Six Things To Consider To Take Magic Mushrooms safely

Magic mushrooms have certainly hit the mainstream and are receiving a lot of good press lately. They’ve been declared a breakthrough drug by the Federal Drug Administration in the USA, are becoming legalized in countries around the world, and scientific research on them continues to boom. As a result, more and more people are curious about using them.

If you are considering experimenting with psychedelics for the first time, here are some things to consider that can support a more safe (and more enjoyable!) experience with magic mushrooms. 

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#1 - Your Environment

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One of the most important things to consider when you want to experience magic mushrooms for the first time is your environment. Try to make sure that you are in a safe, secure place, somewhere you feel comfortable letting go and sinking into the trip.

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Your environment is known as the setting in “set and setting”, a term first coined by psychedelic-aficionado, Timothy Leary, and it plays a huge part in the experience. You can learn more about the set and setting here.

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When you take mushrooms in the wrong setting,  you’re setting yourself up (no pun intended) for a more challenging trip. A good environment will enhance the overall effects of the mushrooms and can also be a support, making challenges or overwhelming feelings easier to deal with. You can enhance your environment even more if you create a safe space. 

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#2 - Your Mental Health

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Your mindset is the “set” in the expression ''set and setting'' and is just as important as your environment. Magic mushrooms are psychoactive ─ they stimulate the brain and enhance feelings that may be already there or just simmering under the surface. If you are going through tough times, it might be a good idea to hold off until you are through the storm or at least consult a professional therapeutic psychedelic placeholder to facilitate your experience. 

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Psilocybin, the main active ingredient in magic mushrooms has been proven beneficial in treating conditions, such as PTSD, severe depression, and anxiety. However, if you’re suffering from a mental illness and are curious about using psilocybin or any other psychedelic, please consult one of the relevant medical authorities first. Do not self-prescribe, as it’s vital to have the right support and guidance when using psychedelics as medicine.

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#3 - Your Intentions

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Before you take magic mushrooms it can be a good idea to ask yourself why you want to take them and what you want to get out of the trip. This is a way of setting an intention beforehand, helping you find deeper meaning within the experience.

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Choose something personal and simple, and go with whatever comes up in your mind and feels right in your gut. This could be something like learning about certain emotions, interpersonal relationships, or the way you relate to society and nature. You could also focus on self-acceptance, the fear of success, or an over or under-inflated ego, for example. 

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Another intention could also be to have no intention. You could try just leaning in, surrendering and choosing to trust. l

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#4 - Your Physical Health

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Next on our list of things to consider before you take magic mushrooms is your physical health. If you’re not feeling well ─ you’ve got a cold, are recovering from recent surgery, or have any broken limbs ─ it can be better to wait till you're better before ingesting psychedelics. This is because you could become hyper-focused on your ailment which can be quite uncomfortable. 

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Magic mushrooms affect your mind and your body too. For example, they can lower your blood pressure, so it is better not to take them if you’re on medication. And if you have a cold or gastric problem, the toxins in magic mushrooms could make these conditions worse.

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#5 - Trip Sitter

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Photo Illustration by Elizabeth renstrom

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Whether you’re doing shrooms alone or in a group, it’s a good idea to have a trip sitter or guide. A guide will stay sober throughout the trip, and can help if things start to go a bit wayward. Always tell your trip sitter about your intention so they can remind you about it if they need to. 

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A trip sitter will have rational thoughts, so they can assist you if you become uncomfortable or anxious during the trip. They can also hold the space so that you feel safe and more secure to let go and sink into the experience. You can find some fantastic trip sitter guidelines on The Zendo Project website.

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#6 - The Strain and Dosage

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The last of our six things to consider before you take magic mushrooms is the strain and dosage. Some strains are more potent than others, and different types of mushrooms can have different effects ─ for example, some are more visual, while others are more introspective.

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Always get your mushrooms from someone you trust or perhaps try growing your own at home?

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Look at our dosage guide to get a clear idea about dosages too. If you want to discover some interesting ways to eat your magic mushrooms, check out our “how to cook with magic mushrooms” blog. 

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Conclusion

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Many people who take magic mushrooms consider it to be one of the most profound experiences of their life. Set yourself up for success by putting these six tips into action before your next psychedelic session.

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Note: If you’re suffering from a mental illness and are curious about using psilocybin or any other psychedelic therapy, please consult one of the relevant medical authorities first. Do not self-prescribe, it’s vital to have the right support and guidance when using psychedelics as medicine.