Knowledge is Our Best Ally

While the use of psilocybin Mushrooms has been an integral part of ancient cultures, the recent upsurge of information touting promises of mental health support is relatively new to Western society.

Every day we make choices that have inherent risks such as driving a car, buying food, while hiking and walking even have their risks. Now, Mushrooms are associated with potential benefits, including altered perceptions, enhanced creativity, and spiritual experiences, it's very important to be aware of potential risks and side effects so you are making informed choices and taking responsibility for your journey.

Similar to getting on a plane or in our car, we have ascertained as many risks as we can to make an informed decision, while giving ourselves the opportunity to pivot as as new information comes to us. The same consideration needs to be part of a psychedelic experience. The most important starting point is realizing we cannot know what our experience is going to be like. In fact, those who have had numerous psychedelic journeys don’t have the same experience every time.

These are some of the risks to take into consideration:

1.     Psychological Effects: Psychedelic Mushrooms can induce intense and unpredictable psychological effects. Individuals may experience hallucinations, altered perceptions of reality, and changes in mood. Rather than be afraid of them, it is important to be prepared for them, without expectations of how the experience should be but rather ready for the ride the way it shows up.

These effects can be particularly challenging for those with a history of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or psychosis. Please reconsider or speak with a psychedelic supportive health professional before taking a large dose, which may be more than half a gram for some people. Please consider microdosing for at least a month before a larger experience and start low, even with a macro-microdose for your first experience.

*There is a mental health issue called Psychedelic Induced Psychosis or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder. Some individuals may experience persistent visual disturbances or hallucinations days and months after the acute effects of the initial psychedelic experience have worn off.

See: Psychedelics Are a Promising Therapy, but They Can Be Dangerous for Some

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/10/well/mind/psychedelics-therapy-ketamine-mushrooms-risks.html

2.     Bad Trips: Some may experience what many call a "bad trip." This involves intense anxiety, bodily discomfort, fear, or paranoia during the psychedelic experience. While not life-threatening, a bad trip can be psychologically distressing and emotionally challenging.

There is a lot of debate on the benefits of all types of experiences and many believe the difficult ones have deep lessons in them, while others wonder if a bad trip is another form of traumatic experience. Some scientists are even working on taking the hallucinogenic part out of the experience. Much like life, with a willingness to lean into difficulty and learn from it, we can gain self-knowledge through all types of events and psychedelics can be met the same way. We may not like it when in the midst of a struggle, but sometime later we can see what we learned and how we were impacted and changed. This is why it’s important to start slow and become familiar with what we are ingesting and how our body responds to it. There is no guarantee of the experience being good or bad, but it does help to start small and let the body get to know the Mushroom and navigate it slowly over time.

It is especially important to prepare with a trusted psychedelic educated and/or psychedelic positive therapist or coach to begin working with weeks and even months before an experience. Then, schedule a session with them at least 48 hours after the experience to begin the long and informative journey of integration.

3.     Impaired Judgment and Coordination: These impairments can lead to an increased risk of accidents and injuries, especially if taken in unsafe or unfamiliar environments.

Make agreements to remain within a boundary area, whether the experience is with your friends if in a social setting or in private ceremony with a facilitator or a guide. Car keys and cell phones should be in a safe place and inaccessible to those in the journey. Impaired judgment has led to stories of calling people they no longer speak to, walking to strangers’ homes, and even calls to the police. Please give about four to six hours to begin to feel you are “back” and ready to engage with others. Best to not drive until the next day.

4.     Risk of Accidental Poisoning: Incorrect identification of Mushrooms picked in the wild can lead to accidental ingestion of toxic varieties. Consuming toxic mushrooms can result in serious health consequences, including organ failure or death.

5.     Interaction with Medications: Psilocybin and other less discussed components can interact with certain medications, potentially leading to adverse reactions. Remember, we don't yet know all the elements of the Mushroom and each has its unique makeup. It is imperative for anyone taking prescription medications to consult with a healthcare professional before using psilocybin mushrooms.

6.     Legal Consequences: Psilocybin mushrooms are classified as illegal substances in many countries and jurisdictions. Possession, cultivation, or distribution of these mushrooms can lead to legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

It's essential for anyone considering the use of psychedelic Mushrooms to approach them with caution, be informed about potential risks, and make decisions in a safe and supportive environment. If someone is considering having a psychedelic mushroom experience, it's advisable to respectfully limit the dose, do so under the guidance of experienced individuals, such as trained facilitators, or within a therapeutic setting where potential risks can be minimized. Additionally, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended, especially for those with pre-existing medical or mental health conditions for a full medical evaluation, ascertain heart health, and know your gut/microbiome health so you can care for this body before you go into an experience.

Next: Sign up for Preparation Course