Mixing Cannabis and Magic Mushrooms: The Pros, Cons and Safety Tips
Cannabis and magic mushrooms offer distinct psychoactive properties. Cannabis contains cannabinoids that induce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, while mushrooms contain alkaloids that alter consciousness more intensely. Some users combine the two in hopes of achieving synergistic effects. But is it safe and effective to mix cannabis and shrooms? While clinical research is lacking, anecdotal reports suggest cannabis may both enhance and quell the effects of mushrooms depending on dose, cannabinoid content, and timing.
It’s important to note that both cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal at the federal level in the United States. While medical and recreational cannabis is legalized in a growing number of states, it remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally alongside psilocybin. Magic mushrooms containing psilocybin are classified as Schedule I at both the state and federal level, though certain cities have decriminalized personal use and possession. Users should understand the laws in their jurisdiction before consuming these substances recreationally or combining them.
Key Differences Between Cannabis and Magic Mushrooms
To understand how cannabis and mushrooms interact, it’s helpful to overview how they differ.
Active Compounds
Cannabis contains compounds known as cannabinoids, with the most well-known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Magic mushrooms, on the other hand, contain psilocybin, which converts to psilocin in the body, responsible for the psychedelic effects.
Mechanisms of Action
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors. This interaction leads to the release of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which can result in the characteristic effects of increased relaxation, altered perception, and heightened sensory experiences. Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, is metabolized in the body to psilocin. Psilocin primarily influences cognitive processes by binding serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor. This binding results in alterations in perception, mood, and consciousness, which can lead to vivid visual and auditory hallucinations and introspective experiences.
Origins and Consumption
As a plant, cannabis can be consumed through smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, topicals and more. Mushrooms have fewer options, mainly being eaten whole, dried, brewed into tea or added to food.
Effects
Common effects of THC-rich cannabis may induce relaxation, altered perception of time, heightened sensory perception, increased appetite, euphoria, creativity and sedation. Mushrooms alter consciousness more dramatically in high doses causing hallucinations, altered perception, changes in mood and thought or even “ego death” and complete detachment from reality temporarily.
Duration:
The effects of cannabis are relatively short-lived, typically lasting a few hours. Magic mushrooms tend to have a longer duration, often lasting around 4 to 6 hours but potentially extending to 8 hours or more.
Dosage:
Cannabis is typically measured in milligrams of THC or CBD, and the dosage can be precisely controlled. Magic mushrooms are measured by weight, usually in grams. The potency of magic mushrooms can vary widely based on the specific species and growing conditions.
How Shrooms and Weed Interact in Your Brain
Both shrooms and weed interact with specific receptors in the brain, affecting the serotonin receptors and cannabinoid receptors, respectively.
Shrooms
Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, acts as a serotonin receptor agonist. It mimics the neurotransmitter serotonin and activates serotonin receptors. This interaction leads to the psychedelic effects associated with shrooms, such as hallucinations, changed thoughts and feelings, and mystical-type experiences.
Weed
THC in cannabis acts as a partial agonist on cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 located throughout the brain and body. This interaction results in the characteristic effects of being “high”, including altered senses, changed mood, difficulty thinking and problem solving, impaired memory, and slowed reaction time.
What Happens When You Combine Cannabis and Magic Mushrooms?
Anecdotes suggest combining weed and shrooms depends on:
- Cannabinoid content – CBD may reduce nausea and anxiety that mushrooms cause for some people; while THC enhances psychedelic effects and may lead to heightened visual and auditory hallucinations and more captivating thought patterns.
- Mushroom dosage – Lower doses mix better than intense heroic doses
- Timing – Cannabis interacts differently taken before, during or after shrooms
Formal research is still needed, but users report both synergistic and adverse effects mixing the two depending on the factors above.
Pros of Combining Cannabis and Magic Mushrooms
Possible benefits of mixing weed and shrooms include:
- Enhanced relaxation – High CBD cannabis may ease pre-trip jitters.
- Intensified psychedelic experience – High THC cannabis can amplify mushroom visual and cognitive effects.
- Prolonged effects – Cannabis may extend the mushroom trip when used at peak effects or during the comedown.
- Comedown relief – Weed eases the return to sobriety for some users.
- Nausea relief – Cannabis alleviates upset stomach, a common shroom side effect.
Cons of Combining Cannabis and Magic Mushrooms
Potential downsides of mixing weed and shrooms:
- Increased anxiety and paranoia – Especially for THC-sensitive users or in high doses.
- Sensory overload – The combination may overstimulate the senses.
- Impaired judgment – Decision making is compromised, increasing risk of accidents.
- Trouble integrating experience – Cannabis may make it harder to gain insights from the shroom trip.
- Unpredictable effects – Interactions are complex and poorly understood.
- HPPD risk – Psychedelics increase chances of visual changes persisting after use.
The Therapeutic Potential of Magic Mushrooms
In addition to recreational use, magic mushrooms also show promise as a therapeutic tool. Small doses of psilocybin mushrooms may help treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction according to emerging research. Studies show psilocybin can produce lasting personality changes related to openness, imagination, and pro-social attitudes. This has led to investigation of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for mental health conditions. While research is still early, psychedelic-assisted therapy may one day help treat a range of psychological disorders. However, psilocybin usage carries risks, especially for those with certain mental health conditions. More clinical trials are underway to better understand the risks and benefits of psilocybin as medicine.
5 Tips for Safely Using Cannabis and Magic Mushrooms Together
If you plan to experiment with this combo, maximize safety with these tips:
1. Start Low and Go Slow
Begin with very small doses of both cannabis and mushrooms to assess effects before increasing. Don’t overdo it.
2. Pick the Right Cannabis Products
Stick to non-intoxicating CBD-rich cannabis or mellow THC varieties. Avoid edibles, concentrates, and high doses of THC.
3. Choose the Right Environment
Trip in a secured, familiar, and comfortable place with trusted companions present. Avoid public spaces.
4. Assign a Sober Guide
Have a trusted sober friend available to assist in case reactions become difficult or overwhelming.
5. Avoid Other Substances
Don’t combine cannabis and mushrooms with alcohol or other drugs.
Ideal Timing When Mixing Cannabis and Magic Mushrooms
Most users recommend consuming cannabis and shrooms together at specific points:
- Before – Some users find that using CBD can help relax them or microdosing THC can ease the transition before the mushroom trip. However, if you’re new to mushrooms, it’s best to avoid using cannabis beforehand to accurately gauge how the mushrooms affect you.
- During – Using low THC levels around the 2-hour peak after the initial consumption can moderately amplify the overall effects of the trip.
- After – Some individuals choose to use THC after around 3 to 4 hours as mushroom effects fade to extend the experience.
Consuming cannabis before and after mushrooms appears safest. When combining cannabis during an intense trip, use extreme caution to avoid overwhelming effects..
The Bottom Line
Anecdotal evidence suggests cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms can produce both synergistic and unpredictable effects when combined depending on dosage, cannabinoid content, timing and the individual. While some users report benefits, others warn combining the two increases anxiety and impairs the mushroom insights. More human research is needed, but proceed with caution if mixing cannabis and magic mushrooms given the many unknowns. For maximum safety and benefit, consume each separately first to understand your personal reactions before combining.
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