Psilocybin mushrooms or magic mushrooms are the most widely used recreational drug because they are inexpensive and relatively easy to grow. More popularly referred to as “shrooms,” these fungi have a psychotropic and psychedelic effect much like that of LSD. Unlike LSD that is manufactured from chemicals, “shrooms” appear naturally in nature
The history of the drug is long and far reaching. In ancient times, magic mushrooms were used by civilizations and cultures all over the world during ceremonial rites to induce a religious experience. Its popularity in recent times rose during the height of the hippie revolution and was further cemented by its affordability.
Although they grow in the wild and are fairly easy to cultivate, finding/purchasing magic mushrooms is not very simple. If you are lucky, you can find a trustworthy supplier who can give you quality produce on most days. You can also check for dealers in the Internet and hope that you find one that’s up to your standards. Even with a decent source, there will always be days when supply is not available, especially because of legal prohibitions surrounding the use and possession of these fungi.
Storing your magic mushrooms is a good way to ensure that you have enough supply whenever you need them. Fresh magic mushrooms can last up to one month when stored in the fridge or any dark and cool place with a temperature of 2 – 4 degrees Celsius.
Is it okay to freeze magic mushrooms?
One of the most popular ways of storing and preserving food is by freezing them. If you’re wondering whether or not you can freeze magic mushrooms, yes you can – as long as they are already dried. It is not advisable to freeze fresh “shrooms” as this will ruin their cell structure and decrease their potency. What you’ll be left with is a mess that won’t even look edible.
Drying and freezing “shrooms” can increase their shelf life to about three months when properly done. As mentioned, drying the “shrooms” well is very important because any amount of moisture retained may result in infestation or loss in potency.
How to dry magic mushrooms?
The first step is to air dry the “shrooms.” You can hang them on a wire rack and leave a fan blowing until they lose enough moisture. The mushrooms will feel dry when you touch them, but they actually still have plenty of moisture stored in them. It is vital that the mushrooms are completely dry because even a little bit of water left can make them rot. To ensure that they are bone dry, you can use a food dehydrator or an oven. Set the dehydrator or oven to moderate heat. Do not use high heat when drying the “shrooms” as this may damage certain compounds. This process will take around 30 to 50 hours. After that, the mushrooms are ready for storing.
The next thing to do is to store the mushrooms properly. Drying them would be useless if they get moist again. Airtight jars or a food vacuum packer are the top choices for storage. Put them in and seal them very well. When that’s done, you can put them in the fridge for future use.
Do they lose their potency when dried?
“Shrooms” are most potent right after harvest, and tend to lose some of their potency over time. Dried shrooms are less potent than fresh ones, but drying them is the best way to keep as much of the strength in while being able to store them for an extended amount of time.
It is advisable to practice caution when consuming magic mushrooms. The substance is not addictive but it can be easily abused. Users can easily develop tolerance to “shrooms” when they are ingested in succession. The abuse happens when the body requires more and more amount of the drug in order to achieve that effect it is aiming for. This is the reason why magic mushrooms are labeled as schedule 1 drug in many countries across the globe.
How much should I take?
People who are new to the use of magic mushrooms are advised to start with a small dose of 1 gram and then wait out for an hour. After an hour, if there are no notable negative effects observed, it is the user’s discretion whether or not to take an additional dose.
Magic mushrooms don’t leave much to be desired in terms of taste and texture. It can range from floury to sour or bitter. People who don’t find the taste pleasing often opt to incorporate the “shrooms” into their recipes, smoothies, and even baked goodies.
However, exposing the mushrooms to heat breaks down the psychotropic component of the fungi and weakens its effect.
What happens when you consume magic mushrooms?
“Shrooms” are psychotropic drugs. Their effects mainly target the central nervous system or the brain. People on a “trip” experience distortion of reality – space and time. They see colors and patterns differently. Their senses heighten and their emotions intensify. They also often feel some sort of spiritual experience and a manifestation of higher power.
The strength and type of a “trip” vary from person to person. It is dependent on variables such as: the mood or disposition of the user, the setting or the surroundings, the type of mushroom consumed, and the dosage. The mental state and the environment are two important factors for having a pleasant experience. “Bad trips” happen when these two factors are in poor condition.
A person in a “bad trip” may experience paranoia, anxiousness, and fear. “Bad trips” don’t occur too often among magic mushroom users but they may have lasting side effects when they do.
What happens afterwards?
As long as they are not abused and consumed in responsible dosage, “shrooms” can render positive benefits. A pleasant “trip” has plenty of commendable effects. Because of its psychedelic attributes, magic mushrooms render a noticeable good demeanor on the user. Improved self-confidence, insightfulness, and creativity are also observable.