LSD vs. Mushrooms: Same But Different

In November 2020, Oregon residents made history by approving Measure 109 and Measure 110.

Measure 109 permits adult use of psychedelic mushrooms in therapeutic contexts. Measure 110 decriminalizes possession of small amounts of all illegal drugs.

Given these changes, some wonder whether psychedelics might follow a path similar to cannabis, which is now legal for medical or adult use in most U.S. states.

The category of psychedelics includes many substances, but two of the most recognized are “magic” mushrooms and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), commonly called acid.

Although there are overlap in effects, mushrooms and LSD often produce notably different experiences.

Healthline does not condone illegal drug use. We do, however, aim to provide clear, accurate information to reduce harm for those who choose to use.

The effects

Several mushroom species have psychoactive properties, though most recreational reports concern variations of Psilocybe cubensis. The primary active chemical is psilocybin.

LSD is largely synthetic, first synthesized by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1938 from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains.

Both psilocybin-containing mushrooms and LSD can cause:

• altered sense of time
• visual and auditory hallucinations
• sensation that solid surfaces are melting
• perception of still objects moving
• changed taste, touch, and smell
• openness to new perspectives
• heightened feelings of connection
• spiritual experiences
• philosophical insights
• euphoria
• paranoid thoughts
• fear about death
• fast heart rate
• raised blood pressure
• dilated pupils
• occasional sweating, numbness, and trembling

Even with similar possible effects, the subjective trips differ because of variables like how quickly each begins and how long they last.

How they’re taken

Mushrooms are typically dried (if not already) and then eaten or steeped into a tea.

LSD is sometimes dosed from a dropper, but more commonly it’s soaked into small tabs of paper that dissolve on the tongue.

Dosage

Tolerance can develop to both, but much smaller amounts of LSD are required to trigger psychedelic effects compared with psilocybin.

Because effective LSD doses are so small, it’s easier to take more than intended. Combined with LSD’s longer duration, this likely contributes to the higher prevalence of reports describing difficult LSD trips.

Onset time

On an empty stomach, both substances generally begin to take effect in roughly an hour. Consuming them after a meal can delay the onset.

The trip

Although the lists of potential effects overlap, the character of a mushroom trip and an LSD trip often feels quite different, and they may appeal to different types of users.

Mushrooms tend to produce a more embodied, whole-body experience, while LSD trips are often predominantly mental and cerebral.

Because of that strongly cognitive component, the concepts of “set” and “setting” are particularly important for LSD (more on that below).

Put simply, whether an LSD session leads to meaningful insights or distress frequently hinges on the user’s mindset immediately beforehand and the environment in which they use.

The same is true for mushrooms, though people commonly report more polarizing, extreme experiences with LSD.

Duration of effects

Mushroom trips usually taper off within about 6 hours. LSD trips, by contrast, can last up to roughly 10 hours.

Despite the longer overall span, many users perceive LSD experiences as moving at a faster pace than mushroom trips.

Remember that these time ranges can vary widely between individuals.

Potential risks

Major medical complications from mushrooms or LSD are uncommon, but there are physical and psychological risks to consider.

Physical effects can include:

• increased heart rate
• elevated blood pressure
• sweating
• numbness
• tremors

These are typically short-lived and harmless for most people, but they could be problematic if you have heart or vascular disease.

Psychologically, there’s always the chance of an unpleasant trip involving paranoia or intense fear. These symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours, though a small number of people report longer-lasting distress. Some researchers suggest preexisting mental health conditions may make such outcomes more likely than the drugs themselves.

Additionally, psychedelics including LSD and mushrooms have been linked to a rare disorder called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).

Those with HPPD experience recurrent perceptual disturbances or “flashbacks” weeks, months, or even years after using psychedelics. Little is known about why some people develop HPPD and others do not.

Serotonin syndrome caution

If you use St. John’s wort, SSRIs, MAOIs, or other antidepressants, taking LSD or mushrooms can raise serotonin to risky levels and potentially cause serotonin syndrome.

Some people stop antidepressants in the days before a trip, but that’s not advised. The safest course is to avoid psychedelics if you’re on these medications.

If you still choose to use mushrooms or LSD, stick to very small doses and seek urgent medical care if you notice:

• confusion
• disorientation
• agitation
• anxiety
• muscle spasms
• muscle stiffness
• tremors
• chills
• overactive reflexes
• dilated pupils

What about combining them?

There are many anecdotal accounts online from people who mixed mushrooms and LSD and later posted trip narratives.

Most reports indicate combining them amplifies the intensity of both, which can be overwhelming rather than beneficial. Mixing also raises the risk of serotonin syndrome.

If you opt to experiment with a combination, begin with low amounts of each and closely observe the effects.

Another approach some people use is to take a small dose of LSD first, then introduce mushrooms an hour or two later so their peaks align.

Whatever strategy you choose, prepare and measure your doses while sober to avoid accidentally taking too much.

Best practices

For safer use of mushrooms or LSD, pay close attention to “set and setting.”

Mindset

“Set” means your mental state. Ensure you feel calm, secure, and confident in your decision. Declaring an intention for what you hope to gain from the experience beforehand can be useful.

Even pleasant trips can contain difficult moments. Sometimes knowing you’ll spend time afterward integrating and reflecting on the experience can provide grounding and perspective.

Environment

“Setting” refers to your surroundings. Having trusted, sober companions act as guides can help maintain a safe environment.

If you’re serving as a sitter, small changes like dimming lights, switching music, or lighting fresh incense can ease someone through challenging sections of a trip.

Keep snacks and water available, and choose a space that feels familiar and comfortable.

The bottom line

When used responsibly and sparingly, psilocybin mushrooms and LSD can offer distinctive, meaningful experiences. Still, both carry risks and aren’t appropriate for everyone.

Although physical dependence is unlikely, psychological reliance can develop.

If you’re worried about your use, free and confidential treatment information is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-622-4357 (HELP).

For those interested in related topics, see more on shrooms and weed and can you smoke shrooms.