LSD vs. Mushrooms: Comparing Two Psychedelic Experiences

Chemical Structure and Mechanism

The chemical structure of LSD vs mushrooms provides two distinct differences and similarities between them. Mushrooms and LSD don’t have the exact duration of effects and origins and don’t give the same effects to users. 

Mushrooms provide users with natural chemical structures that are fungai, whereas LSD is a synthesized form of ergot fungus. LSD is a synthesized compound from lysergic acid, a derivative of ergotamine. Ergotamine is an alkaloid in ergot known to grow on various organic compounds. 

They both provide similar effects with subtle distinctions. Shrooms containing psilocybin bind to serotonin receptors identical to LSD. However, LSD interacts with dopamine receptors, unlike psilocybin. Psilocybin doesn’t directly interact with the dopamine receptors, according to Pharmacopsychiatry, “Classic Psychedelic Drugs: Update On Biological Mechanisms.”

Mushrooms don’t contain these same compounds. Both have some of the same chemical compounds and may be identical in their chemical structure. They are both fungai and deliver sensational effects. This article further explains the distinctions between LSD and mushrooms that you should know about. 

LSD

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) comes as a pure white crystalline powder, providing users with a distinct appearance. LSD is the most potent drug on the market that can be made in gelatins like gummies, sugar cubes, and patches for consumption. 

The substance is synthesized from the Ergot fungai and is known to infect grain and grass, particularly rye.

LSD isn’t as widely incorporated worldwide, and there aren’t many studies about its effects. We know it’s consistently made with distinct properties from a fungai and is currently used by individuals. 

Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi in nature grown near the ground and containing psilocybin, psilocin, and trypatimine compounds. They produce psychoactive effects similar to LSD. Many ingest them to change their habitual patterns for the better and allow them to function better throughout their life. 

The fungi are consumed in beverages and foods and eaten raw. You can make magic mushroom tea and incorporate the lemon tek method. They can have a low to high potency depending on the species of shrooms. 

Shrooms are incorporated throughout the entire world and are a common way to ingest to receive uplifting and life-altering perceptions. There are dozens of types of magic mushrooms, with different species grown in the wild and other populated areas. 

Historical and Cultural Context

LSD

LSD is a chemical compound that comes from the Ergot fungai and may have been in Salem during the witch trials and in France decades ago, according to Narconon, “LSD History”. There isn’t much information about the first known discovery of LSD, but the knowledge of it being synthesized is well documented. 

The synthetic form of fungi was made in a lab by professionals trying to create a unique drug in the 1938s in Switzerland. A man named Albert Hofmann from the Sandoz Pharmaceutical Laboratories synthesized LSD from the fungai Ergot. 

The substance effects have been studied further to expand hallucinogenic research in written works and publications. 

LSD has been used for a short period, and there are many more studies needing to be done about the substance. 

Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms have been around a lot longer since Egyptian times. During the period, shrooms were equated to being a sacred herb, and Egyptians called it the god’s flesh, according to Pub Med, “Psilocybin: From Ancient Magic To Modern Medicine.”

Other areas worldwide used mushrooms for spiritual rituals, particularly in the Maya, Aztec, and Spanish cultures. Many mycologists research specific mushroom species to identify magic mushrooms‘ hidden benefits. Terrence Mckenna uncovered the beneficial properties in the 1960s and how to grow shrooms, according to Daily Jstor, “Terence McKenna’s Anarchic Psychedelic Religion.”

Paul Stamets researched the mechanisms of shrooms and then published his research on well-known mushrooms in books called Psilocybin Mushrooms of The World, How to Cultivate Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms in the late 1990s, according to Ffungi, “New Species of Magic Mushroom Named After Legendary Mycologist Paul Stamets.”

Several more mycologists further explore the chemical compounds of shrooms, how to grow shrooms and the various species of magic mushrooms. New findings of shrooms strains continue to unravel every year.  

Effects and Duration

LSD

LSD delivers a different experience to users ingesting the chemical substance, providing enhanced positive moods, social effects, behavioural actions, and an increase in well-being, according to a study done by Psychopharmacology (Berl), “Long-Lasting Subjective Effects Of LSD In Normal Subjects.”

The study was done over 12 months with a group of individuals consuming LSD. 

LSD enhances a user’s experience and can last between 6 to 15 hours, depending on the dosage and individual’s physical status. Similar to mushrooms, doing LSD should be done in a proper setting with zero distractions. 

Mushrooms

When users prepare for a mushroom trip, they experience sensational effects that provide them with uplifting moods, positive attitudes, well-being, and changes in habitual patterns. 

According to the Government of Canada, individuals can experience a sense of self, more creative flow, and altering perceptions, “Psilocybin and psilocin (Magic mushrooms).”

Magic mushrooms take between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the individual’s weight, tolerance, dosage, and shroom potency. 

Therapeutic Potential

LSD

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) contains promising positive properties for the therapeutic use of negative moods and intense anxiousness. A study was completed to find the effects of LSD on depression, anxiety, and psychiatric symptoms that led to a reduction of these issues in individuals, according to Biological Psychiatry Journal, “Lysergic Acid Diethylamide“ Assisted Therapy In Patients With Anxiety With And Without A Life-Threatening Illness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase Ii Study”. 

LSD incorporated in the body can provide therapeutic potential based on these findings. It’s best to conduct further research on LSD and conduct safe protocols before considering using LSD. 

Mushrooms

Mushrooms also have therapeutic potential for users looking to experience well-being and internal bliss due to the compound psilocybin. Psilocybin is a natural derivative of magic mushrooms, providing users with uplifting effects. 

The natural compound has been studied to have psychological improvement and reduction of depressive and anxious symptoms, along with other promising therapeutical potentials, according to Molecules, “The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin.” There’s more research needed to analyze the positive effects and potential benefits of shrooms. 

Legality And Safety

LSD

LSD is illegal within Canada under federal criminal law since it’s a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act. For users to consume the drug, they will need to speak with Health Canada to grant them an s. 56 exemption requests. From there, you can request an exemption for scientific purposes, clinical study, or importation, according to Psychedelics Law, 56 Exemptions. 

It’s essential to avoid ingesting LSD without professional help in the area. You need to follow safety protocols and ensure you’re using the right methods to consume LSD. Taking too much can provide a problem to your health that you want to avoid. 

Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms are in the same boat since it’s considered illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act in Canada. You can surpass the law by submitting an exemption form with Health Canada. Health Canada states these exemptions are for clinical study, scientific purposes, and importation, “Psilocybin And Psilocin (Magic Mushrooms).”

The dosage for magic mushrooms should be considered since you need to take the accurate amount for your experience level. Taking too much can lead to the dread of ego and loss of self, which can have other adverse outcomes. 

What About Mixing Them?

For those wanting to mix LSD and magic mushrooms, you may find they have negative effects. These adverse effects can lead to serotonin syndrome, where your serotonin levels are too stimulated with the combination of LSD and magic mushrooms. 

When taken together, serotonin syndrome can take place, resulting in other symptomatic issues such as dilated pupils, increased heart rate, shivering, sweating, jerking, and other unwanted effects, according to Recovered, “Mixing Psilocybin And Other Drugs.”

The two substances influence the serotonin receptors, altering an individual’s sense of being. You want to avoid combining the two substances since it can become a powerful detriment to your health. 

The Bottom Line

LSD vs mushrooms have their differences and similarities. They aren’t the same substance but can have similar effects on the body. They both deliver enlightening sensations throughout the mental and physical functions. 

It’s necessary to take precautions in ingesting both substances to minimize risks and negative experiences. Ingesting both requires you to have a good environment and use safety protocols before using.