Consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms is a unique experience, which somehow connects us to our ancestors: yes, because this type of “high” was not born in modernity but in ancient times, even prehistoric, and has represented for generations a way to get out of oneself and find contact with nature and the divine. Today mushrooms are consumed for pure and simple fun, yet it is not bad to know that today's “trips” come from a very respectable history. But if you have never tried mushrooms, what do you need to know to prepare for your first experience? Here are some tips.

• Try mushrooms when you feel good

As you may know, magic mushrooms can amplify your emotional state. We do not recommend consuming them to “turn off” emotions of anxiety and sadness, nor to try them in a period in which you feel emotionally unstable, at least not the first few times. Make sure the experience happens in a good context to increase the chances of a good trip.

• Experience in an environment where you feel comfortable

It is better to approach mushrooms in a “safe” place and in the company of best friends rather than in a strange environment and in the company of people who do not make you feel comfortable. This comfort will increase the chances of a positive experience.

• Find out how long the trip will last and prepare yourself

The trip can last from 3 to 6 hours and it is good to break it with a good snack: keep sweets, crackers, water, fruit juice close to you so as not to have to grope for a long time looking for the fridge that you may not find easily. Eat something even if you are not hungry. Keep in mind that to best enjoy the power of psilocybin, the psychoactive substance, it is better to take it when you have been fasting for a few hours. Finally, it is good that the place where you will take the mushrooms has soft and comfortable corners and that there is at least one sober person able to offer help in case of a bad trip or other difficulties.

• Do not mix mushrooms with other substances

Mushrooms should never be mixed with any mind-altering substances. Experienced users say that taking a little cannabis right after the mushrooms can help ease the effects of a bad trip or help with initial nausea, but if this is your first time, it’s best to avoid it.

• Manage the quantity

If you have never taken psilocybin or have only taken it a few times, you cannot know exactly what effect it will have on you. It is better to proceed cautiously at first. Generally, a quarter of a gram of dried mushrooms is considered a beginner's dose. With this dose, the effects are extremely mild, but you can begin to familiarize yourself with the substance and the side effects (usually a little nausea). Even with one gram, you can have a good trip.

• Be reassured about the safety of the experience

Hallucinogenic mushrooms, apart from nausea, are considered extremely safe. Psilocybin is not toxic and cannot lead to psychotic behavior, complete detachment from reality, or permanent trips. The only case in which it is necessary to be careful about the consumption of mushrooms is if there is a mental illness, because in that case the symptoms could temporarily worsen.

• Educate yourself about the possible effects, but be open to the uniqueness of your experience.

Psilocybin usually causes effects such as an amplification of emotions, with the sensation that reality is more colorful and intense; the ability to “see” geometric patterns; the sensation of thinking like a river in flood, with maximum mental freedom; an idea of ​​​​losing the ego, feeling kind and collaborative; the vision of life as a dream. But since each person is different, it is important to enjoy the experience sincerely and without expectations, welcoming the sensations as they come. The experience lived with open-mindedness, curiosity and joy can only be positive.