Best Way to Take Shrooms: 7 Easy Consumption Methods

The consumption method you choose affects how your body absorbs psilocybin, which can impact everything from the intensity of the high to how quickly (and smoothly) it comes on. Here are 7 of the best ways to consume psychedelic mushrooms.

With so many ways to consume magic mushrooms these days, you might be wondering, “What’s the best way to take shrooms?” Truth is, there’s no single “best way” for everyone; each consumption method has its own set of benefits and effects.

From the earthy taste to nausea, consuming magic mushrooms can sometimes be an unpleasant experience. Since everyone’s body interacts with psilocybin differently, it’s important to experiment with all the ways to consume psychedelic mushrooms to help find what works for you.

In this article, we’ll break down the best ways to take magic mushrooms, with tips and easy-to-follow instructions for each method.

What are shrooms?

Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, contain the hallucinogenic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. There are many species of psychedelic mushrooms, but Psilocybe cubensis is the most common and the one we’ll be focusing on today.

Some mushroom strains can be more potent than others, but they generally produce similar effects—hallucinations, euphoria, and sensory changes. However, the effects can vary from person to person depending on individual factors like body size, experience with psychedelics, the dose, and even the environment and mindset during the experience (known as “set and setting”).

In recent years, there’s been a surge of interest in shrooms, especially as people and researchers explore their therapeutic potential. Some research suggests that, when used therapeutically, psilocybin mushrooms may help with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Understanding psilocybin in the body

Psilocybin is not what actually makes you trip; it’s known as a prodrug—a compound that is inactive until it’s metabolized into an active drug. When you consume psilocybin, your body quickly goes to work breaking it down into the active compound psilocin.

Once converted, psilocin enters the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, psilocin interacts with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction is believed to be responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of shrooms. The compounds interact with the central nervous system, causing both mental and physical effects—altered thinking, visuals, and sensations that people typically experience during a mushroom trip.

The amount of psilocybin you consume and how you ingest it directly influence how strong your experience will be and how quickly the effects come on. Different consumption methods can change this process, making it worthwhile to find the option that works best for you.

How to find the right dose of shrooms

Getting the dose right is key to a safe, positive shroom experience. Unlike other substances, magic mushrooms require precise dosing, as there’s no “undo” button once the effects start.

General mushroom dosage guide:

• Microdose: 0.05 – 0.25 gram
• Mini-dose: 0.25 – 0.75 gram
• Museum dose: 0.5 – 1.5 grams
• Moderate dose: 2.0 – 3.5 grams
• Megadose: 3.5 – 5.0g grams
• Heroic dose: 5.0g+ grams

How long do shrooms take to kick in?

How quickly shrooms kick in depends on your chosen method of consumption and factors like whether you have an empty stomach. Typically, eating dried mushrooms raw will produce effects in about 20–40 minutes.

Methods that help with the conversion of psilocybin to psilocin—like lemon tek shots or mushroom tea—tend to work faster, often kicking in 30 minutes or less. If you’re aiming for a gentler, longer onset, try eating a small snack or meal before consuming shrooms, which can delay absorption and lead to a mellower trip.

What is the best way to take shrooms?

Let’s take a look at 7 easy ways to consume magic mushrooms, so you can find the one that is not only convenient but also suits your needs. Keep in mind that some methods involve more preparation than others.

1. Eating dried mushrooms raw

One of the most classic ways to consume magic mushrooms is to eat them dried. If you don’t mind the flavor or want to mask it with something like peanut butter, honey, or chocolate, eating them raw is a fast, no-fuss way to get started. All you need to do is chew them up thoroughly before swallowing. This makes it more easy for your stomach to break down the psilocybin. However, it may have a slower onset of effects compared to other methods.

Pros:

• Easy and requires no preparation.
• Longer-lasting effects with a gradual build-up.

Cons:

• Some people dislike the earthy, bitter taste and chewy texture.
• May cause slight nausea due to the chitin in mushroom cell walls.

Tip: Chewing the mushrooms into a paste helps release the active compounds, speeding up absorption. Eating them on an empty stomach can also intensify and quicken the effects.

2. Take mushroom capsules

For those who like things neat and precise, capsules are a great choice. Mushroom capsules are pre-measured and super easy to take—no taste, no prep, just a straightforward way to microdose or build up to a higher dose if that’s what you’re after. They’re also discreet, making them ideal for a busy schedule or those who don’t want to be spotted with shrooms.

Pros:

• Allows for precise dosing, ideal for microdosing.
• Convenient and easy to consume anywhere.

Cons:

• Slower onset, as the stomach must break down the capsule first.
• Requires a bit of effort to prepare, especially if you need multiple capsules.

Directions: Use a coffee grinder to grind the dried mushrooms into a powder, then fill each capsule with your desired dose. You can find empty capsules at most health food stores or online. Read our magic mushroom capsule guide here.

3. Brew mushroom tea

Magic mushroom tea is a fan favorite because it smooths out the shroom taste and can make for a gentler come-up. The process involves steeping mushrooms in hot water, which extracts the psilocybin and leaves behind much of the hard-to-digest chitin, reducing nausea. You’ll still get all the effects, but in a way that feels like a nice, calming start to the trip.

Pros:

• Easier on the stomach and gentler on the digestive system.
• Faster onset, usually within 30 minutes or less.

Cons:

• Requires preparation and heat control to avoid degrading psilocybin.
• Effects may not last as long as eating raw mushrooms.

Directions: Boil water and let it cool slightly to around 70°C, as boiling can degrade psilocybin. Then, add finely chopped mushrooms to the water, steep for about 10 to 20 minutes, and strain before drinking. To improve the taste, you can add honey, lemon, ginger, or any sweetener you like. Read our mushroom tea guide here.

4. Take a Lemon Tek shot

Lemon Tekking is best for those looking for a stronger experience in a shorter time frame. By soaking ground mushrooms in lemon juice, the acidic environment helps convert the psilocybin into psilocin before it enters your body. This causes a quicker, more intense psychedelic experience with less of the nausea that can come with eating dried mushrooms raw. Just be prepared—the effects can come on when you least expect it.

Pros:

• Quick, intense psychedelic effects.
• Shorter trip duration, making it easier to plan around.

Cons:

• Intense experience that may be overwhelming for beginners.
• Strong lemon taste may be off-putting for some.

Directions: Grind the mushrooms into a fine powder and soak them in fresh lemon juice for 15–20 minutes. You can strain the mixture or consume the whole mixture in one go, including the mushroom solids.

5. Indulge in mushroom edibles

Magic mushroom edibles—like chocolates, gummies, or baked goods—are a fun and tasty way to consume shrooms. Many people enjoy magic mushroom chocolate as it masks the taste of mushrooms and has the bonus of cacao’s mood-enhancing properties. Just keep in mind that mushroom edibles take a bit longer to kick in—usually about 45 minutes to an hour—but when they do, it’s often a more gradual experience.

Pros:

• Masks the taste of mushrooms.
• Convenient, precisely dosed for on-the-go consumption.

Cons:

• Heat can degrade psilocybin, so careful preparation is required.
• Eating shrooms with other food may lessen the effects.

Directions: Add ground shrooms into no-bake recipes, or add them to melted chocolate before it solidifies. Avoid cooking mushrooms at temperatures above 70°C to preserve the potency.

6. Make psychedelic blue honey

Blue honey, or “blue psychedelic honey,” is a popular option for those who prefer a sweet, shelf-stable way to enjoy shrooms. The idea is that the honey preserves the mushrooms, so you don’t have to worry about them going bad, and the longer they infuse, the better. You can take it by the spoonful, spread it on toast, or even mix it into tea. The honey masks the taste, and it’s easy to control your dose by adjusting how much you take.

Pros:

• Long-lasting and easy to store.
• Sweet taste masks the earthy mushroom flavor.

Cons:

• Takes time to infuse and prepare.
• Effects may vary based on the dosage and potency of mushrooms.

Directions: Layer finely ground mushrooms and honey in a clean jar, then let the mixture sit for at least a month. Flip the glass jar periodically to keep everything evenly mixed. Over time, you might notice a slight bluish tint—this is a good sign that the psilocybin is infusing nicely into the honey.

7. Mix shrooms with food or drinks

If you can’t handle the taste of raw shrooms, try mixing them into a meal or drink. You could sprinkle finely ground shrooms onto a pizza, blend them into a smoothie, or add them to your favorite sauce. Just avoid cooking them too long, as heat can break down the psilocybin. And be mindful of your dosage, especially if you’re making a larger batch.

Pros:

• Easy to consume and masks the taste well.
• Milder, smoother onset.

Cons:

• Slower effects, as the food can slow down psilocybin absorption.
• Less intense experience, especially if consumed with a large meal.

Directions: Grind the mushrooms into a fine powder and mix them with a small amount of food or drinks. Avoid consuming too much food or you may experience a slower onset.

Helpful tips before you dose

Now that you know there’s more than one way to enjoy psychedelic mushrooms, take the time to experiment with different approaches. The consumption method you choose can make all the difference in how your body absorbs psilocybin and how the effects feel. However, a safe and positive psychedelic experience starts with a little preparation. Here are a few tips to help get you started: 

• Start with a smaller dose and gradually increase when you feel more comfortable
• Consider your mindset (the “set”) and environment (the “setting”)
• Setting an intention before your trip can give your experience direction
• Choose a day and time when you don’t have obligations or pressing tasks
• Have a trusted friend act as a “trip sitter” to provide support or reassurance
• Eating shrooms on an empty stomach may intensify and quicken the onset
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine, as these can increase anxiety or dehydration
• Keep water and light snacks on hand in case you feel peckish
• Do not mix substances or drive during your mushroom trip

Where to buy shrooms online?

If you’re ready to explore any of these methods, it’s essential to buy quality magic mushrooms. That’s where Terra Astra comes in! Our online mushroom dispensary now offers a range of magic mushrooms in different forms, from dried mushrooms to pre-made microdose capsules.

Read up on each mushroom strain’s unique profile, potency, and effects, so you can make an informed choice. With secure payment options, discreet shipping, and detailed descriptions of each product, our mushroom dispensary prioritizes a safe, accessible experience. Buy magic mushrooms online today and get discreet shipping across Canada.