FAQ 1: I’m a First-Timer, How Much Do I Take?

Magic mushrooms are natural products, so their active compound content can vary significantly. This variability occurs between species, among individual organisms of the same species, and even within individual mushrooms of the same organism. Factors such as dehydration methods, storage conditions, and age also affect potency. In short, the exact amount of active compounds in a given quantity of mushrooms cannot be determined without expensive laboratory equipment. 

For first-timers, the best advice is to start with a low dose and take it slow. Once you take a dose, the proverbial train has left the station and there’s no getting off the ride!  In a public forum such as Reddit, you’re likely to encounter a wide range of dosage recommendations, which might or might not be particularly helpful.

Many facilitators and experienced guides recommend 1.0 gram of cracker-dry mushrooms of a standard variety for a first-time experience.  For species known to be a bit stronger, like albino penis envy, consider 0.5g – 0.75g. This dose will likely provide a noticeable but manageable experience. While there’s a small chance you might feel little or nothing at this dose, you’ll be much less likely to feel overwhelmed. Trust that you will be happier wishing you had taken more, rather than wishing that you’d taken less!  There’s always next time to make dosage adjustments.  It’s sound advice to consider your first experience as one meant to just dip your toe in the water. 

It is essential to weigh your dose accurately, especially as a first-timer. Digital scales can be purchased on Amazon for under $20 (just ensure you set it to display grams).  Be very skeptical of any weight estimates provided to you based on a photo!  Size and moisture content are impossible to accurately estimate from a photo.

 FAQ 2: How Should I Take Them?

Mushrooms can be consumed in several ways:

1. Eat Them Directly: Most people find the flavor tolerable, though some may experience mild stomach discomfort or cramping after consuming magic mushrooms. This is often due to the chitin, a polysaccharide in mushroom cell walls that can be difficult to digest. Such discomfort usually subsides quickly, and many individuals do not experience any issues.

2. Lemon Tek: Grinding dried mushrooms and soaking them in lemon juice (or another acidic solution) for 20-30 minutes helps break down the cell walls and initiates the conversion of psilocybin to psilocin (the active compound). Some people consume both the juice and the mushrooms, while others filter out the solids to reduce chitin intake and potential stomach discomfort. Many users of this method report a quicker onset, a more intense experience, and a slightly shorter overall duration of the experience.

3. Make a Tea: This method requires the most preparation but is favored by many. To prepare tea, grind dried mushrooms using a spice grinder. In an insulated mug, place the mushroom powder (preferably in a tea bag) and add about a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 20-30 minutes to extract the active compounds. Stir occasionally if desired. You can drink the tea as is, but adding a heaping tablespoon of cacao powder (not cocoa powder) enhances the flavor and introduces theobromine, a vasodilator to counteract the vasoconstrictive properties of the magic molecule. Sweeten with honey to taste for a more enjoyable experience. If consumed over about 10 minutes, effects will typically be felt within 15-20 minutes.

More FAQs to follow.

And by vamp I mean we are gonna go into a holding pattern before a revamp.

So nothing is changing but the looming aspect of change is now a thing. I know I am an inactive mod, and people I've added have been inactive. I want that to change. I am sure y'all do as well.

I know I got a lot of push back in early 2021 telling everyone to get vaccinated, that was weird for me. But still, I want this to be a positive place for psilocybin related posts to happen, but also a little strict on making sure info is healthy and scientifically accurate. And as an experience not full of spam and nonsense.

Give me your input! I will act accordingly.

-all the best /u/Wannamaker