Are you, like many others, currently fascinated by psychedelics? That’s no surprise. Magic mushrooms, magic truffles, and other hallucinogens are increasingly making headlines because they seem more magical than ever before. But whether you’re using them recreationally or for personal, spiritual, or perhaps even health-related purposes, it’s important to understand that there’s quite a bit to consider when using psychedelics. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before your first magic mushroom or magic truffle trip!
Use magic mushrooms and truffles responsibly
More and more people are turning to psychedelics when it comes to addressing problems in their lives or finding themselves. The Zendo Project is an organization sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, better known as MAPS, and focuses on psychedelic harm reduction. They recognize that millions of people experience psychedelics each year outside of a controlled medical setting and are working to ensure that people use them as safely as possible. In short: how can you experience psychedelics as safely as possible?
“A growing number of U.S. cities and states are decriminalizing psychedelic substances such as psilocybin. Many people are learning about the potential therapeutic benefits of certain psychedelics. This is great, but it’s equally important to be aware of the risks inherent in using a psychoactive substance, so that people who choose to use them can be informed about their effects,” says Sara Gael, Zendo Project’s Director of Harm Reduction and the Harm Reduction Advocate for the Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel.
An intense experience
A trip under the influence of psilocybin is not just any experience. “Psilocybin significantly alters the perception of reality. Effects can range from positive to negative and are unique to each individual. Some effects of psilocybin include elevated mood or euphoria, creativity, mystical or spiritual experiences, dissolution of the ego, and altered perceptions of oneself, one’s surroundings, time, and heightened sensitivity to external stimuli,” says Gael.
Negative effects of magic mushrooms can include anxiety, disorientation, confusion, paranoia, physical discomfort, or nausea. And knowing that the effects of psilocybin can last about 4 to 7 hours, it’s good to be prepared before you consume a dose of magic mushrooms or truffles.
Tip 1: Make sure you’re in a good frame of mind
One of the most notable effects of psychedelics—whichever type you take—is that they can intensely amplify your current state of mind. “If you choose to take psilocybin, consider your past and present mental and emotional well-being and health. Psilocybin can trigger or exacerbate latent or existing mental health issues,” says Gael. So if you’re currently feeling really down, it might not be a good idea to try magic truffles.
If you’re thinking, “But don’t magic mushrooms and truffles work especially well for people with such issues?” Then you’re right. Still, psychedelics are known to cause psychotic episodes, so it’s wise to be aware of your family history and avoid these substances if there are cases of schizophrenia and/or early-onset mental illness in your family. Also, keep in mind that the positive effects of psilocybin on mood and the brain have only been well-studied in medical settings—not with a few friends at your favorite hangout spot.
Tip 2: Create a pleasant set and setting
Assuming you won’t be taking these magic mushrooms or magic truffles in a medical setting, it’s wise to carefully monitor and set up the so-called “set and setting” of your trip. This essentially refers to the “who and where” of the trip. "Don’t take psychedelics if you’re in an unsafe environment or with people you don’t trust." Experts recommend being selective about your set and setting: “Set and setting refer to your internal and external landscape, respectively,” she said. “It’s a good idea to limit external stimuli.”
Precisely because of the risks of a bad trip, it is therefore recommended that you take your first trip with someone who already has experience with it and with whom you feel comfortable and safe. “Especially if you’ve never used psilocybin before, you should arrange for a sober sitter (or trip sitter) and start with a small dose. Your sitter should have experience with the substance themselves and, ideally, have helped others in the past. It should be someone you know and with whom you feel at ease and safe.”
Tip 3: Think about your safety
This will be a no-brainer for many, but it’s still worth discussing: always ensure a safe environment during your magic mushroom or magic truffle trip and avoid potentially unsafe situations. The first rule of thumb is “don’t drive,” which Gael alludes to in her suggestion to limit external stimuli, but it’s worth making clear that your perception of reality will be severely distorted, so never operate a vehicle while on magic mushrooms (not even a bicycle).
That said, going out at all after taking a substantial dose is simply not advisable. Our advice: stay home or find a safe spot in nature before you start taking magic mushrooms or truffles. That way, you can be sure the environment won’t throw any surprises your way—something you definitely don’t want when your brain is behaving very differently than usual.
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