Psilocybe mushrooms
Psilocybe mushrooms contain the classic psychedelics psilocybin and psilocin. The effects typically last for 4-6 hours and are similar to those of both LSD and DMT.
Normal dose:
1–3 grams of dried psilocybe cubensis
0,5–2 grams of dried psilocybe semilanceata
1–3 grams of dried psilocybe cubensis
0,5–2 grams of dried psilocybe semilanceata
Duration: 4–6 hours
Risks:
Acute lethality: ⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low)
Long-term toxicity: ⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low)
Dependence: ⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low)
Cognitive problems: ⦿⦿⦿⦾⦾ (Low)
Undesirable events: ⦿⦿⦿⦾⦾ (Moderate)
Interactions: ⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low)
Scroll down for the full risk profile.
Acute lethality: ⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low)
Long-term toxicity: ⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low)
Dependence: ⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low)
Cognitive problems: ⦿⦿⦿⦾⦾ (Low)
Undesirable events: ⦿⦿⦿⦾⦾ (Moderate)
Interactions: ⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low)
Scroll down for the full risk profile.
Psilocybe is a genus of psychedelic mushroom species. The two most common species in Norway are psilocybe semilanceata, which grows in the wild and is also known as a liberty cap (or "fleinsopp" in Norwegian), and psilocybe cubensis, which is cultivated indoors. Psilocybe mushrooms have been used for religious and spiritual purposes in various cultures around the world [1]. The psychoactive effect of consuming psilocybe mushrooms is mainly due to psilocin [2,3]. In psilocybe mushrooms, psilocin occurs alongside or in the form of the more stable molecule psilocybin, which is metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion [2,4]. Psilocybe mushrooms also often contain the related molecules baeocystin and norbaeocystin, as well as harmala alkaloids with a slight MAO-inhibiting effect [4]. The subjective ffects typically last 4-6 hours and share many qualities with those of LSD and DMT [2,3,5]. Depending on dosage, set and setting, the user may experience feelings of well-being, enhanced sensory perception, visual illusions and synesthesia, but also anxiety or confusion. [3,5]. Magic mushrooms are not toxic or addictive, but the effects can be very mentally demanding [6,7]. They should be treated with respect, and inexperienced users should not take high doses. Set and setting are crucial when using magic mushrooms and other psychedelics, and concomitant use of other drugs may exacerbate confusion [8].
Please see our 10 general rules for sensible drug use. You should also be mindful of the following:
- Avoid psilocybe mushrooms if you or someone in your immediate family has a psychotic disorder. Also be cautious if you have a severe anxiety disorder.
- Avoid psilocybe mushroomsif you are on medications that contain lithium or tramadol, as this can lead to seizures.
- It is best to have a fast-acting benzodiazepine (e.g. diazepam) on hand in case of an anxiety attack. Simply knowing that you have it can also provide a feeling of safety and thus reduce the risk of anxiety.
- Avoid high doses if you are inexperienced, and have an experienced and preferably sober friend present.
- Do not try psilocybe mushrooms spontaneously at a party. Do thorough research and prepare yourself mentally beforehand.
- Be careful when combining psilocybe mushrooms with other drugs. Cannabis in particular can increase the risk of anxiety and confusion during the trip.
- Assess your mood, life situation, immediate surroundings, and who you are with. Make sure you have the option of moving over to another safe spot if necessary. Put away your phone and make sure you have no appointments or tasks for the rest of the day.
- If you feel anxious during the trip: change your surroundings or music, breathe calmly, and try not to resist what is happening inside you. If you feel like you are losing control, ask a friend to sit with you and remind you that you are safe. Have a fast-acting benzodiazepine (e.g. diazepam) readily available in case the situation cannot be managed.
We employ a five-step risk scale with values ranging from "very low" to "very high" within six categories: Acute toxicity, Long-term toxicity, Dependence, Cognitive problems, Unpleasant events, and Interactions.
These values are based on qualitative reviews of available knowledge, and should only be viewed as guidelines. They are also relative, so a score of "very low risk" does not mean the substance is risk-free. The scale assumes users are normal, healthy individuals; beware that even drugs which are well-tolerated by most people may nevertheless be harmful to some users. It also assumes normal use patterns; that is, if a given drug is only harmful when used in a certain way, yet is almost never used in that way, then the drug will be considered less harmful compared to a similar drug which is commonly used in a harmful way.
ACUTE LETHALITY
⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low risk)
No direct physical harm has been documented from the consumption of psilocybe mushrooms in realistic amounts [7]. Based on rat studies, it is estimated that one would have to eat around 17 kg of fresh mushrooms, equivalent to roughly 1.7 kg of dried mushrooms, in a short period of time, which is practically impossible [7,9,10]. Since psilocin affects pulse and blood pressure, however, people with heart or blood pressure issues should be cautious with psilocybe mushrooms [5,11].
LONG-TERM TOXICITY
⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low risk)
Psilocybin and the other psychoactive components in psilocybe mushrooms are physiologically well-tolerated, and there is no evidence associating their consumption with harms to human health [2,7,11]. Frequent use of magic mushrooms over time could theoretically lead to abnormalities (fibrosis) in the heart valves of some users, but this is currently based on research on other substances with similar activity at serotonin receptor subtype 2B [11]. There is little reason to believe that this risk applies to normal, sporadic use of mushrooms, but caution should be exercised with microdosing if this is done several times a week over a long period of time.
DEPENDENCE
⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low risk)
Like other classical psychedelics, psilocin is not addictive [2,7,12]. If psilocin is used several days in a row, one will quickly need a much higher dose until the drug eventually stops working [13]. This tolerance usually lasts for up to a week [14]. It is also common to want to take long breaks between each full psychedelic experience, and many people experience decreased craving for drugs after using psychedelics.
COGNITIVE PROBLEMS
⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low risk)
Science has not found a strong link between poor mental health and psychedelics use; on the contrary, psychedelics use has been found to correlate with better mental health outcomes in general [8–10]. However, one study did find that while use of LSD is not associated with any negative mental health outcomes, it is not associated with the same positive mental health outcomes as use of psilocybin or mescaline [10].
UNDESIRABLE EVENTS
⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low risk)
LSD can make users confused and disoriented, increasing the risk of accidents. Risky activities like driving, bicycling, swimming, or climbing should therefore be avoided on LSD.
INTERACTIONS
⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low risk)
There are few known interactions between psilocybe mushrooms and drugs, but it is prudent to avoid combining them with lithium and tramadol, which can lead to seizures when combined with LSD [19,20].
Some combine psilocybe mushrooms with MAOI-based antidepressants such as moclobemide, or plant-based harmala alkaloids with a similar effect, to extend the duration of the effects. This is not particularly dangerous, given that ayahuasca – a combination of the closely related compound DMT and MAOIs – is considered relatively safe [21]. When considering combining magic mushrooms with an MAOI, however, one should read up on the interactions that MAOIs can have with other drugs and psychoactives. Combining MAOIs with SSRI-based antidepressants or stimulants can lead to dangerously high neurotransmitter levels in the brain [21].
The most common drugs to combine with psilocybe mushrooms are likely alcohol, MDMA and cannabis. Combination with alcohol usually happens when mushrooms are taken spontaneously when drinking. This results in increased alcohol tolerance and diminished mushroom effects. This makes it easy to ingest too much of the mushrooms, causing the full effect to come on suddenly as the alcohol leaves the body, which can be very uncomfortable. Others might end up drinking too much alcohol, since they no longer feel as drunk. This is dangerous, as alcohol is still harmful to the body. Some find that small amounts of alcohol towards the end of the psilocybin high can be calming and make the "come down" more pleasant.
Combining with MDMA, a so-called "hippie flip", is often recommended as a milder mushroom experience. This combination may increase the intensity of the high, however, so one should take less of each substance than when using the substances separately. Since MDMA increases body temperature, one should make sure to regulate the temperature and physical activity level. It may be wise to time the doses so that the MDMA come-down does not coincide with the mushrooms' peak effects, as this can cast a gloomy color on the experience.
Combining mushrooms with cannabis can have different outcomes for different people, but it is generally advised against unless one is very experienced with both substances. While some may feel that cannabis just adds an interesting dimension to the experience, other may experience confusion, paranoia and anxiety, or even psychosis-like reactions. In a lot of the cases where psychedelics have caused a problematic reaction, cannabis has also been involved. If combining these substances, cannabis should ideally be saved for when the mushrooms' effects are subsiding, one should smoke significantly less than one would usually, and one should definitely avoid very strong cannabis varieties ("skunk").
These values are based on qualitative reviews of available knowledge, and should only be viewed as guidelines. They are also relative, so a score of "very low risk" does not mean the substance is risk-free. The scale assumes users are normal, healthy individuals; beware that even drugs which are well-tolerated by most people may nevertheless be harmful to some users. It also assumes normal use patterns; that is, if a given drug is only harmful when used in a certain way, yet is almost never used in that way, then the drug will be considered less harmful compared to a similar drug which is commonly used in a harmful way.
ACUTE LETHALITY
⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low risk)
No direct physical harm has been documented from the consumption of psilocybe mushrooms in realistic amounts [7]. Based on rat studies, it is estimated that one would have to eat around 17 kg of fresh mushrooms, equivalent to roughly 1.7 kg of dried mushrooms, in a short period of time, which is practically impossible [7,9,10]. Since psilocin affects pulse and blood pressure, however, people with heart or blood pressure issues should be cautious with psilocybe mushrooms [5,11].
LONG-TERM TOXICITY
⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low risk)
Psilocybin and the other psychoactive components in psilocybe mushrooms are physiologically well-tolerated, and there is no evidence associating their consumption with harms to human health [2,7,11]. Frequent use of magic mushrooms over time could theoretically lead to abnormalities (fibrosis) in the heart valves of some users, but this is currently based on research on other substances with similar activity at serotonin receptor subtype 2B [11]. There is little reason to believe that this risk applies to normal, sporadic use of mushrooms, but caution should be exercised with microdosing if this is done several times a week over a long period of time.
DEPENDENCE
⦿⦾⦾⦾⦾ (Very low risk)
Like other classical psychedelics, psilocin is not addictive [2,7,12]. If psilocin is used several days in a row, one will quickly need a much higher dose until the drug eventually stops working [13]. This tolerance usually lasts for up to a week [14]. It is also common to want to take long breaks between each full psychedelic experience, and many people experience decreased craving for drugs after using psychedelics.
COGNITIVE PROBLEMS
⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low risk)
Science has not found a strong link between poor mental health and psychedelics use; on the contrary, psychedelics use has been found to correlate with better mental health outcomes in general [8–10]. However, one study did find that while use of LSD is not associated with any negative mental health outcomes, it is not associated with the same positive mental health outcomes as use of psilocybin or mescaline [10].
UNDESIRABLE EVENTS
⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low risk)
LSD can make users confused and disoriented, increasing the risk of accidents. Risky activities like driving, bicycling, swimming, or climbing should therefore be avoided on LSD.
INTERACTIONS
⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low risk)
There are few known interactions between psilocybe mushrooms and drugs, but it is prudent to avoid combining them with lithium and tramadol, which can lead to seizures when combined with LSD [19,20].
Some combine psilocybe mushrooms with MAOI-based antidepressants such as moclobemide, or plant-based harmala alkaloids with a similar effect, to extend the duration of the effects. This is not particularly dangerous, given that ayahuasca – a combination of the closely related compound DMT and MAOIs – is considered relatively safe [21]. When considering combining magic mushrooms with an MAOI, however, one should read up on the interactions that MAOIs can have with other drugs and psychoactives. Combining MAOIs with SSRI-based antidepressants or stimulants can lead to dangerously high neurotransmitter levels in the brain [21].
The most common drugs to combine with psilocybe mushrooms are likely alcohol, MDMA and cannabis. Combination with alcohol usually happens when mushrooms are taken spontaneously when drinking. This results in increased alcohol tolerance and diminished mushroom effects. This makes it easy to ingest too much of the mushrooms, causing the full effect to come on suddenly as the alcohol leaves the body, which can be very uncomfortable. Others might end up drinking too much alcohol, since they no longer feel as drunk. This is dangerous, as alcohol is still harmful to the body. Some find that small amounts of alcohol towards the end of the psilocybin high can be calming and make the "come down" more pleasant.
Combining with MDMA, a so-called "hippie flip", is often recommended as a milder mushroom experience. This combination may increase the intensity of the high, however, so one should take less of each substance than when using the substances separately. Since MDMA increases body temperature, one should make sure to regulate the temperature and physical activity level. It may be wise to time the doses so that the MDMA come-down does not coincide with the mushrooms' peak effects, as this can cast a gloomy color on the experience.
Combining mushrooms with cannabis can have different outcomes for different people, but it is generally advised against unless one is very experienced with both substances. While some may feel that cannabis just adds an interesting dimension to the experience, other may experience confusion, paranoia and anxiety, or even psychosis-like reactions. In a lot of the cases where psychedelics have caused a problematic reaction, cannabis has also been involved. If combining these substances, cannabis should ideally be saved for when the mushrooms' effects are subsiding, one should smoke significantly less than one would usually, and one should definitely avoid very strong cannabis varieties ("skunk").
DOSAGE
The amounts of psilocin and psilocybin in magic mushrooms vary both from one mushroom to another and from one part of the same mushroom to another [22]. It is therefore wise to crush and mix all the material well, preferably in a blender, so that the potency will be as uniform as possible. A normal dose of psilocybe cubensis of typical potency might be between 1 and 1.5 grams if dried or 10-15 grams if fresh. 1 dried gram will produce some psychedelic effects in most people, while 2-3 grams typically strong psychedelic effects [7,14,23]. However, some people need more or less than others to feel the same effects. Beginners should therefore start with 0.5 - 1 grams of cubensis, which typically gives a mild or moderately psychedelic high. Psilocybe semilanceata (liberty caps) should be dosed more conservatively, as they are typically much more potent than psilocybe cubensis [22]. A good rule of thumb is divide the cubensis dose by two, which would put a typical dose of dried semilanceata at 0.5 to 1.0 grams.
FORMAT
The most common way of taking psilocin is in mushrooms. The mushrooms can be eaten fresh, but are usually available dried, as this increases shelf life in storage. Some synthetic substances on the illegal market, such as psilacetin (4-AcO-DMT), are believed to be broken down to psilocin in the body in the same way as psilocybin, and are used by some as a substitute for mushrooms [24]. Be aware that these synthetic alternatives may contain, or turn out to be, something unexpected.
ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION
Magic mushrooms are taken orally, and can be eaten raw, mixed in other food or boiled into tea. By taking it in tea, you don't have to eat the mushroom material, which can cause digestive problems or nausea in some people. Eating ginger before or at the same time as taking the mushroom, or having large amounts of ginger in the tea, can also prevent nausea [25]. Lemon juice in the tea can help to draw psilocin out of the cubensis mushroom if you don't want to eat the mushroom material. However, this is not necessary with liberty cap mushrooms, which primarily contain psilocybin, which is water soluble.
The amounts of psilocin and psilocybin in magic mushrooms vary both from one mushroom to another and from one part of the same mushroom to another [22]. It is therefore wise to crush and mix all the material well, preferably in a blender, so that the potency will be as uniform as possible. A normal dose of psilocybe cubensis of typical potency might be between 1 and 1.5 grams if dried or 10-15 grams if fresh. 1 dried gram will produce some psychedelic effects in most people, while 2-3 grams typically strong psychedelic effects [7,14,23]. However, some people need more or less than others to feel the same effects. Beginners should therefore start with 0.5 - 1 grams of cubensis, which typically gives a mild or moderately psychedelic high. Psilocybe semilanceata (liberty caps) should be dosed more conservatively, as they are typically much more potent than psilocybe cubensis [22]. A good rule of thumb is divide the cubensis dose by two, which would put a typical dose of dried semilanceata at 0.5 to 1.0 grams.
FORMAT
The most common way of taking psilocin is in mushrooms. The mushrooms can be eaten fresh, but are usually available dried, as this increases shelf life in storage. Some synthetic substances on the illegal market, such as psilacetin (4-AcO-DMT), are believed to be broken down to psilocin in the body in the same way as psilocybin, and are used by some as a substitute for mushrooms [24]. Be aware that these synthetic alternatives may contain, or turn out to be, something unexpected.
ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION
Magic mushrooms are taken orally, and can be eaten raw, mixed in other food or boiled into tea. By taking it in tea, you don't have to eat the mushroom material, which can cause digestive problems or nausea in some people. Eating ginger before or at the same time as taking the mushroom, or having large amounts of ginger in the tea, can also prevent nausea [25]. Lemon juice in the tea can help to draw psilocin out of the cubensis mushroom if you don't want to eat the mushroom material. However, this is not necessary with liberty cap mushrooms, which primarily contain psilocybin, which is water soluble.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Like other classic psychedelics, psilocin (the active metabolite that is responsible for psilocybin's effects) mimics the neurotransmitter serotonin and binds to serotonin receptors in the brain – mainly the serotonin receptor subtypes 2B, 2C and 2A, but also other receptor subtypes (including 1A and 1D). It is thought that psilocin's activity at receptor subtype 2A is chiefly responsible for the psychedelic effects. Unlike LSD, psilocin does not activate dopamine receptors [2, 26]. Brain scans of people under the influence of psilocin show that, like LSD, it reduces activity in the thalamus and the default mode network and generates a more unconstrained pattern of brain activity resembling that seen during deep meditation and dreaming [27, 28].
DURATION
The effects of psilocin typically last for 4-6 hours depending on the person and dosage. How long it takes for the drug to take effect depends on the dose, whether the user has recently eaten, and the individual sensitivity of the user [2,3,5]. Generally, some effects will be felt after 30-40 minutes, but full effects can take up to 2 hours to feel. The effects are the most intense for the first 2-4 hours [14,29]. Many find it necessary to take it easy in a safe environment during this time, as it is common to experience temporary anxiety or confusion. Since it is usually impossible to fall asleep during the experience, one should not take mushrooms shortly before bedtime. Avoid taking psilocybe mushrooms if you are significantly sleep deprived, as this increases the risk of an unpleasant experience.
SUBJECTIVE EFFECTS
The effects of psilocybe mushrooms are similar to those of other classical psychedelics like LSD – and known to be hallucinogenic. However, it is not common to see things with open eyes that have no basis in reality. Should this occur, it will usually be with very high doses and/or under special lighting conditions. The user is also normally able to distinguish between hallucinations and real events, but delusions may occur at high doses [5]. It is most common to see variations on the shapes of real objects, or colorful "light shows" and dream-like sequences with one's eyes closed. One may also experience altered depth perception, and light can be perceived more clearly or strongly than usual.
The user's sense of hearing is also affected by classical psychedelics. Many feel that their sense of hearing is heightened, and psilocybe mushrooms have a strong synesthetic effect, meaning that different sensory modalities may mix with each other. Sounds may therefore affect what the user sees, especially with closed eyes, or it can feel as if sounds "move" the user's body physically. This makes classical psychedelics like psilocybe mushrooms popular for listening to music or dancing, and research has shown that they enhance the listener's emotional reaction to a piece of music.
Psilocybe mushrooms also affect the user's sense of touch, making it difficult to know exactly where the body ends and where the surroundings begin. The user also becomes less sensitive to ambient temperatures (though not as much as with LSD), so it is important not to wear too much or too little clothing relative to the surrounding environment or physical activity level [14,29].
Psychedelics affect the user's thoughts on a fundamental level. They can profoundly distort the user's sense of time, making a few minutes may feel like several hours. The user's first-person perspective may also be compromised, and high doses can result in so-called "ego death" – an experience that may feel deeply spiritually significant, but also very frightening [5,11]. In moderate doses, psilocybe mushrooms promote free associations of thought that can be conducive to creativity, humor, and meditative states. It can be difficult to find the right words and idioms when speaking under the influence of LSD, and users can find themselves speaking almost in metaphors at times.
Psilocybe mushrooms differ from LSD in that their effects only last half as long, and are often described as more unpredictable and "wave-like". Some also find that psilocybe mushrooms have a more emotional or gloomy character than LSD and give somewhat different visual effects [14, 29]. However, these differences vary significantly from one individual to another, and it is likely that one's expectations and associations affect the experience [3].
Unpleasant experiences
It is common to experience transient periods of anxiety or depression after consuming psilocybe mushrooms [5, 11]. In some cases, one can also have very challenging experiences, such as intense fear of death, paranoia and confusion. Circumstances and surroundings have a lot to do with how the experience manifests itself.
Profound or deeply meaningful experiences
Psilocybe mushrooms are a powerful psychedelic that may yield experiences that require processing afterwards. A mushroom trip can challenge the user's perception of reality and lead to deep existential questions being asked. One may also be confronted with uncomfortable aspects of oneself or one's life, since large amounts of subconscious psychological material may come to the surface. This can be rewarding in the long run, but is not always unproblematic. It is not uncommon for people to change or make big changes in their lives after a powerful psychedelic experience, and research shows that one-time use of psychedelics can result in lasting change in the personality domain of openness, meaning receptiveness to new ideas and perspectives [30]. This effect is particularly noticeable for some time shortly after the first experience, and one should be careful when making decisions of great importance in this time period. Most users describe strong psychedelic experiences as positive afterwards, even those that are very demanding or unpleasant while they are happening [5, 31]. It is nonetheless recommended that one approach psychedelics prepared and with great respect, and have someone to talk to about the experience.
Like other classic psychedelics, psilocin (the active metabolite that is responsible for psilocybin's effects) mimics the neurotransmitter serotonin and binds to serotonin receptors in the brain – mainly the serotonin receptor subtypes 2B, 2C and 2A, but also other receptor subtypes (including 1A and 1D). It is thought that psilocin's activity at receptor subtype 2A is chiefly responsible for the psychedelic effects. Unlike LSD, psilocin does not activate dopamine receptors [2, 26]. Brain scans of people under the influence of psilocin show that, like LSD, it reduces activity in the thalamus and the default mode network and generates a more unconstrained pattern of brain activity resembling that seen during deep meditation and dreaming [27, 28].
DURATION
The effects of psilocin typically last for 4-6 hours depending on the person and dosage. How long it takes for the drug to take effect depends on the dose, whether the user has recently eaten, and the individual sensitivity of the user [2,3,5]. Generally, some effects will be felt after 30-40 minutes, but full effects can take up to 2 hours to feel. The effects are the most intense for the first 2-4 hours [14,29]. Many find it necessary to take it easy in a safe environment during this time, as it is common to experience temporary anxiety or confusion. Since it is usually impossible to fall asleep during the experience, one should not take mushrooms shortly before bedtime. Avoid taking psilocybe mushrooms if you are significantly sleep deprived, as this increases the risk of an unpleasant experience.
SUBJECTIVE EFFECTS
The effects of psilocybe mushrooms are similar to those of other classical psychedelics like LSD – and known to be hallucinogenic. However, it is not common to see things with open eyes that have no basis in reality. Should this occur, it will usually be with very high doses and/or under special lighting conditions. The user is also normally able to distinguish between hallucinations and real events, but delusions may occur at high doses [5]. It is most common to see variations on the shapes of real objects, or colorful "light shows" and dream-like sequences with one's eyes closed. One may also experience altered depth perception, and light can be perceived more clearly or strongly than usual.
The user's sense of hearing is also affected by classical psychedelics. Many feel that their sense of hearing is heightened, and psilocybe mushrooms have a strong synesthetic effect, meaning that different sensory modalities may mix with each other. Sounds may therefore affect what the user sees, especially with closed eyes, or it can feel as if sounds "move" the user's body physically. This makes classical psychedelics like psilocybe mushrooms popular for listening to music or dancing, and research has shown that they enhance the listener's emotional reaction to a piece of music.
Psilocybe mushrooms also affect the user's sense of touch, making it difficult to know exactly where the body ends and where the surroundings begin. The user also becomes less sensitive to ambient temperatures (though not as much as with LSD), so it is important not to wear too much or too little clothing relative to the surrounding environment or physical activity level [14,29].
Psychedelics affect the user's thoughts on a fundamental level. They can profoundly distort the user's sense of time, making a few minutes may feel like several hours. The user's first-person perspective may also be compromised, and high doses can result in so-called "ego death" – an experience that may feel deeply spiritually significant, but also very frightening [5,11]. In moderate doses, psilocybe mushrooms promote free associations of thought that can be conducive to creativity, humor, and meditative states. It can be difficult to find the right words and idioms when speaking under the influence of LSD, and users can find themselves speaking almost in metaphors at times.
Psilocybe mushrooms differ from LSD in that their effects only last half as long, and are often described as more unpredictable and "wave-like". Some also find that psilocybe mushrooms have a more emotional or gloomy character than LSD and give somewhat different visual effects [14, 29]. However, these differences vary significantly from one individual to another, and it is likely that one's expectations and associations affect the experience [3].
Unpleasant experiences
It is common to experience transient periods of anxiety or depression after consuming psilocybe mushrooms [5, 11]. In some cases, one can also have very challenging experiences, such as intense fear of death, paranoia and confusion. Circumstances and surroundings have a lot to do with how the experience manifests itself.
Profound or deeply meaningful experiences
Psilocybe mushrooms are a powerful psychedelic that may yield experiences that require processing afterwards. A mushroom trip can challenge the user's perception of reality and lead to deep existential questions being asked. One may also be confronted with uncomfortable aspects of oneself or one's life, since large amounts of subconscious psychological material may come to the surface. This can be rewarding in the long run, but is not always unproblematic. It is not uncommon for people to change or make big changes in their lives after a powerful psychedelic experience, and research shows that one-time use of psychedelics can result in lasting change in the personality domain of openness, meaning receptiveness to new ideas and perspectives [30]. This effect is particularly noticeable for some time shortly after the first experience, and one should be careful when making decisions of great importance in this time period. Most users describe strong psychedelic experiences as positive afterwards, even those that are very demanding or unpleasant while they are happening [5, 31]. It is nonetheless recommended that one approach psychedelics prepared and with great respect, and have someone to talk to about the experience.
All psilocybin- or psilocin-containing mushrooms are listed as illicit drugs in Norway (narkotikalisten, narkotikaforskriften, legemiddelloven §22). This means it is punishable by law to use, possess, sell, manufacture, import, acquire, store, or ship them without a special license for medical or scientific research purposes (legemiddelloven §31, §24; straffeloven §231).
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18. Martinotti et al., Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder: Etiology, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Perspectives. Brain Sciences, 2018.
19. throwaway_naut, WARNING: LSD + Lithium = disaster, på Reddit. 2013. Tilgjengelig fra: https://www.reddit.com/r/LSD/comments/17wn82/warning_lsd_lithium_disaster/
20. Beyaz et al., Seizures associated with low-dose tramadol for chronic pain treatment. Anesthesia, essays and researches, 2016. 10(2): p. 376-378.
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26. Madsen et al., Psychedelic effects of psilocybin correlate with serotonin 2A receptor occupancy and plasma psilocin levels. Neuropsychopharmacology, 2019.
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31. Gashi, Sandberg & Pedersen, Making "bad trips" good: How users of psychedelics narratively transform challenging trips into valuable experiences. International Journal of Drug Policy, 2021.
32. Bauer, B.E., Wood Lover Paralysis: An Unsolved Mystery, in Psychedelic Science Review. 2018.
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16. Halpern, Lerner & Passie, A Review of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) and an Exploratory Study of Subjects Claiming Symptoms of HPPD. Curr Top Behav Neurosci, 2018.
17. Nichols, Psychedelics. Pharmacological reviews, 2016.
18. Martinotti et al., Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder: Etiology, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Perspectives. Brain Sciences, 2018.
19. throwaway_naut, WARNING: LSD + Lithium = disaster, på Reddit. 2013. Tilgjengelig fra: https://www.reddit.com/r/LSD/comments/17wn82/warning_lsd_lithium_disaster/
20. Beyaz et al., Seizures associated with low-dose tramadol for chronic pain treatment. Anesthesia, essays and researches, 2016. 10(2): p. 376-378.
21. Gable, Risk assessment of ritual use of oral dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmala alkaloids. Addiction, 2007. 102(1): p. 24-34.
22. Christiansen, Rasmussen & Høiland, The content of Psilocybin in Norwegian Psilocybe semilanceata. Planta Med, 1981.
23. Erowid. Psilocybin, Psilocin, and Magic Mushroom Dosage. 2016; Available from: https://www.erowid.org/plants/mushrooms/mushrooms_....
24. Nichols & Frescas, Improvements to the Synthesis of Psilocybin and a Facile Method for Preparing the O-Acetyl Prodrug of Psilocin. Synthesis, 1999.
25. Ernst & Pittler, Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Br J Anaesth, 2000.
26. Madsen et al., Psychedelic effects of psilocybin correlate with serotonin 2A receptor occupancy and plasma psilocin levels. Neuropsychopharmacology, 2019.
27. Barrett et al., Psilocybin acutely alters the functional connectivity of the claustrum with brain networks that support perception, memory, and attention. NeuroImage, 2020. 218: p. 116980.
28. Carhart-Harris et al., Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012.
29. Erowid. Psilocybin Mushrooms: Effects. 2016; Available from: https://www.erowid.org/plants/mushrooms/mushrooms_....
30. Erritzoe et al., Recreational use of psychedelics is associated with elevated personality trait openness: Exploration of associations with brain serotonin markers. J Psychopharmacol, 2019.
31. Gashi, Sandberg & Pedersen, Making "bad trips" good: How users of psychedelics narratively transform challenging trips into valuable experiences. International Journal of Drug Policy, 2021.
32. Bauer, B.E., Wood Lover Paralysis: An Unsolved Mystery, in Psychedelic Science Review. 2018.
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