What Are Magic Mushrooms & Psilocybin?

“Magic Mushrooms” contain Psilocybin. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance that produces a “high” when those mushrooms are consumed. They can grow anywhere the climate permits, and in recent years more and more people have dabbled in growing Magic Mushrooms themselves.

What Are Magic Mushrooms Used For?

People consume Magic Mushrooms for their hallucinogenic properties, often recreationally. It provides feelings of euphoria and sensory distortions that vary depending on the strain. A familiar example is the storybook classic Alice in Wonderland, in which readers speculate that author Lewis Carroll was documenting a magic mushroom trip.

What Does Psilocybin Do?

Psilocybin works by releasing happy chemicals, or serotonin receptors in your brain. The euphoria you experience while on mushrooms is the hallucinogens interacting with your brain. It is literally a chemical reaction in your brain. And, because of this connection to the mind, Psilocybin has crept into the mental health world.

Canada and Psilocybin for Mental Illness

Vice published an article titled “Canada Is Allowing People With Depression to Do Psychedelic Mushrooms” in November of 2020. Oregon led the way for allowing those struggling with mental health access to mushrooms for medical purposes earlier in 2020. Canada then followed suit. The Canadian Government granted Mona Strelaeff from Victoria, BC, an exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Mona found exponential benefits and shared them in her vice interview:

With the psilocybin therapy, “I conquered those tough memories and after a while I realized…I ain’t scared of jack (shit),” she said.

Mona said that she has struggled with anxiety, depression, and addiction for years. Talking about her mushroom experience, Mona said that during her psilocybin therapy, she went deep, way back to when she was a little girl and all those things that happened to her.

With the help of psilocybin therapy, she says she has conquered those tough memories and after a while realized that she is not scared anymore.

What Does the Research Say? 

Many have a similar experience with Psilocybin therapy. Clinical research indicates that psilocybin shows promise in treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD. While research is new and limited, studies have shown promising results. Mona’s exemption also gives way for more shrooms-based therapies in the country. Most importantly, mushrooms will be more accessible to those looking to use them medically.

The important thing to note is that formal research in this arena is still fairly new. Psilocybin, and using recreational drugs for medical purposes, are still extremely stigmatized. The average person does not divulge to their doctor that they use recreational drugs. We must create a safe space for those to discuss the medicinal benefits of Psilocybin. As a community, we can come together to spread the good word.

How Do I Know if Magic Mushrooms Are Right for Me?

Like all things, use trial and error when experimenting with magic mushrooms. I say experimenting because that is exactly what it is. As always, when incorporating something new into your medical management, please consult your doctor.

Recreationally, magic mushrooms can be incredibly fun. Users report vivid visual stimulation, uncontrollable laughter, intense euphoria, and joy, with periods of deep introspective and philosophical thoughts. You can dabble with different strains for various effects, much like Cannabis.

Do It With a Friend (or Two!)

We also suggest when you’re starting off, to have a friend or a couple around. Mushrooms can be overwhelming for the novice user, and you want to ensure you have a good time and are safe! You’re going to want to reach out to people you trust and feel comfortable around.

Go Outside!

Another great idea when using magic mushrooms is to go somewhere in nature. Spending time outdoors is amazing for your mental health in general. Combined with Psilocybin, fresh air can be extremely therapeutic.

Write Something!

Notably, mushrooms are phenomenal for self-discovery. You may feel compelled to write down your thoughts and feelings while using mushrooms. This can be an excellent way to track how various strains affect you. This is also an excellent way to track therapeutic benefits if you are using mushroom therapy.

Have Fun With It! 

The most important thing is that you are enjoying yourself. The effects of psilocybin vary based on differences in the mental state and personality of the user and the immediate environment. We suggest you make all accommodations to ensure a pleasant trip for yourself!

They’re called Magic Mushrooms for a reason! We hope you find some magic in them.

Shop our vast, specially curated selection of psilocybin mushroom products here!