Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms,” contain psychoactive compounds that can alter a person’s perception, thoughts, and emotions. The most well-known psychoactive compounds found in psychedelic mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin.

There are many different types of psychedelic mushrooms, each with its unique effects and strengths. Some of the most popular types include Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe azurescens, Amanita muscaria, Panaeolus cyanescens, and Gymnopilus spectabilis.

These mushrooms have been used for centuries for their mind-altering effects and have been gaining popularity in recent years for their potential therapeutic benefits. However, it’s important to note that consuming these mushrooms can be highly unpredictable, and it’s crucial to seek guidance from professionals who know the specific type of mushroom, the correct dosage, and the potential risks and benefits. In this article, we will be discussing the five most vital types of psychedelic mushrooms and their effects.

Why do different psychedelic mushrooms potency differ?

The key ingredient that actually produces psychedelic effects, psilocin, is present in varying levels in different species of psychedelic mushrooms. High psilocybin and psilocin concentrations will result in a more powerful mushroom and a more intense mushroom trip. Additionally, depending on the conditions under which they were cultivated, mushrooms from the same species of mushrooms might have various levels of potency.

Which has a greater effect on your magic mushroom experience, dosage or potency?

It’s challenging to gauge the intensity of a magic mushroom experience. Your psychedelic experience is influenced by the quantity and strength of the mushrooms you consume. It’s possible that your trip will be considerably stronger if you take two grams of mushrooms instead of one.

The same is true of intensity; ingesting a mushroom containing twice as much psilocybin or psilocin may result in a trip that is exponentially more powerful.

Set and setting, or your state of mind and surrounding circumstances when high, are additional vital considerations while consuming mushrooms. Regardless of potency or dosage, taking mushrooms with close friends in a natural setting will produce a very different experience from taking them with strangers at a packed party.

We also recommend having good intentions before a journey to establish the mood and prepare your mind for the event.

Types of Psychedelic Mushrooms and Effects of Mushrooms

Psilocybe Cubensis

Psilocybe cubensis, also known as “Golden Teacher” or “Mexican mushroom,” is a popular and widely available psychedelic mushroom. It contains the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin and is known for producing intense visual and auditory hallucinations.

The effects of Psilocybe cubensis can vary depending on the dosage and the individual. Typically, users report feeling a sense of euphoria and a distorted sense of time. They may also experience visual hallucinations, such as geometric patterns and vivid colours. 

Psilocybe cubensis is widely available and can be found in many different places. It is most commonly found in Central and South America, but it can also be found in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Psilocybe Azurescens

Psilocybe azurescens is a type of psychedelic mushrooms that is known for its high potency. It contains high levels of the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for its mind-altering effects. It is typically found in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in the United States, in areas such as Oregon, Washington, and Northern California, and it’s known for producing intense visual and auditory hallucinations.

The effects of Psilocybe azurescens can vary depending on the dosage and the individual, but it is considered one of the most potent psychedelic mushrooms available. Users report feeling a strong sense of euphoria and intense visual and auditory hallucinations. They may also experience a distorted sense of time and an altered sense of reality. The effects usually last between 4 to 6 hours.

Psilocybe azurescens is not as widely available as other psychedelic mushrooms, such as Psilocybe cubensis. It is typically found in specific regions in the Pacific Northwest, and it is not commonly cultivated. As with all psychedelic mushrooms, it’s important to note that possessing and consuming Psilocybe azurescens are illegal in many places and can result in severe legal consequences.

Amanita Muscaria

Amanita muscaria, also known as the “Fly Agaric” mushroom, is a type of mushroom that has been used for centuries for its psychoactive effects. It contains the psychoactive compounds ibotenic acid and muscimol, which are responsible for its mind-altering effects. Amanita muscaria is known for producing solid hallucinations, a sense of euphoria and a distorted sense of time.

The effects of Amanita muscaria can vary depending on the dosage and the individual. Typically, users report feeling a sense of euphoria and a distorted sense of time. They may also experience visual and auditory hallucinations, such as geometric patterns and vivid colours. Some people also report feeling a sense of unity with the environment and a heightened sense of spirituality. 

Amanita muscaria is widely available and can be found in many different places. It is most commonly found in Europe, Asia, and North America. However, it’s important to note that possessing and consuming Amanita muscaria and other psychedelic mushrooms is illegal in many places and can result in severe legal consequences.

Panaeolus Cyanescens

Panaeolus cyanescens, also known as “Blue Meanies,” is a psychedelic mushroom containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin. It is known for producing intense visual and auditory hallucinations and a sense of euphoria. Panaeolus cyanescens is a small, brownish mushroom with a conical cap that is dark blue-black when wet. Although, it is typically found in temperate regions in Europe, North America, and New Zealand, it is also found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America.

Gymnopilus Spectabilis

Gymnopilus spectabilis, also known as “Big Laughing Gym,” is a psychedelic mushroom containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin. It is known for producing intense visual and auditory hallucinations and a sense of euphoria and a distorted sense of time. It is a large, yellow-orange mushroom with a convex cap and a thick stem. Gymnopilus spectabilis is typically found growing on dead or dying trees and logs, in the late summer and early fall.

Gymnopilus spectabilis is not as widely available as other psychedelic mushrooms, such as Psilocybe cubensis. It is typically found in specific regions of the United States, such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. As with all psychedelic mushrooms, it’s important to note that the possession and consumption of Gymnopilus spectabilis are illegal in many places and can result in severe legal consequences.

Guidance for Consuming Psychedelic Mushrooms

Consuming psychedelic mushrooms can be a powerful and transformative experience, but it is essential to have proper knowledge and guidance before doing so. The effects of psychedelic mushrooms can vary depending on the type of mushroom, the dosage, and the individual. Without proper knowledge and guidance, it can be challenging to predict the effects and potential risks of consuming these mushrooms.

Proper knowledge and guidance can help ensure the experience is safe and positive. This includes understanding the correct dosage, the potential risks and benefits, and the specific effects of the type of mushroom being consumed. Therefore, it is important to seek guidance from professionals who know the specific type of mushroom, the correct dosage, and the potential risks and benefits. This can include guidance from trained therapists, or from experienced individuals who have a deep understanding of psychedelic mushrooms.

Additionally, proper knowledge and guidance can help individuals set the right intention for their experience, create a safe and comfortable environment, and know how to handle any adverse effects that may occur. Center for psychedelic and consciousness such as Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic has continuous research about the potential of psychedelics as medicine.

In summary, the importance of proper knowledge and guidance when consuming psychedelic mushrooms is crucial to ensure that the experience is safe and positive. Therefore, it is important to seek professional advice and be aware of the legal consequences before consuming these mushrooms.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, psychedelic mushrooms have been used for centuries for their mind-altering effects and have been gaining popularity in recent years for their potential therapeutic benefits. The five strongest types of psychedelic mushrooms include Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe azurescens, Amanita muscaria, Panaeolus cyanescens and Gymnopilus spectabilis. Each of these mushrooms has its unique effects and strengths. Still, it is important to note that consuming these mushrooms can be highly unpredictable, and it is not recommended to consume them without proper knowledge and guidance. Therefore, it is crucial to seek advice from professionals who know the specific type of mushroom, the correct dosage, and the potential risks and benefits. Additionally, possession and consumption of these mushrooms are illegal in many places and can have severe legal consequences. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the laws and regulations in your area before consuming any psychedelic mushrooms.

References

Goggins, P. (2022, November 16). What are some of the strongest types of psychedelic mushrooms? Leafly. https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/strongest-types-psychedelic-mushrooms

‌Wikipedia Contributors. (2019, August 19). Psilocybe azurescens. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybe_azurescens

Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms). (n.d.). Drugscience.org.uk. https://www.drugscience.org.uk/drug-information/psilocybin/

What are Magic Mushrooms? (n.d.). Myhealth.alberta.ca. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/What-are-magic-mushrooms.aspx

Psilocybe azurescens. (n.d.). INaturalist. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/179652-Psilocybe-azurescens

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