Buzz
Consuming hallucinogenic psilocybin mushrooms (also referred to as 'shrooms' or 'magic mushrooms' by those from the 1960s) can expand your mind to experience the infinite marvels of the cosmos, brighten up an ordinary Sunday afternoon, or even plunge you into a despair darker than you ever thought possible.
The difference between a good and bad mushroom journey often lies in being well-prepared and knowing exactly what you're getting into. (Just to clarify, this advice applies to larger doses, not microdosing.)
What are magic mushrooms?
'Shrooms' is a slang term for 'mushrooms,' specifically those varieties containing Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound known to induce euphoria, vivid hallucinations, and bouts of laughter. However, Psilocybin can also lead to panic attacks, nightmarish visions, and nausea.
Many people within the 'psychedelic community' believe that mushrooms shouldn't be used as a party drug. To them, trips should focus on personal development or profound spiritual experiences—something serious. While I personally dislike this self-righteous perspective (mushrooms can too be used at a party), there's some truth in the idea, which is why mushrooms are often employed in mental health therapy. Mushroom trips typically aren't for escapism and might not make you feel euphoric or self-assured. Other substances are better for that purpose.
Are magic mushrooms allowed by law?
Unless you live in a few cities where they've been legalized, buying, selling, and using certain kinds of mushrooms is probably illegal in your area, and it's best to respect the laws that dictate what you can and can’t do in the privacy of your own home.
That being said, you may not care much about their legal status, as you're likely not going to get caught if you take them in a safe, controlled environment. Seriously: Don't take mushrooms if you're unprepared. Start with a small amount and see how it affects you. You can always take more later, but once you've consumed them, you can't undo it.
How to Ensure a Positive Mushroom Experience
Most mushroom journeys tend to be enjoyable for most people—after all, if they were consistently bad, no one would keep doing them—but occasionally, a bad trip can happen. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to improve the chances of a pleasant experience and reduce the likelihood of enduring a six-hour waking nightmare.
The significance of 'set' and 'setting'
According to the timeless wisdom passed down from the psychedelic pioneers of the 1960s, two key elements contribute to a positive psychedelic experience: 'set' and 'setting.' Set refers to your mental state—what you're bringing to the trip—and setting pertains to your environment, the location, and the people you're with.
Why 'set' is important: Unlike some drugs, mushrooms don't automatically make you feel happy. They might, but it's not guaranteed. If you're feeling down, anxious, or generally unhappy, today might not be the best day for a mushroom experience (unless you're prepared for the drug to intensify your negative emotions). In general, a positive mindset leads to a better experience, so approach the experience with confidence, openness, and flexibility. But always remember: Mushrooms are in charge, not you.
'Set' also refers to the expectations you bring to the experience you're about to have. Even if those expectations are misguided, they will influence your trip. If you take mushrooms with the goal of partying hard and getting completely out of it, you might find yourself laughing with friends and enjoying the band you're watching, but you could end up having a deeply spiritual experience instead. It's best to keep an open mind and be prepared for whatever unfolds.
Why 'setting' is important: Setting is a more grounded concept than 'set.' It’s about the physical location where you're using the mushrooms, the people you're with, and the emotional atmosphere—the vibe. The ideal setting is unique to the individual. Personally, I enjoy taking mushrooms in a private, semi-natural setting with close friends who are experienced and caring. Others might prefer a festival setting with first-timers, a solo gaming session, or even a therapist's office with a seasoned psychedelic guide. The key is to be in a place where you feel comfortable, surrounded by people you like and trust, even if they're strangers who share your mindset.
How to Improve the Taste of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are amazing, but their taste leaves a lot to be desired. I wouldn’t say they’re the worst-tasting thing ever, but they are dry, chewy, and have a distinct earthy flavor that some liken to feet, dirt, or even poop.
I used to be a supporter of the 'just eat them, man' school of thought. A standard dose of mushrooms is about 1 or 2 grams (give or take), so it's easy enough to chew them up, swallow, and wash it down with a strong-flavored drink. But there's a better way—an effortless solution that's more dignified than simply 'forcing yourself,' but not as extravagant as this recipe for 'hallucinogenic mushroom fricandó.'
The best way to enjoy magic mushrooms is by pairing them with those little containers of marinated mushroom salad from the deli section of your local grocery store. It's simple, affordable, and the mix of olive oil, vinegar, spices, and flavorful mushrooms actually enhances the earthy taste of your golden teachers or flying saucers, making them fall somewhere between 'tolerable' and 'actually pretty good,' depending on your preferences.
A step-by-step guide to making magic mushrooms taste better (or at least bearable)
Ingredients:
A jar of marinated mushrooms from the supermarket. Unless you’re hosting a large gathering, a half-pint is usually enough for most occasions.
Small bowls or ramekins
Dried psilocybin mushrooms
Instructions:
Prepare individual servings of marinated mushrooms in small bowls or ramekins for each guest. This allows everyone to manage their own dosage and ensures the rest of the mushroom salad remains unaffected—no one wants to unintentionally start tripping later.
Crumble the magic mushrooms and add them to the bowls. Ensure they are fully coated in the marinade and give everything a little stir.
Let it sit. You could wait 24 hours to let the mushrooms rehydrate fully, or just a few minutes—enough time to throw on Stevie Wonder's Innervisions and flash your friends that look of 'We're all going to be tripping soon!'
Use a fork or spoon to enjoy it.
Why it's a bad idea to cook with magic mushrooms
I’m not here to judge anyone’s choices, but I don’t get the appeal of making a full meal with psilocybin mushrooms. First, there's the concern that cooking them might reduce their potency—there's some debate about whether this is true, but why take the risk? Even if cooking doesn't impact their strength, preparing something like 'Creamy Garlic Shroom Pasta' still seems problematic. It requires finely chopping or powdering the mushrooms, which takes extra effort and makes controlling your dose even trickier. Someone’s bound to eat more than they should, right?
Additionally, it's generally not a good idea to eat a heavy, cream-based pasta before a mushroom trip. It's better to keep pre-trip meals light—think fruits and veggies, and that’s about it.
If you really can’t stomach the taste of mushrooms, and even a vinegar-and-olive-oil soak doesn’t help, you could grind the dried mushrooms into a fine powder, get a capsule machine, and make capsules to swallow. But that’s a lot of effort—maybe it’s time for a new hobby?
