We live in a fast-changing world that’s widely accepting ideas that once seemed far-fetched. Cultures across time and space have used psychedelic drugs, from the ancient Aztecs to the hippies of 1960s San Francisco.
Today, a renewed focus on mental health has coincided with a reassessment of the results of the War on Drugs, which disproportionately incarcerated visible minorities without making society safer or better off. As a result, clinical researchers are reevaluating the usage of psychedelic drugs in clinical settings as we decriminalize drugs.
If you need professional treatment, don’t go it alone. Get the level of professional support you need. However, if you’re looking to use mushrooms to simply broaden your mind or feel better but aren’t suffering clinical depression, here are a few tips to keep the experience fun and safe.
Be Careful with Your Dosage Levels
Taking mushrooms can feel very different depending on the amount you consume. If you take a fraction of a gram, the experience will be nothing like taking one more gram. A microdose is totally different than a dose. The former takes the edge off, while the latter may make you hallucinate.
Everybody’s body reacts differently to psilocybin mushroom, the main psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms. It’s safe to begin with a low dosage and only increase it in your next session if you feel you want a stronger experience.
Sometimes mushrooms take a while to kick in, so definitely don’t take more if you don’t feel the ones you’ve taken yet.
Take the Form That’s Right for You
Some people like eating raw mushrooms. Others like pills that contain a designated amount of shrooms to control the dosage easily without tasting the mushrooms. Products like mushroom chocolate bars are another way to consume mushrooms without contending against the taste of raw mushrooms, which can be a little foul. Some people prefer brewing mushrooms in tea, though it’s harder to know precisely how much you’re taking.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a mushroom, such as your level of experience, the intensity of the experience you’re looking for, and any medical conditions you have. If you’re not sure which mushroom is right for you, consider consulting with an expert and your local mushroom shop staff who will be able to guide you towards a mushroom that will suit your needs.
So long as you begin cautiously with a low dosage, experiment and select the method that’s right for you.
Have Someone Experienced Nearby
If you’ve never taken mushrooms before, it’s best to try them with someone who has. They can walk you through the experience and answer any questions you may have.
You should have a wonderful time together! If you feel on edge or uncomfortable, they’ll be there to talk you down.
Have a Safe Indoor and Outdoor Location
After taking magic mushrooms, you may have a strong urge to explore the outdoors. Good! Check the weather and make sure you have convenient grounds to roam. You may not have a mountain trail to hike in your backyard, but wherever you go, make sure you have safe transportation. Walking is best.
On the flip side, if the weather turns or you start to feel a strong impulse for shelter, make sure there’s a safe indoor location where you can warm up, cool down, use the bathroom, or whatever else you need.
Magic mushrooms are not a magic cure-all drug. Some people won’t like them and are best off not taking them. If you’re directed to them by a clinician or healthcare worker to treat PTSD or some other condition, follow their instructions carefully. Otherwise, the above tips about taking mushrooms should help you improve your mental health while enjoying yourself and staying safe.
Also read: 7 Benefits of Occupational Therapy
