Functional vs Psychedelic Mushrooms: Understand the Difference

There are several associations that come to mind when the term “mushroom” is mentioned. Many people associate mushrooms with cooking, as they are frequently used as a condiment for meals. However, there’s much more to mushrooms than one may realize.
In the broad world of mushrooms, there are two types that commonly get mixed up, and that’s exactly what we’re going to clarify in this article. The main point of dispute between functional vs psychedelic mushrooms is whether or not they produce psychedelic effects. While functional mushrooms can not provide a “trip,” psychedelic mushrooms can cause psychedelic experiences. Although both varieties of mushrooms have potential benefits, their effects on the body and mind are very different. Let’s dispel any misconceptions surrounding the topic!

What are Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms, also known as medicinal or adaptogenic mushrooms, have long been used in medicine to improve wellness, reduce stress, and strengthen the body’s defenses against disease. Functional mushrooms don’t produce any psychedelic effects, in contrast to psychedelic mushrooms. Instead, they enhance the overall functioning of the body, enabling optimal performance throughout the day.
These mushrooms have been used for ages in Chinese traditional medicine due to their potent polysaccharide and flavonoid content. According to research, these compounds do indeed activate the immune system and improve one’s functionality.

Types of Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms do not contain psilocybin, therefore they don’t cause psychedelic effects. However, they may help support healthy aging, normalize stress responses, and the ability to focus. That’s probably the reason many people combine these mushrooms with the psychedelic ones in their microdosing routines. Functional mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and may potentially reduce the effects of oxidative stress on the body. Some of the most well-known functional mushrooms include:

• Lion’s Mane – Potential cognitive benefits.
• Chaga – Contributing to overall well-being due to the abundance of antioxidants.
• Reishi – Immune boosting properties.
• Cordyceps – Improved endurance and athletic performance.
• Turkey Tail – Another immune-boosting mushroom due to its antioxidant profile.

If you want to try functional mushrooms and avoid the dry and unpleasant flavor of their powdered form, check out our Myco Girl Grounded Gummies, a specially crafted blend of four functional mushrooms merged into delicious gummies that are easy to take.

What are Psychedelic Mushrooms

Psychedelic mushrooms are well known for their hallucinogenic effects. These effects stem from the presence of psilocybin and psilocin, active compounds found in these types of mushrooms. According to people who use these mushrooms in their microdosing protocols they tend to improve creativity, mood, and cognition.
Depending on the dosage, the effects can be mild and subtle to overwhelming. When taken in high doses, psychedelic mushrooms can distort the perception of time and space, induce vivid hallucinations, and even contribute to experiencing “Ego Death“.

Types of Psychedelic Mushrooms

There are over 180 species of psychedelic mushrooms and they’re not all the same. It’s important to note which mushroom you’re using in your microdosing regimen so that the dosage can be calculated accordingly.

• Psilocybe Cubensis. Probably the best-known species of psychedelic mushrooms in the world. When people say “magic mushrooms” they usually think about this particular mushroom genus. They grow in various regions worldwide and are the easiest mushrooms to cultivate by amateur mycologists.
• Psilocybe Semilanceata. Commonly known as “liberty caps,” these mushrooms are extremely potent, up to two times more than P. Cubensis. Found primarily in grassy areas across North America and Europe, they are recognizable by their pointed caps.
• Panaeolus Cyanescens. These mushrooms are also known as “wavy caps” due to the shape of their caps when fully mature. These mushrooms are considered hard to grow indoors, therefore they’re usually foraged, which can be dangerous for inexperienced foragers as they might get mistaken for other poisonous species. They are also known as the “Flying Saucers” or “Blue Angels”.
• Amanita Muscaria. Distinguished from others on this list, Amanita Muscaria does not contain psilocybin but instead contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, producing a range of effects from euphoria to vivid dream-like states. Ibotenic acid acts as a neurotoxin and can be extremely dangerous if handled improperly. If you want to learn more about this mushroom check our article “Amanita Muscaria vs Psilocybin Mushrooms.”

Functional vs Psychedelic Mushrooms Key Differences

To gain a deeper understanding of the differences between psychedelic and functional mushrooms, let’s examine a few important aspects.

1. Chemical Structure. The wide range of bioactive substances found in functional mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, triterpenes, beta-glucans, and antioxidants, all contribute to their ability to improve wellness. On the other hand, the substances psilocybin and psilocin found in psychedelic mushrooms are responsible for the psychoactive effects of these fungi.
2. Effects. The primary uses of functional mushrooms are to boost overall wellness, strengthen immunity, and boost energy. They are frequently taken as dietary supplements or combined psilocybin in microdosing protocols like the infamous “Stamet’s stack”. On the other hand, psychedelic mushrooms can be used in minuscule doses to improve creativity and overall feeling of well-being. However, these mushrooms can also be used in high doses to induce states of altered perception.
3. Safety. When taken in the right amounts, functional mushrooms are usually considered safe, however individual reactions might vary. Most people tolerate them well, and there haven’t been many recorded adverse effects. On the other hand, psychedelic mushrooms have the potential to cause adverse effects and elicit significant psychological experiences, especially when taken in excess or by those who already have mental health issues.
4. Legal Status. As dietary supplements, functional mushrooms are easily obtained and legally bought in majority of the countries worldwide. On the other hand, psychedelic mushrooms are restricted by law and classified as controlled substances in many places. If you’re thinking of using psychedelic mushrooms it’s important to check your local laws before purchasing.

Conclusion on Functional vs Psychedelic Mushrooms

When comparing functional vs psychedelic mushrooms, we can see that they’re two different types, each with a distinctive set of benefits. While psychedelic mushrooms can have therapeutic uses when taken properly, especially when microdosing. Functional mushrooms are used as a dietary supplement due to their antioxidant properties that may be immune-boosting and adaptogenic. Myco Girl Grounded Gummies are an easy-to-use and convenient way to give functional mushrooms a try.
Contrary, psychedelic mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds that can induce altered states of consciousness when taken in high doses, unlike functional mushrooms. If you’re interested in microdosing, or you want to try combining psilocybin-infused microdosing products with functional mushrooms, Mama’s 30-Day Microdose Course is a great starting point for experimenting.

Understanding the differences between these two types of mushrooms enables people to make well-informed choices, taking into account cultural and legal standards as well as the possible advantages of these unique fungi.