Trip Safe: Everything You Need to Know About Magic Mushrooms

Learn what magic mushrooms are, how to use them, and their potential benefits and effects.

• Psilocybin and psilocin are the main psychoactive compounds in magic mushrooms that produce hallucinogenic effects.
• Psilocin binds to serotonin receptors in the brain to change sensory perception (sight, hearing, and touch).
• There are over 200 species of magic mushrooms with benefits including treatment of psychiatric and behavioral disorders.

The use of ancient mushrooms dates back as far as 9,000 BC. Based on interpretations from cave paintings, many cultures used them in religious and healing ceremonies. But now, magic mushrooms are quickly gaining popularity for their effects and therapeutic properties, specifically their potential for treating depression, anxiety, and some addictions.

While there are plenty of reasons to take magic mushrooms – recreational, spiritual, or therapeutic – they’re still a hallucinogenic drug that needs to be taken responsibly. From your dose to your mindset and environment, the combination of these decisions can affect the quality of your psychedelic trip.

But first, let’s get to the basics. You’ll learn everything you need to know about magic mushrooms in Canada to prepare you for your first (or next) trip.

What are Magic Mushrooms?

Most people know magic mushrooms as shrooms, psychedelics, or psilocybin mushrooms. But they all refer to mushrooms that contain psilocybin and psilocin, the chemical compounds that change sensory perception and cause an altered state of mind (hallucinations). Psilocybin alone doesn’t cause hallucinogenic effects, instead, it’s metabolized in the body to psilocin. The psychedelic effects are known as “tripping.”

Before indoor mushroom growing became the norm, shrooms were foraged in the wild for thousands of years. There is historical evidence of hallucinogenic mushrooms being used in sacred Central and South American religious ceremonies centuries ago. The Aztecs used the term “teonanacatl” for magic mushrooms, which roughly translates to “flesh of the gods.” It’s believed the Aztecs most likely made spiritual use of hallucinogens, such as communicating with their gods or other spirits.

Now, there are over 200 species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms belonging to the genus Psilocybe. They grow in subtropical and tropical environments worldwide, except Antarctica. But these days, many Psilocybe cubensis mushroom strains are isolated and cultivated indoors.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Canada?

Magic mushrooms are a psychoactive substance controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Food and Drugs Act in Canada. While the “production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in Canada,” there are physical and online mushroom dispensaries that exist.

In popular cities in Canada – Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Winnipeg – illegal mushroom dispensaries continue to operate. Police shut down some of the stores, yet more pop up. The strategy is similar to illegal cannabis dispensaries operating for years before it was legalized in October 2018.

As destigmatization, evolving medical research, and growing demand increase, psychedelics enthusiasts are optimistic about the possibility of policy changes.

In fact, the government of Canada announced the investment of nearly $3 million into research of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, three clinical trials are set to explore psilocybin as a “potential treatment option for alcohol use disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and end-of-life psychological distress in advanced-stage cancer patients.”

What Do Magic Mushrooms Look Like?

Almost all psilocybin mushrooms are small, tan, white, or brown, and, most of the time, bruise blue. It might be hard to tell the difference between other mushroom species because many look similar to one another.

One of the easiest ways to identify psychedelic mushrooms is to look for blue bruising on the caps and stems. Bruising is a normal process that occurs in psilocybin-containing mushrooms and may be an indicator of potency. Psilocybin oxidizes when it comes into contact with air during harvest or handling. However, keep in mind that not all mushrooms bruise blue.

When properly dried, the mushrooms will shrivel up with the stems turning a grayish bone colour. The caps will lose their volume, appear slightly darker, and become more brittle.

How to Take Magic Mushrooms

Shrooms are normally consumed orally, either fresh or in their dried form. There are also several consumption methods available depending on your preference:

• Eat the magic mushrooms whole
• Brew magic mushroom tea
• Make magic mushroom honey
• Take magic mushroom capsules
• Use tinctures or extracts
• Make magic mushroom edibles
• Drink a lemon tek shot

How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Last?

Generally, a mushroom trip can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Sometimes a trip may last longer, depending on the dose size and how fast your body metabolizes the psychoactive compounds.

Once the effects wear off, you may experience residual effects—also known as the afterglow—for hours, days, or weeks after the trip.

How Long Does It Take for Shrooms To Kick In?

The onset of mushroom effects typically begins around 30 to 60 minutes. Taking shrooms on an empty stomach often has a quicker onset of psychedelic effects. The psilocybin is absorbed more quickly without food to slow it down.

How you choose to take shrooms will also affect the onset. Depending on the consumption method, the effects of magic mushrooms can be shorter or longer. For example, brewing mushroom tea or Lemon Tekking may have a faster onset, shorter trip, and intense effects.

Mushroom Trip Timeline

Below are the general phases of a mushroom trip.

• Onset: 30 minutes to 1 hour after ingestion. You’ll gradually feel the effects of the psilocybin and as the experience begins to unfold, your mood and sensory perception will slowly change. Nausea and yawning are also common.
• Peak: 2 to 3-hour mark. The effects during the peak will vary depending on the size of the dose and potency. Visual and auditory hallucinations, emotions, and time dilation are most intense during this phase. You’ll be in a dream-like state.
• Come down: 4 to 6 hour mark. The psychedelic effects will come in waves and gradually become less intense. It’s common to feel more introspective and reflective, yet tired or sluggish. Take the time to rest and hydrate. 
• Afterglow: You may experience positive feelings, peacefulness, and a sense of clarity in what’s called the “afterglow.” The residuation effects in the post-trip phase allow you to appreciate the present moment and the world around you.

However, users report feeling back to their normal selves within 24 hours.

How Do Magic Mushrooms Work?

The psychotropic tryptamines psilocybin and psilocin are what cause hallucinations.

There’s a simple explanation behind why it may take up to an hour to feel the mushroom effects after ingestion. When psilocybin reaches your stomach and eventually your intestines, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream. Your liver will filter the blood and convert the psilocybin into psilocin, where it will make its way to your brain. Psilocin interacts with serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2ARs) in the brain and is believed to be the cause of the psychedelic effects.

Psilocin acts similarly to serotonin, which regulates mood and perception, so it temporarily affects how your mind and body respond.

What Are the Effects of Magic Mushrooms?

Mushrooms can cause several psychedelic effects depending on the dose, potency, and frequency of use. Additionally, your weight, age, metabolism, mood, inner state, environment, and medication are among the other factors that can influence your trip.

Mental and Emotional Effects

• Feelings of euphoria
• Hallucinations
• Visual and audio distortions
• Heightened emotions
• Uncontrollable laughter
• Peacefulness
• Impaired concentration
• Derealization or depersonalization
• Anxiety
• Distorted thinking
• Panic attacks
• Mood swings
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Time dilation
• Interconnectedness
• Ego-death
• Spiritual awakening
• Heightened sensory input
• Altered perception of space
• Vivid colours

Physical Effects

• Nausea or vomiting
• Yawning
• Dilated pupils
• Dry mouth
• Unusual body sensations
• Numbness in mouth
• Drowsiness
• Sweating or shivering
• Muscle twitches
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Shivering or sweating
• Lack of coordination
• Body lightness

What Are the Therapeutic Benefits of Magic Mushrooms?

Aside from recreational and spiritual use, there’s growing interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms. Scientists are currently researching psilocybin as a potential treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, cluster headaches, trauma, ODC, substance abuse, and more. Clinical trials are currently ongoing as magic mushrooms become more destigmatized.

Regardless, it’s an exciting time to be in, even to have the option of an alternative treatment for mental health disorders.

Are Magic Mushrooms Safe?

Magic mushrooms are generally safe to consume when you buy them from a reputable dispensary. Safety comes into question when you forage wild mushrooms and misidentify them. Eating the wrong type of mushroom can make you sick, put you in the hospital, or, worse, be fatal. Nowadays, magic mushrooms are mainly cultivated indoors.

If you’re buying psychedelic mushrooms online, you don’t have to worry about picking the wrong mushrooms. Rather, the worry is receiving fake mushroom products. Like any product online, it’s important to research the shroom dispensary before purchasing.

What Are the Risks of Magic Mushrooms?

There’s always a risk to using psychedelics, and sometimes shrooms aren’t a good fit for everyone. Psilocybin mushrooms are not recommended for individuals with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. They can heighten anxiety, paranoia, and sudden mood swings, and potentially trigger psychotic or manic episodes.

There are certain times when avoiding magic mushrooms altogether is the best option. To prevent unwanted side effects, here are some situations to consider:

• Your mind isn’t in the right place
• You feel unwell or sick
• You’re in a loud, distracting environment
• You’re surrounded by strangers
• Your family has a history of mental illness

Is It Possible to Overdose on Magic Mushrooms?

The chances of a lethal overdose are low. However, the risk of taking a massive shroom may lead to a bad trip with unpleasant mental and physical effects. The bad trip will pass, but taking a massive dose you weren’t ready for can lead to an uncomfortable and overwhelming experience that feels like it goes on forever.

A bad trip can come with negative physical effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, or chills. You might also experience psychological distress, including intense hallucinations, anxiety, panic, or fear.

Treat magic mushrooms with respect and use them responsibly. Start with a low dose, know your limits, and have a trusted trip sitter for your safety.

Can You Smoke Magic Mushrooms?

The short answer is yes, you can smoke magic mushrooms. But whether it’s a good idea is another story.

The point of magic mushrooms is to experience the psychedelic effects and smoking shrooms may not get you the effects you’re looking for. In fact, some users reported a mild high, while others did not experience any effects at all (except nausea). It’s most likely because psilocybin degrades at high temperatures and burning it may destroy the psychoactive compound that produces the high.

If the psychedelic effects are reduced, it’s better to simply take a lower dose rather than smoking shrooms. Consuming psychedelic mushrooms orally has a higher chance of producing the desired effects and avoids the risks associated with smoking.

Do Magic Mushrooms Go Bad?

Yes, shrooms can go bad like any product. As long as they are kept in a cool, dry, and dark place in an airtight container or mylar bag, dried mushrooms typically have a 6 to 12+ month shelf life. 

However, exposure to air and moisture can cause magic mushrooms to grow bacteria or lose their potency. Check them periodically to see if they’re cracker-dry and free of mold. It’s also good practice to use a food-safe moisture-absorber pack as an extra step to keep the shrooms dry.

How To Prepare For a Mushroom Trip

Arguably, one of the most important aspects of a mushroom trip is getting your “set” and “setting” right. Your set refers to your mental state and intention and your setting refers to your physical and social environment.

The more comfortable your set and setting, the more likely the psychedelic experience will be positive. Keep in mind that there’s no foolproof method to prevent a bad trip from happening. But, there are a few ways to guide the experience in a positive direction.

The Day Before

• Clear your schedule for the day of and the day after your trip
• Think about setting a broad intention for your experience
• Choose a mushroom dose you’re comfortable with
• Prepare a relaxing playlist (enough for 6 hours)
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine for a good night’s rest
• Prepare water, snacks, or a light dinner for after

The Day Of

• Take shrooms on an empty stomach or a couple hours after a light meal
• Check in with yourself on whether you’re in a good headspace  
• Create a calm and comfortable space (indoors or outdoors) 
• Surround yourself with people you trust and feel comfortable around
• Have a sober trip sitter present for your safety and support
• Do not mix magic mushrooms with alcohol, drugs, or other medications

The Day After

• Reflect on everything that came up during the trip
• Try to drink a lot of water and eat a light meal
• Avoid mentally and physically strenuous activities
• Take it easy for the rest of the day

Where to Buy Magic Mushrooms?

Always buy magic mushrooms in Canada from a reputable source that puts you first. If you’ve gotten this far, you’ll realize there’s more to magic mushrooms than choosing ones that sound good. Quality, potency, and product selection are the tip of the iceberg.

What separates a good online mushroom dispensary from a great one is information. Are they transparent about the risks? Do they guarantee psychedelic effects? Are you getting all the right facts about the mushroom strain?

Better information leads to better decisions. That’s why at Terra Astra, we’ll tell you everything we know about magic mushrooms, so you know how to choose and use them safely.

Browse our selection of dried mushrooms and get discreet shipping anywhere in Canada, including major cities like Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Toronto.