Can You Smoke Magic Mushrooms?

Health Line

3 days ago

Dried shrooms can be crushed into a powder and smoked in a joint. Some people also put purified psilocybin crystals into pipes. But neither of these options is a great idea.
It's hard to say for sure what happens when you smoke shrooms. There's not really any research on the subject, so the only reports out there are from people who've blazed up and shared their experience on forums like Reddit.
A handful of shroom smokers say it produces a mild high, but nothing close to a trip like you'd get from popping a handful of caps or drinking a tea preparation.
Most others, however, report it as a total waste of time with no effects, apart from some nausea.
The absence of any psychological effects could come down to temperature. Psilocybin breaks down at high temperatures, so lighting up shrooms basically kills the main ingredient responsible for the trippy effects.
Is it dangerous to smoke shrooms?
There are several risks to consider when it comes to smoking shrooms. Then, there are the general risks associated with taking shrooms.
General smoking risks
For one, any type of smoke is bad for your health. All smoke contains harmful toxins and particulates that can damage lung tissue and blood vessels, and increase the risk of lung cancer.
If you smoke shrooms mixed with tobacco, you tack on all the risks associated with that, too.
Mold spores
Smoking shrooms also carries extra risk for your lungs by way of mold spores. Inhaling certain types of mold increases your risk of lung inflammation and infections.
Inhaling certain mold species can have serious health consequences if you have a mold allergy, a preexisting lung condition, or a weakened immune system.
Bad trips
If you do happen to experience any of the psychoactive effects of psilocybin after smoking, keep in mind that bad trips are a possibility when you do shrooms.
A bad trip can include disturbing or downright frightening hallucinations, panic, and trouble distinguishing between fantasy and reality.
Physical side effects
Shrooms can cause some unpleasant physical effects, too, including:
increased heart rate and blood pressure
nausea and vomiting
increased body temperature
abdominal cramps and diarrhea
muscle weakness
uncoordinated movement
Psychological side effects
When taken in higher doses, shrooms and other hallucinogens alter your perception of reality, which may lead you to do things you wouldn't normally do.
While you're unlikely to have much of a trip from smoking shrooms, it's still a possibility to be prepared for.
Are there other ways to consume shrooms?
Mushrooms are mostly ingested orally, either dry or fresh. Some people eat them as-is, while others add them to other foods. They're also often steeped in boiling water or tea.
Some people get fancy with their fungi and dip them in chocolate or add them to soups, smoothies, or milkshakes.
Though not as common, some people grind dried shrooms into powder and snort them. Based on first-hand reports online, this isn't recommended.
What can you do to reduce your risk of unwanted effects?
There's no such thing as completely safe substance use (or smoking, for that matter), but there are some things you can do to reduce certain risks.
If you're going to take shrooms, consider these tips:
Choose a different method: Seriously, smoking's generally not the way to go, especially when it comes to shrooms. You probably won't feel anything. Plus, you could end up inhaling harmful spores.
Mind your dose: You should start with the lowest dose possible before gradually working your way up. Hallucinogens can be unpredictable, and higher doses increase the chances of a bad trip and adverse effects.
Don't hold your inhale: Inhaling deeply and holding the inhale exposes your lungs to toxins for longer periods. If you're going to smoke shrooms, exhale right away.
Have a trip-sitter: You should have at least one sober and trustworthy person who can step up if you trip out and need help.
Pick the right time: Your mood plays a role in your experience when it comes to psychedelics. No matter how you do shrooms, make sure you do them only when you're in a positive head space.
Pick the right place: Somewhere safe and familiar is the way to go. It'll help you relax and keep you safe should you hallucinate or get anxious.
Stay hydrated: Shrooms can raise your body temperature and dry out your mouth. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your trip. It may also help with the comedown.
Eat something: Shrooms tend to cause some gastrointestinal discomfort, especially when you eat them. You can reduce your chances of this happening by eating something first.
Don't mix: Mixing substances is generally a bad idea because it makes the effects even more unpredictable. This goes for alcohol, too.
When to get help
Above all, make sure you know how to spot trouble. Call 911 or your local emergency services right away if you or someone else experiences:
trouble breathing
irregular heartbeat
aggression
seizures