Frequently Asked Questions

What are psilocybin mushrooms?

Psilocybin mushrooms are fungi that contain the naturally-occurring psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. When consumed, these compounds can induce altered states of consciousness characterized by changes in perception, mood, and thought patterns. There are over 200 species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin, with varying potencies and appearances.

How do psilocybin mushrooms work in the brain?

Psilocybin is converted to psilocin in the body, which then acts primarily on serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction reduces activity in the default mode network (DMN), a brain network associated with self-referential thinking, while increasing communication between brain regions that don't normally communicate. This creates new neural connections and patterns of thinking, potentially leading to insights, novel perspectives, and meaningful experiences.

How long do the effects last?

A typical psilocybin experience lasts 4-6 hours, with the peak occurring around 2-3 hours after ingestion. However, this can vary based on dosage, individual metabolism, consumption method, and other factors. After-effects like enhanced mood and sensory appreciation may continue for several hours afterward. The timeline generally follows: onset (20-40 minutes), come-up (40-90 minutes), peak (90 minutes to 3 hours), comedown (3-5 hours), and afterglow (5-24 hours).

What's the difference between psilocybin and other psychedelics?

While all classic psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, DMT, mescaline) primarily affect 5-HT2A receptors, they differ in duration, intensity, and qualitative effects. Psilocybin experiences typically last 4-6 hours, whereas LSD lasts 8-12 hours and DMT just 15-30 minutes. Many people report psilocybin as feeling more "organic" or "earthy" compared to other psychedelics, with strong emotional and introspective components. Psilocybin mushrooms also have a long history of traditional use, are naturally occurring, and current research suggests they have a particularly favorable safety profile.

Are psilocybin mushrooms safe?

Research indicates that psilocybin is physiologically safe for most healthy adults when used responsibly. It has extremely low toxicity, no known lethal dose in humans, and is not addictive. However, psychological risks exist, particularly for those with personal or family history of psychosis or certain psychiatric conditions. The most significant risks are typically psychological or behavioral (e.g., making poor decisions while under the influence). Safety can be maximized through proper preparation, appropriate setting, starting with low doses, and having a trusted sitter present.

Who should avoid using psilocybin?

Psilocybin is not advisable for people with:

• Personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder
• Severe cardiovascular conditions
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Liver issues or severe kidney disease
• Those taking certain medications (including SSRIs, MAOIs, and lithium)
• People under 18 years of age
• Those experiencing acute emotional distress or severe psychological challenges

What about "bad trips" and psychological risks?

Challenging experiences (sometimes called "bad trips") can occur with psilocybin use. These experiences may involve anxiety, fear, paranoia, or confrontation with difficult emotional material. While uncomfortable, many people later report these challenging experiences as valuable learning opportunities. The risk of lasting negative psychological effects is low in carefully prepared settings with proper support. To minimize risks, we recommend careful preparation, having a trusted sitter, starting with low doses, creating a safe environment, and having a mindset of openness and surrender to the experience.

Is it safe to mix psilocybin with other substances?

We strongly advise against mixing psilocybin with other substances, especially for inexperienced users. Combining with alcohol can increase nausea and unpredictability. Cannabis can significantly intensify the experience, sometimes in challenging ways. MDMA, stimulants, and other psychedelics can create unpredictable interactions. Some psychiatric medications (particularly lithium, tricyclics, and MAOIs) may create dangerous interactions. Even common medications and supplements can interact with psilocybin, so research any medications you're taking before use.

What effects can I expect from psilocybin?

Effects vary widely based on dose, individual, and setting, but may include:

• Enhanced sensory perception (brighter colors, more detailed textures, etc.)
• Visual effects (patterns, geometric forms, movement in static objects)
• Emotional opening and release
• New perspectives and unusual thought patterns
• Altered sense of time and space
• Spiritual or mystical experiences
• Sense of connection to nature, others, or the universe
• Personal insights and revelations
• Body sensations (tingling, warmth, energy flows)

What is microdosing?

Microdosing refers to taking a sub-perceptual dose of psilocybin (typically 1/10th to 1/20th of a full dose, or 0.1-0.3g of dried mushrooms) with the intention of experiencing subtle benefits without the full psychedelic experience. Many people report improved mood, focus, creativity, and emotional resilience from regular microdosing. Common protocols include taking a microdose once every three days (Fadiman protocol) or following a five days on, two days off schedule. Research on microdosing is still emerging, with results showing both placebo effects and potential genuine benefits.

How does psilocybin affect emotions?

Psilocybin often creates heightened emotional states and increased emotional sensitivity. Many report greater access to emotions that may be typically suppressed or unconscious. This emotional opening can facilitate processing and release of stored emotional material, potentially leading to catharsis and healing. Emotions may feel more intense, nuanced, or fluid during the experience. Many users report lasting improvements in emotional awareness, regulation, and resilience following psilocybin experiences. This emotional component is thought to be a key factor in psilocybin's therapeutic potential for conditions like depression and anxiety.

What are "mystical experiences" with psilocybin?

Mystical or peak experiences are profound, transformative states that can occur during moderate to high-dose psilocybin sessions. These experiences typically include several key features: a sense of unity or interconnectedness with all things; a feeling of sacredness or encountering ultimate reality; ineffability (difficulty describing the experience in words); transcendence of time and space; deeply felt positive mood; and noetic quality (a sense of encountering objective truth). Research suggests these mystical-type experiences correlate strongly with long-term positive outcomes from psychedelic sessions, including lasting increases in well-being, life satisfaction, and positive behavior changes.

What's the best dose for beginners?

For first-time users, we recommend starting with a light dose of 0.5-1.5g of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. This provides a gentle introduction to psychedelic effects while minimizing the risk of overwhelming experiences. Some even prefer to start with a threshold dose (0.25-0.5g) to assess individual sensitivity. Remember that psilocybin content can vary significantly between mushroom species and even batches of the same species, so starting conservatively is wise. You can always take a higher dose in future sessions once you understand how psilocybin affects you personally.

Should I have a trip sitter?

Yes, especially for beginners, having a sober, trusted trip sitter is highly recommended. A good sitter provides a sense of safety, can assist with practical needs, and offers reassurance during challenging moments. The ideal sitter is someone you trust deeply, who has some knowledge about psychedelics, and who can remain calm and non-judgmental. They should be present without being intrusive, allowing your experience to unfold naturally while ensuring your physical and psychological safety. For experienced users taking moderate doses in familiar settings, solo journeys can be appropriate, but beginners should always have support.

What's the best way to consume psilocybin mushrooms?

Common consumption methods include:

• Direct consumption: Eating dried mushrooms is straightforward but some find the taste unpleasant
• Tea: Steeping ground mushrooms in hot (not boiling) water for 10-15 minutes makes a tea that's gentler on the stomach and has faster onset
• Mixed with food: Combining with honey, chocolate, or other foods masks the taste
• Lemon Tek: Soaking ground mushrooms in lemon juice before consumption may intensify effects and shorten the experience
• Capsules: Powdered mushrooms in capsules offer precise dosing and avoid taste (common for microdosing)

How often is it safe to use psilocybin?

Psilocybin is not addictive and builds tolerance quickly (which dissipates after about 2 weeks). For full psychedelic experiences, most experts recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks between sessions to allow for integration of insights and psychological reset. More frequent use may diminish the impact and depth of the experience. For microdosing, protocols typically involve taking small doses every 3-4 days. The most important factor is giving yourself adequate time to process and integrate each experience rather than seeking frequent altered states. Quality of experience and integration is more valuable than quantity of experiences.

What is integration and why is it important?

Integration is the process of making meaning from your psychedelic experience and incorporating insights into your everyday life. Without intentional integration, profound realizations may fade without creating lasting change. Integration might involve journaling about your experience, discussing insights with trusted friends or therapists, creating art inspired by the journey, making concrete life changes based on insights gained, or developing practices like meditation that reinforce your new understandings. We consider integration to be as important as the psychedelic experience itself—it's how temporary experiences become transformative.

What is the legal status of psilocybin?

Psilocybin remains illegal in most countries, classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States and similarly restricted internationally. However, the legal landscape is rapidly evolving. Some jurisdictions have decriminalized possession for personal use (including Oregon, Colorado, several U.S. cities, and countries like Portugal). Oregon has legalized psilocybin for therapeutic use in supervised settings, and several clinical research programs have received regulatory approval to study psilocybin therapy. This website provides educational information only and does not encourage any activities that may violate applicable laws in your jurisdiction.

Why does MAGIC exist if psilocybin is largely illegal?

MAGIC exists to provide evidence-based, responsible educational information about psilocybin mushrooms. While these substances remain illegal in many places, accurate information about them serves important harm reduction and educational purposes. Many people will use psychedelics regardless of legal status, and having access to evidence-based information helps them do so more safely. Additionally, as research expands and legal frameworks evolve, there's growing need for accessible, science-backed educational resources. We believe in knowledge as a fundamental right, while always encouraging compliance with local laws.

What is MAGIC's stance on respecting indigenous traditions?

We deeply respect and acknowledge the indigenous cultures that have worked with psilocybin mushrooms as sacred medicines for thousands of years. These traditions hold valuable wisdom about responsible use, integration practices, and the spiritual dimensions of the psychedelic experience. We believe in honoring these lineages through education, attribution, and avoiding appropriation without understanding. While modern scientific approaches offer valuable insights, they complement rather than replace traditional knowledge. We encourage learning about indigenous perspectives and supporting indigenous-led initiatives working to preserve these traditions and protect their rights to practice their ceremonies.

Does MAGIC sell or provide psilocybin products?

No. MAGIC is strictly an educational resource. We do not sell, distribute, or provide psilocybin mushrooms or products containing psilocybin. We do not facilitate connections to sources of these substances. Our sole purpose is to provide evidence-based educational information to promote safer, more informed approaches to psilocybin for those who choose to use it. All information is provided for educational and harm reduction purposes only.