How to Properly Dose Magic Mushrooms

How to Properly Dose Magic Mushrooms

Published on 9/27/22

Unlike cannabis, dosing is not often thought about when considering magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin. However, like cannabis, it's very important to consider the dose you take when you use magic mushrooms (if not more so). Especially if you're new to magic mushrooms, microdosing and starting with smaller amounts is highly advised. Let's dive into dosing magic mushrooms and what you can expect from the experience.

What Are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic Mushrooms, officially named psilocybin, are naturally occurring mushrooms with hallucinogenic effects. They've been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes and as spiritual conduits throughout many parts of the world. This psychoactive prodrug converts to psilocin when ingested, resulting in effects very similar to LSD. Recent studies show that the benefits of magic mushrooms include the ability to treat conditions like depression and suicidal ideation, cancer-related anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even addiction.

Magic Mushrooms were made popular in modern culture back in 1957 with the publication of a photo essay in LIFE Magazine. Then, in 1958, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann and his team began conducting studies on isolated quantities of psilocybin and psilocin. Hofmann and his partner Franz Troxler synthesized psilocybin in 1963, and the counterculture movements of the 1960s quickly picked up the drug.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in the United States?

Unfortunately, it wasn't long after Hofmann and Troxler synthesized psilocybin and it became a popularized drug that President Nixon outlawed it. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 launched the infamous War on Drugs, which altogether banned the use of magic mushrooms and other drugs like Marijuana. To this day, despite studies and continued findings that Magic Mushrooms could be the key to treating conditions like depression and PSTD, it remains a Schedule I drug in the United States. This means that, on a federal level (like Marijuana), it is designated as highly addictive and deemed to have no medicinal benefits.

However, there are now a few places in the United States that have decriminalized the use and possession of magic mushrooms. Oregon decriminalized magic mushrooms in November 2020 and even has a state-funded psilocybin program. Other cities throughout the country, including Denver, Santa Cruz, and Oakland, have also decriminalized magic mushrooms. This is hopefully the start of a new wave of decriminalization and potential legalization to follow in the wake of continued cannabis legalization.

Levels of Magic Mushroom Doses

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Studies show that the use of magic mushrooms is not associated with addiction or results in compulsive use. This is attributed to two things: the experience is so intense that it's not something your body wants to experience all the time, and psilocybin is also a substance for which the body quickly builds tolerance. This makes repeat use very difficult. Additionally, overdosing on magic mushrooms is very unlikely, and the drug is considered one of the safest recreational drugs available. However, that doesn't mean you should throw the idea of dosing magic mushrooms out the window. Too much psilocybin can result in incredibly unpleasant trips that may result in full emotional and psychological meltdowns. Make sure to dose properly and read our magic mushroom dosing chart below.

1 Gram

This is considered a low dose of magic mushrooms. If you dose out 1 gram of dried mushroom, you'll be taking roughly 10mg of psilocybin. At this dose, you'll likely feel smaller amounts of hallucinogenic effects that are primarily visual and sensory, along with a very strong sense of euphoria. This is considered a quality dose for people who have never taken shrooms before or don't want to have an all-encompassing experience. This dosage is a great way to start microdosing psilocybin. However, if you're interested in a minimal dose magic mushrooms experience, we suggest trying half of this amount.

1.75 Grams

This is considered a medium dose of magic mushrooms. When you dose 1.75 grams of dried mushroom, you'll be taking roughly 17.5mg of psilocybin, enough to cause more distinct perceptual distortions and a heavy euphoria. At this dosage, you'll experience a blending of the senses and open and closed-eye visuals. You will still likely not have the full effects felt with even higher doses, which result in a partial or complete disconnect from reality. At 1.75 grams, you'll likely still have an understanding of who you are and your surroundings and can use this as a base for then microdosing mushrooms.

3.5 Grams

This is considered a high dose of magic mushrooms. When you dose at a higher amount of 3.5 grams (an eighth-ounce) dried mushrooms, you'll be taking roughly 35mg of psilocybin. At this dosage, you'll experience everything you get with a 1.75 gram dose and much more. You'll get the complete hallucinogenic, psychedelic experience that includes both visual and cognitive distortion. You may not be able to accurately understand the context of where you are, which means this dose is highly recommended to be taken in a safe environment with people you trust at your side. This is the starting dose for people looking to have mind-altering experiences that bridge the gap between the subconscious and reality.

5 Grams

This is considered an extremely high dose of magic mushrooms. When you dose 5 grams of dried mushrooms, you'll be taking roughly 50mg of psilocybin. At this dosage, it'll be a full-body experience that will leave you nearly comatose for the entire trip. At this stage, you'll start to lose your sense of self and experience things you'll never find in reality (you may not even be able to describe what you witness). Please note that this is not an advised dosage. Very few people venture this far into psychedelics, and we highly recommend you get very familiar with magic mushrooms before you begin to consider taking 5 grams. Like 3.5 grams, at this dosage, you should place yourself in a safe space with trusted friends nearby.

Do you have experience with magic mushrooms? Let us know what dosage you use, what side effects there are, and what benefits you experience. Comment below!

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