What Are Shrooms? A Beginner’s Guide to Psychedelic Mushrooms

Psychedelic mushrooms—also known as shrooms, magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms—have been used for centuries for their mind-expanding effects. But with growing curiosity and scientific interest in their mental health benefits, many people are asking: What are shrooms exactly? In this beginner-friendly guide from Get Bud Online, we’ll break down everything you need to know about shrooms, their effects, benefits, risks, and how to get started safely.

What Are Shrooms?

Shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are a type of fungi that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. Once ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, which affects serotonin receptors in the brain and leads to altered perceptions, emotions, and states of consciousness.

There are over 180 known species of psilocybin mushrooms, with Psilocybe cubensis being one of the most popular among users. These mushrooms typically look like ordinary wild mushrooms but can vary in size, color, and potency depending on the strain and growing conditions.

A Brief History of Magic Mushrooms

The use of psychedelic mushrooms dates back thousands of years. Indigenous cultures in Central and South America used them in spiritual rituals, calling them “teonanácatl,” or “flesh of the gods.” Shrooms played a sacred role in connecting with the divine and healing the soul.

In modern times, magic mushrooms gained attention in the 1950s and 60s, particularly after Life magazine published an article by R. Gordon Wasson about his experiences with mushrooms in Mexico. This helped spark the psychedelic revolution and interest in psilocybin mushrooms for mental health treatment and personal growth.

Today, shrooms are experiencing a resurgence as scientific research explores their therapeutic potential for conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction.

How Do Shrooms Work?

The key compound in shrooms—psilocybin—interacts with the brain’s serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction alters perception, mood, and cognition. Within 20–60 minutes of consumption, users typically begin to feel the effects, which may last between 4 to 8 hours.

Common effects of magic mushrooms include:

• Visual and auditory hallucinations
  
• Enhanced creativity and introspection
  
• Altered perception of time and space
  
• Euphoria or deep emotional experiences
  
• A sense of unity with nature or the universe
  

However, effects vary based on dosage, mindset, setting, and personal sensitivity.

What Do Shrooms Look Like?

Shrooms come in many shapes and sizes depending on the species. The most common type, Psilocybe cubensis, usually has:

• A golden-brown or tan cap that turns bluish when bruised
  
• A slender white to yellow stem
  
• A distinct earthy or musty smell
  

They can be consumed fresh or dried. You’ll also find shrooms infused in products like chocolates, capsules, gummies, and teas—available from reputable sources like Get Bud Online.

Types of Psychedelic Mushrooms

Here are some well-known types of psilocybin mushrooms:

1. Psilocybe Cubensis – Popular and widely cultivated; moderate potency.
   
2. Golden Teacher – Known for its spiritual effects and user-friendly experience.
   
3. Penis Envy – Extremely potent; often recommended for experienced users.
   
4. Blue Meanies – Very strong visuals and intensity; not for beginners.
   
5. Liberty Caps – Naturally found in the wild; small but potent.
   

Each type has a slightly different effect profile, so research and caution are advised when exploring different strains.

What Are the Benefits of Shrooms?

Scientific studies and anecdotal reports suggest that magic mushrooms offer several potential benefits:

1. Mental Health Support

Research shows that psilocybin may reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In clinical settings, guided psilocybin therapy has led to significant improvements in emotional well-being.

2. Addiction Recovery

Psilocybin is being studied for its potential to treat addiction to alcohol, nicotine, and other substances. It helps people gain new perspectives and break harmful patterns.

3. Enhanced Creativity and Insight

Many users report profound personal revelations, heightened creativity, and clarity of thought after taking shrooms.

4. Spiritual Connection

Shrooms have been used in spiritual and ceremonial settings for centuries. They can lead to feelings of unity, awe, and deep connection with nature or a higher power.

Are Shrooms Safe?

Magic mushrooms are considered one of the safest recreational drugs in terms of toxicity and addiction potential. However, they are powerful and can be overwhelming, especially for beginners.

Safety Tips:

• Start with a low dose (0.5g to 1g dried for beginners)
  
• Use in a safe, comfortable environment
  
• Have a trusted sitter or trip guide
  
• Avoid mixing with other substances (especially alcohol or antidepressants)
  
• Don’t take shrooms if you have a history of psychosis or severe mental illness
  

Bad trips—marked by anxiety, paranoia, or panic—can happen but are often manageable with preparation and a calming setting.

How Much Should You Take? (Shroom Dosage Guide)

Dosing shrooms correctly is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a general guide for dried psilocybin mushrooms:

Beginners should always start with a low to moderate dose and work up only after understanding their personal sensitivity.

How to Take Shrooms

There are several ways to consume magic mushrooms:

• Eat Them Raw or Dried – Chew the dried shrooms thoroughly to aid digestion.
  
• Shroom Tea – Steep dried mushrooms in hot water for a gentler come-up.
  
• Capsules – Great for microdosing or precise dosing.
  
• Chocolates/Gummies – Tasty and discreet; available at Get Bud Online.
  
• Lemon Tek – Soaking shrooms in lemon juice for quicker, stronger effects.
  

Experiment to find what works best for your body and taste preferences.

What to Expect on a Shroom Trip

A psilocybin trip can vary widely, but it generally includes the following stages:

1. Onset (20–60 mins) – Light head buzz, yawning, giggles.
   
2. Peak (2–3 hours) – Intense visuals, time distortion, deep thoughts.
   
3. Come Down (2–4 hours) – Gradual return to normal; afterglow.
   

You may experience colors, patterns, emotional waves, and a feeling of timelessness. Some people describe shroom trips as deeply healing, while others find them challenging but transformative.

Are Shrooms Legal?

The legality of magic mushrooms varies by country and region.

• In Canada, psilocybin is currently illegal, but exemptions are granted for medical or therapeutic use.
  
• In the U.S., psilocybin remains a Schedule I substance federally, though cities like Denver, Oakland, and Portland have decriminalized it.
  
• In other countries like the Netherlands, psilocybin truffles (a legal alternative) are sold openly.
  

Always check your local laws before purchasing or consuming shrooms. At Get Bud Online, we prioritize safe and discreet access where legally permitted.

Microdosing Shrooms: A New Trend

Microdosing involves taking very small amounts of psilocybin (0.1–0.3g) regularly to boost mood, focus, and creativity without tripping. Many professionals and creatives swear by microdosing for productivity and emotional balance.

Popular microdosing schedules include:

• Fadiman Protocol: Dose every 3rd day
  
• Stamets Stack: 4 days on, 3 days off (often stacked with Lion’s Mane and Niacin)
  

Microdosing is not psychoactive, but consistent use may result in subtle positive changes over time.

Common Myths About Shrooms

Let’s debunk some common myths surrounding magic mushrooms:

Myth #1: Shrooms are addictive.
False. Shrooms are non-addictive and don’t create physical dependence.

Myth #2: You can die from a shroom overdose.
Extremely rare. Toxicity is low, but large doses can cause distressing trips.

Myth #3: Shrooms make you crazy.
They can trigger underlying conditions but are generally safe with proper use.

Myth #4: All mushrooms are magic mushrooms.
Nope. Some wild mushrooms are toxic—only use trusted sources like Get Bud Online.

Where to Buy Shrooms Online

If you’re curious to try shrooms, it’s crucial to source them from a trusted, discreet provider. At Get Bud Online, we offer:

• High-quality magic mushrooms
  
• Shroom-infused edibles (gummies, chocolates)
  
• Microdosing capsules
  
• Fast, secure, and discreet shipping across Canada
  

Explore our shroom collection today and experience the magic with safety and confidence.

👉 Visit Get Bud Online to shop shrooms now!

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Try Shrooms?

Whether you’re exploring psilocybin mushrooms for self-discovery, healing, or curiosity, shrooms can offer a profound journey—if approached with respect and knowledge. With the right mindset, setting, and guidance, magic mushrooms can be a powerful ally in your mental wellness toolkit.

As always, start small, do your research, and buy from reliable sources like Get Bud Online. We’re here to help you navigate your psychedelic journey with the highest quality products and education.

Quick Recap:

• What are shrooms? Psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin
  
• Benefits: Mental health, creativity, spirituality, addiction recovery
  
• Risks: Bad trips, not suitable for everyone
  
• Start low and go slow
  
• Buy shrooms safely online at Get Bud Online

REFERENCES:

NIH. (2024, May). Psilocybin for Mental Health and Addiction: What You Need To Know. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/psilocybin-for-mental-health-and-addiction-what-you-need-to-know 

Wikipedia. (2025, March 18). Legal status of psilocybin mushrooms. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_status_of_psilocybin_mushrooms