Shrooms: effects, varieties & safe consumption at a glance

Shrooms: Wirkung, Sorten & sicherer Konsum im Überblick

Niklas Bergmann, M.A.

Biochemist, specialist author

Inhaltsverzeichnis: Shrooms: effects, varieties & safe consumption at a glance

Magic shrooms - mysterious mushrooms that redefine consciousness and reality. They open doors to hidden worlds of thought, broaden perspectives and often leave more than just fleeting impressions. Between ancient knowledge and modern science, they stand for fascination, insight - and also for questions. What is their magic, and where are the opportunities, risks and limits? Immerse yourself in a world that reaches far beyond the visible.

The fascination of magic shrooms - effect, purchase and cultivation

Magic shrooms - for some they are a gateway to new levels of consciousness, for others a fascinating natural wonder with therapeutic potential. These little mushrooms have it all: they can intensify perception, enhance emotions and provide deep insights. No wonder more and more people are interested in their effects - whether out of curiosity, spiritual motivation or because of their potential for mental health.

But magic shrooms are more than just a trend. There is a long history behind the colourful visions: shamanic cultures used psychoactive mushrooms for rituals and healing thousands of years ago. Today, they are once again becoming the focus of research - particularly in the areas of depression, anxiety disorders and trauma therapy. At the same time, there is growing interest in microdosing, i.e. taking tiny amounts to increase creativity and well-being in everyday life.

But with the fascination comes responsibility. What actually happens in the body when you consume magic mushrooms? Where can you buy them legally and what do you need to bear in mind? And is it worth growing mushrooms yourself with a grow kit? You'll find the answers in this blog. We take a close look at the effects, risks and legal situation - always honestly, informatively and at eye level.

Whether you're a beginner or already have experience, you'll get the overview you need here - let's get started!

What are magic shrooms and how do magic mushrooms work?

Magic shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are mushrooms that contain the active ingredient psilocybin. This substance is converted into psilocin in the body, which produces the typical hallucinogenic effects. But magic shrooms are more than just "magic mushrooms" - they have a long cultural history and are now being researched not only for spiritual experiences, but also in therapy.

Thousands of years ago, indigenous peoples in Central and South America used these mushrooms in rituals to experience spiritual visions and connect with nature and their ancestors. In the 1960s, magic mushrooms became a symbol of the hippie movement until they were banned due to their intoxicating potential. Today, they are making a big comeback - not as a party drug, but as a tool for self-development and healing.

But what actually happens in the body when you consume magic mushrooms? The active ingredient psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which docks onto the serotonin receptors in the brain. This breaks down the usual thought patterns and the brain begins to make new connections. Many people report intense colours, altered sounds and a completely new sense of time. Some experience deep insights or the feeling of being one with the world.

Interestingly, researchers see the potential of magic mushrooms far beyond recreational use. Studies show that psilocin can help with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Precisely because magic mushrooms virtually "rewire" the brain, many people feel as if they have been freed from emotional baggage after a trip.

Although magic mushrooms have so much potential, they are not a toy. As with any powerful substance, the wrong approach can lead to unpleasant experiences. That is why knowledge is the key - and that is exactly what the next sections are about.

Shrooms effect: What happens in the body through psilocin?

The effect of shrooms is what makes them so fascinating - but also unpredictable. The active ingredient psilocin, which is produced in the body from psilocybin, is mainly responsible for this. It influences the brain by binding to the serotonin receptors and thus changing perception, thinking and feelings. But what does it actually feel like?

The effects of magic shrooms depend on many factors: the dose, your mood, your environment and your experience. A trip can range from gentle, meditative moments to intense, life-changing experiences. Here are the most common effects people experience during a shroom trip:

  • Visual changes: colours become brighter, patterns move, and the environment seems to "breathe".
  • Changed perception of time: minutes feel like hours - or vice versa.
  • Emotional depth: Feelings become intense - from bliss to deep melancholy.
  • Self-knowledge: Many people report deep insights into their lives, their fears or their goals.
  • Feeling of connectedness: The ego recedes into the background and you feel at one with nature or the universe.

What happens in the brain during a trip is particularly exciting: psilocin stimulates new connections between areas of the brain that normally communicate little with each other. This blurs habitual thought patterns and creates new perspectives. Researchers call this the "default mode network" effect - the brain becomes more flexible, creative and open.

However, not every experience is pleasant. A so-called "bad trip" can be associated with anxiety, panic and confusion. This often happens if the environment is unsuitable or you are not feeling well mentally. That's why the set and setting are crucial! If you consume mindfully, you can significantly increase the chances of a positive experience.

It is also interesting to note that the effects of shrooms remain noticeable beyond the trip. Many people report feeling more creative, open and happy for weeks after an experience with psilocin, which is precisely why magic shrooms are now being studied intensively in research into depression, anxiety disorders and addictive behaviour.

In the next section, we take a look at what is important when buying shrooms and why you should be particularly careful here.

Magic Mushrooms in einer stimmungsvollen Waldszene, mystisch und natürlich zugleich

Buying shrooms: what do you need to know about legality and risks?

Anyone looking into magic shrooms quickly comes up against the question: where can you get them? However, the topic of "buying shrooms" is complex, as the legal situation varies greatly from country to country. In Germany, mushrooms containing psilocybin are illegal, but in some countries such as the Netherlands, so-called "truffles" - an underground form of the mushrooms - can be sold legally. As a result, many people look for shrooms either when travelling or via dubious online shops. But be careful: buying online is often risky, as the quality is unclear and there may be legal consequences.

It is particularly important to be aware of the risks. Shrooms have a strong effect on the psyche, and without the right preparation or a safe environment, a trip can quickly become overwhelming. Some people experience so-called "bad trips", which are characterised by anxiety or disorientation. These negative experiences are often caused by an unsafe set (your own mental state) or setting (the environment). It is therefore essential to inform yourself thoroughly before even thinking about making a purchase.

Another point that many people underestimate is the risk of confusion. In nature, magic mushrooms often grow next to poisonous lookalikes, which puts self-pickers in danger. Anyone who is not familiar with magic mushrooms should therefore never simply consume them from the forest.

And then there is the legal side: in Germany, psilocybin falls under the Narcotics Act. Possession, purchase or sale can have criminal consequences, which is why some people turn to legal alternatives such as grow kits, where the cultivation of the spores is in a legal grey area - but here too, caution is advised.

If you really want to get involved with shrooms, you should be well informed, understand the risks and, above all, act responsibly. The next section deals with exactly that: cultivation with magic mushroom grow kits and what you need to bear in mind.

Magic mushroom grow kit: growing mushrooms yourself made easy

Many people who are interested in magic mushrooms sooner or later come across the possibility of growing their own mushrooms. With a magic mushroom grow kit, this is easier than you might think - but there are a few things to bear in mind. Such kits usually contain everything you need for cultivation: a substrate with spores, a cultivation box and instructions. The first mushrooms grow within a few weeks - without any special prior knowledge.

But be careful: even if owning a grow kit is legal in some countries, the cultivation itself can be problematic as soon as the mushrooms contain psilocybin. In addition, cultivation harbours hygienic risks if you don't work properly. Anyone opting for this method should therefore inform themselves thoroughly not only about cultivation, but also about the legal framework in their country.

Whether you grow it yourself or not, what counts in the end is that you are aware of your responsibility. The next section is all about this: opportunities, risks and a conscious approach to magic shrooms.

Opportunities and risks: responsible handling of magic shrooms

Magic shrooms offer enormous potential - both for personal development and for therapeutic treatment. Researchers see psilocybin as a promising aid for depression, anxiety and trauma. Many people report that shrooms have helped them to understand themselves better, heal old wounds or release creative blockages. However, this potential goes hand in hand with responsibility.

After all, shrooms are not recreational fun without risks. High doses or the wrong environment can lead to anxiety, confusion or intense emotional experiences. Pre-existing mental illnesses can also be exacerbated by consumption. It is therefore important to prepare well before a trip: with a safe environment, trustworthy company and the right inner attitude.

Responsible use also means knowing your own limits. Microdosing - consuming tiny amounts without hallucinogenic effects - is a way for many people to experience the benefits of psilocybin without intense trips. At the same time, it is important to realise that magic shrooms are illegal in many countries and conscious, informed use should always come first.

In the final section, we draw a conclusion: where are the opportunities, where are the limits - and what is important if you want to continue exploring this fascinating topic.

Magic shrooms between fascination and responsibility

Magic mushrooms are fascinating because they are so much more than just an intoxicant. They can open doors to new perspectives, bring deep insights and provide valuable services in therapy. At the same time, they require respect, knowledge and mindfulness. Anyone who deals with magic mushrooms should always be aware of the following points:

  • Opportunities: potential for self-reflection, spiritual experiences and creative impulses.
  • Therapeutic benefits: Promising for depression, anxiety disorders and trauma.
  • " data-start="618">Risks: Bad trips, emotional overload and health risks if used incorrectly.
  • Legal situation: Illegal in many countries, so be careful when buying and growing.
  • Responsibility: Safe consumption means taking the set and setting seriously and being well prepared.

Magic shrooms can be powerful companions on a journey to oneself - but they are not toys. A conscious approach, sound knowledge and respect for the substance are the key to experiencing its positive aspects safely.


Niklas Bergmann, Fachautor

Freut euch auf die Insights von unserem Biochemiker Niklas Bergmann! Mit seinem tiefen Verständnis für alles, was mit Hanf zu tun hat, liefert er euch die neuesten und coolsten Infos direkt in euer Feed. Schnörkellos und klar verpackt er das komplexe Thema Cannabinoide und macht es für euch easy zugänglich. Mit Niklas an der Spitze unseres Wissens-Teams seid ihr immer top informiert.