Magic mushrooms, which contain psilocybin and other psychedelic tryptamines, have been used for thousands of years by various cultures for their transformative, spiritual effects. In recent years, they’ve gained attention for their potential therapeutic, medical, and recreational benefits.
While magic mushrooms are easy to consume, they are potent and can produce strong hallucinogenic effects. It’s important to approach them with caution and respect, using them in a responsible manner.
Key factors to consider before taking magic mushrooms include the dosage, your mental state, the people you’re with, and the setting in which you’re consuming them. The method of preparation comes after all these considerations.
We’ll start by discussing the necessary preparations before taking the mushrooms, then cover effective dosing, and finally, explore seven different ways to prepare and consume magic mushrooms.
7 Ways to Consume Magic Mushrooms
There are various methods for preparing magic mushrooms, and each one can influence how quickly the effects begin, as well as their strength. The way you consume them will also impact the taste and the potential for stomach discomfort afterward.
Here’s a paraphrased version of the first method:
1. Eat Them Raw
The most straightforward (and traditional) way to consume magic mushrooms is by eating them as they are, either fresh or dried.
Dried mushrooms tend to be just as effective as fresh ones. While some of the psilocin may degrade during the drying process, the psilocybin remains potent for months.
If you opt for fresh mushrooms, you’ll need to consume roughly twice the weight compared to dried mushrooms to achieve the same effects.
Due to their unpleasant taste, many people choose to wash them down with juice. Some individuals may experience stomach discomfort after eating raw mushrooms, but drinking ginger tea or having a small meal beforehand can help alleviate this.
2. Magic Mushroom Tea
Magic mushroom tea is an excellent option for those who want to avoid consuming the solid mushroom material. It also tends to take effect more quickly than eating raw mushrooms and causes less stomach irritation or nausea, as the body doesn’t need to digest the mushroom matter before absorbing the active compounds.
Making mushroom tea is easy.
Simply grind your desired dose of mushrooms and steep them in a thermal flask with a cup of hot water. Let it brew for 20 minutes to an hour, then strain the liquid and drink.
For enhanced extraction and flavor, add lemon juice during brewing. You can also mix in other teas or sweeteners to improve the taste.
3. Edibles (Gummies & Chocolates)
Edibles are a great option for those who can’t tolerate the taste of magic mushrooms.
While they take about the same time to take effect as raw mushrooms, edibles are generally easier on the stomach and taste much better.
You can purchase psilocybin-infused treats like chocolates and gummies online in certain areas (check out our list of top-rated magic mushroom gummies).
However, I personally believe that making your own edibles at home can be just as good, if not better, than buying them pre-made.
4. Lemon Tek
Lemon tek is a newer method for preparing magic mushrooms, where the mushrooms are lightly ground and soaked in lemon juice for 20 minutes to an hour. This process helps break down the chitin (the cell walls of the mushrooms) and accelerates the metabolism of some of the psilocybin.
This technique is simple to use and reduces the strain on your digestive system. Many users report that it makes the effects come on more quickly and intensifies the experience compared to eating raw mushrooms.
5. Capsules
Capsules are commonly used for microdosing, where small, sub-perceptual amounts of psilocybin are taken regularly to boost focus, concentration, and creativity. These doses are not large enough to cause full-blown psychedelic effects, but they can still lead to noticeable shifts in mood and cognitive energy.
You can also use mushroom capsules for a full-dose experience, but this will require taking multiple capsules.
For example, if each capsule contains 250 mg of mushrooms, you would need around 8 capsules to reach a 2-gram dose or 12 capsules for a typical 3-gram dose.
Most microdosing capsules contain 50 to 100 mg of mushrooms.
You can make your own capsules at home using an affordable capsulation machine ($20–$30 on Amazon) and empty gel capsules.
6. Magical Honey | How to Take Magic Mushrooms
This method is often overlooked, but it’s one of my personal favorites. To make magical honey, grind dried mushrooms and mix them into a jar of honey. After about seven days, most of the psilocybin will have infused into the honey.
You can then add it to teas, spread it on toast, or simply eat it directly for a potent psychedelic dose.
One of the benefits of this method is that honey naturally preserves the mushrooms, so you can keep it for a long time. In fact, I have some psilocybin honey I made years ago that still works perfectly.
The only downside is that dosing can be tricky. To ensure accurate dosing, you’d need to carefully track the weight of the mushrooms and the amount of honey used. Also, this method isn’t suitable for fresh mushrooms, as any moisture can spoil the honey.
7. Tinctures
Tinctures are a great way to preserve magic mushrooms for an extended period, and they make dosing much easier, provided you get the initial ratios correct.
To make a tincture, grind your mushrooms, cover them with alcohol, and let the mixture sit for a few weeks. After that, strain out the solids and store the liquid in a cool, dark place.
How to Prepare For Your Trip Like A Pro
1. Eat First
It’s recommended to eat about an hour before taking your mushrooms for a few important reasons:
- Eating beforehand helps extend the duration of the trip.
- It can minimize the likelihood of experiencing stomach discomfort, bloating, or nausea.
- It helps maintain stable blood sugar and energy levels for the next 4–6 hours during your experience.
Opt for a nutritious meal, but avoid overeating.
Some people mix mushrooms directly into their food, such as adding them to pizza, which can also be effective. However, at Tripsitter, we suggest eating around an hour before the trip to allow the food to digest before the mushrooms are consumed.
2. Cultivate a Positive Mindset (“Set”)
Your mental state before the trip is crucial. Mushrooms tend to amplify whatever mindset you bring into the experience. If you’re feeling anxious, fearful, or down, those emotions will likely be magnified during the trip.
On the other hand, if you approach the experience with a sense of inspiration and happiness, these positive feelings are more likely to dominate, making the trip more enjoyable.
Engaging in meditation or relaxation techniques before the trip can help calm and center your mind. A relaxed, open mindset typically leads to a smoother and more positive experience.
3. Choose the Right Setting | How to Take Magic Mushrooms
The environment where you take magic mushrooms plays a key role, just like your mindset.
Select a space that feels welcoming, calming, and safe—somewhere familiar, like a private home, is ideal. Avoid places like parties or public areas.
Comfort-enhancing elements like soothing music, candles, soft lighting, and cozy pillows and blankets can help set the right atmosphere.
The people around you matter too; they should be trusted individuals who treat you with respect and understanding.
If you’re taking a larger dose, keep a meaningful object nearby—something that can help ground you if the experience becomes overwhelming. This could be a photo or a cherished item to help center your thoughts and navigate any difficult moments.
4. Plan Ahead: Choose a Trip Sitter & Allow Time for Recovery
Even with the best set and setting, a trip can sometimes take an uncomfortable or challenging turn. If you’re new to psychedelics, it’s highly recommended to have an experienced trip sitter present during your first psilocybin experience.
A trip sitter is someone who stays with you throughout the entire experience, ensuring your safety and comfort, and offering support if the trip becomes difficult. Ideally, they should have prior experience with psychedelics and know how to guide the experience if needed.
Psilocybin can have lasting effects that may extend for up to a day, so it’s a good idea to avoid scheduling any significant activities on both the day of the trip and the following day. Allowing time for relaxation and reflection after the experience is important before returning to your usual routine.
Preparing the Dose of Magic Mushrooms
Properly determining your dosage is crucial, as it directly influences the strength of the effects. A microdose won’t produce noticeable psychedelic effects; a “standard dose” will lead to moderate to strong effects, while a “heroic dose” can result in an intense trip, including possible experiences of “ego death.”
Generally, a microdose is between 0.1 and 0.2 grams of Psilocybe cubensis, a standard dose is 2 to 4 grams, and a heroic dose is 5 grams or more.
Remember that the type of mushrooms, their potency, and your body weight can all influence the appropriate dose for achieving the desired effects.