Mushrooms are dangerous!?
Let's start with fear-mongering. People have died under the influence of magic mushrooms by jumping from buildings and windows. At least, that's what the media reported. Based on these incidents and the exaggerated reporting at the time (2007), magic mushrooms became illegal. Magic truffles, which contain the same substances as magic mushrooms in a lower concentration, remained legal. Most fatal incidents involved "polydrug use," meaning the user was likely under the influence of magic mushrooms combined with alcohol or other drugs. Or, there was no magic mushroom use at all. The person in question was experiencing psychosis.
Figures on harmfulness
None of the reported mushroom-related deaths in 2007 were proven to be caused by mushroom use. Even if we do blame the mushroom, the average annual death rate from mushroom-related use is less than one. For smoking, this is approximately 20,000 deaths per year, alcohol approximately 2,000, cocaine 50, ecstasy/amphetamine 30, and medication 200,000!
Mushrooms are not addictive
Magic mushrooms are not physically addictive. Tolerance also develops, so eating more doesn't work. Even taking large quantities of magic mushrooms day after day doesn't work. You can only have a good trip once a week, and it's better to wait two weeks. The risk of physical harm is almost zero. The theoretical lethal dose is 1000 times higher than the effective dose. Converted to magic mushrooms, that's 10 kg of magic mushrooms. That's what an average person eats for four days.
The real risks
The greatest danger of magic mushrooms is the global legislation. This is often mentioned abroad. In the Netherlands, magic truffles are legal, and this is less of an issue. Furthermore, their use is not punishable in the Netherlands. However, detection through testing will not exceed 48 hours. Most drug tests, however, will not test for magic mushrooms. This only happens in cases of intoxication (which is very difficult to achieve with magic mushroom use).
According to experts, these are the risks:
ADDICTION
The risk of addiction is low. However, tolerance develops quickly. If you use too often in succession, the effects no longer occur, and you have to stop for a while to feel them again.
NO PHYSICAL RISKS
The physical risks of psychedelic mushrooms are negligible. Permanent organ damage has not yet been reported. Psilocybin's toxicity is very low. Estimates suggest that a lethal dose of psilocybin is at least 1,000 times the effective dose, which is a very wide safety margin.
BRAKE ON FREQUENT USE
The properties of magic mushrooms mean that the drug doesn't require repeated use. This is due to:
Rapid habituation. You quickly become accustomed to the drug. The effects then no longer occur. You then have to stop for a while for the effects to return.
The intense experience. Using magic mushrooms is an intense experience that can last four to six hours. This is one of the reasons why the drug isn't used often. It's an experiment that most people do a few times. After that, use stops or is limited to a single session.
People who are unstable or have mental health issues are more likely to experience problems from using magic mushrooms. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are toxic to children.
Mushrooms that induce trippy effects are sometimes difficult to distinguish from poisonous varieties. Therefore, foraging for mushrooms yourself is strongly discouraged.
Magic mushrooms can trigger psychosis in people prone to psychosis. People who have experienced psychosis can also relapse after using magic mushrooms.
Many other experts and researchers therefore estimate the risk to be very low. There is only the risk of a bad trip And in a very small group of people susceptible to psychosis, psychosis occurs. Psychosis is also likely to occur in these individuals, with or without drugs, during the first years of their lives. Mushroom, truffle, marijuana, LSD, or other drug use can trigger it sooner.
Avoiding the risks and using the positivity
Age.From the age of 23, the risk of psychosis is very small. People susceptible to psychosis have reached an age at which psychosis has likely already manifested. We advise against use under 18. It could be possible from the age of 21.
Mental disorders. If you have (or have had) a psychotic episode, we advise against any substance use. You should only do so under proper supervision. For schizophrenia, we currently advise against it entirely.
Medication. Mushroom and/or truffle use can become unpredictable when combined with certain medications. Medications such as antipsychotics and MAOIs are not compatible with psychedelics. With some medications, you may need to taper off of them before experiencing a trip.
Setting. The setting largely determines the impact of a trip. A pleasant atmosphere and a trip coach prevent a bad trip and ensure you feel comfortable and get the most out of it.
Good guidance
You can count on us for the right guidance for your situation. Everyone is different, and everyone needs a different plan. We can help you. For example, you can schedule a free consultation by completing the intake form. Would you like more information first? Feel free to read through all the information or contact us.