Essential Do’s And Don’ts When Taking Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms have been used for centuries by cultures around the world for both spiritual and recreational purposes. Regardless of modern legal frameworks, their presence in human history is long-standing and deeply rooted.

Physical and Mental Health

Do: Use magic mushrooms only when you are in a stable and healthy mental state. Avoid use during periods of depression, emotional distress, or unresolved psychological challenges. A positive mindset has a major influence on the quality of a psychedelic experience. It’s equally important to be in good physical health, free from infections such as colds, flu, or other illnesses.

Don’t: Take mushrooms as a way to escape your problems. Psychedelics tend to amplify emotions rather than suppress them, which can make unresolved issues feel more intense. Tripping while physically unwell can also increase discomfort and raise the likelihood of a difficult experience. Symptoms like congestion, nausea, coughing, or body aches can significantly magnify unease while under the influence.

Setting

Do: Choose a safe, comfortable, and familiar environment for your journey. Surround yourself with people you trust and feel at ease with. Being in a calm space, ideally with a trusted trip sitter or experienced companion, can greatly enhance feelings of safety and grounding. Silence distractions by turning off your phone and clear your schedule for at least 24 hours so you can be fully present without feeling rushed.

Don’t: Enter crowded, noisy, or unfamiliar environments that could trigger anxiety. For beginners especially, places like music festivals can be overwhelming. Instead, opt for a peaceful setting such as nature or your own home. If you feel uncertain or uneasy about potential side effects, it’s best to postpone use altogether.

Dose and Mushroom Strain

Do: Start with a beginner-friendly strain and a conservative dose. Potency varies widely between strains, so first-time users should consider options like B+, Golden Teacher, or Cambodian. Begin with a low dose and increase gradually if needed. For most first-time users, staying under 2 grams is recommended.

Don’t: Take a large dose on your first experience. Overdoing it often leads to overwhelming or distressing trips. Never combine magic mushrooms with alcohol or other psychoactive substances, as interactions can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Stick to well-known, beginner-appropriate strains.

What You Should Do on Magic Mushrooms

Do: Accept the experience as it unfolds. Every journey is unique and offers opportunities for emotional and personal insight. Keep a journal nearby to record thoughts, visuals, or realizations, as this can be invaluable during later integration. Stay hydrated and prioritize comfort throughout the experience.

Don’t: Hold rigid expectations. Expecting a specific outcome can create unnecessary anxiety. If the experience becomes intense, remind yourself that the effects are temporary and will pass. Avoid unsafe activities such as driving, climbing heights, or anything that could put you at risk.

Controlling the Mushroom Journey

Do: Allow the experience to flow naturally. Psychedelics can bring a wide range of emotions and visuals, and attempting to control them often increases anxiety. If intensity rises, slow your breathing, ground yourself, and trust the process. Staying hydrated and physically comfortable helps maintain balance. Journaling during or after the experience can support reflection and integration.

Don’t: Fight the experience or suppress emotions. Resistance can make the journey more challenging. Pay attention to your body’s needs, eat, drink, and use the restroom when necessary. Ignoring physical cues can create discomfort that disrupts the trip. Avoid mixing substances, especially alcohol, as it can impair judgment and increase risky behavior. If things feel intense, remember that the effects are temporary.

Understand the Mushrooms

Do: Relax and let the effects of the mushrooms guide you. Psychedelics can heighten perception and reveal insights that may feel symbolic or abstract rather than literal. Embrace the mystery of the experience rather than trying to analyze or force meaning in the moment.

Don’t: Redose impulsively. Magic mushroom effects often come in waves, and moments of reduced intensity are normal. If the experience seems to fade, wait. Effects frequently return on their own. Taking more too soon can lead to an unexpectedly overwhelming experience.

For decades, the curious and adventurous have been fascinated by the pairing of psychedelics and film. When viewed through an altered state of consciousness, movies that explore deep emotion, challenge reality, or push the boundaries of visual storytelling can become entirely new experiences. With that in mind, here are our top 10 picks for movies to watch while on psychedelics. Happy tripping.