Right now, the world is undergoing a psychedelic renaissance. More and more people are becoming aware of the healing potential of classic psychedelics such as magic mushrooms, LSD, ayahuasca, and others.
However, much of the focus is on magic mushrooms. Not only are magic mushrooms natural, but they are incredibly safe and well tolerated by a wide range of people.
But just how different are magic mushrooms from other hallucinogens? After all, most hallucinogens work similarly to one another.
Find out all about the differences between magic mushrooms, LSD, and ayahuasca by reading below.
Classic Psychedelics
Although many compounds can be classified as psychedelics, only a few are considered ‘classic psychedelics.’
These are the big four—magic mushrooms, ayahuasca, mescaline, and LSD. The one thing these four psychedelics have in common is that they’re known as serotonergic psychedelics.
That means that they all work the same way in the brain. Each of these compounds works on the 5-HT2A located on neurons in different brain regions.
Once these compounds interact with the 5-HT2A receptors, the brain begins to have hallucinations and other feelings associated with psychedelics.
Now the question is—if they all work on the same receptor, then how can they all be so different?
Magic Mushrooms vs. LSD
To see how similar compounds work differently, we can first look at the difference between magic mushrooms and LSD. Magic mushrooms and LSD differ in compounds, duration, and effects.
Magic Mushroom and LSD Compounds
Magic mushrooms contain the main hallucinogenic compound known as psilocybin, but that’s not all. Shrooms also contain other active compounds such as baeocystin, norbaeocystin, norpsilocin, and ß-carbolines.
All these compounds can affect the experience that one has with magic mushrooms. LSD, on the other hand, is usually made up of only Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
However, not all LSD is produced in perfect conditions. Sometimes, LSD can contain inactive isomers, affecting the body load or come-up during an LSD trip.
Magic Mushrooms and LSD Duration
Between the two, LSD lasts much longer, with a duration of 8-12 hours. LSD trips can even last longer than 12 hours, but it’s usually the limit.
LSD also kicks in much faster on average, which takes 20 minutes to one hour. This is likely due to the active state of LSD, which is readily absorbed into the body.
Magic mushrooms take much longer to kick in because they must be eaten and digested. The mushrooms need to break down first before the body processes the psilocybin into psilocin–the active compound.
That’s why it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects of shrooms. Yet, the duration is much shorter, with most magic mushroom trips lasting 6-8 hours.
Magic Mushrooms vs. LSD Effects
With both psychedelics, you’ll experience changes in audio, visual, and emotional experiences. Yet, the differences between the two can be very different.
Magic mushrooms often feel heavier in the body for most people. Trippers often report that moving around on mushrooms requires much more effort.
As for the effects, psilocybin often produces geometric patterns, breathing illusions, and colorful shapes and figures.
LSD seems to be more active, and many people feel energetic and euphoric during an acid trip. Studies have also shown that LSD produces visuals that are similar to dreaming.
That means LSD gives more of a dreamlike experience when compared to magic mushrooms.
Magic Mushrooms vs. Ayahuasca
Next, we’ll take a look at the difference between magic mushrooms and ayahuasca—the famous South American psychedelic.
Magic Mushroom and Ayahuasca Compounds
The primary hallucinogenic compound in ayahuasca is N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, known as DMT. Yet, ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew made from the stalks of the ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and chacruna leaf (Psychotria viridis).
However, the two plants on their own don’t produce a solid hallucinogenic effect. That’s because both parts of the brew contain different compounds necessary for the psychedelic effects.
Of course, magic mushrooms are just mushrooms. You only need to eat the mushrooms to go on an incredible psychedelic journey.
Magic Mushrooms and Ayahuasca Duration
After drinking ayahuasca, the effects kick in within 20 minutes. The trip on ayahuasca is similar to magic mushrooms, taking between 6-10 hours.
Since the compounds are already in their active state, and the brew is a drink, it is processed quickly by the body.
Magic Mushrooms vs. Ayahuasca Effects
Ayahuasca has a reputation for being incredibly intense. After all, one crucial part of an ayahuasca trip is the purge—aka, throwing up.
Many people will have incredible visual experiences that dynamically change throughout the trip. Others will reflect inwards and have a subtle yet powerful inward journey.
However, people seem to agree that ayahuasca is intensely powerful for the duration of the journey.
Which Hallucinogen Is the Best?
Luckily, there is no best hallucinogen. Each has its benefits, and it’s important to remember that everyone experiences psychedelic trips differently.
Depending on your environment or mindset, any trip from any psychedelic can be incredibly powerful and life-changing or intensely difficult.
However, it’s important to note that ayahuasca is normally given at ayahuasca retreats. Preparing and administering the brew should only be done by professionals who know what they’re doing.
LSD is also challenging to synthesize, and without being a chemist, it can be hard to know if you’re getting good LSD.
That’s why magic mushrooms are the best choice, at least for those interested in starting their psychedelic journey. They’re natural, safe, don’t last too long, and are easy to dose out.
And, if you’re in Canada, then getting magic mushrooms is as easy as going to Get Magic Mushrooms. Get Magic Mushrooms has an extensive selection of the best magic mushroom strains worldwide.
All magic mushrooms are grown by certified professionals and shipped straight to your door, whether that’s in British Columbia or Ontario.
So don’t hesitate to try the best magic mushrooms in Canada by heading over to Get Magic Mushrooms today!