Combining shrooms and orange juice may be an idea that crossed your mind at some point, due to its impact on the psychedelic experience. Many people claim that sipping on orange juice while taking shrooms can tweak both the intensity and the duration of the trip. But what is the science behind it and does it really work? Some claim it extends the shrooms’ effects, while others believe it enhances their strength.

While combining shrooms and orange juice is a hot topic, we’re here to demystify the chemistry and any questions you might have about this combination. Let’s take a better look at this interesting combination.

Shrooms and Orange Juice

The substance that causes the psychedelic effects is called psilocin. It is consumed as psilocybin, which the stomach acid breaks down into psilocin. Although psilocin is naturally unstable under normal conditions, it is rapidly processed in a controlled environment in the stomach.
In the past decade, it’s been widely believed that lemon juice works by replicating the stomach’s acidity, initiating the breakdown of active compounds in shrooms prior to consumption, leading to the development of the infamous Lemon Tek. Some people believe that it’s the same with orange juice, although it’s that simple.

One theory suggests that the vitamin C in orange juice could potentially elevate serotonin levels, but it’s not backed by concrete evidence. This biochemical alteration might potentially enhance the psychedelic effects when shrooms are consumed, leading to a deeper and potentially more enjoyable experience.

The other theory is that the citric acid in orange beverages may convert psilocybin into psilocin, somewhat similar to lemon juice. This interaction may have an effect on the whole experience, potentially resulting in a quicker onset that could intensify the trip. Furthermore, the acidity may contribute to mellowing the effects and aiding the body in adjusting more smoothly to the psychedelic effects. However, it’s important to note that the pH level of orange juice is around 3.9, while lemon juice’s pH is between 2 and 3. While the stomach acid pH is between 1.5 and 3.5 it’s more likely that lemon juice can more efficiently convert psilocybin into psilocin compared to orange one.

How to Combine Shrooms With Orange Juice

There are a couple of approaches to combining shrooms with orange juice. Either mix the shrooms with orange juice, similarly to how you would do when Lemon Tekking, or take the mushrooms first and drink some orange juice while waiting for the effects to kick in. If you are new to Lemon Tekking, read our Ultimate Guide on How To Lemon Tek.

For some people drinking orange juice with shrooms is a great way to mask their unpleasant taste. Given that the taste of orange juice alone is pretty strong, it may make the whole consumption process more pleasant.

How Does it Taste?

The blend of shrooms and orange juice, particularly fresh orange juice, offers a tangy and citrusy flavor profile, completely masking the earthy taste of shrooms. If you don’t have fresh oranges lying around it’s perfectly fine to use the store-bought one made from concentrate.
To make the taste as pleasurable as possible make sure to finely grind the shrooms with a coffee or a herb grinder. This way you’ll ensure they mix thoroughly with the juice somewhat, resembling a mushroom smoothie. It might not sound appealing at first, but compared to the flavor of mushrooms alone it’s a go-to for many psychonauts.

Does Orange Juice Prevent a Bad Trip

Orange juice will not prevent a bad trip on its own. While there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims, among psychonauts, anecdotal reports suggest that combining shrooms with orange juice may influence the trajectory of a mushroom trip.
According to the theory, orange juice’s acidity helps the body release the active ingredients more quickly, potentially preventing a bad trip and ensuring a more enjoyable experience. However, for preventing a bad trip it’s important to be in a correct set and setting, as it is what matters the most.

Things to Keep in Mind

There are reports of people having a negative experience while trying this combination. Citrus fruit is well known for causing gastrointestinal discomfort, especially when taken on an empty stomach. Many people tend to fast before taking their dose of shrooms which can make this combination heavy on your stomach.

It’s possible that consuming orange juice might psychologically affect how someone experiences their trip, resulting in a less intense experience. Although there isn’t any scientific evidence to support this theory, several people claim to have had smoother experiences after consuming orange juice. This might be explained by the placebo effect, in which consuming orange juice alone may make a person feel at peace and relaxed. There could also be additional factors at work, including the juice’s vitamins and minerals impacting the brain. But these ideas are theoretical, with no hard data to back them up.

For preventing a bad trip don’t rely on orange juice alone. Make sure that you’re in a safe and secure environment, with a tripsitter and in a positive mindset. This is by far the best way how you can prevent a bad trip.

Final Words

It’s intriguing to consider that drinking a glass of orange juice alone may affect your psychedelic experience. Though a thorough explanation for this occurrence has not yet been provided by science, the theories concerning the functions of vitamin C and citric acid in this process are nothing but fascinating.

Consuming orange juice, whether for its flavor or its perceived trip-enhancing attributes, is a widespread practice among psychonauts, although it could be purely a placebo effect. If you feel like drinking orange juice, go ahead but keep in mind that it will not prevent a bad trip. Stay positive in a safe environment and well hydrated!