magic-mushrooms effects, magic-mushrooms psychological and physical effects.
Magic mushrooms absorbed through mouth and stomach
Psilocybin is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and stomach. Effects begin 20-45 minutes after ingestion of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, and last from 2-6 hours depending on dose, species, and individual metabolism. If mushrooms are chewed and held in the mouth, or taken as mushroom tea, effects begin slightly sooner and are usually noticeable within 15 minutes.
People are known to get creative with the preperation of mushrooms. Mushroom pizza, mushroom salad, and whatnot can be prepared with magic mushrooms, as long as it's edible. However, preparing mushrooms like this can easily make things more complicated; preparing a food plate with mushrooms on can make one lose track of exactly how much one has eaten. Also, eating a lot together with the mushrooms will reduce the effects and might require larger dosage.
View description for magic mushrooms dosage and consumption guide
Pleasant effects, even ecstatic but NOT always
The effects are often pleasant, even ecstatic, including a deep sense of connection to others, and a general feeling of connection to nature and the universe.
However, as with all psychedelic chemicals, not all experiences are positive. This is especially true when they are taken with other drugs, in huge doses, during times of mental instability, or by people with psychoemotional problems. In such situations, "bad trips" are much more likely to occur. Anxiety, frightening hallucinations, confronting (symbolically or literally) past or deep-seated internal conflicts, and feelings of permanent disconnection from reality and the Self can be quite intense and cause panic. The possibility of such experiences can be mitigated by being cognizant of one's "set and setting."
Unpredictable effects
- Physical: Torpor, Chills
- Sensory: Visual imagery, Auditory effects
- Emotional: Panic states, Erotic arousal, Beatific states
- Intellectual: Confused thinking, Introspective thinking, Mental clarity, Transcendent insight
Sensitivity to psilocybin
A very small number of people are unusually sensitive to psilocybin's effects, where doses as little as 0.25 grams of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms (normally a threshold dose of around 2 mg psilocybin) can result in effects usually associated with medium and high doses. Likewise, there are some people who require relatively high doses of psilocybin to gain low-dose effects. Individual brain chemistry and metabolism plays a large role in determining a person's response to psilocybin.
Psilocybin metabolized in the liver
Psilocybin is probably metabolized mostly in the liver, but is also broken down by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). MAOIs can roughly double the potency of psilocybin — people who are taking an MAOI for a medical condition (or are seeking to potentiate the mushroom experience) must be careful.
Mental and physical tolerance to psilocybin builds
Mental and physical tolerance to psilocybin builds and dissipates quickly. Taking psilocybin more than three or four times in a week (especially two days in a row) can result in diminished effects and a less enjoyable experience. Tolerance dissipates after a few days, so frequent users often keep doses spaced 5-7 days apart to avoid the effect.