Key takeaways.
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What's the main factor in choosing a strain of magic mushrooms?
When choosing a strain of magic mushrooms, the most important factor is strength. Some strains are considered stronger than others, but overall the effects are more or less the same if you select a strain from the Psilocybe cubensis species.
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How can you use magic mushrooms for depression?
There's some anecdotal evidence and a small amount of research that suggests microdosing may be the best way to use magic mushrooms for depression.
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How can you use magic mushrooms for anxiety?
According to anecdotal evidence and some research, taking a single macrodose might be the best for anxiety. It's the same for addiction and for traumatic brain injuries.
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Tips on using magic mushrooms therapeutically?
Be sure to include your doctor or therapist in your decisions to use magic mushrooms. If you're inclined, or it's your first time, have a trip-sitter or spiritual guide attend your journey to assist.
Choosing your magic mushroom strain.
We’ve received a lot of questions regarding how to choose a mushroom strain and how to use different strains of magic mushrooms for different therapeutic purposes. Some use magic mushrooms for depression, others for anxiety, and others are battling through some existential crisis.
So, we took the pleasure of compiling as much anecdotal information as we could from Shroomery and Erowid.
This aspect of magic mushrooms is pretty much neglected in clinical research, so we have to preface this by saying that none of the information in this article is backed up by science. It all comes from the anecdotes of the many mushroom users who have come before us.
When it comes to science, we’ve come to understand a little about how different species of magic mushrooms are composed.
That is to say — different strains of magic mushrooms might have different ratios of psilocybin, psilocin, and other hallucinogenic alkaloids, but we don’t know to what degree this affects the experience. Or how it affects the therapeutic potential.
As we have mentioned many times throughout our Journal articles on magic mushrooms, the biological effects of magic mushrooms aren’t necessarily what’s thought to be therapeutic. Rather, both anecdotal and clinical evidence demonstrates that the subjective experience might be a driver of the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms.
In this article, we’ll outline the common effects of some of the more common and most popular strains of magic mushrooms before diving into how to use magic mushrooms for some of the most common well-being goals and reasons people seek out therapy.
How to choose a strain of magic mushrooms for therapeutic purposes.
When it comes to choosing which strain you’re going to use—and given how little we know about different therapeutic effects — you should mainly be choosing based on strength. Do you want to have an intense magic mushroom experience? Will you be macrodosing or microdosing? Would you prefer a trip that's a little more gentle, or a little more immersive?
If there’s one thing that really separates different strains of magic mushrooms, it’s strength.
Some psilocybin mushrooms are known for being more potent than others. You might consider using a stronger strain of magic mushrooms if you’ll be macrodosing. You might also choose a stronger strain so that you can eat less and avoid any nausea.
There is some anecdotal evidence that the trips produced by certain strains are different.
For example, one user on Shroomery reported having a “unique spiritual experience” using African Transkei magic mushrooms. In another thread, users report that B+ magic mushrooms have a stronger body load and less visual effects.
You’ll often hear from magic mushroom users that “a cube is a cube.”
This basically means that if it’s a magic mushroom of the species Psilocybe cubensis (most of the mushroom strains at My Supply Co. and in dispensaries are cubensis species), then its effects are more or less the same.
With that in mind — and given that the subjective experience drives mushroom's long-term benefits — choosing a strain shouldn’t be that hard.
Macrodosing and microdosing can both be done with strong and weaker strains, but you might want to consider weaker mushrooms for microdosing to stay safe.
We recommend the following magic mushrooms for stronger journeys:
- Blue Meanies
- Golden Teachers (found in all My Supply Co. capsules)
- African Transkei
- Penis Envy 6 (also available as capsules)
- Amazonian Cubensis
- Psilocybe Mexicana
We recommend the following magic mushroom strains for more gentle journeys:
How to use magic mushrooms for anxiety, depression, addiction, and TBI.
Given the profoundness of the subjective experience, it’s safe to assume that creating a setting conducive to your needs is the best way to use mushrooms therapeutically. It’s also currently the best way to tailor an experience to your needs rather than relying on strain choice.
For example, multiple studies have found that microdosing assists in alleviating symptoms of depression. In the same study, researchers noted that it sometimes caused an acute increase in anxiety or a fluctuation in moods.
So if you’re taking magic mushrooms for anxiety, it might not be in your best interest to microdose — but to macrodose instead. The opposite may be true for depression.
In research on psychedelic therapy for addiction, participants typically showed an improvement in symptoms after a single session, suggesting that a macrodose may be most appropriate in this circumstance.
Below, we've listed the three most commonly studied and self-reported benefits of using psychedelics in a therapeutic setting. We also included a fourth bonus reason — performance enhancement (although this is not strictly therapeutic).
Remember: Because of the scarcity of clinical evidence, much of the data includes our coaching experience, available clinical literature, and the contribution of thousands of magic mushroom users that gave us enough anecdotal evidence to create testable hypotheses.
How to use magic mushrooms for anxiety.
Best option for anxiety: Macrodose magic mushrooms.
If you’re using magic mushrooms for anxiety, you might want to macrodose.
Macrodosing involves taking a single, larger dose (1g or above) as a therapeutic session. This is not something you have to do regularly, although you might want to do it once every few months or as needed to manage your symptoms. Keep in mind that magic mushrooms are catalysts for change, not a silver bullet; for the best results, you should speak to a therapist who can help you tackle the root cause of your anxiety.
Macrodosing helps significantly quiet down the default mode network (DMN), the network of brain regions that are central to introspection, self-awareness, and ruminating thoughts. It's highly active in people with anxiety, so by quieting it, you can break free of anxious and unhelpful thought patterns.
In 2016, one study demonstrated a reduction in social pain processing following a social
exclusion task in a population that had ingested psilocybin. In a 2018 study, Psilocybin was
also correlated with a decrease in neuroticism and an increase in extraversion and openness to
experience in a population of people with major depression (Erritzoe et al., 2018)
It’s important to remember that macrodosing for therapeutic reasons should be void of any distractions.
The days before are for preparing yourself. It’s not a time to socialize or busy yourself with events. The experience should be in a quiet setting where you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in your mind and your therapy.
If you are an experienced user and would like to reduce the nausea, try lemon tekking. Take caution, though—lemon tekking can increase the intensity of a trip by two to three times. You'll also feel the effects of the magic mushrooms almost immediately, usually within 15 - 30 minutes. We recommend you start with half your usual dose if lemon tekking for the first time. Alternatively, you can try brewing a tea with your mushrooms.
To assist with any anxiety that may arise during the experience, it’s good to have a trip sitter or spiritual guidance (such as a shaman) observing you. This might also provide some comfort.
You can microdose for anxiety, too.
Because psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors (responsible for mood) and the amygdala (the part of the brain that processes fear), many people report success when microdosing for anxiety.
The best products for anxiety.
For macrodosing, we recommend Balanced High, a refined take on the renowned Scooby Snacks, for your macrodose journey. It is scientifically formulated to promote an energetic and uplifting experience that's also balanced and gentle. Because each capsule contains 250mg, they're consistent and take the guesswork out of consuming magic mushrooms.
For microdosing, we recommend Brain Stack, which supports vital brain chemistry and improves functional brain connectivity.
Below are results our customers experienced after taking Brain Stack for their anxiety.
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"I suffered from severe anxiety for years but after he first day of taking Brain Stack it was completely gone and hasn’t come back. This stuff literally saved my life."
– Krystine C.
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"This has helped my anxiety so much! I use to feel quite anxious at work when I had to present, meet new people, etc. and since taking brain stack that anxiety is completely gone. I just don’t feel it anymore and find that I don’t dwell/ overthink upcoming presentation for example. I honestly feel fearless. Such an incredible difference. If you are expecting to feel a huge difference right away, you will be disappointed but gradually you start to feel more confident in yourself and your abilities. If you are debating trying Brain Stack… just do it!!!"
– Anonymous
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"Having increased Anxiety and Depression symptoms with age, I always disliked traditional pharmaceuticals because of unpleasant side effects. Took to researching micro dosing, with impressive reviews. I've been on these about a year, and have noticed a marked improvement. I no longer notice any depression that would creep in several times per year, or the anxiety that would also show up out of no where. These keep me even keel without any side effects. I do the 4 days on 3 days off regimen."
– Taylor M.
For tackling anxiety through whole-system optimization, we also recommend adding Full Spectrum to your daily self-care routine. It's clinically studied to be as effective as benzodiazepines and antidepressants at inhibiting the stress response, improving your mood, and promoting a sense of calm and well-being. It works by improving your endocannabinoid tone, stimulating serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and protecting your brain from oxidative stress and inflammation.
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"I have loved using this product in my teas or directly under my tongue around noon, and then again before bed. I find it helps with my anxiety, as well as overall pains and aches. (Headaches, cramps, sore muscles, etc). When I'm having a painful/uncomfortable day, I take a slightly higher dose for added pain relief."
– Anonymous
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"I love using this CBD product to help relieve anxiety, stress, muscle tension, headaches, and restlessness. I find that my everyday aches and pains have been greatly reduced. I have noticed that I have more day time energy as well. It is most definitely a winner for any of these issues!"
– Jenny P.
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"I’ve been taking the CBD Full Spectrum Oil every morning for about a week now, and I find it’s been helping with my (moderate) anxiety these days. I work from home and tend to over- caffeinate (need my coffee!), which can lead to the jangled nerves - this helps to counteract that and is also nice for mild aches and pains. Would definitely recommend trying this if you want a natural approach to anxiety relief."
– Jamie K.
How to use magic mushrooms for depression.
Best option for depression: Microdosing magic mushrooms.
If you’re using magic mushrooms for depression, then there is some evidence to suggest that microdosing is effective.
You can follow either the James Fadiman method or the Paul Stamets method, both of which are outlined in this all-important guide to microdose cycling, as well as this guide to microdosing mushrooms.
You can macrodose for depression, too.
It doesn’t mean you can’t macrodose every now and then; there are plenty of trials indicating that psilocybin is effective at rapid relief of depression—sometimes even remission.
In a 2022 phase 2 trial involving participants with treatment-resistant depression, psilocybin at a single dose of 25 mg, but not 10 mg, reduced depression scores significantly more than a 1-mg dose over a period of 3 weeks but was associated with adverse effects like headache, nausea, and dizziness.
In another 2022 study conducted by Johns Hopkins, 27 participants with a history of depression underwent two psilocybin sessions. Participants were randomized to an immediate or delayed (8 weeks) treatment group in which they received two doses of psilocybin with supportive psychotherapy. Both groups experienced significant reductions in depression severity, with scores decreasing from 22.8 before treatment to 7.7 at 12 months after treatment. The participants exhibited stable rates of response and remission over the follow-up period, with 75% showing a response and 58% in remission at 12 months.
Studies like these suggest that psilocybin treatment is a promising and enduring treatment for depression compared to traditional antidepressants.
However, make sure to take at least a week between macrodosing and microdosing to give your tolerance time to reset.
The best magic mushroom products for depression.
For microdosing, Vitality Stack, which delivers a potent antioxidant formula, is best for depression. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and depression have a reciprocal relationship; an increase in one can lead to increases in the other two. In fact, scientists researching depression are recommending therapies that target inflammation and oxidative stress before resorting to antidepressants. The addition of psilocybin to the Vitality Stack formula makes it a formidable ally against depression.
Here's what our customers are saying about Vitality Stack and their mood.
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"I'm taking 2/day one in the morning and one in the evening.
I've been feeling happier and more motivated to get things done in the home office.
Sleeping deeply."
– Anonymous
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"I've wanted to explore microdosing for some time and have found that this provides and easy, manageable option. So far I have noticed a subtle focus in attention and leveling of mood throughout the day and am happy with the results."
– Aaron G.
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"Absolutely loving this product. I’ve noticed a huge change in my mood, my anxiety and my alertness!"
– Anonymous
Brain Stack, our master nootropic microdose formula for optimal cognition and brain health, would also be a good option for depression. Here's what our customers have been saying about their experience with treating their depression:
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"I like this, on an energetic level I can feel chacra blockages loosen up and heal, I am on my first increase and stepping down my SSRIs in the process. Cautiously optimistic that I can eventually get off the antidepressants and know what it is like to be calm and present for my family and myself."
– Anonymous
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"I honestly don't even know where to begin and it's only been two weeks - so I'm attempting to not get too far ahead of myself. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult after a lifetime of hidden difficulties. I was on antidepressants, anti-anxieties & have self medicated as long as I can remember with coffee and ****. I knew that traditional remedies weren't for me and have been off of big pharma for a few years but my depression and anxiety has been cyclical and a constant feeling of spinning my tires had left me feeling scared of the future. I continued to self medicate with **** & coffee.
After two weeks of micro-dosing I'm feeling so evenly focused and able to be kinder to myself and my journey. This experience allows my senses to feel at ease for the first time in my whole life which allows me to process and enjoy the mundane daily steps to build my best self. I don't feel high, or medicated but just able to approach everything with a new head space. I am 16 days off THC & without intent have completely stopped drinking coffee. The energy provided by Brain Stack is even, consistent and non jittery.
It truly sounds too good to be true and I could gush forever. I can't wait to see where this takes me over time.
Thank you!!"
– Kim S.
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"These are the most impactful supplements I've ever taken. Usually I wonder if my supplements or vitamins are working or not, but with Brain Stack I can always notice the difference between when I take them and don't. I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. I tried medication for a few months, but didn't like the idea of taking medication and lining big pharma's pockets on an ongoing basis. I tried Brain Stack and never looked back. Way better focus and mental clarity. They boost my mood and calm anxiety. I all around feel like a more awake, alert version of me, all without any icky side effects. I've been taking these roughly 4 days on 3 days off for 1.5 years with tolerance breaks mixed in. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for better mental clarity and focus."
– Jannine M.
How to use magic mushrooms for addiction.
The most effective way of using magic mushrooms for addiction may be in the form of a macrodose. As with anxiety, this involves taking a single, larger dose in the context of a therapeutic session.
Following the advice from earlier in this article, it’s pertinent to make an environment that is conducive to therapy during a macrodose. That means no social events, no social media — just time to meditate and focus on your therapy.
How to use magic mushrooms for traumatic brain injuries.
We’ve previously published an article on how athletes have been using magic mushrooms to treat traumatic brain injuries such as CTE. These anecdotes report using sometimes just a single dose of magic mushrooms to bring on long-term effects. That might be all that’s required to see long term symptom relief, or it may need to be a therapy that’s topped up from time to time.
Involving your doctor or therapist.
If you have a serious medical condition such as major depression, a brain injury, life-threatening addiction, or acute anxiety attacks, it’s important not to embark on therapy alone. If you choose to use magic mushrooms as an alternative therapy, it’s extremely important to involve your doctor or therapist — especially if you are taking other medications.
Not only does involving your therapist show your own independence in your healing process, but it also gives you someone to talk to about your revelations and process. Plus, you shouldn’t be diagnosing any conditions yourself or self-prescribing. It’s always important to get a professional’s opinion.
If you are looking for a therapist that is trained to prepare and guide you through a magic mushroom journey, check out our directory of psychedelic therapists in Canada.
While there may not be a scientific rule book on how to choose a mushroom strain or which strains might be best for certain conditions, we can make certain hypotheses from where we’re standing. On top of this, the way you take magic mushrooms might be more pertinent than the kind of magic mushrooms you’re taking.
Have you used magic mushrooms as therapy? What have you used them for and how did you use them? What kind did you use? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments!
Read: How to Make Magic Mushroom Gummies
Read: How to Make Magic Mushroom Brownies
