The 5 Levels Of Magic Mushroom Tripping: What To Expect By Dosage

How does it feel to take shrooms? Read on for a look at the different effects of magic mushrooms according to dosage, as well as the other factors that contribute to the intensity of a trip.

Magic Mushrooms are one of the many psychedelics that will propel you forth into a psychedelic trip. Such mushrooms—also known as shrooms— contain psilocybin, its derivative psilocin, and a couple of other psychotropic alkaloids. Psilocybin and psilocin are naturally occurring psychedelic compounds produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms, collectively known as "psilocybin mushrooms". In this article, we will answer the crucial question: what effects can you expect at different doses of magic mushrooms?

The psychotropic effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, depending on a whole range of variables working together. Among others, these include the user’s mindset, body weight, setting, the species of mushroom used, and, of course, the dosage.

POTENCY OF DIFFERENT MAGIC MUSHROOM SPECIES

Before we explore the different levels of tripping, let’s briefly review the potencies of some of the most popular species. Please note, we’ve listed references for each species as there is a lot of debate over alkaloid concentrations. Concentrations refer to fresh mushrooms.

• Psilocybe azurescens is mostly found on the West Coast of the United States and contains up to 1.78% psilocybin and 0.38% psilocin (Stamets and Gartz 1995).

• Psilocybe bohemica or serbica is found across different parts of Central Europe. It contains up to 1.34% psilocybin and 0.11% psilocin (Gartz and Muller 1989; Gartz 1994).

• Psilocybe semilanceata typically grows in grasslands and is often found in pastures. It grows abundantly in Central Europe, but also the meadows of the US, Canada, and Russia. It contains up to 0.98% psilocybin and 0.02% psilocin (Gartz 1994).

• Psilocybe baeocystis loves the decaying conifer mulch and peat mosses of the Pacific Northwest. Up to 0.85% psilocybin and 0.59% psilocin have been found in this species (Repke et al. 1977; Beug and Bigwood 1982(b)).

• Psilocybe cyanescens is found across the globe in parts of Australia and West Asia, the Pacific Northwest, and Central Europe. It can contain up to 0.85% psilocybin and 0.36% psilocin (Stijve and Kuyper 1985; Repke et al. 1977).

EFFECTS BY DOSAGE: THE 5 TRIP LEVELS

When ingested, the body converts psilocybin into psilocin. Psilocin affects the serotonin system in the brain and gut (which is why tripping sometimes causes nausea). It also modifies brain connectivity—allowing parts of the brain that never usually communicate to do so.

It is important to keep in mind that the trip’s outcome depends on a large number of variables (location, weight, dose, mood, company, music, etc). Each variable comes together to create the experience—in the same way a symphony is the result of an orchestra of many different instruments playing together.

It is also worht noting that dosage must always be adjusted to the user’s specific body weight. Hence, to get similar effects, different users may have to take different quantities of the same type of mushroom.

Insider tip: try using the dosage calculator of Zamnesia to start working your way through the magical world of shrooms and truffles!

Here is an overview of the effects according to the ingested quantity (expressed in grams of dried shrooms).

TRIP LEVEL 1: MICRODOSE (0.05–0.5g)

This is a dose so small that the effects are not noticeable, but remain sub-perceptual. Overall day to day life may seem "better". This is due to possible reductions in stress, elevated mood, boosted creativity, feelings of more energy, and openness.

This is referred to as microdosing, and many believe it improves quality of life without getting you noticeably high.

TRIP LEVEL 2: BEGINNER DOSE (0.5–1g)

Relaxed, breezy, and carefree: this is how you should feel when taking a mini dose of shrooms. It's almost like you're stoned, but surely you will stay social and active, maybe even a little bit euphoric. Alongside enhanced senses and an overall energy increase, your inner life will start blossoming with the rise of more introspective insights and ease of meditating.

If you want a happy-go-lucky experience characterised by a smooth and fun high, the mini dose is what we advise for you.

TRIP LEVEL 3: MILD DOSE (1–1.5g)

Expect euphoria, mild to moderate visuals (e.g. colours appearing more intense or glowing, moving or distorted surfaces, the feeling of looking at the world in HD), a creativity boost, and considerable conversational fluidity. Your sense of time will be altered, passing either more quickly or more slowly. Also, on a physical level, you will experience a moderate body high, maybe with mild nausea and some sweating. But no worries, a sudden and uncontrollable giggle fit may let everything pass again!

If you are open to a psychedelic experience, but you want to be careful and preserve a modicum of control, this is the range for you.

TRIP LEVEL 4: MEDIUM DOSE (2–3.5g)

With a moderate dose of magic mushrooms, you will get caught by intense euphoria and excitement. It will be a mystical experience, and you may gain powerful philosophical insights and go in for some life-changing introspections. Any of the following may manifest with varying intensity: emotions (whether good or bad), experiences of synesthesia (e.g. hearing colours or seeing sounds), sensitivity to light and noise, creativity, and, of course, open- and closed-eye visuals (e.g. patterns, auras around objects, etc.).

This is the classic psychedelic trip, and if you want to experience shrooms or truffles head-on, it is highly recommended you go for such a dosage.

TRIP LEVEL 5: FULL-BLOWN TRIP (4–5g+)

This is when you completely let go of reality. You will experience strong visuals, auditory and tactile hallucinations, as well as full-blown hallucinations (yep, objects may start talking to you!). Your ego will completely dissolve and you won’t perceive a clear distinction between yourself and your surroundings anymore. Also, time will become completely meaningless. In other words, all the ingredients of a classic psychedelic trip will be enhanced, and you will merge with the universe in a continuum where there is no right or wrong.

This level is for experienced psychonauts only: those who are already familiar with the classic trip and wish to experience something more. If you approach such high dosages, consult first with more experienced users, and make sure you are in a good mental state and a safe environment when tripping! Also, be sure to have a trip sitter nearby in case you start panicking.

There you go! A user-friendly overview of mushroom tripping, the different trip levels, and their corresponding effects. You can reach each of them by carefully controlling all the variables that contribute to the full symphony. Like everything in life, start slowly and build up with experience. Step by step, you will learn what works well for you, your body, and your mind. Enjoy!