Responsible use

We've put together this responsible use guide so you can benefit from our years of experience. Following this advice will help make your trip more meaningful, beautiful, and safe. You can also Download the responsible use flyer here.

A good trip starts with good preparation. We recommend planning your session at least a couple of days ahead so you can prepare yourself mentally and physically. This is especially important if you have never used psychedelic mushrooms before.

The golden rule of psychedelics is Set, Setting, Substance, and Sitter — your mindset, your environment, what you take, and who is with you. Every section below ties back to one of these four pillars.

Preparation before using magic mushrooms

Health & mindset

• The minimum age for using magic mushrooms is 18 years. Not everyone matures at the same rate, which is why we recommend use from age 21 and older.
• Only take mushrooms when you are in good mental and physical health. Do not use mushrooms if you are feeling very anxious, stressed, or emotionally unstable, and not when you have infections like the common cold or flu.
• Psychiatric contraindications: Do not use magic mushrooms if you have a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. These conditions can be seriously aggravated by psilocybin.
• Set an intention. Before your trip, think about what you’d like to explore or reflect on. Research shows that people who set an intention beforehand tend to have more meaningful and less challenging experiences.

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Dosage

• When taken on an empty stomach, magic mushrooms have the strongest effect. Consume them at least 2.5 hours after your last meal. You can expect the effects to start within 20 to 60 minutes, depending on your metabolism.
• Start low, go slow. This is especially important for first-timers. The potency of mushrooms varies between species and even between individual batches, so a dose that worked before may feel different next time.
• For a detailed breakdown of dosing by species and experience level, read our Magic Mushroom Dosage Guide: Cubensis & Copelandia Charts.
• Never redose because you don’t feel effects yet — just wait. It can take up to 60 minutes for the full onset. Not even when your friends already feel the effects and you don’t.

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Setting & people

• Take mushrooms with people you like and trust. Only do it because you want to — never because others pressure you into it.
• When you are scared of the potential effects, DO NOT TAKE MAGIC MUSHROOMS!
• Take them in a quiet, comfortable environment with no or very few strangers. Being in nature or a calm indoor space is ideal. Magic mushrooms are not party drugs. Festivals and concert venues are not suitable.
• Keep the next 24 hours free from obligations. Knowing you have somewhere to be will cause stress and take beauty out of the experience.
• Switch off your phone. Most people cannot react rationally to unexpected news while tripping. Some people also switch off the doorbell to avoid disturbance.
• Prepare a playlist. Research shows that having calming, meaningful music ready for the session can reduce anxiety and enhance the experience. Think ambient, classical, or whatever brings you comfort.
• Make sure you know how to contact your local emergency services before you begin.

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Your trip sitter

• Make sure at least one person in your group stays completely sober. This is the “sitter” — they are there to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
• A good sitter is calm, caring, and ideally has some experience with psychedelics. They should not interfere with the trip unless help is needed.
• Read more about being a good trip sitter.

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Food & drinks

• Have plenty of drinking water available for everyone. People tend to forget to drink while tripping, and nausea (which can occur) may lead to some fluid loss. Stay hydrated throughout.
• Have some sugary drinks or snacks on hand. While not a guaranteed way to reduce effects, many experienced users find that sugar can take the edge off during an overwhelming moment.

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Other drugs & medication

NEVER take magic mushrooms in combination with other drugs. This especially includes alcohol and cannabis. Alcohol slows your thinking and can cause your thoughts to run in unpleasant loops, greatly increasing the chance of a bad trip. It also contributes to dehydration.

Medication warning: Do not combine magic mushrooms with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, lithium, or tramadol.

• SSRIs and SNRIs (common antidepressants) may blunt the effects of mushrooms, which can tempt you to take a dangerously high dose.
• Lithium combined with psilocybin carries a serious seizure risk.
• MAOIs can dramatically increase and prolong the effects of mushrooms.
• If you are on any medication, research the interaction carefully or consult a healthcare professional beforehand.

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During the trip

Stay hydrated

Drink water regularly throughout the session. Psilocybin is metabolized by your liver, and staying hydrated supports your body and overall comfort. Do not skip water thinking it will make the trip last longer — it won’t. The trip will be the same strength and duration regardless. Not drinking water will only lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous.

Relax and surrender

The effects of mushrooms can be intense and sometimes surprising. Your senses may feel heightened and your thoughts may move fast. If something feels strange or scary, don’t fight it — breathe calmly and let it pass. Resistance tends to make things harder.

Respect the waves

The effects of mushrooms come and go in waves. At some point, you may feel the effects fading. Do not eat more mushrooms to chase the feeling! After a few minutes, the intensity will increase again naturally.

Respect each other’s needs

Everyone experiences a trip differently. Some want to talk; others want silence. Some want closeness; others prefer space. It is good to communicate about this beforehand, and you will understand the importance of surrounding yourself with people you like and trust.

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In case of a bad trip

When you take our advice to heart, the chances of a bad trip are greatly reduced. However, it might occur that a person in your group becomes extremely anxious, paranoid, or distressed. Here is how to deal with this situation. The sober sitter should take the lead.

• Never leave the person alone or out of sight — they may suddenly try to take off.
• Move them to a quiet, calm space. Have them sit or lie down comfortably.
• Speak gently and reassuringly. Remind them that the effects are temporary and will pass.
• Encourage slow, deep breathing.
• Offer water and a sweet drink or snack.
• A bad trip lasts just as long as a normal trip. Comfort lies in reassurance: “This will pass.”
• If the situation becomes unmanageable, contact emergency services. In Europe, call 112. In the United States, call 911. For other countries, look up your local emergency number beforehand. Always be completely honest with responders about what was taken.
• Read more about bad trips on our blog.

For more information, you can call (anonymously) the drugs information line. They are available 24/7 (in the Netherlands) at 0900-1995 (€0.10/min). You can also visit Trimbos Instituut or Mainline for more resources.

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After the trip: integration

The experience doesn’t end when the effects wear off. What you do in the hours and days after can be just as important.

• Rest and recover. Take it easy for the rest of the day. Eat something light, drink water, and get a good night’s sleep.
• Reflect. Many people find it helpful to write down their thoughts, feelings, or visions soon after the trip. Journaling can help you process and remember insights.
• Talk about it. Sharing your experience with trusted friends or your trip sitter can help you make sense of what happened.
• Give yourself time. Some experiences take days or weeks to fully integrate. Don’t rush back into routine — let the experience settle.

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