A Guide to Psychedelic Mushrooms: Types, Effects, and Duration

Psychedelic mushrooms have been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes. Understanding what kind of mushrooms get you high, their effects, and how long these effects last is essential for anyone interested in this topic. This guide provides comprehensive information about psychedelic mushrooms, focusing on psilocybin-containing species, their effects, and duration.

Common Psychedelic Mushrooms: Species and Identification

When people ask what type of mushrooms get you high, they're typically referring to those containing psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. Here are the most common species:

• Psilocybe cubensis: The most widely known and cultivated species, often called "golden teachers" or "B+"
• Psilocybe semilanceata: Known as "liberty caps," common in Europe and North America
• Psilocybe azurescens: One of the most potent species, found primarily in the Pacific Northwest
• Psilocybe cyanescens: Called "wavy caps" due to their undulating appearance
• Psilocybe mexicana: Historically used by indigenous Mexican cultures

According to this comprehensive guide on identifying psychedelic mushrooms, proper identification is crucial as misidentification can lead to consuming poisonous lookalikes. Most psilocybin mushrooms bruise blue when handled due to oxidation of the psilocybin, which can be a helpful identification feature.

Mushroom Effects: What to Expect from a Psilocybin Experience

The effects of psychedelic mushrooms vary based on dosage, individual physiology, and setting. Typical effects include:

Low to Moderate Dose (0.5-2g dried)

• Enhanced sensory perception
• Mild visual alterations
• Heightened creativity
• Emotional openness
• Philosophical thinking

Higher Dose (2-5g dried)

• Pronounced visual hallucinations
• Time distortion
• Synesthesia (mixing of senses)
• Profound introspection
• Mystical or spiritual experiences

The onset of effects typically begins 30-60 minutes after ingestion, with peak effects occurring around 2-3 hours, followed by a gradual decline. For proper storage of these substances, specialized containers with child-resistant lids are essential to prevent accidental ingestion, especially in households with children.

Duration Factors: How Long Does a Mushroom High Last?

A common question is how long is a mushroom high. The total duration of a psilocybin experience typically ranges from 4-6 hours, though this can vary based on several factors:

• Dosage: Higher doses generally produce longer-lasting effects
• Species: Some species contain different ratios of psilocybin and psilocin, affecting duration
• Individual metabolism: Body weight, metabolism, and tolerance all influence duration
• Consumption method: Lemon tekking (soaking in lemon juice) can accelerate onset but may shorten duration
• Empty vs. full stomach: Consuming on an empty stomach typically leads to faster onset

This resource on mushroom duration and effects explains that after the main experience subsides, an "afterglow" period of 2-24 hours may follow, characterized by subtle mood enhancement and mental clarity.

Consumption Methods: Different Ways to Take Psychedelic Mushrooms

There are several methods for consuming psilocybin mushrooms:

Oral Consumption

• Raw: Eating dried or fresh mushrooms directly
• Tea: Steeping mushrooms in hot (not boiling) water
• Food incorporation: Adding to foods like chocolate or honey
• Capsules: Powdered mushrooms in gelatin capsules for precise dosing

Other Methods

Some people experiment with smoking mushrooms, though research indicates this is ineffective as psilocybin degrades at high temperatures. The most reliable methods remain oral consumption.

For those interested in cultivation, this guide to growing psilocybin mushrooms provides detailed information, though it's important to check local laws as cultivation is illegal in many jurisdictions.

Safety Considerations: Responsible Use and Harm Reduction

While psilocybin mushrooms have a relatively safe physiological profile compared to many other substances, there are important safety considerations:

• Set and setting: Mental state and environment significantly impact the experience
• Trip sitter: Having a sober, experienced person present is recommended, especially for beginners
• Start low: Begin with low doses to understand personal sensitivity
• Medication interactions: Avoid combining with psychiatric medications, particularly SSRIs
• Psychological contraindications: Those with personal or family history of psychosis should avoid psychedelics
• Safe storage: Keep in secure, labeled containers away from children and pets

Unlike cannabis edibles, which may have variable effects depending on consumption method, mushrooms have more predictable effects when consumed orally.

The Evolving Legal Landscape of Psychedelic Mushrooms

The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms is changing rapidly. While federally classified as Schedule I substances in the United States, several jurisdictions have moved toward decriminalization or legalization for therapeutic use:

• Oregon became the first state to legalize therapeutic use of psilocybin
• Cities including Denver, Oakland, and Santa Cruz have decriminalized possession
• Countries like Jamaica, Brazil, and the Netherlands have varying degrees of legal tolerance
• Clinical research continues to expand, investigating therapeutic applications for depression, anxiety, and addiction

As research continues to demonstrate potential therapeutic benefits, more jurisdictions may revise their approach to these substances. However, it remains essential to understand and respect local laws regarding possession, use, and cultivation.

For those using these substances, proper storage is crucial both for preserving potency and ensuring safety. Using appropriate containers with secure, child-resistant lids for mushroom storage helps prevent accidental consumption and maintains freshness.