Microdosing mushrooms and cannabis derived products have become an up and coming trend in the alternative medicine world. In fact, some cities and states such as Colorado have already relaxed their restrictions on psilocybin mushrooms for medical research and recreational use. But, what about other mushrooms and fungi like Amanita mushrooms?
Besides the psychedelic effects of psilocybin, there are lots of other mushrooms that can create a similar euphoric effect and aren’t restricted under the Controlled Substance Act. Amanita muscaria mushrooms, also known as Fly Agaric mushrooms have also been shown to provide users with similar visuals and psychoactive effects to psilocybin. But, is it all too good to be true?
Here’s the Breakdown on Amanita Mushrooms
You may recognize the appearance of the Amanita mushroom from the old school Mario video games, or on your parent’s vintage home decor from the 1970s. Their bright red cap and white spots make them very recognizable in the mushroom world and in pop culture too. You can find Amanita mushrooms in forests and woodland areas pretty much anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. They grow underneath pine and spruce trees, budding up to the surface between late summer and early winter.
A very important thing to remember is Amanita mushrooms can be very toxic to humans if eaten straight from the ground. So, don’t snack on any on your next foraging adventure. But, Amanita mushrooms have various compounds in them that create a light, non-toxic psychedelic experience: Muscarine, Muscimol, and Ibotenic Acid. These compounds are extracted out through boiling the mushrooms to filter out potential toxins.
Muscimol is the main psychedelic component in Amanita muscaria. As stated above, eating the whole mushroom may be toxic. So, Muscimol and other compounds are extracted from the mushroom to be ingested safely. Muscimol has been shown to provide euphoria, lucid dreaming, light visuals and synthesia. Very similar to light doses of other hallucinogens. Negative side effects may include nausea, vomiting or muscle tremors.
Muscarine
Muscarine is a less prominent component in Amanita mushrooms and its isolated effects are still relatively unknown as there is little research into the effects of Muscarine. But, it seems to aid in the psychedelic effects of Muscimol if taken in lighter doses. Heavy doses have been shown to be quite toxic.
Ibotenic Acid
Ibotenic Acid is also fairly toxic on its own in high doses. In the case for Amanita products, Ibotenic acid is usually decarboxylated into Muscimol, making its effects very similar.
How Can I Try Amanita Mushrooms?
There are new edibles that have isolated the three compounds listed above for a safe, fun and trippy experience. Urb, for example, has just released Amanita muscaria gummies that contain a 2:1:1 ratio of Muscimol, Muscarine and Ibotenic Acid. Each gummy provides a light, euphoric buzz with light visuals and perception shifts. 2-3 gummies can cause more vivid visuals and spiritual effects. With its growing popularity, we expect more mushroom products to be popping up soon.
While Urb and other brands are marketing these products as safe and fun for experienced users, we urge everyone to take these gummies with extreme caution. Like with cannabis edibles, go low and slow to avoid a bad experience. We recommend starting with half a gummy and working your way up based on the effects you’re looking for. For more experienced psychedelic users, these gummies may provide a similar experience to micro-dosing psilocybin mushrooms.
If you have questions about Amanita muscaria products or you’re ready to try them, our hemp tenders are ready to help. Stop by and talk with us or order them online for free same-day delivery!
