trippers should probably not lemon tek, it is fine for a
beginner to drink a side of OJ with their first mushroom. It is also common to enjoy fresh fruits while
tripping on mushrooms, so drinking OJ when you are already tripping can be an enjoyable experience with
or without the citric acid benefits.
EXTERNAL STIMULATION
Set and setting are crucial for any trip and can actually help intensify psychedelic feelings and visuals. You
can ‘trip out’ on interesting lighting or artwork. The feeling might be extremely intense while looking at
the stimuli but dissipate if you move to a different environment or stop focusing on it. Music can also be a
powerful trigger for mushrooms. Music genres, such as psytrance, market themselves as complimentary to
psychedelics, but personal preference is much more important.
INCREASE DOSAGE
Obviously, the most straightforward way to intensify your trip is to simply take more mushrooms. Developing
a tolerance or even a cross-tolerance to psilocybin and other psychedelics is very well documented in
scientific literature. If you are taking a lot of psychedelics, be prepared to need more to reach the same
level of high. Taking high amounts of psychedelics repeatedly or mixing drugs can lead to Hallucinogen
Perception Persisting Disorder (HPPD). The condition causes lasting visual distortions even after the drugs
have left your system. It affects an estimated 0.12 to 4.2 percent of psychedelic users.
SAFETY
How much of a drug you take and how intense you want the psychedelic experience should always be a
personal choice. Don’t let someone force you into taking more than you feel comfortable with. If you are
testing out one of these intensifiers, start with a smaller dose than normal to be safe. And get your
mushrooms and weed from a reliable source.
Bad trips can be scary, but there are ways to get through them if you have taken too much psilocybin
and no longer feel comfortable. If the trip becomes too intense, go to an environment where you feel safe,
listen to relaxing music, and talk it out with someone you feel comfortable with. Try to meditate and focus
on your breathing.
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HOW TO COME DOWN FROM A MUSHROOM TRIP
Magic mushroom trips can be a wild and wonderful ride. But sometimes one may find oneself wishing it over
and wondering how to come down from the high as fast as possible. There are instances in which a trip can
take a sudden turn in an unpleasant direction. This unpleasantness may be due to scary feelings or thoughts
induced from the ingested substance, feeling physically ill, or an unexpected responsibility, such as a work
call or an emergency situation.
Although there is no way to immediately end a psychedelic mushroom trip, there are ways to reduce the
negative experience, possibly turning things around for the better. There are also a few pro tricks that can
possibly speed up an individual’s ability to come down from a bad mushroom trip. Below, we will explain
what effect entheogenic psilocybin has on our bodies, what to expect, how to turn around a bad trip, and
some useful tools for coming down from a mushroom trip as fast as possible.
PSILOCYBIN IN THE BRAIN

After ingesting psilocybin, the body quickly breaks down the organic matter. This process releases psilocin,
a psychoactive metabolite that is responsible for the out-of-this-world thought process and rainbow fractal
visuals sometimes experienced as a result of eating magic mushrooms. Psilocin works in the prefrontal
cortex of the brain, acting on neural highways that use the neurotransmitter serotonin. The affect psilocin
has on the 5-HT2A receptors in the prefrontal cortex of the brain plays a huge part in the heightened
sensitivity to emotions, the unique perception of an individual’s surroundings, and the limitless, abstract
thought process that occurs.
As your body metabolizes the psilocybin, glucuronidation occurs, a process that flushes many toxins,
including psilocybin, from the body. During glucuronidation, the body breaks down the organic matter
to dispose of as quickly as possible through the liver. Psilocin usually leaves the body within 12 hours of
ingesting while psilocybin take about 24 hours to leave the body.
MUSHROOM TRIP TIMELINE

The timeline for a mushroom trip varies from person to person, with numerous factors in play. There are
over 200 varieties of psychedelic mushrooms, varying widely in potency. The age of the psilocybin and the
technique used for drying are two major factors in the quality of the product’s effects. Mushrooms are not a
one-size-fits-all experience. They can range from one gram equaling a light, pleasant high, to an
overwhelming, wild psychedelic journey. Pay close attention to the magic mushroom strain before ingesting.
Also, make sure to be well-informed before deciding the proper dosage.
Phases of a Trip
As mentioned above, the experience from ingesting entheogenic psilocybin depends greatly on the variety,
dosage, freshness, and on the individual eating the substance. In general, the onset of a trip will begin with
visual changes. These can include tracers and light, fractal-like visuals, combined with a mild body high.
Within 20–40 minutes of the trip beginning, an individual usually reaches the peak of the high. Peaks can
last at least two hours, while a heavy trip can last up to eight hours. Experiencing a peak can include strong
visuals, personal realizations, intense feelings of connecting and analyzing, and indescribable experiences.
Psychedelic trips are incredibly personal in the sense that they are tailored to the person experiencing
them. Explaining a trip is like explaining a dream. It doesn’t really make sense, and you can never quite
do it accurately.
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TIPS FOR HOW TO COME DOWN ON SHROOMS
Get Moving
Speeding up your metabolism can aid your body in flushing your system of psilocin. Go for a walk, or jog
around the block. This will speed up your body’s metabolic processes, helping to work the drugs through
your system. Exercise is also incredibly grounding, but again this should only be done safely. If you are expe-
riencing a bad trip, you may not want to increase your heart rate.
Trip Stopper 3000 is known as a safe and natural option to aid in coming down from mushrooms. The Trip
Stopper 3000 comes in a pack with two pills. The first contains valerian root, known for its extreme calming
effect. The second pill contains maltodextrin, known to reduce the effects of a bad trip. If you are concerned
about facing a challenging trip, it may be worth stocking up on this supplement.
Change Your Environment

A challenging trip can be triggered by a number of factors, but is greatly affected by the surrounding
environment. Something as simple as a change of scenery can shift the direction in which a trip is headed.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to find a safe, comfortable, and quiet spot to relax, and even lie
down. Soothing sounds, such as light music or sounds from nature, can aid in calming the mind and spirit
when experiencing a bad trip. If you are in a loud space such as a concert or festival, try putting in earplugs—
or even some tissue in the ear to lessen the loud sounds. Talk to someone you trust about what you are
experiencing. Don’t hold it in and DO NOT feel embarrassed. It is not your fault, so don’t go down a blame
spiral. All psychedelic enthusiasts have experienced a less-than enjoyable trip.
RS Article - Bad Trips: Practical Tips for Challenging Journeys
Have a Snack
Eating isn’t something your body generally desires when tripping. But it can be helpful when attempting
to come down from a trip. The act of eating is familiar, and can therefore help normalize the situation and
make you feel more grounded. Certain foods can also help your body accelerate the digestion of the
pre-entheogenic substances in psilocybin. This allows your body to flush them from your system at a
faster rate.
There are a handful of nutrient-based supplements and foods that can aid glucuronidation, and help your
body flush the psilocybin quick and efficiently. Curcumin is the star nutrient in turmeric, and has shown
promise in supporting glucuronidation. Apples and kale are two common foods found in many kitchens
that also support this function. Other nutrients include grape seed extract, milk thistle, hawthorn, omega-3
fatty acids, resveratrol, and magnesium. Consuming these may help speed up your body’s ability to
metabolize psilocybin.
Medical Attention
No one has died directly from psychedelic mushrooms. Psilocybin has one of the lowest emergency room
visits for psychedelic substances. Moreover, of those visits, a large portion are due to individuals picking and
ingesting the wrong type of mushroom.
The two most common reasons an individual may want to go to the hospital is if he or she is experiencing
an emotional and mental “bad trip”, or feeling physically ill. If you, or someone you are with, feels he/she
needs medical treatment, it is likely the hospital will administer an IV of fluids and a benzodiazepine, like
Xanax, Klonopin, or Valium. Benzodiazepines raise the levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in
the brain, leading to a calm, sedated state. Experienced psychonauts have said keeping a Xanax or similar
benzodiazepine tablet on hand might be worth trying before heading to the hospital. Always plan ahead
and understand drug contradictions and/or speak to a medical professional.
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In case you or someone you are with has become overwhelmingly nauseated, strictly from the high, and
there is zero concern about ingesting the wrong type of psilocybin, it is worth seeking some electrolytes,
like coconut water or Gatorade. You can also take some Pepto Bismol (which is essentially pink, flavored
charcoal).
CONCLUSION
Tripping on psychedelics is a commitment usually accompanied by immeasurable rewards. It is also
extremely personal, and never a guarantee of what will be experienced. The one guarantee, however, is that
it will end. So keep that in mind if you are feeling overwhelmed. If you do experience a challenging journey,
don’t hold it in. Talk to someone. There is nothing to be embarrassed about; it is not your fault, and it does
not mean it will happen every time. If something comes up and you need to be sober, do not let the stress of
it take over your experience. Stay as calm as possible. Do not do anything unsafe—for instance, driving.
If you stay calm and talk it over, you’re likely to find a solution.
Tripping is like swimming, in the sense that you need to stay calm. Don’t panic; don’t let yourself drown
when you know good and well you most certainly have the tools to stay afloat. Easier said than done—but
preparation is the best form of insurance.
Safety first! If you are concerned you may

have eaten the wrong type of mushroom,
seek help immediately.
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HAVING SEX ON SHROOMS: GOOD OR BAD IDEA?
Everybody remembers their first time: Their first time having sex. Their first time tripping on magic
mushrooms. What both experiences share is their significant impact on an individual’s unique journey
of self-discovery.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU HAVE SEX ON MUSHROOMS

In order to learn and grow, one must experience both positive and negative consequences. This certainly
applies to both sex and to psychedelic trips. When we learn the subtle arts of surrender and communication,
we are able to transform them into positive exchanges of discovery. That being said, the first rule of sex on
magic mushrooms is: Don’t have expectations. In fact, it is advised that you dissolve any constructs of sex
and drugs altogether before journeying into such potentially ecstatic dimensions. Intimacy and sexuality
take on a whole new meaning when one commits to a magic mushroom exploration.
Let’s just say … things can get weird.
Cosmic Lust
Magic mushrooms allow people to tap in and rediscover the organic sexuality that is our universal life force,
that “thing” that connects us all. As an anonymous psychonaut once said, magic mushroom trips tend to
feel like a subtle eight-hour-long orgasm. Indeed, the mushrooms can heighten your senses of this life force
and leave you dripping in cosmic lust. The feeling of oneness with the cosmos that most people get while
tripping is a result of their awakening to the universal sexual life force inside themselves. The Beatles’ song
Because takes on a whole new meaning after a magic mushroom trip.
Because the world is round it turns me on.
—The Beatles
Beloved Travel Companion

Depending on how one is reacting to the mushroom, integrating a partner into your trip can enhance this
cosmic feeling of oneness. Some cases call for alone time, which is okay, too. Learning to be alone is an
important part of everyone’s sexual and psychedelic evolution. However, it isn’t out of the question to
integrate sexual intercourse and magic mushrooms. In fact, there have been many veteran psychonauts who,
along with their beloved travel companions, have had indescribable psychedelic sexual experiences. Typically,
though, such experiences come with practice, divine timing, proper set and setting, and, of course, the right
beloved travel companion. As stated above, dissolving previously held constructs of sex is important when
journeying together. In some cases, a mushroom may show you that simply looking into the eyes of your lover
can be an intense sexual experience. The experience doesn’t have to strictly be reserved for intercourse.
Creating Connections
Magic mushrooms do a great job of helping us break down the societal constructs of structured and/or
pornographic sexual experiences. Earth to humans: sex isn’t just about racing to a climax! Sex is a journey
of surrender, freedom, bliss, unity, and ecstasy. Below is a beautiful description of a personal psychedelic
sexual experience, from an anonymous veteran mushroom user.
Sex on psilocybin was a very transformative experience for me. I spent the evening with my
partner soaking in all the sounds, feelings, tastes, and emotions, within our little bubble and I
felt every wall crumbling under the weight of our trip together. I felt the ideas pressed upon
us by society melt away as our feminine and masculine selves blended effortlessly. However,
I was not a woman and he was not a man; we were just us. I felt his bright pink, fiery feminine
energy flowing through my body as my soft blue masculine energy dusted over him. Neither
of us had any expectations of the other or our own selves. We simply were existing, not to
please or to gain pleasure, but just to exist. It’s so heavy thinking about how much gender
roles affect our everyday interactions and it was so freeing to shed those weights.
—Anonymous veteran mushroom goddess
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Distorted Perception of Time
Due to the short attention span that comes with mushroom trips, a sexual exchange isn’t something you can
plan. You may spend the majority of your trip so engrossed in the present moment of earthly beauty and
nuances that sex isn’t something you can focus on long enough to complete the act. As the trip organically
unfolds, it is best to communicate your needs and wants clearly to your partner. Veterans advise that the
best time to give it a go for newcomers is on the comedown of the trip, or after the peak. Once you and your
lover are more practiced and want to dive into sex while peaking, you’ll get to experience a raw, wild, and
luscious terrain.
IS IT SAFE TO HAVE SEX ON MAGIC MUSHROOMS?

It is not advised to dive into having sexual intercourse while peaking, at least in your beginning, experimental
phase. Mushrooms have the tendency to show us personal aspects of ourselves that need healing. Allow this
process to fully happen, and integrate it into your day-to-day reality, so you can heal and evolve into differ-
ent explorations of ecstasy and healing, which may include mushrooms and intimacy with a consenting lover.
The word here is CONSENT!
Possible Physical Limitations

There are moments of peaking on psychedelics where you can find yourself traveling the multiverse and
become nonverbal. There are also cases where inhibitions can be lowered, and you may participate in an
activity you might later regret. This is why it is very important to practice safe set and setting while tripping.
Love and trust the people you are journeying with, and set clear and positive intentions before indulging.
Also, allow the mushrooms to show you—and fill you with—love, but be careful of falling in love too quickly.
Everyone has a unique love language, and the mushroom has a unique language with each person.
Remember: communication and consent. For all of you sweet, mushy lovers out there, please practice safe
sex and be compassionate with one another.
TOP QUOTES ABOUT HAVING SEX ON MAGIC MUSHROOMS

Sexuality is the glory of the living experience. Ecstasy is the contemplation of wholeness. That’s why
when you experience ecstasy—when you contemplate wholeness—you come down remade in terms
of the political and social arena because you have seen the larger picture.
—Annie Sprinkle, How Psychedelics Informed My Sex Life and Sex Work
People tend to link “sex and drugs” because both are condemned by society. Nevertheless,
throughout the ages, human beings have continually searched for more ecstasy, more sexual
satisfaction, for solutions to their sexual problems, and for aphrodisiacs. Psychoactive substances
have been used in most cultures because they can be keys to unlocking the mysteries of life. Of
course, as each mystery is unraveled, a bunch of new ones appear. Both sex and psychedelics are
ultimately about consciousness, about self-discovery, and going beyond everyday reality to that
magical place somewhere over the rainbow, where we feel Divine and we experience some truth.
Granted, both sex and psychedelic drugs are generally used unconsciously by most people. We
need to work on that.
I think going to the Grave without having a Psychedelic Experience is like going to the Grave
without ever having Sex. It means that you never Figured out what it is all about. The Mystery is in
the Body and the way the Body Works itself into Nature.
—Terence McKenna
Few things feel better than getting high and getting laid.
—David Jay Brown
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HIPPIE FLIPPING: WHEN SHROOMS AND MOLLY MEET
Often sought after for its intense visuals and euphoric feeling, many people would argue that a hippie flip
trip is the ultimate drug experience. The effects of consuming psilocybin mushrooms results in what is
referred to as a “trip”. The experience of ingesting MDMA is called “rolling”. The combination of the two
is well defined as a “flip” for its intense and adventurous pairing of psychedelic substances.
WHAT IS HIPPIE FLIPPING?

Hippie flipping is a drug consumption method which involves ingesting both MDMA and psychedelic
mushrooms. “Flipping” is a broad term used when adding another substance with MDMA. The combination
of ketamine and MDMA is known as “kitty flipping”. Other popular combinations include “candy flipping,”
which is a mixture of LSD and ecstasy and “nexus flipping” which is MDMA and 2CB. Each combination
results in heightened euphoria and physical sensations.
Some sites refer to hippie flipping when talking about the combined use of LSD and MDMA. This is how the
Urban Dictionary defines it. However, the majority of psychonauts would know hippie flipping as a combina-
tion of MDMA and psilocybin. Another common term for hippie flipping is “flower flipping”.
THE HIPPIE FLIP EXPERIENCE

Hippie flipping is a practice for many psychonauts because of its rolling feeling with a psychedelic mindset.
The experience may produce pleasing visuals and empathetic feelings. Some users may find that hippie
flipping results in a state of extreme playfulness and excitement. A psychedelic user told us: “The ecstasy
kind of makes you dive deep into your senses – feel, smell, taste, sight and sounds – which are all extremely
trippy with this hit of bliss to all of it.”
A hippie flip enthusiast also revealed:
“The big one for me is the connection to other people. At festivals, you can make some pretty
intense connections with strangers. And although the experience is fleeting, I think moments like
that are truly magical. Mushrooms by themselves don’t really allow me to venture off and seek
connection with other people than who I’m tripping with. But adding ecstasy makes my
extroverted side really comes out.”
How to Hippie Flip

Although it is hard to advise individuals on an exact amount of substance to be used when hippie flipping,
it is generally better to start off with a smaller dose. The effect depends on the potency of the product, and
the effects may vary from person to person. Open discussion forums such as Reddit and Quora, psychonauts
have suggested a magic mushroom dose of under 2 g. When it comes to MDMA, it is advised to decrease
your regular dosage, and take what you would consider being a light to moderate dose.
While there are community forums where people share their formulas and experience, there seems to be
some commonality to the approach. First, start with a dose of mushrooms, somewhere between 1-3 grams.
Next, allow the mushrooms 1-2 hours to take full effect, and take a dose of MDMA. The dosage
recommendations vary, but 100 mg is a common dosage. Some people find that taking another dose of
50 mg of MDMA 1-2 hours later will extend the experience. Since the mushroom trip can last 4-6 hours, the
come down from the MDMA might be a little uncomfortable, hence the suggested second dose.
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What It Feels Like to Flip
The hipping flipping experience depends on various factors specific to the individual. Dosage, mental state,
environment, and the user’s unique biology all play a role. Therefore, each trip is a subjective experience,
and a range of results can occur. Consequently, it is nearly impossible to predict or give a general account of
what it truly feels like to hippie flip. However, many people describe similar effects, and that information can
give future hippie flippers a general idea of what they might be able to expect. Remember, it is not an exact
science with consistent and repeatable results.
People have reported enhanced euphoria, unprovoked joy, and a strong need for social bonding. Other
reports detail strong visual effects. Some of those effects involve objects in the environment morphing,
expanding, moving, or even trailing off. Additionally, hippie flippers often reveal experiences involving
elevated senses. This can include colors appearing to be brighter or lights having an enhanced luminescence.
Also, the sense of touch tends to be captivating, as though everything has an enhanced ‘aliveness’.
On the other hand, other people might feel confused and overwhelmed. An intense trip can make it difficult
to understand social cues and gauge the reality of a social situation. Moreover, some people may experience
intense emotions that can both be pleasant or challenging to deal with.
One man said of his experience with hippie flipping:
“I felt enveloped in the most amazing feeling. It was like connecting with everything I touched, and,
of course, any body aches I had were completely gone. Most of what I remember after that is just
rolling around in bed feeling so wonderful, like the universe was giving me a bearhug for a couple of
hours, before drifting off to sleep.”
How Long the Trip Lasts

The length of a hippie flip trip depends on the timing and doses. Magic mushrooms are known to last
an average of 4-6 hours after consumption. The effects of MDMA are known to last from 3-6 hours.
Most commonly, MDMA is consumed approximately 1-2 hours after consuming psilocybin. Thus, signaling
the beginning of the hippie flip. Therefore, the hippie flip experience could last anywhere from 6-12 hours,
dependent on dosage and how far apart you consume each substance. Additionally, you may wish to
consume more mushrooms to lengthen the overall trip as well.
MDMA AND MUSHROOMS - SAFETY & SIDE EFFECTS

Both psilocybin and MDMA are powerful psychedelics. Mixing them isn’t recommended for the first-time
user and should, as a general rule, be combined with great caution. As a psychonaut has told us: “You
definitely want to make sure you are testing your drugs so you know what you’re putting in your body.
Especially combining two powerful substances.” DanceSafe, an organization invested in the safety of
drug use in the electronic music community, sells drug purity tests on their website.
In order to be safe, it is always good practice to start off with a lower dose of your chosen substance.
Only then, may you increase your dosage after getting an impression of the effects of the initial dose.
This way, uncomfortable physical and mental effects might be avoided; especially challenging trips that
could occur from a dosage that your body simply cannot handle. DanceSafe programs and communications
coordinator, Rachel Clark reported,“Psychedelics and MDMA are very synergistic generally speaking and
there’s a reason people combine them, but a major mistake people make is doing their regular dose of
both drugs at the same time.”
It is important to practice harm reduction and understand all potential drug interactions, especially if you are
on medication.
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Understanding the Side Effects
Hippie flipping may result in a longer trip than either counterpart on its own. That being said, the effects
often taper off in half of a day. However, it is possible to have lingering side effects for up to two days. One
such effect, known as “serotonin syndrome”, can cause some uncomfortable physical and emotional
conditions. Your body makes serotonin to help your brain cells and nervous system cells communicate
with each other. When hippie flipping, your brain releases excess amounts of serotonin, creating feelings of
intense joy and enhanced physical sensations. Serotonin syndrome may occur as serotonin levels begin to
regulate after the psychedelic substances begin to leave your body.
Serotonin syndrome may cause excessive sweating, headaches, confusion, agitation, and dilated pupils.
Other undesired effects from a hippie flip trip include weakness, nausea, rapid eye movement, clenching of
the jaw, dry mouth, extreme thirst, dizziness, insomnia, and more. These side effects can be mitigated by
testing the potency and purity of your substance. Additionally, prioritize a low dosage to help ensure an
easier bounce back.
Finally, it is important to be surrounded by trustworthy people and trip in a safe environment. That might be
in your own private house or in a nearby park with your best friend. Most importantly, take your own health
into consideration, and avoid trying this technique if you have any underlining medical conditions.
NICKNAMES FOR FLIPPING COMBINATIONS

HIPPIE FLIPPING SHROOMS + MOLLY
CANDY FLIPPING ACID + MOLLY
JEDI FLIPPING SHROOMS + ACID + MOLLY
WIZARD FLIPPING ACID + SHROOMS
KITTY FLIPPING KETAMINE + MOLLY
SUGAR FLIPPING COCAINE + MOLLY
NEXUS FLIPPING 2C-B + MOLLY
LOVE FLIPPING MESCALINE + MOLLY
ROBO FLIPPING COUGH SYRUP + MOLLY
Please carefully consider and implement all harm reduction modalities before
choosing to consume or combine substances. It can be incredibly dangerous.
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HOW-TO INFO
HOW TO GROW MAGIC MUSHROOMS: STEP-BY-STEP
With the abundance of information and materials available online, growing psilocybin mushrooms has never
been more accessible and easy. Beyond being a fun project to undertake, indoor cultivation can generate
impressive yields and bypass the inherent risks of gathering psilocybin mushrooms in the wild (e.g. mistaking
them for poisonous varieties). This comprehensive guide, suitable for the beginner grower, will outline how to
grow magic mushrooms at home.
HOW DO MUSHROOMS GROW?

One of the most exciting things about growing your own mushrooms is intimately learning the mushroom
lifecycle. Mushrooms are really the fruiting bodies of the fungus, analogous to the fruits of a tree.
The fruiting bodies grow from mycelium, the vegetative part of the mushroom which can be thought of as
the underground fruit-bearing tree. Mycelium is constituted of white, thread-like filaments called hyphae.
They originate from fungal spores, the tiny “seeds” released by the fruiting bodies that are responsible for
initiating the mushroom reproduction processes under suitable environmental conditions (more on these
conditions later).
The mycelium grows on an inoculated (spore-infused) substrate until it fully colonizes the medium. The
substrate is the organic matter environment that contains nutrients and water that the fungus uses to
grow its mycelial networks in the colonization stage and, later, its fruiting bodies in the fruiting stage.
Under the right growth conditions, fruiting bodies are produced in short bursts known as “flushes.”
Once mushroom spores land on the optimal medium, it takes four

crucial factors to stimulate fruiting body growth:
Humidity Light Temperature Fresh Air Exchange
GROWING MAGIC MUSHROOMS AT HOME

This grow guide is based on a growing method called PF Tek. This method was originally developed in the
early 1990s by Robert McPherson, also known as “Psylocybe Fanaticus.” This method streamlined indoor
cultivation, making it easy, inexpensive, and reliable for beginners.
Taking a high-level overview, the PF Tek method involves preparing a substrate mixture of brown rice flour,
water, and vermiculite. The vermiculite adds extra space to the grain mixture, allowing the mycelium to
extend across the substrate and colonize effectively.
Once the substrate is prepared, it is loaded into jars and topped with a filter of dry vermiculite. The
mushroom spores are then injected into each of the jars under sterile conditions. The inoculated substrate
is then gradually colonized by the mycelium over a few weeks.
The colonized substrate is then relocated to a fruiting chamber that emulates natural growing conditions
found in the wild. Here, the mushrooms will grow over the course of another week or two with consistent
misting and fanning.
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WHAT YOU NEED
Fruiting Sterile Magic
Substrate
Chamber Working Mushroom
Materials
Materials Materials Spores
Spore syringe Clear, rectangular plastic 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Psilocybe cubensis spores
Organic brown rice flour tote (~70 quarts) Lighter are generally regarded as
Vermiculite Coarse Perlite Surface disinfectant the best species for
Water Colander/strainer Latex gloves beginners to work with.
Gypsum Electric drill with 1/4” bit Dust/surgical mask
1/2 pint wide-mouthed Measuring tape Popular Strains
canning jar with lids Sharpie
of P. cubensis:
Mixing bowl 6500K “daylight”
Measuring cup flourescent bulb
B+ P. cubensis
Spoon
Golden Teacher
Heavy-duty aluminum foil P. cubensis
Hammer Penis Envy
3 penny nail P. cubensis
Small towel/extra jar lids Go back to:
Pressure cooker or large Guide to Magic
pot with tight-fitting lid. Mushroom Strains
HOW LONG DO MUSHROOMS TAKE TO GROW?

Anywhere from 5-14 days later, mushrooms will begin to form. They will first appear as tiny bumps that will
grow into pins. With each passing day, they will roughly double in size.
The first flush will be ready to harvest right before the partial veil (the thin membrane below the cap) breaks.
At this stage, the mushrooms have round caps, covered gills, and are not releasing spores. You can cut or
gently twist the mushrooms close to the cake to remove them.
Once all the mushrooms have been harvested from a cake, keep the cake dry for a day and then dunk it in
a bowl of water for 24 hours. From here, the rehydrated cake can be placed back in the SGFC for another
flush. Subsequent flushes don’t require another dry vermiculite roll since the vermiculite from the first flush
will be ingrained in the mycelium. Using this method, some people report having a total of four flushes from
each cake, however, the largest yield will typically be the first and second flush.
Overall, from inoculation to harvest, the PF Tek method will take approximately 5-6 weeks. A well-inoculated
cake can create up to 200 g of fresh mushrooms over several flushes.
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STEP Preparation
A. Prepare the jars: Put holes in the jar lids with disinfected hammer & nails.
D. Sterilize the substrate:

• Screw on the lids and cover the top with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• Using a small thin towel or jar lids, make sure the jars do not make direct contact with the
base of the pressure cooker or pot.
When time is up, turn off the heat and let them cool.
Don’t open up the pressure cooker or pot until this is done.
STEP Inoculation
HOURS
LATER
STEP
P Colonization
A. Mycelium incubation:
• Place inoculated jars in a dark tote or on a shelf in a closet without direct sunlight.
• Keep the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees F.
• Make sure the inoculation holes are exposed.
• Keep an eye on them. The substrate will begin to colonize within a couple of days.
• Important: Watch for any signs of contamination such as odd colors or smells. Contamination
can spread rapidly, so remove & dispose of any potentially contaminated jars quickly.
• The jars will gradually turn white with mycelium, spreading out from the inoculation sites.
This will take approximately 2-3 weeks.
• Once the jars appear fully colonized (you can no longer see uncolonized substrate), allow the
mycelium to consolidate by letting them sit for an additional week.
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STEP Build the Shotgun
Fruiting Chamber
STEP Birthing & Dunking

A. Birthing:
• Remove the cakes from the jars by inverting them and slapping the bottom.
• Rinse the cakes under cold running water to remove the dry vermiculite layer.
B. Dunking:
• Fill up a large bowl or pot of cool water and submerge the birthed cakes inside the water.
Place a plate or pan on top of the cakes to totally submerge them.
• Leave the cakes in the water pot for 24 hours, making sure they stay submerged.
A. Rolling the cakes:

STEP Fruiting
• Remove the cakes from the pot and place them on a disinfected surface.
• Fill a pan or bowl with a few inches of dry vermiculite.
• Roll each cake in the dry vermiculite, fully covering each cake.
B. Transfer cakes to the SGFC:

• Arrange evenly in the chamber, place each cake on top of a pre-cut square of aluminum foil
so the cakes won’t be directly touching the moist vermiculite.
• Mist the chamber with a spray bottle and fan the chamber with the lid before closing.
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BENEFITS OF USING A MAGIC MUSHROOM KIT
Pros Cons
• Ease-of-use. • More expensive in the long run.
• Highly simple and hassle-free because • Not as cost-effective as buying grow
they are a ready-to-use, all-in-one materials in bulk.
package. • Less reliable and prone to
• Fewer steps involved. You can skip the contamination.
sterilization, incubation, and colonization • Grow kits can be hard to troubleshoot
steps. if problems arise.
• Convenient. Ideal for someone with a • The sterilization techniques used by
busy schedule. the company are largely unknown.
• Not as much preparation, misting, and • Less yield. It may also not be reusable
fanning are required. for multiple flushes, depending on the
• Quicker. If all goes well, grow kits are har grow kit.
vestable in 2-3 weeks. • Unlike spores, 100% psilocybin
• The PF Tek method takes 5-6 weeks in mushroom mycelium is illegal to ship
total. or possess in many countries.
Grow kits can offer a quick and easy route to their possession, the best bet is to start from
scratch. The PF Tek is a great way to grow magic mushrooms, with impressive yields at a
very reasonable price. In addition, taking part in the full process from inoculation to
harvest allows you to learn a lot more about the mushroom grow cycle. In the long run,
it can become a fun new hobby or a stepping stone to larger-scale grows for a wide
variety of mushrooms.
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HOW TO BUY PSILOCYBIN SPORES
Every magic mushroom cultivator, from the first-timer to the professional grower, initiates the growing
process from psilocybin spores. Many countries have legal gray areas when it comes to mushroom spores.
This can pose many questions and concerns to the prospective grower. Additionally, the large variety of
online spore suppliers and their wide range of reputability can make the process of obtaining quality spores
daunting. This article aims to clear up any confusion on the legality of psilocybin spores. We’ll cover when
they are illegal and when they are not. We will also discuss the different spore preparations used for research
and substrate inoculation. Lastly, we’ll dive into how and where to find the most reliable spore suppliers.
WHAT ARE PSILOCYBIN SPORES?

Psilocybin mushroom spores are microscopic reproductive cells that are analogous to the seeds of a plant.
After germinating in optimal environmental conditions, the spores begin to form thin, branching filaments
known as hyphae. Over time, the hyphae will expand into a white thread-like mass known as mycelium.
The mycelium is the underground, vegetative part of the fungus that acquires nutrients from the colonized
substrate. Eventually, the mycelium amasses to form fruiting bodies (mushrooms) with the right tempera-
ture, humidity, and lighting. Once the fruiting body caps mature and open, they will begin to release spores
from the gills into the environment. Thus completing the mushroom lifecycle.
ARE PSILOCYBIN SPORES LEGAL?

Unlike the mycelium and fruiting bodies, the spores do not contain the Schedule I psychedelic compounds
psilocybin and psilocin. For this reason, they are not controlled in the same manner as mycelium and
mushrooms in many countries and states.
In the United States, psilocybin spores are legally bought and sold in all states except California, Georgia,
and Idaho. Spore vendors will generally not send spores to customers that live in these three states. In all
other states, the spores are labeled and sold for research or identification purposes. When used for these
purposes, hobbyists and mycological researchers study the spores under a high magnification microscope.
DO PSILOCYBIN SPORES EVER BECOME ILLEGAL?

Although spores can be bought, sold, and studied legally in most states, legal issues arise when spores are
used with the intention of cultivation. Although spores do not contain any psilocybin, once they germinate,
the mycelium contains it. At this point in a grow, law enforcement can charge you with possession or
cultivation of a controlled substance. This is also why pre-colonized grow kits (with 100% mycelium) are also
illegal. One state exception is New Mexico. Here it is entirely legal to cultivate shrooms as long as the fruiting
bodies aren’t dried after harvesting. Furthermore, in many cities and counties in the United States, psilocybin
decriminalization efforts are currently underway. These more relaxed laws mean cultivation for personal use
is a low priority for law enforcement.
Around the world, psilocybin spore possession and use for cultivation vary from strictly forbidden to fully
legal. Psilocybin possession and cultivation can result in long prison sentences (or worse) in a handful of
countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia. On the other hand, in Jamaica, Brazil, the British Virgin Islands,
and Samoa, it is completely legal to possess and cultivate psilocybin mushrooms. Psilocybin is illegal in the
Netherlands. However, a legal loophole allows for the legal use, purchase, and cultivation of psilocybin
containing magic truffles. In decriminalized countries like Portugal, Spain, Austria, Czech Republic, and Italy,
psilocybin mushroom possessors and cultivators won’t face severe criminal penalties, provided it is for
personal use. Like the United States, in Canada and the United Kingdom, you can legally purchase mush-
room spores if used for microscopy purposes.
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BUYING MUSHROOM SPORES
Spores are sold in two preparations: spore syringes and spore prints. Vendors form spore syringes from
spore prints in sterile conditions. This is the most user-friendly spore delivery method for beginner growers.
Spore Syringe
A spore syringe is a mixture of sterile water and psilocybin spores contained inside of a 10 mL syringe. Because
the mixture does not contain nutrients, the spores remain dormant in the solution, preventing their germination.
In addition to the syringe barrel full of spores, a typical spore syringe package comes with a sterile Leur Lock
needle and disinfecting alcohol pads. With all of this, it is ready to be added to a microscope slide for research
or used to inoculate a substrate under sterile conditions. Spore syringes can last for over six months at room
temperature and potentially years when kept in the refrigerator. Overall, spore syringes are the best beginner
option, especially for introductory growing methods like the PF Tek.
Spore Prints
Spore prints are commonly used for mushroom identification purposes. However, people also use them for cul-
tivation. They are formed under sterile conditions by placing the underside of a mature cap on a sterile medium,
such as clean paper or foil.
Over a period of hours, the spores will release onto the medium, producing a unique “stamp” made up of millions
of spores. Spore prints are advantageous for several reasons. They are discrete, last many years if kept cool and
dry, and you can make multiple syringes out of them.
Common Spore Pricing
Spore syringes and prints of Psilocybe cubensis usually cost anywhere from $15-25, not including the cost of
shipping. More prized mushroom strains and exotic varieties can run slightly higher. Oftentimes, suppliers will
give per-unit discounts when syringes or prints are bought in packs.
WHY USE MUSHROOM SPORES?

For the prospective cultivator, the relative legality of purchasing spores is one clear advantage over more legally
troublesome options like mycelium grow kits. Even in countries where these grow kits are legally permitted they
do not offer the same versatility as growing mushrooms from spores.
Starting from spores allows you to pick from a wide range of substrates (which tend to be cheaper in bulk) and
mushroom strains. It also allows you to have total control over the entire cultivation process, including the
possibility of troubleshooting each phase of the growing process. And of course, as a hobby, it can be more fun
learning the entirety of the mushroom growth cycle.
HOW TO BUY MUSHROOM SPORES ONLINE

With the abundance of spore vendors available online, it can be tricky to know if a supplier is legitimate or a
potential scam. In this section, we will overview some tips for choosing the most reputable spore supplier.
Shop From Verified Sites
Top vendors have usually been around for a long time and have a track record of excellent customer service.
They will also maintain a high-quality website, complete with a great selection of spores, an FAQ, a contact
page, and an easy-to-use checkout process. Look for safe and secure payment platforms at checkout. Often,
top suppliers will give discounts on cryptocurrency orders.
Read Reviews
Before moving forward with an order, make sure you browse the online reviews both on the vendor website as well
as on other trusted websites. Legitimate companies will have a long history and a large number of top reviews.
Do Your Research
Lastly, always conduct your own independent research and use legal due diligence by heeding your state and
country’s laws before moving forward with an order! The most legitimate vendors will always abide by the law
and won’t indulge cultivation advice of active species.
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A FORAGING TRIP: WHERE DO MAGIC MUSHROOMS GROW?
Foraging for psilocybin mushrooms is a lot more than just a prerequisite to a potentially transformative
entheogenic experience. It’s also a fun and rewarding way to get out in nature and delve into the mysterious
and fascinating world of mycology. However, given that the majority of mushrooms are inedible and some are
highly poisonous, shroom hunting is an activity where you definitely do not want to be flying blind. This
article aims to be an introductory resource that will get you safely started on your foraging journey. To that
end, we will take a high-level overview of the major climates and habitats where psilocybin mushrooms grow.
We’ll also discuss how to find and identify some of the most popular shroom species.
WHAT IS FORAGING?
Mushroom foraging is the practice of searching for wild mushrooms. This is done either to pick and sell/eat
them, to conduct mycological research, or for its own sake as a fun outdoor hobby. Many foragers are after
exotic choice edibles like chantarelles, morels, oysters, and truffles, which can sell for surprisingly high prices.
Exotic mushroom foraging is a common activity in Europe, Asia, and North America. Psilocybin mushroom
foraging is no exception. Psilocybin mushroom pioneers introduced them to the national consciousness in the
late 1950s and discovered them to be prolific outside of South America. Interest in mushroom foraging grew
dramatically during the countercultural 1960s and 70s. Legions of folks throughout the northwestern and
southeastern United States began to head to the fields and woods in search of active species. With that tidal
wave of interest came a number of stories involving accidental fatal poisonings.
To this day, these unfortunate misidentifications highlight the crucial importance of knowing how to
differentiate the deadly from the magical. But once adequately prepared and informed of the dangerous
varieties, shroom hunting is generally very safe. Most foragers have success during the damp months of late
summer and early fall. This is when most shrooms are likely to be fruiting. Later, we will discuss specific
habitats and climates that are favorable for certain species.
WHERE DO SHROOMS GROW?

Psilocybin mushrooms are a diverse group of fungi that grow virtually everywhere around the world.
There are more than 200 species across 12 genera, most of which (116) belong to the genus Psilocybe.
Around the world, psilocybin mushrooms occur naturally on every major continent except for Antarctica.
Twenty-two of these species grow in Canada and the United States, particularly along the West Coast, from
Northern California to British Columbia. Sixteen species grow in Europe, especially in central and northern
Europe. Mexico is home to the largest number of species, with 53 currently known. A further 15 exist in Asia,
four in Africa, and 19 in Oceania.
Unlike photosynthesizing plants, fungi use their underground mycelium to feed and grow. The mycelium
releases acids and enzymes that break down the substrates they colonize into simpler molecules. The
fungi then absorb and use these as energy for respiration, and to grow their mycelial networks and
fruiting bodies. Psilocybin mushrooms are saprophytes, meaning they feed and grow on decomposing
plant and animal matter.
Saprophytes can be further classified based on the type of substrate that they prefer. Lignicolous
(wood-loving) species grow and live on woody debris, such as dead leaves, sticks, and bark mulch.
Humicolous (humus-loving) species thrive in humus and soils like red clay and loam. Coprophilous species
thrive in grasslands, where they selectively colonize the dung of grazing herbivores such as cows, horses,
goats, and even elephants.
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IDEAL MUSHROOM ENVIRONMENT
Psilocybin mushrooms, or really mushrooms in general, require three crucial environmental factors to grow:
ample amounts of humidity (usually above 80%), indirect lighting to stimulate fruiting, and mild or warm tem-
peratures. If these conditions are met, then only the preferred substrate of any given species is required. Let’s
take a closer look at the ideal mushroom environment, including the climates and habitats where they flourish.
Climate
Psilocybin mushrooms grow naturally in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world.
In the United States, over a dozen species, overwhelmingly the wood-loving species, thrive in the Pacific
Northwest. This region has a temperate climate inland and an oceanic climate along the coast. These climates
support the highly potent “caramel-capped” Psilocybes, such as P. cyanescens and P. azurescens. Northwest
and Central Europe, southeast Australia, and New Zealand also have oceanic climates. All of these regions
support wood-loving species that fruit primarily in the fall when temperatures drop.
Many grass-loving species prefer humid subtropical regions. For instance, the highly popular P. cubensis may
fruit nearly all year long. But most often they flourish on warm summer days after heavy rainfall. In the United
States, this climate is found in Florida and around the Gulf Coast. Around the world, subtropical climates are
found in eastern Australia, Southeast Asia, and much of South America. All of these regions are home to P.
cubensis and other grass-loving shrooms.
Habitat
As mentioned earlier, psilocybin species may differ in the substrate they prefer to inhabit, and different
habitats support these substrates.
Grassland habitats are home to small, bell-shaped Psilocybes like P. semilanceata and P. mexicana. These
Psilocybes fruit from a wide variety of grasses. Such grasses include dune grasses, bentgrass, bunch grasses,
fescues, sedges, and perennial ryes. Some species, like P. stuntzii, may even grow in highly urbanized areas—
including in lawns, parks, and in wood chips around landscaped buildings.
Rarer psilocybes like P. hoogshagenii prefer nutrient-rich humus and clay soils. You can find larger and more
abundant grass-loving species like P. cubensis, Panaeolus cyanescens, and Panaeolus subbalteatus in wet
grassy fields and uncultivated pastures rich in manure and cattle dung. These dung-loving species tend to
flourish for just a few days, due to the temporary nature of their habitat.
Wood-loving Psilocybes grow best in disturbed habitats like moist, well-mulched gardens, at the edges of
roads, and debris fields with decomposing wood. Some are known to thrive around construction sites and
landslides, until these habitats no longer have the nutrients to support their growth. Some wood lovers, such
as Psilocybe caerulipes, Psilocybe cyanescens, and Psilocybe serbica can be found in deciduous and coniferous
forests. They’re especially prolific in riparian zones, on decaying hardwood near streams, ponds, and lakes.
HOW TO IDENTIFY SHROOMS

Depending on the species in question, successful shroom identification can range from an easy activity for
the amateur to a highly involved, research-based venture for the skilled mycologist. In general, psilocybin-
containing species in the Psilocybe, Panaeolus, and Gymnopilus genera are the easiest to identify with
certainty for non-mycologists. It’s important to note, however, that if you are not absolutely certain about an
ID, do not ingest it or give it to others to ingest. Many species, especially small grass-loving species, can look
eerily similar to poisonous or even deadly LBMs (little brown mushrooms). With that said, let’s look
at some general characteristics which can help you narrow down the large pool of ID possibilities to a
psilocybin mushroom ID.
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General Characteristics of Psilocybin Mushrooms
The Bluing Reaction
Psilocybin mushrooms commonly bruise bluish when handled or injured. This occurs when unstable psilocin
degrades to certain bluing compounds, catalyzed by enzymes present in the mushroom. Naturally, the more
psilocin content there is in the mushroom, the stronger the bluing reaction. Some species will even bruise
indigo-black, as with the extremely potent Psilocybe azurescens.
While a great rule of thumb, the absence of a bruising reaction doesn’t definitely indicate you’re not in the
presence of a psilocybin mushroom. This is the case with high psilocybin/no psilocin varieties like P. semilanceata.
Conversely, some non-psilocybin mushrooms have bluing reactions, most notably a handful of boletes.
Purple-Brown Spore Print

Psilocybin mushrooms in the Psilocybe and Panaeolus genera generally have spore prints that are purplish-brown
to black in color. In contrast, highly poisonous species like Pholiotina filaris and the deadly Galerinas have rusty
brown spore prints. These species have reportedly grown within inches of Psilocybes on the same substrate. For
this reason, I strongly recommend taking a spore print in order to confirm an ID. To take a spore print, simply cut
the cap off the fresh specimen and lay it on a piece of white paper, then place a cup over it to lessen dehydration.
Over the course of a few hours, the spores will deposit onto the paper, like a unique fingerprint.
Other Characteristics to Look For

Overall, it’s safest to forage for the genera Psilocybe and Panaeolus, considering they don’t contain any poisonous
species (unlike Conocybe and Inocybe). Apart from the useful indicators above, some general characteristics of
Psilocybes include a nut-brown cap, a lighter-colored cap margin, gill edges usually fringed whitish, and a
gelatinous pellicle that can separate from the cap when it is broken apart. Panaeolus species typically dwell in
grasslands and in dung. These species have spotted gills when mature, usually with gray and black zones.
Overwhelmingly, they are slender mushrooms with conic or hemispheric caps.
Confirming An Identification
For detailed descriptions and pictures of psilocybin mushrooms by species, consider consulting the gold
standard of psilocybin mushroom field guides: Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World by Paul Stamets.
To maximize your chances of a positive ID with the help of a field guide or mushroom ID app, collect a large
number of specimens. Ideally, choose ones ranging from very young to fully mature. As mushrooms mature,
their physical characteristics evolve in a unique way. This includes how the cap changes shape, color, and
texture; how the gills and stem meet; and how the veil or veil remnants transform with time. Collect them in
a container that lets them breathe (i.e., not plastic bags) and document everything you can about where you
found them and what they were growing on.
If you want to further confirm your identification, you can post pictures and descriptions to communities
such as the Shroomery identification forum, the Shroom ID subreddit, and various active shroom
identification Facebook groups. All of these usually respond quickly (provided you follow their posting
guidelines) and can be very helpful in identifying a given psilocybin-containing species.
When beginning to forage in the wild, it’s best to get familiar with the most popular psilocybin mushrooms.
These are not only easier to find, but you’re also less likely to confuse them with poisonous or even deadly
varieties, given the plethora of information available about them. For more seasoned foragers, here is a list
of known active species found in every state and country. This listing can help you narrow down which
species to familiarize yourself with before going out to forage.
For detailed information on strain identification, refer back to: Guide to Magic Mushroom Strains.
Psilocybe cubensis
P. cubensis, known as Gold Caps or Cubes, are a highly popular pan-tropical species found growing on the
dung of grazing herbivores and in soils rich in manure. P. cubensis is one of the largest and most easily
identifiable Psilocybes. Their golden-brown caps measure 0.5–5 inches across, and their stems can reach
lengths of over 6 inches. When young, the caps start out bulbous and round and widen with age. You can
definitively identify P. cubensis by its dark purple-brown spore prints and deep bluish bruising reaction.
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P. cubensis are widespread around the world, particularly in humid and warm climates among grasslands
and pastures. In the United States, they commonly grow in the southeastern states from Florida to the
Texas Gulf Coast, typically in late spring and early summer. Internationally, they’re found in Southeast Asia,
Australia, India, Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean.
Psilocybe cubensis
P. semilanceata, or the Liberty Cap, is a grass-loving species known for its broad distribution and ease of
identification. The bell-shaped caps normally don’t get bigger than an inch wide, and at most they stand
just shy of 4 inches tall. The caps have a prominent umbo and are usually dark chestnut brown in color,
which lightens when dried. Liberty Caps produce a purplish-brown spore print, which can help to distinguish
it from other similar-looking poisonous lawn species like Conocybe apala and Pholiotina rugosa. Note that
since Liberty Caps contain no psilocin (yet are high in its prodrug, psilocybin), they rarely bruise bluish.
Liberty Caps grow throughout much of the world in pastures, lawns, and other grassy areas in the fall and
early winter. In North America, they are dispersed from Northern California to British Columbia. They also
grow in many other countries. These include—but are not limited to—Canada, England, Ireland, France,
Germany, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand,
Russia, Spain, India, Ukraine, and Pakistan.
Psilocybe cyanescens
P. cyanescens, commonly known simply as cyans, is a moderate-to-highly potent wood-loving species
that the mycologist Elsie Wakefield discovered in 1946. They get their nickname “wavy caps” from their
undulating or rippled-cap margin at maturity. The caps are caramel-colored when fresh and dark
yellowish-brown when dried. When young, cyans have a weblike partial veil that rapidly deteriorates with
maturity. Like other highly potent species, cyans bruise deeply bluish, due to their high psilocin content.
P. cyanescens grows in wood chips, sawdust, and woody debris along the edges of lawns and heavily
mulched garden beds. They often fruit in large clusters, normally when temperatures drop to 50–65ºF,
from late fall to the first frost. In the United States, they grow predominantly on the West Coast, from San
Francisco to southern Alaska. Worldwide, they also grow in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and in many
parts of temperate Central Europe.
Psilocybe azurescens
P. azurescens, also known as “Azzies,” are a rare and extremely potent psilocybin mushroom found only on
the West Coast of the United States. You can identify them by their silky white stems and caramel-colored,
convex caps that grow up to 1.5 inches wide. A translucent skin called a pellicle covers these caps. They
have a nipple-like bump (or umbo) in the center. Their spore print is dark purplish brown to purplish black.
Other features that signal you’re in the presence of Azzies are their deep bluing reaction on their flesh and
stipe, and their very bitter taste.
P. azurescens are found in the coastal regions of Washington and northern Oregon, especially in or near
dune grasses and sandy soils rich in ligneous debris. They can also fruit on deciduous wood chips on lands
adjacent to shorelines. Fruiting typically begins in late September and can continue until early January.
Similar to the other PNW wood-lover, P. cyanescens, Azzies can tolerate cold temperatures.
Panaeolus cyanescens
Not to be confused with Psilocybe cyanescens, Panaeolus/Copelandia cyanescens (Blue Meanies) is a
potent, dung-loving species found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. When young,
this species has a small, bell-shaped cap that becomes convex and can grow up to 1.5 inches across when
mature. The cap is light brown at first, becoming pale gray with age. The pale yellowish stem can range in
length from 7–12 cm, and will readily turn bluish when injured. After considering these characteristics as well
as others, you can definitively identify Pan cyans by its jet black spore sprint.
People on every habitable continent have reported seeing this species. It’s particularly abundant in North
and South America, eastern Australia, Europe, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. In the
United States, it’s mostly distributed in Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. You can also find them
growing on the dung of cow and carabao in humid pastures and fields.
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HOW TO DRY MAGIC MUSHROOMS: BEST PRACTICES
Growing magic mushrooms is a very delicate process that every farmer has a unique relationship with. For
that reason, one thing that remains the same is the crucial attention to detail. If you’re interested in growing
your own mushrooms, make sure you didn’t miss: How to Grow Magic Mushrooms: Step-by-Step. Once
you have successfully achieved the process of growing and harvesting your mushrooms, then it’s time for the
final delicate process of drying them. This last phase of the mushroom farming process is very important. It
can add a more potent psychedelic effect to your batch, as well as increase the amount of time they last.
WHY DRYING YOUR SHROOMS IS IMPORTANT

It is very important to dry your shrooms upon harvest. Magic mushrooms are comprised of at least 90%
water, and they will spoil and decompose if not dried properly. In order to sustain them, you must patiently
go through the drying process. When crispy dry, they are sustainable for years and will also have a more
psychedelic potency. This is because the drying process preserves alkaloids within the mushroom. These are
organic compounds of plant origin, which have pronounced physiological actions on humans. This is why a
dried mushroom can be much more powerful.
Dried mushrooms can also be versatile for you alchemists out there. At the crispy phase of the mushroom’s
life, it can be crushed and used in different alchemical recipes, such as teas, supplements, and tinctures.
Outside of the sustainability, versatility, and chemical composition of the shrooms, drying them properly
gives them a more alluring aesthetic. When dried correctly they should have a golden cap and a white stem.
When it comes to available species for growing, the most commonly cultivated is P. cubensis. This is be-
cause it’s less finicky than other species and will easily grow in a variety of environmental conditions. P.
cubensis has dozens of associated strains that differ slightly in their effects and growing requirements.
WAYS TO DRY SHROOMS

The goal of drying mushrooms is to take out any and all of the moisture so the mushrooms won’t decompose or
mold. Below are a few methods to help you get your mushrooms as dry as an Arizona desert in summer.
One of the first methods of drying mushrooms is to create your own enclosed and regulated space.
This method involves a lot of equipment. For starters, you’ll need a drying rack, a space heater, a
dehumidifier, and a small fan. This method is a bit easier to accomplish in more arid parts of the world,
because your environment is already naturally dry and hot. In order to test this method, start with small
batches in a regulated space, so you don’t risk losing too many mushrooms if something goes wrong.
This method calls for you to lay out your mushrooms on your drying rack in your regulated space for
24–48 hours, or until they are as crispy as a cracker.
The second method is to invest in an at-home dehydrator. This can cost anywhere from $20 to $500.
At home, dehydrating is a good method for drying small batches. To achieve cracker dry, set the
dehydrator to about 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on how thick your mushrooms are, you’ll want
to keep them in there for 12–24 hours, or again, until they are crispy as a cracker.
We do NOT recommend drying your mushrooms in an oven, or with a hair dryer. These methods will
cause the chemical constituents of the psilocybin to break down. Basically, you’ll bake out all of the po-
tency, and you won’t fully enjoy the wonders your newly harvested mushrooms have to offer. This is the
lazy way. Don’t be lazy!
The last method is the desiccant method. We will be using the desiccant method, below, to break down
what exactly desiccant is, as well as its step by step role in the drying process.
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WHAT IS A DESICCANT?
Desiccants are hygroscopic materials, absorbing moisture from the environment they occupy. They basically
are mini super dehydrators. The most popular form of desiccant is the silica packets we find in the boxes of
our freshly bought shoes or handbags. This ensures that nothing funky gets into your fresh new kicks and
designer bags. Most of us may have grown up being semi-terrified of those silica packets due to the “do not
eat” label. However, they are not poisonous. In reality, they are just highly absorbent rocks. If you were ever
to consume a packet you would be one dehydrated being, but you wouldn’t die.
In the drying and storage process of mushrooms, the desiccant is a very useful tool to have. You can
purchase silica packets, the most common form of desiccant, online in bulk, or at your local superstore.
Another option is to start to save silica packets from dried goods and clothing purchases. However, it
may take a few years to get the amount you need to dry your mushrooms. Instead, one fun way to get
silica packets in bulk is to create your own.
How to Make Desiccant

Below is a perfect way to get bulk silica packets, while saving a few dollars in the process.
What You Will Need

Single-ingredient kitty litter. Can anyone guess what that ingredient is? Yup, silica gel. Meow, meow!
Coffee filters or spare thin/ breathable cloth
Scissors and a stapler
Step-by-Step
Cut your coffee filter or thin piece of cloth into 4 equal squares.
Scoop a tablespoon of silica gel onto each square.
Fold the squares in half.
Fold each open edge in and staple tightly shut.
These homemade silica gel packets can be dried out and reused again after each absorption session. This
gives you nearly lifelong dehydration options for the drying and storing process.
DRYING SHROOMS: THE DESICCANT METHOD

Pre-Drying
Pre-drying is the mushroom’s natural way to shed its moisture. This is to prep them for the long haul. As
soon as you harvest them, place the mushrooms on a plate and cover with a piece of black cloth. Place the
plate in a sunny window with airflow. If perhaps it is a cloudy day, put the mushrooms on a plate near a
blowing fan. Once your mushrooms get rubbery and wrinkly, they are ready for the big dry.
What You Will Need

An airtight container, medium to large.
Enough silica packets to line the bottom of your container.
Paper towels.
Metal mesh to separate and lift the mushrooms. This can be found at any craft store.
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Step-by-Step
Line the bottom layer of your airtight container with silica packets.
Cover the silica packets with one layer of paper towels.
Round the metal mesh to the sides of your container to allow some lift from the paper towel.
This creates an extra protective throne for the mushrooms to sit above the silica packets.
Place your wrinkly pre-dried mushrooms on top of their metal-mesh throne.
Close your airtight lid. The silica packets will absorb any remaining moisture.
BE PATIENT. Check on the mushrooms every couple of days. We want to achieve that cracker-dry state.
It’s okay to test them out with a few touches, but do so sparingly, so you don’t slow down the process.
Once your mushrooms break like a cracker, they are ready for their spotlight! Also, they are ready for
long-term use and should be stored in an airtight bag or jar, accompanied by a silica gel packet to
ensure no moisture reenters the mushroom.
Note: This process should be done as spritely as possible to minimize any of the moisture in the room
getting into your controlled drying container. Also, for those of you who plan to harvest and dry many
mushrooms, it’s advisable to invest in a vacuum sealer for optimal storage post-drying.
DRYING SHROOMS FAQ

Do You Air-Dry Mushrooms?
Only in the pre-drying phase. This is to prep your mushroom for the long haul.
Do You Dehydrate Mushrooms?

The goal to drying your mushrooms is to take out any and all of the moisture, so that your mushrooms won’t
decompose or mold. In other words, yes, you want to dehydrate your mushrooms.
How Long Does It Take to Dry Mushrooms in the Oven?

We do NOT recommend drying your mushrooms in an oven or with a hair dryer. This is due to the
breakdown of the chemical constituents of the psilocybin. Basically, you’ll bake out all of the potency,
and you won’t be able to fully enjoy the wonders your newly harvested mushrooms have to offer. Once
again, this is the lazy way—so don’t be lazy!
How Long Do Dried Mushrooms Last?

Properly dried and stored mushrooms can last years before losing any potency.
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HOW TO STORE SHROOMS: BEST PRACTICES
Knowing how to store shrooms is just as vital as the growing process. Psilocybin mushrooms are a finicky
product to store with no room for error. This can be frustrating when they require meticulous care to grow
and are not always readily available. This can leave many enthusiasts no choice but to acquire shrooms
whenever possible with the intent of storing them for later use. There are a handful of options for storing
shrooms to ensure the product lasts until it is time to enjoy all the psychedelic beauty they have to offer.
This article will explain how to store psychedelic mushrooms to keep their maximum potency and why
proper storage is important.
Like any organic matter, entheogenic mushrooms need to be fully dried of all moisture to maximize shelf life.
First, make sure you’ve read: How to Dry Shrooms. When properly dried, shroom stems should snap easily
in half when bent, and caps should crumble from pressure. Once properly dried, how you choose to store
your shrooms can affect how long they will remain good. This includes the potency of the shroom’s
psychedelic properties.
WHY PROPER SHROOM STORAGE MATTERS

Following a proper method for storage is important when keeping shrooms to ensure potency and prevent
decomposition. Fungus molds and breaks down very easily once moisture of any kind is reintroduced to the
shrooms or if the shrooms were not properly dried before storing. Bad shrooms are a bummer. They will not
only lose their entheogenic properties but can also make you sick, so it is vital to know how to store these
palm-sized treasures.
LONG-TERM SHROOM STORAGE

On average, dried magic mushrooms, stored in a cool dark place, have a shelf life of about 8-12 months. It
is important to note that even when properly stored, the psychedelic potency of shrooms deteriorates over
time, so it is always best to eat your shrooms as fresh as possible.
Freezing dried mushrooms, without any events that might compromise the product, could keep the
mushroom’s integrity indefinitely. Freezing mushrooms not only prevents mold and decomposition but it
preserves the mushroom’s psilocybin, which holds the psychedelic properties sought after when consuming
magic mushrooms.
SHORT-TERM SHROOM STORAGE

For short-term storage, mushrooms don’t need to be dried. For optimal strength and bioavailability of all
entheogenic properties, try storing shrooms in lemon juice. Place shrooms, ideally fresh and undried, into a
jug and fill to the brim with pure lemon juice, covering the mushrooms completely. Keep the jug frozen until
ready for consumption. When ready to consume, allow the jug to defrost while shaking the contents
periodically to mix the elements and break down the mushrooms into a smoothy-like pulp. The citric acid
from the lemon juice preserves both psilocybin and psilocin. Psilocin is mostly lost when drying mushrooms.
Because both compounds are preserved from this method, the result is a much higher strength product that
needs to be used with caution and small increments.
Mushroom chocolates are another great option for storage up to around six months, mainly until the
chocolate expires. Chocolate can be kept in the fridge or a dark, cool place. It is important to store
chocolates properly to avoid critters getting into the chocolate. It is also imperative to properly label or
hide your chocolate to avoid confusion.
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BEST WAYS TO STORE DRIED SHROOMS
Although any airtight container or jar will keep your shrooms for up to a year, freezing dried mushrooms can
preserve your stash indefinitely and is by far the best way to store mushrooms for long periods.
Vacuum-sealed bags are the best form of storage for freezing.
Mason Jars
The airtight seal of a Mason jar is a great way to store dried shrooms. It is recommended to add a silica pack
per jar to eliminate the possibility of moisture. Silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO2), is a desiccant, a substance
that absorbs water vapor and can absorb 40% of its weight in moisture, making it ideal for shroom storage.
Silica packets can help remove any leftover moisture from the shrooms and absorb moisture that may sneak
in every time the jar is opened. They can be purchased but it is likely you will find one in a food container or
jar in your kitchen that can be reused. Mason jars filled with dried shrooms should be stored out of sunlight
and away from heat, such as a cabinet or closet.
Vacuum Seal Bags

Vacuum-sealed bags are an ideal form of storage, and the machines can easily be found online and at most
home goods stores. The machines are easy to operate, and sucking out all the air removes the many issues
that may come up with other forms of storage. It is ideal to keep vacuum-sealed bags in the freezer.
Remember, it may be difficult to reseal the bag when removing small amounts of shrooms at a time, so
depending on how much you are storing, it might be in your best interest to break the stash into a few
separate vacuum-sealed bags.
HOW LONG CAN YOU STORE SHROOMS?

Shrooms aren’t likely to be effective after a year if not frozen in a vacuum-seal bag. If sealed and frozen
properly, shrooms have an indefinite life span and have been known to last with no less potency, four or
more years after freezing.
There is nothing worse than choking down a handful of mushrooms and anticipating a night of fractals and
fun only to have nothing happen, so take our advice and properly preserve your shrooms and all the magic
they have to offer.
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SHROOMS IN THE KITCHEN
GUIDE TO COOKING WITH MAGIC MUSHROOMS
Perhaps you’re tired of the unpleasantness of forcing down a bunch of dried psilocybin mushrooms that
taste like bitter, stale sunflower seeds. Or maybe you’ve been applying your culinary skills to cannabis and
want to pivot to making some dishes that are even more entheogenic. Whatever brings you to the art and
science of cooking with magic mushrooms, there are many advantages over more common methods of
preparation and ingestion. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of cooking with magic
mushrooms. We’ll overview how heat can affect the shroom’s potency, what to consider when dosing, as well
as some top tips and recipes to get you started.
WHY COOK YOUR SHROOMS?

Undoubtedly the simplest way of consuming shrooms is eating them whole. However, the tasty and creative
recipes you can cook up with shrooms makes the overall dosing experience much more enjoyable. Eating
psilocybin-infused chocolate or drinking a shroom smoothie is easier than choking down a bag of cracker-dry
shrooms. Even in the simplest of recipes like these, the bitter, unpleasant taste of the mushrooms is masked
effectively. In more involved recipes like risotto, the shrooms can even be brought out flavorfully.
Cooking shrooms also breaks down the raw mushroom material–the indigestible chitinous cell walls–making
it easier on the stomach. This is especially true when working with extraction-based methods, like a simple
psilocybin alcohol extraction. However, the combination of psilocybin and a full stomach can potentially
cause digestive discomfort. We’ll soon discuss some tips to minimize nausea and bloating to have the best
trip possible.
COOKING EFFECTS ON POTENCY

Whether high temperatures degrade the active compounds in psilocybin mushrooms is a contentious
question among psychonauts. Since there hasn’t been extensive research to shed light on the matter, the
evidence is anecdotal.
However, a recent study published in October of this year may have begun to crack the question. In one part
of this study, the researchers heated five samples of dried P. cubensis mushroom powder for 30 minutes at
six temperatures (between 25-150°C). They then analyzed the alkaloidal content at the thirty-minute mark
and found the biggest potency drop-off (~80%) for psilocybin and the other alkaloids between 125 and
150°C.
Interestingly, the psilocin content increased at higher temperatures due to psilocybin being
dephosphorylated from the heat, followed by its rapid oxidation.
Considering the recent findings above, along with the abundance of anecdotal evidence, psilocybin
potency seems unaffected by boiling at 100°C (after all, mushroom tea has been common for decades). At
higher temperatures, the alkaloids’ heat degradation is very likely time-dependent, so the less heat, the
better. Other factors such as the pH, moisture content, and amount of exposure to oxygen can all contribute
to the potency question as well. In summary, keeping away from long cook times and high temperatures (like
roasting) will minimize any losses. Using no-bake recipes can avoid the heat potency degradation problem
COOKING DOSAGE
Similar to cooking with cannabis, dialing in the optimal dose when cooking with magic mushrooms is
essential for an enjoyable time. It’s important to note that there is a lot of individual variabilities when it
comes to dosing. The correct dose for you is dependent on many factors, including:
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The Mushroom
What mushroom species and/or strain are you cooking with? Is the mushroom fresh or dried? Some
shroom species, like P. azurescens (Azzies), are several times more potent than the much more popular
P. cubensis (Gold Cap shrooms). Within the P. cubensis realm, some strains (like Penis Envy) are
considerably stronger than other popular strains like B+ and Golden Teachers. Also, keep in mind,
potency can vary not only within species and strains but also across harvests. In regards to the form
of the mushroom–if the mushroom is dried, only 1/10th the dose of a fresh mushroom is needed. This is
because fresh shrooms are approximately 90% water.
The Individual
Factors that influence dosage here include, but are not limited to, body weight, how much one has
eaten, tripping experience, and tolerance levels. A 120 lb person may need half the dose of someone
twice as heavy. Someone who tripped a day ago versus 30 days ago may need 10-20% more for the
same effects. And, of course, a seasoned heroic doser may be comfortable cooking at doses much
higher than a first-timer.
Cooking Methods
Factors such as the temperature used for cooking, pH levels, and moisture content can all influence
the potency, and therefore the dosage. A highly acidic dish accelerates the conversion of psilocybin to
psilocin, a process that normally happens in the stomach. This can result in a faster onset and a stronger
trip, and so you may need less of a dose in this case. Due to potential potency losses from heat, a
no-bake cookie recipe may need a smaller dose than a high-heat stroganoff, for instance.
Easy Does It
Despite the multitude of factors that can influence the right dosage, a good rule of thumb when starting
out is to start slow and dose low. This will help you gauge the effects and pace yourself, especially if you’re
embarking on a multi-course meal. Dosages in the microdose or mini dose territory, perhaps between 0.15-
0.50 g of dried mushroom, are a good starting point. Exact dosages can be easily and accurately measured
out using a high-precision scale. When possible it’s recommended to cook with the mushroom in dried
powder form. This not only helps distribute the active compounds evenly in the recipe but also maximizes
the surface area in the stomach so that psilocybin can absorb most efficiently.
Remember–it’s a lot easier to eat or drink more after a few hours if you’re not where you want to be, than to
try to come down from a trip after too strong of a dose!
TOP SHROOM RECIPES TO TRY

In general, recipes that call for gourmet mushrooms can be converted into a psychedelic recipe. In this
section, we will overview some of our favorite recipes for shroom desserts, beverages, and main dishes.
Shroomie Treats
Making magic mushroom chocolates is an ancient and venerated practice. In the Pre-Columbian era, the
Aztecs combined shrooms with cacao, the main antioxidant-rich ingredient in chocolate. In addition to
making it much more palatable, combining chocolate with shrooms extends the shelf-life of psilocybin
considerably.
Click to jump ahead: How to Make Mushroom Chocolates

Magic Beverages
Magic mushroom beverages are another time-tested and delicious shroom edible. You can choose from a
variety of magic beverage recipes, depending on the occasion and your preferences. You can add ground
mushrooms or extracts to any of your favorite drinkable items. This includes everything from tea and coffee
to smoothies, juices, milkshakes, and even cocktails.
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It’s recommended to add ginger or other digestion aids when possible to magic beverages to stave off any
potential nausea. In addition, adding citrus to shroom drinks speeds up the conversion of psilocybin to
psilocin, resulting in a stronger trip. This idea is at the heart of the Lemon Tek method, which involves
soaking the shrooms in acidic lemon juice before consuming them.
Shroomy Fruit Smoothie

Not only are they healthy, but smoothies are also a great way to mask the earthy taste of the mushrooms.
While you can use any of your favorite juices or fruits, this recipe uses bananas and honey to calm the
stomach as well as blueberries (which pair surprisingly well with shrooms). If you’re in the mood for a citrus
smoothie, lemon tekking prior to throwing them in the blender can make for a more potent smoothie.
You Will Need:

A blender
1 1/2 cups of apple juice
1 cup of frozen blueberries
3/4 cup of greek yogurt
1 banana (halved)
1 tablespoon of honey
Your desired dose of Psilocybes (fresh or powdered if dry)
Directions:
Load the blender with all ingredients.
Blend on low to start, then increase to high until completely smooth and creamy.
Enjoy!
MAIN DISHES
If you want to move beyond simple snacks and beverages, you can get creative with hearty psilocybin-
infused main dishes. Generally, while potency degradation is not a huge issue, no-bake recipes and recipes
with short heating times are most often recommended within this realm. Many people find recipes that call
for rich and heavy flavors pair the best with the earthy taste of mushrooms, either when powdered or
rehydrated. Let’s take a look at one such recipe.
Grilled Cheese Shroomwich

The following recipe was adapted from the highly recommended new release The Psilocybin Chef Cookbook,
by Dr. K. Mandrake and Virginia Haze. In total, this takes about 20 minutes between preparing and cooking.
Ingredients:
2 slices of sourdough bread
2 slices of cheese, such as American, cheddar, muenster, or Swiss
1 tablespoon of red onion marmalade
Good-quality butter
0.5 g of ground shrooms
Directions:
Using a cutting board, butter each piece of bread on one side.
Top one slice of bread with your favorite cheese on the buttered side.
Sprinkle ground mushrooms evenly over the cheese.
Spread the other slice of bread with the red onion marmalade.
Press together the cheese and marmalade sides to make a sandwich.
Butter the outside of the bread.
Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
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HOW-TO LEMON TEK: ULTIMATE GUIDE AND RECIPE
Despite its desired and sought-after strong psychedelic effects, psilocybin mushrooms can take a long time
to hit. The come on sometimes results in stomachache, or feeling nauseated. However, it is possible to
prevent these negative reactions. Time to talk about lemon tek, arguably the ultimate solution to optimize
your magic mushroom trip.
WHAT IS LEMON TEKKING?

“Tek” is a slang term amongst people who use drugs to describe a “technique” for growing or synthesizing
psychedelic substances. Consequently, “lemon tekking” implies a technique requiring the use of lemons. The
concept of lemon tekking involves letting a dose of psilocybin mushrooms sit in lemon, or in some cases
lime, juice before consuming them.
This method of cultivating magic mushrooms requires “cooking” the substance, as the citric acid starts to
break down the mushroom material. Many psychedelic consumers have argued that lemon tekking is the
best way to consume psilocybin mushrooms.
HOW LEMON TEKKING WORKS

As much as the technique sounds simple, its process is rather complex. In simple terms, lemon tekking
converts the magic mushroom’s psychoactive substance much quicker. This enables an earlier onset
hallucinogenic effect to take place, preventing an upset stomach and a longer trip. These are effects which
people often complain about when consuming psilocybin mushrooms.
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound found in various species of
mushrooms. Surprisingly enough, psilocybin is non-psychoactive and only generates mind-altering effects
once our bodies convert it into psilocin after its consumption. In this case, the specific chemical process is
called dephosphorylation, and can take up to two hours.
Dephosphorylation can take place in two distinctive ways:
The “traditional” way: after eating shrooms, psilocybin will convert into psilocin via the alkaline
phosphatase enzyme in the intestine and kidney, or in acidic environments like the stomach.
Lemon tek: as lemon juice contains a pH of around two, it is acidic enough to convert psilocybin in
the same way that the stomach can.
By lemon tekking, the psilocybin gets converted into psilocin before being consumed. As a result, you will
have a much earlier onset trip than you would consuming psychedelic mushrooms traditionally.
WHAT SHOULD THE LEMON JUICE LOOK LIKE AFTER TEKKING?

Depending on how much water you want to add to your mixture, your lemon juice should look like a darker
version of a traditional lemonade. Some may find it looks like muddy water, with yellow tones.
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EFFECTS AND FEELINGS WITH LEMON TEK
After ingesting magic mushrooms, your body breaks down the mushrooms and metabolizes their psilocybin into
psilocin, the active psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms. During digestion, highly acidic gastric juices
cleave the phosphate group off psilocybin, converting it into psilocin. When mushrooms are eaten whole, this
process typically takes about 30 minutes to two hours for effects to begin, and the trip lasts roughly four-six
hours, depending on your metabolism and sensitivity to psilocin.
The lemon tek is purported to drastically speed up this process and reduce the come-up time to as little as 15
minutes, reducing the overall trip duration by one to two hours. Some users even report having a “smoother” trip
with less of a body load. The faster onset and shorter peak lead users to anecdotally report a much more intense
experience when using the lemon tek. Some psychonauts warn that the effects can feel up to twice as strong, so
you may want to consider lowering your usual dose to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
How Long Does Lemon Tek Take to Peak?
Caine Barlow, a mycologist and fungi educator, and Seth Warner, the founder of a mushroom
education resource, say that lemon tekking converts the psilocybin, psilocin, and other compounds
with more bioavailability.
Therefore, when these compounds hit the stomach as an extract, the wished-for psychedelic effects will take effect
faster than when raw magic mushrooms are eaten, as the mushrooms can take up to two hours to digest.
As opposed to the traditional consumption of psilocybin mushrooms, lemon tek typically reaches peak
between 30 to 60 minutes after consumption.
How Long Does Lemon Tek Last?
A typical psychedelic mushroom trip lasts between six to eight hours when the fungus is ingested raw.
However, reports suggest that with the lemon tek method, a trip will last between four to five hours.
The overall magic mushroom experience is reportedly slightly shorter.
FAQ
Will the Lemon Tek Increase the Trip’s Effects?
The intensity of a trip from lemon tekking is often debated in the psychedelic community. Some psychedelic users
have pointed to lemon tek’s increasing the effects of a magic mushroom trip. In an article published by Truffle Magic,
some users said that they have felt a “stronger trip.” However, the reasons were ultimately considered to be debatable.
Various users have also explained as follows:
“Your trip is probably stronger because of the larger surface area (powdered shroom or truffle in a fluid),
which also happens if you make tea with your truffles.”
“Other people claim that the lemon dephosphorylates the psilocybin, turning it into psilocin, which makes
you trip [sooner] because it can be absorbed faster. This may be true, and if so, it would result in your trip
starting 15–20 minutes earlier. But it’s not likely to make your trip stronger.
Can Other Fruits Be Used in Place of Lemon?

Depending on the pH levels of the fruit, you might be able to use another fresh citrus fruit. Lemon is the most popular
choice for tekking because it replicates the same pH level as our stomachs. However, limes also seem to be a good
substitute. Oranges and pineapples could be used, but they will not be as effective as lemon. This is because their pH
ranges from around 3.2 to 4.3. However, people have reported using pomegranates, which have a 2.9 to 3.2 pH. Moreover,
other suggestions for tekking include using red wine, and even balsamic vinegar (which is delicious). There are many
alternatives suitable for any preference and access. In general, any substance with a pH of 3.5 and below should work.
How Long Does Lemon Tek Keep You Awake?
Psychonauts have reported that the effects from lemon tek can be up to three times stronger than regular consumption
of your preferred dose of shrooms. People have also said that their experiences while lemon tekking have resulted in
greater impact, with crazier peaks. However, according to experts, lemon tekking seems to concentrate the overall
psychedelic shroom journey. The total length of a magic mushroom trip from lemon tekking will depend on the dosage
of the substance. Moreover, if we consider that a typical shroom trip will last between six to eight hours, with lemon tek,
it will last between four to six hours.
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HOW TO MAKE SHROOM TEA: BEST RECIPE AND DOSAGE
Shroom tea is preferred for ingesting psilocybin by many psychedelic connoisseurs. The process of creating
this earthy brew is a ritual that has been performed for over a thousand years, and one that many find to be
a grounding first step on the mind-expanding path they plan to go on for the next four to six hours. Magic
mushroom tea has many beneficial qualities. Brewing psychedelic tea is a simple process that can easily be
accomplished by anyone. Below we will discuss the benefits of shroom tea and a step by step guide to
making your own mind-expanding brew.
WHAT IS MAGIC MUSHROOM TEA

Magic mushroom tea is the psychoactive brew created from entheogenic psilocybin. Some historians believe
psychedelic mushrooms were used in North African indigenous cultures as far back as 9000 BC. It is also
believed that cacao mushroom tea brews were used during ceremonies amongst the Mayan and Aztec
civilizations. These ideas evolved through the interpretation of rock paintings found in North Africa and
statues found in Mayan and Aztec ruins. Magic mushrooms have psychoactive effects that can create
colorful hallucinations. Beyond the visual effects, psilocybin strongly enhances brain activity that is not
normally present. This connects parts of the brain that rarely or never cross-connect.
EFFECTS OF SHROOM TEA VS. EATING

Drinking magic mushroom tea, versus eating dried or fresh mushrooms, has a handful of benefits. Plain
entheogenic psilocybin has a strong taste and can be difficult for some to consume plain. Brewing the
shrooms into tea is often preferred as an easier and more pleasant way to ingest the substance. Shrooms can
also be hard on the stomach and, for some, cause nausea and possible vomiting. Magic mushroom tea is
gentler on the stomach and often eliminates stomach discomfort when all mushroom powder is filtered out.
The effects of shroom tea kick in much faster and stronger than eating shrooms, which for many is another
added benefit.
SHROOM TEA RECIPE

Magic Mushroom Tea is a straightforward recipe. You will likely find everything you need to make the brew in
your kitchen. Beyond psychedelic mushrooms and water, any other ingredients are only added for preference.
For example, if you are concerned about nausea or a sensitive stomach, it may help to add a little ginger, lem-
on, or mint. Additionally, any favorite tea bag should be a welcome addition to your brew.
Ingredients
High quality fresh or properly dried entheogenic psilocybin
Water
Any tea bag or herb you would like (not necessary, based solely on preference)
Preparation
Chop or grind your magic mushrooms into a fine powder. This step is very
important, do not cut corners. A coffee grinder is a preferred tool. However,
a sharp knife and some elbow grease can result in the same end product.
The finer the powder the better the psilocybin will dissolve into the water.
It is ideal to use a disposable tea bag to steep the mushroom powder. If you
do not have a teabag, you can strain the mushroom from the water with a
coffee filter when done brewing.
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Directions:
It is ideal to heat water to around 190F. There is debate on whether or not boiling water can damage
mushrooms. (We suggest playing it safe although many argue there is no risk.)
Carefully pour finely ground magic mushroom powder into a disposable tea bag. If you do not have a
tea bag add the powder directly to the water.
Steep the mushroom powder in a cup of hot water for 10-12 minutes.
While steeping add any additional flavors such as honey or lemon if desired.
If there is no tea bag, strain the mushroom powder through a coffee filter.
Drink, sit back and embrace the beautiful journey of entheogenic plant medicine.
If you wish, you may repeat the above process with the used tea bag or strained mushroom powder for a
second, less potent brew to get full psychoactive properties from your shrooms. If you prefer a cold
beverage to a warm brew then chill your finished product in the fridge for an hour after preparing, this will
in no way affect your brew potency.
WHAT IS THE PROPER SHROOM TEA DOSAGE?

When deciding the proper dosage, there are multiple factors to consider. With over 200 varieties of
entheogenic psilocybin, it is important to know what you are eating and how strong the shrooms are. A very
generalized starting dosage is 1 gram of shrooms but be aware that shroom tea tends to have a heightened
intensity level. A more experienced tripper with a desire for an intensified experience may choose to increase
the dose up to two or three grams for a wild psychedelic ride. Shroom tea tends to kick in fast. If you are
hesitant or unsure of the strength of your mushrooms, it may be worth brewing a gram but only drinking
half the cup and waiting to see how you feel. You should know within a half-hour to 45 minutes if you want
to finish your cup.
HOW LONG DOES SHROOM TEA TAKE TO KICK IN?

The effects of shroom tea can be felt faster than eating dried shrooms. Because psilocybin is water-soluble,
the psychoactive properties begin to absorb into the body when they enter your mouth. Some connoisseurs
recommend allowing the brew to sit in your mouth for a short pause before swallowing to speed up
absorption as quickly as possible. Our bodies absorb the shroom tea faster in the stomach as well. Moreover,
since the beverage is liquid, the fluid coats the stomach for maximum absorption coverage compared to
dried mushrooms that take a while to break down in the stomach. Because there are so many different
varieties of shrooms, it is hard to say how long it will take to feel the tea but prepare for the possibility of
feeling the effects within the first 15 minutes, although it may take longer.
HOW LONG DOES SHROOM TEA LAST?

The effects of shroom tea can last for hours. The length of your trip will depend on many factors including
your own personal biology, the variety of the shroom, and how much you took. Tea does hit harder but also
ends faster than eating shrooms. That said, be prepared for a four to six-hour trip on average.
Can You Store Shroom Tea in the Fridge?

Shroom tea can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days after brewing. Although the psychedelic
properties can last a few days, it is recommended to drink the brew as soon as possible to get the most from
the drink that can only come from the fresh product.
Adding Other Ingredients to Shroom Tea
Shroom tea can be used as a psychedelic base for any additional desired flavors. Honey and lemon are both
welcome additions. Some prefer to use the psychedelic brew as a base for a traditional ice tea recipe with
black tea bags, lemon, and honey. It is unlikely that you can mess the tea’s potency up with additional
ingredients, so add ons are based on personal preference.
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SHROOM CHOCOLATE RECIPIES:
HOW TO MAKE MAGIC MUSHROOM CHOCOLATES
In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make mushroom chocolates. Below, you
will find a helpful shroom chocolate recipe. In addition, we provide information on the beneficial properties
cacao can provide to your entheogenic psilocybin experience.
The combination of cacao and mushrooms has a long history that goes back thousands of years to the
Aztecs. Traditionally, practitioners prepared a magic brew of psilocybin and cacao for ceremonies in South
America. Aztecs referred to magic mushroom as teonanacátl, the Nahuatl word for “god mushroom” (or
“flesh of the gods”). Interestingly, the Latin genus/species for cacao is Theobroma cacao, dervied from the
Greek for “food of the gods.”
Combining chocolate with mushrooms is beneficial for a number of reasons. Making mushroom chocolates
can be a helpful way to preserve psilocybin, a plant substance notoriously difficult to keep for prolonged
periods. In general, mushrooms tend to taste rather gross to many individuals. However, combining
chocolate can eliminate the gag factor that may follow when attempting to eat psilocybin on its own.
Beyond cacao’s nutritional values and heightened levels of antioxidants, it is also a mood-enhancing
stimulant. Additionally, cacao contains mild levels of monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s). With so many
beneficial properties, it’s no wonder that the union of magic mushrooms and chocolate is a holy matrimony.
MUSHROOM CHOCOLATE EFFECTS

The effects of mushroom chocolates can depend widely on the psilocybin chosen to make the treats. In general,
psychoactive psilocybin gives a euphoric high, with psychedelic fractal-like visuals. Many describe the effects of
magic mushrooms as extremely relaxing, while large doses can provide an ego-death experience.
Beyond the effects of ingesting psychedelic mushrooms, the chocolate brings its own undeniable and beneficial
properties. Cacao has a high nutritional value, containing protein, healthy fats, fiber, and beneficial minerals. In
addition, it contains high levels of magnesium, which aid in muscle relaxation. Serotonin, a well-known mood
enhancer found in cacao and magnesium and tryptophan, is also found in cacao. It adds an additional boost to
the body’s production of new serotonin.
In addition to these beneficial nutrients, the mild levels of MAOIs found in cacao can enhance the psychedelic
experience. MAOIs prevent MAO enzymes from breaking down the entheogenic compounds in your body.
Ultimately, this slows the body’s ability to flush the these compounds from the system.
As if that wasn’t enough, the list continues for cacao’s beneficial properties. Phenylethylamine (PEA), an organic
compound the brain releases when an individual is in love, is also found in cacao, creating feelings of love and
happiness. Finally, cacao provides a natural cannabinoid called Anandamide (ANA), similar to THC, offering a
blissed-out, joyful feeling.
WHAT IS THE PROPER MUSHROOM CHOCOLATE DOSAGE?

Typically, it is best to measure mushroom chocolates out into grams. One gram of psilocybin is a great
foundation to build off of and, for many, the dosage is more than enough. Increasing the dosage up to 3.5 grams
can provide a heightened psychedelic experience, to the point of possible ego death, and is only for the most
experienced users.
Many mushroom chocolate brands sold on the black market split their dosage into one-gram squares in a larger
chocolate bar, while others pour molds, or cut chocolate bricks into squares consisting of one gram. Always ask
what variety of mushroom is in the chocolate you are eating. In addition, do your research on the variety to best
know the necessary dosage.
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HOW LONG DOES SHROOM CHOCOLATE TAKE TO KICK IN?
The effects of mushroom chocolates vary, based on the variety of psilocybin and on the individual ingesting the
substance. Likewise, the same goes for the length of time it takes for the effects to kick in. On average, most
effects should be fully activated within 30 minutes. However, some mushrooms may take longer to kick in.
Therefore, it’s smart to wait 45 minutes–1 hour before deciding if you want to ingest more psilocybin.
HOW LONG DOES SHROOM CHOCOLATE LAST?

Once again, the length of a trip on mushroom chocolates varies based on the variety of psilocybin and the
amount ingested. Typically, one gram of mushrooms can provide up to three or more hours of entertainment.
Even more can send you on a five-seven hour ride.
Engage with our awesome community of

psychonauts on social media!
Links here.
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SHROOM TRAILBLAIZERS
MARIA SABINA: THE MAZATEC MAGIC MUSHROOM WOMAN
Magic mushrooms are incredibly popular today. How they became introduced into American culture isn’t
usually a topic discussed while tripping on psilocybin fungi. We all may have María Sabina to thank for
exposing the Western world to the healing properties of the psilocybin mushroom.
WHO IS MARÍA SABINA?

María Sabina is the mother of the modern magic mushroom. She was a Mazatec woman who possessed a
deep-rooted relationship with our planet and its ancient traditions that go beyond the illusions of our
indoctrinated systems. Sabina’s sacred mushroom rituals became wildly popular in the 1970s and brought
more exposure to the benefits of psilocybin.
PERSONAL LIFE
María Sabina was born July 22, 1894, and left us on November 22, 1985. She lived in the small village of
Huautla de Jiménez, México. Sabina was born into a family of shamans who practiced spiritual rituals with
their native mushrooms in a rite to communicate with God.
Sabina’s mother’s parents raised her in their home after her father passed away. She started down the path
of shamanism at the age of seven. Sabina and her sister ate mushrooms underneath a village tree which
looked exactly like the ones local curanderos (Mazatec shamans) used to heal the sick. María picked up a
handful of mushrooms and said. “If I eat you, and you, and you, I know you will make me sing wonderfully.”
Destiny Calls
Sabina knew from her first trip that she had a strong relationship with and duty to the native mushrooms.
They spoke to her as if they were God’s children. She had the following experience at eight years old.
“I ate them in front of my uncle, who was dying. And immediately the teo-nanacatl took me to their
world, and I asked them what my uncle had and what I could do to save him. They told me an evil
spirit had entered the blood of my uncle and that to cure him we should give him some herbs, not
those the curanderos gave him, but others. I asked where these herbs could be found, and they took
me to a place on the mountain where tall trees grew and the waters of a brook ran, and they showed
me the herb that I should pull from the earth and the road I had to take to find them….
After regaining consciousness it was the same place that I had seen during the trip, and they were the
same herbs. I took them, I brought them home, I boiled them in water, and I gave them to my uncle.
A few days later the brother of my mother was cured.”
—María Sabina
Sabina became known as a native shaman for the remainder of her life. She had three children of her own,
which wasn’t common for women shamans, who were forbidden to be around men for four days before and
after engaging in sacred rituals. Having been widowed twice, she knew it was her destiny to be a devoted
healer. She saw herself as a bloodless woman, the mother of all, and the earthly representative of spirituality.
WORK WITH PSILOCYBIN

Sabina grew into one of the most sought-after native shamans of her time. Her local community called her
rituals veladas. To participate in one of her rituals, people ingested a large number of psilocybin mushrooms.
She would instruct them to open the gates of their minds, allowing direct connection with God. Her intentions
with the rituals were a form of purification, healing, and most importantly, enabling individuals to have a
direct relationship with God. Sabina knew her place in the rituals was simply to be a guide, as the mushrooms
took each individual on their own unique journey. Her rituals consisted of spreading San Pedro—a mixture of
mezcal, lime, and garlic—on the participant, evoking strength and courage. As the vessel and voice for the
mushrooms, she guided her participants using song, dance, chants, and sacred herb.
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Although Sabina cured many of her people with her rituals, not all participants had the same positive healing
outcomes. Sabina knew that not everyone could “see” beyond the experience of physical consumption. She
trusted that certain chosen people were born with the gift of understanding the language of the mushrooms.
Some people would never get to have a relationship or speak with them, no matter how many rituals they
engaged in.
Seeking the Magic Mushroom

Sabina’s life took an unexpected turn in 1955 when R. Gordon Wasson entered her life. Wasson was an
American writer, ethnomycologist, and bank official at J.P. Morgan & Co. He sought out Sabina to learn more
about the magic mushrooms which he had heard rumors. Sabina agreed to host Wasson and his
photographer, Allan Richardson, in a velada.
This would be the first velada that any westerner experienced. Sabina was hesitant to host these men
because of their intentions for the ritual. Her rituals were a purification and communion with the sacred
through the consumption of a psychedelic sacrament. They were not intended simply for the sake of
research.
After experiencing Sabina’s velada, Wasson wrote an article in Life magazine under the title, “Seeking the
Magic Mushroom.” This was the first popular media coverage of magic mushrooms and the first usage of
such a term. In his article, he used the pseudonym Eva Méndez for Sabina, in order to protect her identity
and that of her community. Wasson enchanted the west with the vivid tale of his mushroom journey. Below
is a section of the article that describes the state of ecstasy he achieved with the guidance of “Eva Méndez”
and her magical mushrooms.
“In a solemn musical chant, Eva Méndez began with an invocation to the mushroom in the name of
Christ and the saints. She proclaimed her own good intentions and then, impatiently, entreated the
spirits, ‘I’m a mouth looking for you, but you are not paying attention. Come.’ As the ritual
proceeded Wasson lost himself in wondrous flights of fancy which moved him to say afterward, ‘For
the first time the word ecstasy took on real meaning. For the first time, it did not mean someone else’s
state of mind.’”
The Flock of Westerners

“Seeking the Magic Mushroom” sent an electric charge of curiosity through the hippie community of the 60s.
Large groups of westerners flocked to the little village of Huautla de Jiménez to experience Sabina’s magic
mushrooms. Among them were celebrities like John Lennon, Peter Townshend, Mick Jagger, and Bob Dylan.
It has been said that the article’s publication even ignited the psychedelic journey of Timothy Leary.
Sabina was initially hospitable to the first wave of western curiosity, but the overall lack of respect for the
sacred ritual and properties of the magic mushrooms caused Sabina to begin turning down eager travelers.
In 1976, the local authorities felt obligated to put an end to the recreational rise of the sacred mushroom.
The community blamed Sabina for giving away the secrets of Teonanáncatl. They lit her house on fire and
banned her from the village. Sabina was also arrested many times after the release of the publication.
Despite all the trouble, she never showed regret, taking it all as a test of her faith. To honor the mother of
the magic mushroom let’s remember in the times of our own modern rituals to keep great intent, just as
María Sabina practiced.
Poems/Chants
Wasson recorded Sabina’s chants the night of his ceremony and then translated them to unweave the
shamans’ secret words. They are accompanied by a musical instrument and through sounds and movements.
Maria Sabina first lists her qualifications, chanting early into the night for the ceremony.
Am I not good? I am a creator woman, a star woman, a moon woman, a cross woman, a woman of
heaven. I am a cloud person, a dew-on-the-grass person.
I am the woman Book that is beneath the water, says I am the woman of the populous town, says
I am the shepherdess who is beneath the water, says I am the woman who shepherds the
immense, says I am a shepherdess and I come with my shepherd, says Because everything has its
origin And I come going from place to place from the origin.
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“Reality is not limited to
the perceptions we have
traditionally used.”
-Paul Stamets
PAUL STAMETS PROFILE:
MUSHROOM GURU, FILMMAKER, NUTRITIONIST, SCIENTIST
Paul Stamets is a real fun guy whose life spored (puns intended) after his personal discovery of mushrooms.
Stamets’ groundbreaking research into fungi holds the ability to restore natural balance to humanity and the
planet. Moreover, he has dedicated his life to sharing his knowledge with the public.
WHO IS PAUL STAMETS?

Paul Stamets is a mycologist. Mycology is the branch of biology concerned with the study of fungi. Accordingly,
Stamets is an industry leader in the world of mushrooms. In the name of fungi and planet restoration, he is a
speaker, author, researcher, filmmaker, and entrepreneur. Additionally, he is dedicated to educating the world
about the magic of this organism that exists all around us. Finally, Stamets’ work with mushrooms is considered
by many academics to be capable of completely shifting the paradigm for worldwide planet restoration.
“We are now fully engaged in the sixth Major Extinction (“6 X”) on planet Earth. Our biosphere is
quickly changing, eroding the life support systems that have allowed humans to ascend. Unless we put
into action policies and technologies that can cause a course correction in the very near future, species
diversity will continue to plummet, with humans not only being the primary cause, but one of the victims.
What can we do? Fungi, particularly mushrooms, offer some powerful, practical solutions, which can be
put into practice now.”
—Paul Stamets
PERSONAL LIFE
Stamets grew up in a small conservative town in Columbiana, Ohio. He was born into a family of academic
wizards but felt like a bit of a black sheep because of his struggles with stuttering. Since Stamets was unable to
look anyone in the eyes directly, or to hold a conversation without stuttering, his ability to grow in many areas of
his life was correspondingly affected. However, Stamets’ life permanently changed for the better after a prolific
experience with psilocybin mushrooms. One rainy day, Stamets took a heroic dose—and while under the
influence he declared to the mushrooms that he would “stop stuttering now.” Once Stamets had arrived back
from his trip, he no longer had a stutter. This particular experience was one of many that led Stamets to become
the leader in psychedelic mushroom research that he is today.
CAREER
Early on in his life, Stamets worked as a logger, cutting down trees, rather than hugging and studying them. But
Stamets’ curiosity took over in 1974 when he began to take notice of the mushrooms that were growing in the
forests where he was cutting. It was around this time that he started dedicating his time to mycology.
Since then, Stamets has built both a career and a loyal following by initiating studies into how many ranges of
mushroom species can benefit the health of humanity and our planet. The core of his work lies in the fact that
fungi have immune systems just like humans. Hence, mushrooms are cellular bridges between the two. His
studies assert that we are closer to fungi than any other species. Therefore, Stamets’ work looks closely at the
evolutionary relationship between humanity and fungi—and how it can be the lead generator for sustainability.
Philosophy
Stamets’ philosophy is that “MycoDiversity is BioSecurity.” He sees the ancient old growth forests of the Pacific
Northwest as a resource of extreme value, especially in terms of their fungal genome. For those of you who are
not familiar with the ERM genome, it is the haploid set of chromosomes in a gamete or microorganism, or in
each cell of a multicellular organism.
If you look on the fungal genome as being soldier candidates protecting the U.S. as our host defense, not
only for the ecosystem but for our population … we should be saving our old-growth forests as a matter
of national defense.
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Stamets is one of the stars and brains behind Fantastic Fungi, which is a film that came out in 2019. Below is a
description directly from this important film. You can purchase or rent this film here. But beware—this
captivating film may produce uncontrollable ranges of emotions.
Fantastic Fungi
When so many are struggling for connection, inspiration and hope, Fantastic Fungi brings us together
as interconnected creators of our world.
Fantastic Fungi, directed by Louie Schwartzberg, is a consciousness-shifting film that takes us on an
immersive journey through time and scale into the magical earth beneath our feet, an underground
network that can heal and save our planet. Through the eyes of renowned scientists and mycologists
like Paul Stamets, best-selling authors Michael Pollan, Eugenia Bone, Andrew Weil and others, we
become aware of the beauty, intelligence and solutions the fungi kingdom offers us in response to
some of our most pressing medical, therapeutic, and environmental challenges.
—Fantasic Fungi
Fungi Perfecti
Stamets’ studies have documented many positive effects of magic mushrooms on humans’ health. For instance,
his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and was given months to live. So Stamets developed a regimen
for his mother that consisted of the mushroom species turkey tail (Trametes versicolor). After a month of the
turkey tail regimen, her cancer had disappeared. Understandably, instances such as these propelled Stamets to
develop his own line of mushroom products and supplements call Fungi Perfecti.
As stated on its website,
“Fungi Perfecti, LLC is a family-owned business dedicated to promoting the cultivation of
high-quality gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. In business since 1980, we have been instrumental in
developing new technologies and markets for gourmet mushrooms throughout the world. We keenly
sense that fungi will play a pivotal role in the new industries of the 21st century. Gourmet and medicinal
mushrooms will continue to appeal to organic gardeners, commercial cultivators, researchers,
nutritionists, and ecological managers. Indeed, we foresee a quantum leap in their popularity when the
public realizes that these fungi:
Support the immune system

Represent a pesticide-free alternative to the traditional white button mushroom
Are instrumental in the recycling of wood and agricultural byproducts
Can easily be grown by everyone—outdoors in your garden or yard (Mycological Landscaping)—
or indoors within greenhouses, solaria, or controlled environments”
Mushroom Supplements
Stamets and Fungi Perfecti produce the mushroom supplement, Host Defense® Mushrooms. These supplements
are mushroom mycelium based, and offer many system-specific benefits for whole body support. As we saw with
the satori Stamets experienced both personally and with his mother, a regimen of these supplements can
be life-changing. For example, some common benefits from regular intake are sharper cognition and memory,
increased energy, and improved stamina. For this reason, this makes a regular mushroom supplement routine
attractive for college students and the elderly. The most popular beneficial mushroom species are agarikon
(Laricifomes officinalis), chaga (Inonotus obliquus), cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), lion’s mane (Hericium
erinaceus), maitake (Grifola frondosa), reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi), and turkey tail.
Bees
Just as Stamets recognizes the impact mushrooms have in relationship to humanity, he also sees the Bees.
In 2014, Paul Stamets, along with his friend Dr. Steven Sheppard (Chair, Department of Entomology, Washington
State University) and the Washington State Beekeepers Association teamed up in a research initiative called
BeeFriendly™. This initiative helps reverse devastating declines in the global bee population that are critically
threatening the world’s food security and natural ecosystem.
Then, in 2015, Stamets began experimenting with giving honey bees different mushroom mycelium extracts to
drink. By doing so, he proved that these extracts provide essential nutrition that supports an immune benefit to
bees. “Yay” for another mushroom win!
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PAUL STAMETS IN SOCIETY
On Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan Experience #1035—Paul Stamets is worth watching. The episode dives into more prolific experiences
that Stamets has had with psilocybin mushrooms and the multiverse. For example, of note is that while using
the mushrooms, Stamets experienced disastrous premonitions that proved true within a week’s time.
Ted Talk
Six Ways Mushrooms Can Save the World was the Ted Talk that put Stamets on the national & international radar.
NOTABLE PAUL STAMETS BOOKS

Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save The World
Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms
Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World
From Bears and Trees to Mushrooms and Bees: A Children’s Book
AWARDS
Invention Ambassador (2014–2015) for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
National Mycologist Award (2014) from the North American Mycological Association (NAM)
The Gordon & Tina Wasson Award (2015) from the Mycological Society of America (MSA)
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KILINDI IYI: MYCOLOGIST, TRAVELER, TEACHER
WHO IS KILINDI IYI ?
The hearts of the psychedelic community are heavy for the recent passing of Grand Master Baba Kilindi Iyi.
He was a teacher and humanitarian whose work and legacy will continue to inspire the evolution of con-
sciousness on this planet. In addition, he was a veteran psychonaut and a warrior of the multiverse. Kilindi
was a believer that spiritual exploration wasn’t something you buy, but rather something you grow.
EDUCATION AND EARLY CAREER

Humanitarian and Teacher
Grand Master Baba Kilindi Iyi was a native of Detroit, MI. He studied and taught ancient and contemporary
African fighting sciences. Kilindi made a huge impact on his city through educational and humanitarian
organizations. He was the head instructor and technical advisor of the Tamerrian Martial Art Institute. Their
mission is to inform the world that martial arts and sciences began in Africa.
Kilindi was a strong force within the Black Liberation Movement. He believed in a human-centered move-
ment, where no other human was excluded. Accordingly he had a deep understanding of the long-existing
fight to maintain and preserve the human spirit. He could see humanity’s enslavement to the powers of cor-
rupt priesthoods. Kilindi was a part of a lineage that came here to this planet to keep the warrior spirit alive,
and to help wake us up.
He was a man of many mantras, one particularly being:
“Grow up, show up, step up.”
Grow up—to break down cultural and mental notions that we have conditioned through society and reality.
Show up—by participating in the community! Plain and simple.
Step up—through the pursuit of the smaller and unknown principles of history, psychology, science,
healing, and art.
Psychedelic Synthesis
Baba Kilindi got involved in psychedelics through his studies of African martial arts and sciences. He
explained that forms of traditional martial arts use power plants and fungi to gain access to the higher
martial sensibilities, gleaned from the hyper-dimensional realms. It is known within his practice of African
arts that this psychedelic aspect is still preserved through initiation, apprenticeship, and secret societies.
Kilindi’s explorations include, but are not limited to, fighting systems, dance, music, and philosophy. The
synthesis of this work led him to pioneer the realms of high-dose psilocybin-focused psychedelic research.
WORK IN PSYCHEDELICS
Kilindi’s commitment to his work yielded much controversy, but also a dedicated following of fellow
psychonauts. He traveled the world, presenting on the subject of psilocybin at conferences in many locations.
Kilindi became particularly famous for being the “high-dose mushroom guy.” This was because he would
present information from his explorations of high doses ranging between 30–50 dry grams of psilocybin
mushrooms. Kilindi was then able to articulate such esoteric concepts of his hyper-dimensional and
inter-dimensional experiences to individuals with little to no knowledge of psychedelic travel. Truly a genius!
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The Beginning
Kilindi began his journey with psilocybin in the early 1970s when a friend brought him back a bag of
mushrooms from a town near the village of Maria Sabina. He had no reference for an appropriate dose, as
there was no internet in the 70s, so he consumed the whole bag. The experience left him awestruck, which
led him to acquire more information, specifically on cultivating and dosing.
In his studies of martial arts, he hid the mushroom inside an alchemical compound. This way, young students
wouldn’t know that their driving force was being powered primarily by the psychedelic mushroom. When
Kilindi started dosing in his martial arts practice, he couldn’t reach the same awestruck feeling he did during
his first experience.
Therefore, he began to cultivate his own psilocybin mushrooms. The search for the perfect dose crept higher
and higher until he reached an experience parallel to his original one. Once he got into the 50-gram range he
knew that the sky was the limit.
Psilocybin Won’t Kill You

Although the LD50 (lethal dose) for psilocybin is so high that overdose is virtually impossible, Kilindi always
reinforced that it is mentally and psychologically challenging. He advocated taking small steps, wherever you
are. There is no shame in lower amounts. Kilindi saw psychedelic exploration as a mastery, and some people
don’t even master three grams. Take time to master all levels.
For those of you who are beginners to the realms of high doses, he highly recommended having a trip sitter
or a gatekeeper to oversee how you react. Only after a few times traveling should you attempt to go solo.
Kilindi said that solo traveling is where the real work begins … when it’s just you and the mushroom.
“It’s safer than Reese’s Pieces, so you can’t kill yourself with it, you can’t overdose. It’s nonaddictive. As
a matter of fact, it’s anti-addictive. It’s a very, very ancient, sacred compound that’s been used for eons
by many different cultures, in Africa, South America, Australia, and Europe. It dissolves boundaries of
race and class.”
Evolution of Consciousness
Kilindi was a firm believer that the mushroom played a pivotal role in the early evolution of consciousness.
Today, the mushroom is poised to move us into the trans-humanistic areas of the mind and beyond. He saw
that we are currently at the beginning of the golden age of psychedelics. The 60s was the birthing
process, incubating underground for the last 40 or so years. Today, as psychedelic youth, we are getting out
of mom’s house and into the world of the hyper-dimensional.
Kilindi understood the power and pure magic of psilocybin mushrooms. They have survived in pockets of
space; scientists date them 460 million years older than plant life on our planet. The mushroom is a fungus,
a living entity that has the ability to share ancient knowledge and technologies with you. Kilindi taught the
importance of establishing a relationship with this entity. One of the most effective ways of doing so is by
learning how to cultivate your own.
“In my travels, it was told to me that the mushroom is an organic technology for access to the
multiverse memory bank, created to enable one to go into that library. But it takes discipline, courage,
practice, patience, and tenacity to get what you want and go where you want to go.”
A Candle Lighting the Darkness

One of the many virtues Kilindi lived up to was his transparency. He never left you in the dark. In fact, he
spoke of it vividly in many of his presentations and interviews. When participating in high-dose entheogenic
travel you must truly have discipline, courage, practice, patience, and tenacity. At specific levels of the
multiverse, you experience both benevolent and malevolent existences. Kilindi revealed during one of his
interviews that once you lose the primal consciousness and move into that primal darkness, that’s so dark, it
has no black to it; that’s one of the hardest challenges.
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Diversity in Psychedelics
Kilindi knew that for many years, usually along with a couple of women, he was the “token black guy” that
would help add diversity to the brochure of whatever conference he was speaking at. This fact never
discouraged him. He saw himself as a pioneer of the field and his work will only continue to lay the
foundations for others to SHOW UP and take the stage.
“Our greatest duty is to fulfill the great potential of the people around us. So whatever light you see in
that person near you, your job is to cultivate that. We are responsible for each other’s greatness.”
“I believe mushrooms can lead the human being into some form of mature sanity, leaving behind the
immaturity of the last twelve thousand years.”
“The most important thing I think that I’ve discovered dealing with psilocybin is that we’re not hooked
to the body. There’s no end. There’s no death. Consciousness goes on, and it’s a trip and an
exploration.”
“In closing, I can say trip safe, trip high, but slowly and incrementally. It’s a race, but the race is a
marathon, not a sprint.”
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R. GORDON WASSON: AUTHOR AND MUSHROOM EXPERT
Following a life-changing trip to Mexico, R. Gordon Wasson became the “first white man in recorded history
to eat the divine mushrooms”. As a result, the amateur mycologist and author became an important symbol
for the psychonaut community. Before earning international recognition and an immortal reputation as a
pioneer within the psychedelic community, Wasson worked in the banking field. Read on to learn about the
life and times of R. Gordon Wasson.
WHO WAS R. GORDON WASSON?

Robert Gordon Wasson was a “legendary mushroom expert”. Born on September 22, 1898, in Montana,
Robert was an American author, ethnomycologist, and Vice President for Public Relations at J.P. Morgan &
Co. Wasson made a groundbreaking contribution to the fields of ethnobotany, botany, and anthropology as
a result of CIA-funded research in the late 1950s.
Wasson was, and is still to this day, a popular figure within the psychonaut community for his innovative and
educating research on magic mushrooms. Furthermore, Wasson has been a prominent figure and symbol for
destigmatizing the consumption of psilocybin.
Before dedicating his work to the study of magic mushrooms, Wasson studied at the Columbia School of
Journalism, followed by the London School of Economics where he received the first Pulitzer Traveling
Scholarship. Then, the mushroom expert then pursued a career in teaching at Columbia University before
working as a reporter for the New Haven Register in Connecticut.
Discovering Mushrooms
Wasson settled in New York City by 1925, where he wrote for the New York Herald Tribune. Next, he then took a
job with J.P. Morgan & Co in 1934. As surprising as it might sound, the magic mushroom expert excelled in the
field of banking public relations and served as vice president from 1943 to 1963. It was in 1927 that Wasson was
first introduced to mushrooms by his wife, Valentina Pavlovna Guercken. On their honeymoon in the Catskill
Mountains of New York, Valentina found psilocybin mushrooms. She had thought they looked similar to the ones
she was familiar with in Russia, her native country.
As a result, the couple developed a strong interest in mycology and studied related disciplines. A trip to Siberia
was a turning point in the couple’s work. There they discovered six “extant primitive peoples” who used
psychedelic mushrooms for their shamanistic rites. Consequently, the author became an emblematic person
within the psychedelic community after publishing an article titled “Seeking the Magic Mushroom” for Life
magazine in 1957. It was the first time psychoactive mushrooms were introduced to a wide audience.
ETHNOMYCOLOGY STUDIES
R. Gordon Wasson began his ethnomycological studies in 1927. As stated, it all started during his honeymoon
trip to the Catskill Mountains with his wife. It was Guercken, a pediatrician, who discovered the edible wild
mushrooms. She became transfixed by the cultural difference in attitude towards mushrooms between Russia
and the United States. Moreover, Guercken was fascinated by how Russia seemed to have adopted a more
lenient attitude toward the consumption of psilocybin as opposed to the West.
In 1955, Wasson visited Maria Sabina, a Mazatec healer who used sacred magic mushrooms to treat her
patients. She lived and worked in her hometown of Huautla de Jiménez, a town in the Sierra Mazateca area of
the Mexican state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Wasson participated in a “velada” with the healer – a healing
vigil carried out by Mazatec “curanderos”, who are traditional healers. The rituals involve the use of psilocybin to
contemplate God and experience enlightenment and broad-mindedness.
Cultivation
Following this experience, Wasson collected spores of the fungus used during his velada, and identified them as
“Psilocybe mexicana”, which he brought with him to Paris, France. Their travels were life-changing, and Wasson
and his wife published their research “Mushrooms, Russia and History” in 1957. Additionally, Wasson was able to
cultivate his fungus collection in Europe. From there, the mushrooms landed in the hands of Albert Hofmann,
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a Swiss chemist. It was Hofmann who isolated the fungus’ main psychoactive component – psilocybin – in a
laboratory in 1958. Because of his revolutionary work on psilocybin and its isolated psychoactive components,
Wasson is considered the discoverer of the magic mushroom and the man who debuted the psychedelic
movement. Wasson has also been considered the “father” of the field of ethnomycology.
WASSON AND PSILOCYBIN

Wasson’s “Seeking the Magic Mushroom” article for Life magazine significantly popularized magic mushrooms.
Tom Robbins, an American novelist, wrote in his memoir that Wasson’s article “turned on” Americans, including
himself. As a matter of fact, the article for Life magazine inspired many people and sparked a compelling
interest in Mazatec rituals, particularly among hippies. The famous American psychologist, Timothy Leary,
dedicated an entire chapter in his book, High Priest to Wasson, as the mushroom expert was praised for his
work and admired by the psychedelic revolution leaders.
Wasson was able to tell prominent figures of the psychonaut community how to take hallucinogens, what to
expect from the substances, and under what conditions to take them. This information was well received and
celebrated.
As a talented and passionate ethnomycologist, Wasson could often find ancient histories relating to psilocybin.
In 1963, he began researching the identity of “Indian Soma” – a ritual drink within the Vedic tradition. He backed
his research with the theory that Soma could be identified as the “Amanita muscaria mushroom”. This
hypothesis was a significant breakthrough as there have been various speculations about the ritual drink’s most
likely identity. Researchers worldwide have proposed Soma’s origins to be linked with other components such
as Amanita muscaria and Ephedra sinica.
IN CULTURE
Awards
The Pulitzer Travelling Scholarship – Wasson is the first person to ever receive this award. The Pulitzer
Prizes and Fellowships, “established in Columbia University by the will of the first Joseph Pulitzer, are
awarded by the University on the recommendation of the Pulitzer Prize Board. The Board meets twice
annually. The Prizes are announced during the spring.”
Addison Emery Verrill Medal of the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University – The medal was
presented to R. Gordon Wasson in 1983. The Verrill Medal “was created in 1959 by then-director S. Dillon
Ripley to honor “signal practitioners in the arts of natural history and natural sciences.” It is named for
Addison Emery Verrill (1839-1926), Yale’s first professor of zoology and one of the Peabody’s first curators.”
Books
The Hall Carbine Affair – Published in 2015, it is a reproduction of a historical artifact based on Wasson’s work.
The Wondrous Mushroom – Published in 1980, it is a reflection on Wasson’s studies and personal experiences
on shamanism, culture, community well-being, healing, and spiritual strength.
The Road to Eleusis: Unveiling the Secret of the Mysteries – Published in 1978, it comprises the work of
Wasson and two other experts who argue that the sacred potion given to participants in the course of the
ritual in ancient Greece contained a psychoactive entheogen.
Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality – Published in 1968, it outlines the role of the fly agaric as Soma in
primitive Indo-European religion.
The Sacred Mushroom Seeker: Essays for R. Gordon Wasson – Published in 1997, it a celebration of Wasson’s
life and pioneering work.
Media and Culture

In popular culture – R. Gordon Wasson’s work made its way into the mainstream. In his famous article for Life
magazine in 1957, Maria Sabina’s name and location remained confidential. As a result, many young people from
the United States, including hippies and celebrities, have been seeking out Maria Sabina. However, by the 1960s,
celebrities, such as Bob Dylan and John Lenon were rumored to have visited the Mazatec healer.
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TOP R. GORDON WASSON QUOTES
“It is in the nature of a hypothesis when once a man has conceived it, that
it assimilates everything to itself, as proper nourishment, and from the first
moment of your begetting it, it generally grows stronger by everything you
see, hear or understand.”
“Each of us had harbored a nascent thought that we had been too shy to
express even to each other: religion possibly underlay the myco-, phobia
contrast that marked the peoples of Europe.”
“Ecstasy! In common parlance ecstasy is fun. But ecstasy is not fun.

Your very soul is seized and shaken until it tingles. After all, who will
choose to feel undiluted awe? The unknowing vulgar abuse the word;
we must recapture its full and terrifying sense.”
“Ergot, growing millennia later on certain cultivated grains, seems to

have coincided in its arrival on the human stage with the discovery by
Man of agriculture.”
“Early Man in Ancient Greece could have worked out a potion with the
desired effect from the ergot of wheat or barley cultivated on the famous
Rarian plain adjacent to Fleusis; or indeed front the ergot of a grass, called
Paspalum distinct, that grows around the Mediterranean. If the Greek
herbalists had the intelligence and resourcefulness of their mesoamerican
counterparts, they would have had no difficulty in preparing an
entheogenic potion: so said Albert Hofmann and he explained why.”
“Three millennia ago Soma was known to the Brahmans, who composed
many hymns exalting it. The hymns to Soma are still being sung, yet no
one, not even among the Brahmans, knows what it was.”
“We were seeking an answer to the strange fact that a mushroom, one
single species, the pucka, was ‘animate’ in their language, was ‘endowed
with a soul’, like all animals and human beings, but unlike all other
vegetation, which is construed grammatically as ‘inanimate’, as
‘without a soul’.”
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PSILOCYBIN RESOURCES
PSILOCYBIN AND MAGIC MUSHROOM RESOURCES
Psilocybin is one of the main psychoactive compounds found in magic mushrooms. Accordingly, it is front
and center in the resurgence of psychedelic interest among both researchers and the general public. As we’ll
see, psilocybin is proving to be highly effective in treating depression, anxiety, alcoholism, PTSD, OCD, and
several other mental health conditions and disorders. All of these findings have led to a growing interest
in a variety of psilocybin retreats offered legally in the Netherlands and Jamaica. This article aims to be a
comprehensive psilocybin resource for people seeking information about psilocybin articles, studies, books,
documentaries, retreats, and integration therapists.
CLINICAL TRIALS/STUDIES
Psilocybin has been center stage in the resurgence of psychedelic clinical trials in the US and elsewhere.
Approximately a third of psilocybin studies are happening in Europe, spearheaded by centers of learning
such as the University of Zurich and Imperial College London. In the US, research at universities including Johns
Hopkins, Yale, UC San Francisco, and NYU has been central to investigating psilocybin’s therapeutic effects and
mechanisms of action in the brain.
The most recent psilocybin studies that haven’t been published are found on ClinicalTrials.gov. The National
Institutes of Health operates this resource.
Johns Hopkins University

Founded in 2019 with Dr. Roland Griffiths at the helm, the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research
at Johns Hopkins University investigates how psychedelics affect behavior, mood, cognition, brain function, and
biological markers of health.
JHU Studies
Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences that have substantial and sustained personal meaning
and spiritual significance: This study from 2006 evaluated the acute and long-term psychological effects of
psilocybin in hallucinogen-naïve adults. 67% of the participants found the experience to be one of the top
five most meaningful in their lifetime.
Mystical experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin lead to increases in the personality
domain of openness: This study from 2011 was the first to show that psilocybin produces enduring positive
changes in personality—namely, in the domain of openness, which is associated with creativity.
Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with
life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. This 2016 study published in the Journal of
Psychopharmacology reveals how psilocybin, when occasioning a mystical-type psilocybin experience,
leads to significant and sustained reductions in anxiety and depression in terminally ill cancer patients.
Emotions and brain function are altered up to one month after a single high dose of psilocybin: Published
in 2020, this was the first study to investigate the longitudinal effects of psilocybin on brain function. The
study, which involved 12 volunteers who received a 25 mg/70 kg dose of psilocybin, found psilocybin
increases emotional and brain plasticity at one-week and one-month follow-up.
Effects of Psilocybin-Facilitated Experience on the Psychology and Effectiveness of Professional Leaders
in Religion: A pilot study exploring the effects and utility of psilocybin for professional religious leaders.
This study is currently recruiting.
Psilocybin-Facilitated Smoking Cessation Treatment: A Pilot Study. This study is examining high-dose
psilocybin therapy in conjunction with a structured smoking cessation treatment program. The pilot study is
currently recruiting 95 participants.
Psilocybin for Depression in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Early Alzheimer’s Disease: This
actively-recruiting Phase I study is assessing the potential efficacy of psilocybin in treating depression
associated with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease.
Effects of Psilocybin in Anorexia Nervosa: This Phase I trial is studying whether two sessions of psilocybin
therapy can reduce anxiety and depression in 18 participants with anorexia nervosa. This study is currently
recruiting, and is expected to end in late 2022.
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Yale University
Yale University is doing important research evaluating the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in collaboration
with organizations such as the Heffter Research Institute and Usona Institute. Founded in 2016, the Yale
Psychedelic Science Group is a hub for researchers to collaborate, network, and discuss psychedelic science. All
of the studies overviewed below are currently recruiting.
Yale Studies
Psilocybin-Induced Neuroplasticity in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: This study is
investigating whether varying doses of psilocybin can alter neuroplasticity in patients with Major
Depressive Disorder.
Efficacy of Psilocybin in OCD: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. This study is evaluating the
effects of psilocybin on the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder in 30 participants.
Psilocybin for the Treatment of Cluster Headache: This study is investigating the effects of low and
high-dose psilocybin on cluster headache symptoms in 24 participants.
New York University (NYU)

NYU Langone Health, an academic medical center affiliated with NYU, is at the forefront of psychedelic-assisted
therapies for mental illness and substance use disorders. The psychedelic research company MindMed recently
pledged $5 million to NYU Langone for developing a psychedelic research center.
NYU Studies
A Double-Blind Trial of Psilocybin-Assisted Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: A 2018 study with 180
participants, examining the effects of psilocybin compared to diphenhydramine on alcoholism. This was a
multi-site study done in collaboration with the Heffter Institute and the University of New Mexico.
Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in
patients with life-threatening cancer (a randomized controlled trial): This study, published in 2016 in the
Journal of Psychopharmacology, examines the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of psilocybin in 29
patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression.
The Effects of Psilocybin-Facilitated Experience on the Psychology and Effectiveness of Religious
Professionals: A recently completed Phase I study examining how psilocybin affects religious professionals,
a group that may be able to discern the mystical experience with more nuance.
University of California San Francisco (UCSF)

Researchers such as Dr. Josh Woolley in the Department of Psychiatry at UCSF have been investigating
psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to treat psychiatric illnesses. UCSF researchers have also partnered with the
Usona Institute to investigate psilocybin’s efficacy in treating depression.
UCSF Studies
Psilocybin-assisted group therapy for demoralized older long-term AIDS survivor men: An open-label
safety and feasibility pilot study. This 2020 study published in The Lancet examined the feasibility of
psilocybin therapy paired with ten sessions of evidence-based psychotherapy to treat AIDS-related
demoralization in 18 older participants.
University of Zurich (UZH)

The Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics at the University of Zurich is a hub for
psilocybin research in Europe. The university is home to the Heffter Research Center, which has conducted
over 70 studies on the neuroscience of psychedelics with support from the Heffter Research Institute.
UZH Studies
Clinical, Neurocognitive, and Emotional Effects of Psilocybin in Depressed Patients—Proof of Concept:
This study is investigating the effects of psilocybin on mood and emotional processing in 60 patients with
major depressive disorder. The participants will receive either 0.215 mg/kg of psilocybin or a placebo.
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Clinical and Mechanistic Effects of Psilocybin in Alcohol Addicted Patients: This study will compare the
efficacy of psilocybin to a placebo in the treatment of alcohol use disorder in 60 participants. Six weeks
after undergoing a withdrawal treatment, the participants will receive either a placebo or a single dose
of psilocybin (25 mg).
Psilocybin-Induced Decrease in Amygdala Reactivity Correlates with Enhanced Positive Mood in Healthy
Volunteers: This 2015 study by Kraehenmann and colleagues assessed the effects of psilocybin treatment
(0.16 mg/kg) on emotional processing to negative stimuli, using fMRI in 25 healthy volunteers.
Psilocybin Effects on Attention, Perception and Cognition: A list of five studies detailing psilocybin’s
effects on attention, perception, memory, and pre-pulse inhibition. The principal investigator of these
studies is Franz Vollenweider, MD.
Imperial College London

Established in 2019, the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London is focused on how
psychedelics work in the brain and their clinical use, especially for treating depression.
Imperial College Studies
Psilocybin vs Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder: Comparative Mechanisms (Psilodep-RCT): This
clinical trial of 59 participants is comparing the efficacy and mechanisms of psilocybin and the SSRI,
escitalopram, for major depressive disorder. This trial is active but no longer recruiting.
Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin: A 2012 study by
Carhart-Harris and colleagues that used fMRI in 15 healthy volunteers to investigate the neural correlates of
the psilocybin experience.
Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms. This study, published in
2017 in Nature, proposes a neural “reset” mechanism behind psilocybin’s antidepressant action.
Compass Pathways
Founded in 2016, Compass Pathways is a London-based mental healthcare company that received
Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA. This will fast-track their research on the use of synthetic
psilocybin for treating depression, and ultimately accelerate the process of gaining FDA approval.
Compass Pathways Studies
The Safety and Efficacy of Psilocybin in Participants with Treatment Resistant Depression: This is a
multi-site Phase IIb clinical trial, investigating the efficacy and safety of psilocybin therapy in 216 patients
with treatment-resistant depression. The study, which is currently recruiting, spans 20 sites across Europe
and North America.
Psilocybin administration to healthy participants: safety and feasibility in a placebo-controlled study. This
Phase I trial of 89 healthy volunteers was conducted by Compass Pathways in partnership with King’s
College London. Initial results showed psilocybin was well-tolerated when used under the guidance of
specially trained therapists.
The Safety and Efficacy of Psilocybin in Participants With Type 2 Bipolar Disorder (BP-II) Depression:
A study in collaboration with Sheppard Pratt evaluating the efficacy of 25 mg of psilocybin in treating
depressive symptoms associated with Type 2 Bipolar Disorder. This study is not yet recruiting volunteers.
Usona Institute
The Usona Institute is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 that conducts and supports multi-site clinical
research into the therapeutic effects of psilocybin and other psychedelics. The organization focuses on
evaluating psilocybin therapy for depression in order to shepherd it through the necessary trials for FDA
approval in the future.
Usona Institute Studies

A Study of Psilocybin for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): An actively-recruiting Phase II trial studying the
safety and therapeutic potential of a single dose of psilocybin for depression. The 80 participants will receive
either 25 mg of psilocybin or a placebo (100 mg of niacin). This trial is being conducted at seven locations,
including UCSF, Yale, Segal Trials (Florida), Great Lakes Clinical Trials (Illinois), JHU, NYU, and UW Madison.
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BOOKS
This list includes books on the science and history of psilocybin mushrooms and the psilocybin experience
through a psychological and spiritual lens, as well as how to dose, grow, and identify magic mushrooms.
How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness,
Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence by Michael Pollan
The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms
by K. Mandrake
Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge: A Radical History of Plants, Drugs,
and Human Evolution by Terence McKenna
The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys by James Fadiman
Magic Mushroom Explorer: Psilocybin and the Awakening Earth by Simon G. Powell
The Psilocybin Solution: The Role of Sacred Mushrooms in the Quest for Meaning by Simon G. Powell
Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide by Paul Stamets
Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom by James W. Jesso
Shroom: A Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom by Andy Letcher
Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion: An Informative, Easy-to-Use Guide to Understanding Magic
Mushrooms–From Tips and Trips to Microdosing and Psychedelic Therapy by Michelle Janikian
Sacred Mushroom of Visions: Teonanácatl: A Sourcebook on the Psilocybin Mushroom by Ralph Metzner
Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower’s Guide: A Handbook for Psilocybin Enthusiasts by O.T. Oss & O.N. Oeric
DOCUMENTARIES & VIDEOS

A New Understanding: The Science of Psilocybin—A 2019 documentary exploring psilocybin research for
end-of-life anxiety in terminally ill cancer patients.
Fantastic Fungi—A film by Louie Schwartzberg exploring the biology, environmental roles, and medicinal
uses of fungi, including magic mushrooms.
The Rise of Psychedelic Truffles in Amsterdam—A short documentary by Vice on the history of the legal
loophole that allows psilocybin truffles to be sold legally in Amsterdam.
Psilocybin Mushrooms & The Mycology of Consciousness—A talk by the mycologist Paul Stamets at
Psychedelic Science 2017, a six-day gathering co-hosted by MAPS and the Beckley Foundation.
The Science of Psilocybin and its Use to Relieve Suffering—A 2016 TED talk by Roland Griffiths on
psilocybin’s ability to catalyze spiritual transformation and reduce existential fears in cancer patients.
Magic Mushrooms in Mexico—Season 1, Episode 4 of Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia. The episode features

Hamilton Morris, who examines the history and effects of psilocybin mushrooms with the help of
scientists and shamans in Oaxaca.
Magic Mushroom Medical Trial—A documentary from Real Stories that follows three volunteers and their
families who are involved in a psilocybin clinical trial for depression.
The Stoned Ape Theory—Terence McKenna explaining his Stoned Ape Theory.
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RETREATS AND INTEGRATION THERAPISTS
Before psilocybin becomes an FDA-approved mental health treatment, multi-day retreats are a great way
to leverage the therapeutic benefits of the compound in a supportive and healing environment. Currently,
psilocybin retreats are legally offered in the Netherlands and Jamaica.
Psilocybin Retreats
Alalaho—formerly The Psychedelic Society, Alalaho offers six-day double ceremony retreats in the
Netherlands. Synthesis Retreats is a truffle retreat center in Amsterdam that offers three-day retreats
for 12–16 people. Synthesis Retreats is backed by Imperial College London.
New Moon offers four and five-day magic truffles retreat for eight people in the Dutch countryside
of the Netherlands.
Truffles Therapy provides private and small group truffle retreats, as well as microdosing consultations
in Amsterdam.
Guided Tripping is a magic truffle retreat center in Amsterdam that offers intake sessions and trip
integration after a session lasting seven-nine hours.
A Whole New High is a psilocybin retreat center near Amsterdam that offers a six-day retreat for 10
people. Inward Bound provides five-day psilocybin retreats in the Netherlands, complete with a
pre-screening and integration process.
Mycomeditations is a psilocybin retreat center in Treasure Beach, Jamaica that offers three psilocybin
sessions over the course of seven days.
Atman Retreat, located in Jamaica, offers a four-day psilocybin retreat in a beachfront villa.
The Buena Vida psilocybin mushroom retreats in Mexico are conducted in small groups in collaboration
with plant medicine shamans and elders.
Tripsitters lists experienced guides and tripsitters in Amsterdam who can facilitate a psilocybin session.
This is a good option for those who don’t have the time or can’t afford a multi-day retreat.
Integration Therapists
Therapists can be invaluable for integrating or processing past psilocybin experiences. These resources list
health professionals by location, specialty, and more.
MAPS Psychedelic Integration List—A comprehensive list of psychedelic integration therapists available
in the United States and internationally.
Psychedelic Support Network—A list of credentialed integration therapists offered by Psychedelic

Support. The listing is sortable by location, specialty, substance, and diagnosis.
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GUIDE TO MUSHROOM GROW KITS
In the world of psilocybin mushroom cultivation, nothing causes more internet arguments in shroom
growing forums than mushroom grow kits. But as we’ll flesh out in this article, mushroom grow kits are
advantageous to starting from scratch in several ways. Maybe you’re busy and looking for a quick way
to get your hands on some well-sourced mushrooms with minimal effort. Or, you may have the bandwidth
for a more intricate grow, but feel inundated from the enormous amount of information out there, not
knowing where to start or whom to believe.
Mushroom grow kits are a simple and beginner-friendly way to get rolling. Just by following easy
instructions, you end up with a sizeable harvest no later than three weeks after the kit arrives on your
doorstep. Growing mushrooms at home from kits can also be a fun, low-cost hobby. For some people,
they’re a good springboard to more involved and larger-scale mycological escapades in the future.
WHAT IS A MUSHROOM GROW KIT?

Mushroom grow kits come in several flavors, but basically, they are an all-in-one package. They provide
you with all the major materials you need to start growing your own mushrooms. Generally, grow kits
include a container, bag, or jar that contains some type of substrate. The substrate is the organic matter
medium that supplies water and nutrients to the fungus. This allows it to expand its white, thread-like
mycelial networks. These in turn will give rise to the fruiting bodies (our beloved shrooms).
The Two Types of Substrates in Grow Kits

Broadly, mushroom grow kits may contain either living mycelium substrate (that is, the substrate is fully
colonized by the mycelium) or sterile substrate, which contains no mycelium. The former expedites the grow
process considerably. These kits let you bypass the contamination-prone inoculation and incubation steps of
a full DIY grow. All you have to do is subject the colonized substrate to conditions that encourage fruiting.
The three major factors here are the correct temperature, humidity, and lighting. The grow bag included in
the kit encloses the grow container and maintains the proper humidity for fruiting.
The grow kits that don’t contain living mycelium substrate instead come with pre-loaded substrate that
is already sterilized. In addition, these kits supply all the major grow equipment you will need, such as
substrate jars, a fruiting chamber, grow bags, etc. Having a sterilized substrate allows you to skip the pesky
sterilization step that you’d have to follow if you started from scratch. Sterilization would typically involve a
pressure cooker and several hours.
These grow kits also save you the hassle of separately collecting all the materials you would need if you did a
total DIY grow. However, you will still have to inoculate the substrate yourself with these kits. To that end, the
kit may include a spore syringe. Alternatively, it will have to be purchased separately from a reputable spore
supplier. This part of the process is notoriously susceptible to contamination. Therefore, extra vigilance is
required with the use of sterile techniques.
IS IT LEGAL TO GROW MUSHROOMS AT HOME?

The legal landscape of psilocybin is changing slowly with recent city-wide decriminalization efforts.
However, psilocybin and its prodrug, psilocin, still maintain an outdated Schedule I status in the United
States. Internationally, only a handful of places have made psilocybin mushroom cultivation legal. These
include the British Virgin Islands, Brazil, Samoa, Jamaica, and the Netherlands. In Austria, one can legally
cultivate psilocybin mushrooms, but harvesting them for use as a drug is a criminal offense.
The US considers growing psilocybin mushrooms to be manufacturing a controlled substance. Doing so can
result in harsh criminal penalties, even for personal use. The one exception is the state of New Mexico. Here,
a 2005 court ruling declared that personal psilocybin mushroom cultivation is legal, provided one doesn’t
dry the mushrooms after harvesting them (this surely makes heroic doses tricky, to say the least). In cities
which have decriminalized psilocybin—so far, Ann Arbor, Oakland, Santa Cruz, D.C., and Denver as well as the
state of Oregon—law enforcement considers personal psilocybin mushroom possession/cultivation to be low
on their list of priorities.
112
Shipping a Mushroom Grow Kit
When it comes to mushroom grow kits, those that include pre-inoculated substrate (with 100% mycelium)
contain psilocybin/psilocin. Therefore, they are illegal in most countries, including the US. Some suppliers of
grow kits won’t ship to countries where they are illegal, and others will ship it discreetly. When these grow
kits ship despite their illegality, many people report receiving them without problems. However, there is still
the possibility that customs officials will seize internationally shipped grow kits. The grow kits that do not
contain living psilocybin mycelium are perfectly legal in the US. If these kits come with psilocybin mushroom
spores, the spores are legal for microscopy or research purposes (i.e., without the intent to cultivate). This is
true in all states except for Idaho, Georgia, and (sadly) California.
How to Choose a Mushroom Grow Kit
A ready-to-go grow kit that contains living mycelium is a good choice if you want to dip your toes into
the world of mushroom growing. These grow kits allow you to quickly reap a nice harvest. Additionally,
they require minimal time or effort. Overall, this is the best option if you are a complete beginner, barring
potential legal issues associated with 100% mycelium kits. Suppliers generally offer a wide variety of
Psilocybe cubensis strains for these types of kits. Each of these strains varies in its psilocybin and psilocin
content (and therefore, in its effects). This is true even among different harvests of the same strain.
As mentioned earlier, a grow kit that doesn’t contain living mycelium requires growing from spores. This
can be a good option for those that have the time, and want to more thoroughly understand the mushroom
grow cycle. Besides learning more, you are also rewarded with a bigger yield. In addition, since you’re
starting from spores, you have more choices with what you want to grow. You can choose from over 40
P. cubensis strains or even work with a species other than P. cubensis, like the small but highly potent
Panaeolus cyanescens. In general, the P. cubensis Golden Teacher, Cambodian, and B+ strains are
highly recommended for beginners.
How Easy are Mushroom Grow Kits to Manage?
When it comes to mushroom cultivation, mushroom grow kits are the easiest operation to manage by far.
For grow kits with colonized substrate, only simple actions are necessary on a daily basis to keep them
growing optimally. After hydrating the substrate, you’ll have to spray water against the inside of the grow
bag to keep humidity levels above 95%. You will also have to ventilate the grow bag daily to allow fresh air
exchange. Other than that, as long as the temperature is in the 70s (Fahrenheit) and the grow kit has some
indirect sunlight, there isn’t much else to it until harvest.
Contamination is less of a problem since the mycelium has already overtaken the substrate, but it is still a
concern. Basic sanitary measures should be taken into account, like wearing gloves or washing your hands/
arms before handling the grow container. A face mask can also be useful, in order to avoid breathing on the
grow kit.
Grow kits that don’t come with pre-inoculated substrate are more time-consuming and labor-intensive. After
carefully inoculating the substrate with a spore syringe, you have to incubate the substrate for several weeks
in the dark. These steps require highly sanitary conditions since microorganisms can easily outcompete the
mycelium when it hasn’t yet established itself in the substrate. Overall, these grow kits at their most
complicated are an abridged, all-in-one version of a DIY grow, such as the PF Tek method.
NECESSARY GROW KIT SUPPLIES

Living Mycelium Grow Kit Supplies
Mushroom grow kits with fully colonized substrate (100% mycelium) typically ship internationally from the
Netherlands. For examples of these kits, check out Magic Mushrooms Shop and Wholecelium. These kits
generally include:
Grow container (with lid). The plastic grow container holds the pre-inoculated substrate. Typically, this
is a grain substrate, such as rye berries, that has been sterilized prior to inoculation.
Grow or filter bag. The grow bag encloses the grow container and locks in the optimal humidity for
fruiting body growth. Usually, these come with a simple air filter and paper clips to close the bag.
Alcohol wipes and gloves. These are included for keeping sterile when handling the grow container.
Instructions. A step-by-step manual, often with pictures (also available online from the grow kit supplier).
113
The only other crucial supplies that aren’t included are spray bottles and clean tap water, which keep
humidity levels high throughout the fruiting process. Grow kit suppliers often sell other optional items that
can be helpful, including heating mats and hygrometers. Heating mats go under the grow container, ensur-
ing the mushrooms stay within an optimal temperature range (73–80ºF). These are most useful for people
growing in colder climates. Hygrometers can be handy to keep track of humidity levels (which should be
above 95% at all times). In general, though, if you see water droplets and condensation on the inside of
the grow bag, you can be sure you’re above 90% humidity.
Mycelium-Free Grow Kit Supplies

Grow kits that don’t contain living mycelium substrate are often domestically sold. For examples of these
kits, check out Midwest Grow Kits and Shroom Supply. At its most basic, these may come with:
Sterilized substrate. This is usually rye or brown rice flour that is pre-loaded in jars or spawn bags
with injection ports.
A grow chamber or bag. This is where the incubation & fruiting phases occur after the inoculation step.
Compost. This “bulk substrate” supplies nutrition to the mycelium once it’s combined with the grain
spawn, aka the substrate, after it has been colonized. Compost may be included in grow kits that feature
large grow bags, which are used as fruiting chambers (viz. Shroom Supply kits, above).
Perlite. This is a volcanic glass that absorbs water and helps to maintain humidity when added to the
bottom of the grow chamber. This is included in some grow kits that contain substrate jars (viz. Midwest
Grow Kits, based on “cake” methods).
A psilocybin mushroom spore syringe. The syringe contains spores mixed with sterilized distilled water.
A spore syringe usually holds about 10 cc of this slurry, or enough to inoculate approximately 10 half-pint
jars of substrate. Syringes are either included or sold separately.
Latex gloves and alcohol swabs. For sterile technique during the inoculation step.
Instructions. Step-by-step manual with pictures, also available online from supplier.
Additional Recommendations
These grow kits do not usually include vermiculite, but we highly recommend that you purchase it separately.
This is particularly true for grow kits based around cake methods, like the PF Tek. When applied as a thin
layer on top of the substrate jar, vermiculite acts as a barrier to prevent contamination during the incubation
step. After the substrate is colonized, the resulting cake can be hydrated and rolled in vermiculite to lock in
moisture and boost final yields.
Lastly, to ensure a contamination-free grow, it’s a good idea to purchase some other sterile-working items
separately. This includes simple materials for a still air box (for sterile inoculating), a face mask, a lighter
(for flame-sterilizing the syringe needle), and a cheap, disposable Tyvek suit.
How Much Do Mushroom Grow Kits Cost?

The simple, living mycelium grow kits typically cost between $40–60, not including shipping. More potent or
exotic species/strains tend to run a bit higher. Some suppliers sell discounted bulk sets (containing any-
where from 3–5 kits) that are cheaper on a per unit basis. Generally, these kits will produce a final yield of
about an ounce of dried mushrooms, +/- 10 grams.
The grow kits that don’t contain live mycelium typically cost about the same as mycelium-based grow
kits, at least when considering the ones with the most basic features. Bigger kits (e.g. with larger grow
chambers and more substrate jars/spawn) typically run $100 or more and, naturally, end up with bigger
yields. Some of the more pricey grow kits also include lots of accessory items that can be useful, but are
not strictly necessary.
How Long Does it Take to Harvest Mushrooms From a Grow Kit?
Ready-to-go, living mycelium grow kits will be ready for harvest in as little as two-three weeks. On the other
hand, grow kits requiring inoculation and incubation can take as long as fie-six weeks until they’re ready for
harvest. For cultivation from spores, the inoculation step takes the shortest amount of time (approximately
a few hours). The next step, incubation, will take about two-four weeks until the substrate is fully colonized,
depending on the temperature (70–80ºF is best). Once fruiting begins, it may take seven-ten days to see
114
the first tiny mushrooms, aka “pins.” However, some people have reported online that pinning can take as
long as three weeks. Slower times generally result from colder temperatures and suboptimal humidity.
Once the pins form, the mushrooms will roughly double size with each passing day. They will be ready to
harvest when the veils open, or before the spores begin to fall from the gills. Multiple flushes (harvests)
are possible after “cold shocking” the mycelium. For living mycelium grow kits, this may involve soaking
the grow container in cold water for 12 hours, then re-following the instructions from step 1. Overall, up to
three-four flushes are possible, but the first flush is usually the largest.
Is a Mushroom Grow Kit Right for You?

Mushroom grow kits are a great idea for their ease of use and overall simplicity. Many beginner growers who
don’t wish to manage their own grow from scratch enjoy that there are fewer steps involved, and quicker times
until harvest.
However, there are some potential downsides to consider with grow kits. Many mushroom growers argue that
starting from scratch will be less expensive than grow kits in the long run, since buying materials in bulk tends
to be cheaper. This may not be a problem if you just want to have a small amount for a special occasion. But
grow kits offer less control over the overall growth process. You’re relying on the company selling the grow kit
to use proper sterile technique. For living mycelium grow kits, you also have fewer choices when it comes to
strains and species to grow. If contamination does arise, you have to throw out this type of grow kit. In contrast,
with a PF Tek, you can troubleshoot problems more easily without forfeiting the entire grow.
While seeing it through to a final harvest from spores can be highly rewarding, the efficiency and convenience
of mushroom grow kits are certainly unmatched.
Growing your own mushrooms can

be the safest way to know exactly
what you are consuming.
115
A LOOK AT ENTANGLED LIFE: HOW FUNGI MAKE OUR WORLDS,
CHANGE OUR MINDS, AND SHAPE OUR FUTURES
THE MUSHROOM BOOM
In recent years mushrooms have entered the spotlight. As clinical evidence mounts for the
effectiveness of psilocybin in the treatment of a variety of mental health issues, the mainstream
is starting to take notice of the fungal kingdom. Conversations about psychedelic mushrooms are
becoming ever more common. This also seems to be the case for home cultivation and use of
psilocybin fungi. The excitement extends beyond psychedelic mushrooms to all manner of fungi.
Fungi are being used in mycoremediation, mycofabrication, scientific experimentation, and simply
for home growing and cooking. Merlin Sheldrake’s new book on the topic of the fungal world,
Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures, is a very
welcome addition to the increasingly mycophilic marketplace.
THE LIVES OF FUNGI

A key message of the book is that our world is more than human. Fungal lives are as real as our
own and show astounding complexity. For many humans today, life has become deeply
disconnected from nature, making this claim seem far-fetched. For those who choose to deepen
their connection with nature, whether through spending time outdoors, foraging, or tripping on a
chemical of fungal origin like psilocybin or LSD, the idea of nature as sophisticated and intelligent
will come as no surprise. We see the world around us differently when this mode of ecological
awareness is triggered within us. We start to see nature as being like ourselves.
As well as being a trained scientist, Sheldrake is a wonderful writer. In this book, his gift for prose
is bent toward triggering this recognition of the aliveness of the unassuming fungal world. It’s one
thing to read a dry scientific argument for the idea that nonhuman organisms are intelligent, but
it’s quite another to read of “riots” of mycelium navigating through “rot-scapes.” Sheldrake’s vivid
writing makes us feel the truth of the fungal world, alive and intelligent, without having to tell us.
A PSYCHEDELIC PEDIGREE
Merlin Sheldrake is the son of Rupert Sheldrake, a biologist who has been at the forefront of
discussions around science, spirituality, and psychedelics for decades. Sheldrake’s childhood in
the inner circle of psychedelics thinkers seemingly prepared him well to carry the torch of the
fungal spokesperson. From a young age, he spent time with Terence McKenna, a family friend of
the Sheldrakes. In his teenage years, he got to know famed mycological evangelist Paul Stamets.
McKenna and Stamets both published smash-hit guides to growing psilocybin mushrooms. These
pioneers have been largely responsible for the increasing popularity of mushrooms since the
1960s. Both are known for thinking big. McKenna’s Stoned Ape theory holds that psilocybin
mushrooms were responsible for the origin of the human species, and Stamets argues mushrooms
can save the world. On such topics, Sheldrake errs on the side of scientific skepticism.
117
PSYCHEDELICS FOR THE MASSES
Psychedelics medicine is set to go mainstream. Accordingly, nearly everyone broaching the subject is forced
to decide how to handle psychedelics’ weird and wild side. Entangled Life is a tour-de-force, exploring all
that is mind-blowing about the world of the fungus. Refreshingly, it does so in a manner that should in no
way alienate a mainstream audience. Despite the subtitle’s idea that fungi change people’s minds, Sheldrake
dedicates only one chapter to psilocybin mushrooms. In addition, he tucks this chapter away in the middle,
rather than thrust in the reader’s face up front. Sheldrake assesses McKenna’s and Stamets’ ideas, already
mentioned, as largely unjustified. This rebuttal both intellectually entertains the reader and provides r
eassurance that a trustworthy guide is navigating this landscape of ideas.
Self-Experimentation
The only appearance of a psychedelic is when Sheldrake takes LSD as part of a scientific trial. The reader
may feel that it is a shame that the psychedelic couldn’t have been psilocybin, but then is quickly reminded
that LSD, too, comes from a fungus, ergot. Sheldrake could have attended one of the many legal psilocybin
retreats that now exist. Confining his psychedelics exploration to government-approved scientific trials is a
shrewd way to avoid the skepticism that might otherwise trigger a wider audience. The result is a fairly psy-
chedelic book that one could feel safe buying for a grandparent who has a fondness for homegrown porcini.
A VISION OF LIFE ITSELF

Entangled Life does not pretend to be a book primarily about psychedelics. It is clearly a book about the
fungal world. At its core, however, is the vision of mystical union with the natural world that typically
confronts users following states of psychedelic-induced ego-dissolution. From a fascinating chapter on
lichens that demonstrates how all organisms, including us, consist of symbiosis of multiple creatures, to
another on the mycorrhizal networks on which most plant life depends, the message is consistent: the
natural world does not consist of separate individuals. All living systems, from fungi to us, are expressions
of the activity of the natural world. We and the fungi are processes that defy simple categorization.
Sheldrake continually reminds the reader of this fact through his presentation of cutting-edge research. One
leaves the experience of reading Entangled Life feeling as if they had somehow read both a gripping
textbook on fungal biology, and a mystical treatise on life itself.
118
CREDITS
CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
Dylan Beard
Dylan is a freelance science writer and editor based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. After
finishing his physics degree and dabbling in neuroscience research at UC Santa Barbara in 2017,
he returned to his first love—writing. As a long-term fan of the human brain, he loves exploring
the latest research on psychedelics, nootropics, psychology, consciousness, meditation, and more.
When he’s not writing, you can probably find him on hiking trails around Oregon and Washington
or listening to podcasts. Feel free to follow him on Insta @dylancb88.
Dr. James Cooke
Dr. James Cooke is a neuroscientist, writer, and speaker, whose work focuses on consciousness,
with a particular interest in meditative and psychedelic states. He studied Experimental
Psychology and Neuroscience at Oxford University and is passionate about exploring the
relationship between science and spirituality, which he does via his writing and his YouTube
channel, YouTube.com/DrJamesCooke. He splits his time between London and the mountains of
Portugal where he is building a retreat centre, @TheSurrenderHomestead on Instagram. Find him
@DrJamesCooke on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, or at DrJamesCooke.com
Pimienta Fantasma
Pimienta Fantasma is a nature enthusiast and parent of two beautiful children and some
amazing animals. Pimienta’s desire to give back to the earth and dive deeper into the beautiful
weirdness that is being alive has proven to be nothing short of a wild ride filled with irreplaceable
experiences, through snow-peaked mountains, lush valleys, colorful coral reefs (that need our
help), dolphin-filled waters, and the epic wonder of Pimienta’s hummingbird-filled garden.
Expand your mind and your heart, dance, laugh, explore, learn, speak up and ask questions,
is Pimienta’s advice to readers. Pimienta can be found protecting the innocent and trying to
live the best life possible.
Jesse Klein
Jesse Klein is a science and outdoor reporter based in the Bay Area. She has written for VICE, New
Scientist, Inside the Jar and many other national publications. Her background in neuroscience and
experience as a business journalist informs her reporting as she dives deep into the science, policy
and business of drugs and psychedelics. See more of her writing at jesseerynklein.com.
Andréa Oldereide
Andréa is a London-based journalist who loves to write and cover anything out of the ordinary.
You can probably find her reviewing a drag show or walking her dog if she isn’t sitting by her
computer and a cup of coffee writing something. Andréa has written for an LGBTQ-based website
as well as a fatherhood themed publication and more. Andréa definitely never limits her writings
to one specific area. Most importantly, she has always been fascinated by the mind and how our
brains function, so you can expect a lot of research-based articles from her. Feel free to follow her
on Insta @drewithanaccent and Twitter @Dre_Oldereide
Niki Perlberg
Niki is a social and arts entrepreneur who specializes in project and creative production
development. With her passion for social structures and the arts, she has been involved in the
architecture of performance and festival culture around the country. In rapidly changing times she
is now taking her passion for these subcultures and sharing them with us in our digital atmosphere
through her writing and content development. Some of her favorite parts of life are coffee,
campfires, and contemplating the mysteries of existence. @itsnikiperl
120
CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES
Issac Herrera
Isaac Herrera is an illustrator, graphic artist, and perennially frustrated filmmaker. His work is
inspired by just about anything vintage, with an emphasis on comics, magazine illustration and
cartoons from the middle of the 20th century. Though mostly digital, his art is deliberately given a
rough, printed feel, aiming for a look that could be mistaken for something created decades ago
(And with a bit of impish humor here and there). When not drawing, he dabbles in film
photography and can be often found playing with model trains. @cihstudios
Madison Ortiz
Madison is the Head of Design for DELIC Corp. She works alongside our team to direct the
creation of our stellar imagry and does all of our in-house design work, like the layout of this book.
Madison is also a writer and cannabis advocate with an engaged audience on Instagram. You can
read her articles in High Times Magazine, Culture Magazine, and Hemp Magazine. @happytokes
Kaitlin Sobiesiak
Majority of the illustrations in this book come from Kaitlin Sobiesiak, a graphic designer,
illustrator, and novice motion designer residing in Brooklyn, NY. Her work is inspired by
mid-century pulp illustration, retro cartoons, and the horror genre. Implementing both traditional
and digital techniques, she creates pieces which evoke an atmospheric nostalgia that may seem
universal, but also strange and unsettling. When she isn’t drawing, Kaitlin likes singing to her cat,
fishing off the pier, and laughing at her own jokes. @kaitdonedid
EDITORS
Holly Crawford
She is a lover of the written word and enjoys using language to tell stories about people, products,
and ideas. With her roots deeply entrenched in the cannabis industry, she gravitates towards all
things psychedelic with open-minded curiosity. If she isn’t musing in one of her journals, you can
find her talking to her plants, studying business and spirituality, and performing all kinds of kitchen
witchery. Holly lives in Oregon with her husband and their three dogs and two cats. @m_sungreen
Kaycee Mitchell
Kaycee is Content Coordinater for DELIC Corp. She directs the content calendar for
RealitySandwich.com, including all of the articles in this book. Kaycee contributed to editing and
was a driving force to create this resource. Writer and creator, her work ranges from composing
SEO editorial articles to her creative writing passion projects; she is currently having her first chil-
dren’s book illustrated. Outside the written word, Kaycee loves adventure, psychedelic exploration,
worldly travel, and to dance, dance, dance (especially to deep Playa sunrise sets).
121
HUNGRY FOR MORE?
Chow down on the rest of our content on
RealitySandwich.com
Copyright © 2020 Reality Sandwich
The Magic of Psilocybin Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Guide - by Reality Sandwich
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the
publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact: info@realitysandwich.com
Disclaimer: Psilocybin mushrooms and other substances are categorized as illegal drugs in many countries. Reality
Sandwich is not encouraging the use or making of this drug where it is prohibited. However, we believe that providing
information is imperative for the safety of those who choose to explore this substance. This guide is intended to provide
educational content and should in no way be viewed as a medical recommendation or suggested for recreational use.
Please research legality where you live and prioritize safety above all.

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A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

By: Reality Sandwich

eBook: All red text is hyperlinked. Click to navigate.

Out of the psychedelic closet?

We value your feedback!

There’s so much in store, so without further ado:

SHROOMS IN THE KITCHEN

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT PSILOCYBIN

• Psilocybin spores are used to cultivate mushrooms.

• Psilocybin is classified as a psychedelic serotonergic tryptamine. When consumed it produces a

Forms & Methods of Consumption

Modern Day Discovery

Important Events, Findings, Studies

The DMN (Default Mode Network) Hypothesis

Refer to other interactions on this external chart.

Is Psilocybin Good for You?

Common Side Effects

Current Studies & Research

Around the World

What Does Psilocybin Taste Like?

What Does Psilocybin Smell Like?

How to Pronounce Psilocybin?

Onset 10-40 minutes (when chewed & held in mouth)

HOW ARE PSILOCYBIN DOSES MEASURED?

COMMON CLINICAL RESEARCH DOSES

HOW MUCH PSILOCYBIN CAUSES AN OVERDOSE?

Why Do People Microdose?

WHAT IS CONSIDERED TO BE A MICRODOSE OF PSILOCYBIN?

Click to go back to the Psilocybe Cubensis Dosage Chart.

WHAT ARE MAGIC MUSHROOM STRAINS?

• Gymnopilus (13 species)

MOST POPULAR MUSHROOM STRAINS

Panaeolus cyanescens (Blue Meanies)

Where It’s Grown

Common Effects and Strength

Psilocybe azurescens (Flying Saucer)

Where It’s Grown

Common Effects and Strength

Where It’s Grown

Common Effects and Strength

Psilocybe caerulipes (Blue Foot Mushroom)

Where It’s Grown

Common Effects and Strength

Where It’s Grown

Common Effects and Strength

Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Caps)

Psilocybe mexicana (Teonanacatl)

Where It’s Grown

Common Effects and Strength

Psilocybe stuntzii (Blue Ringer Mushroom)

Where It’s Grown

Common Effects and Strength

Psilocybe tampanensis (Philosopher’s Stone, Magic Truffles)

Where It’s Grown

Common Effects and Strength

WHAT ARE GOLD CAP SHROOMS?

HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS?

EFFECTS OF GOLD CAP MUSHROOMS

WHERE TO FIND GOLD CAP MUSHROOMS

EFFECTS OF SHROOMS VS ACID

Effects of Shrooms Explained

Grounded, Earthy, Wild