Shrooms and Weed–Is One Better Than The Other?

Shrooms and weed have a long history of use among various cultures. More recently, attitudes towards the two are changing. No longer do they only serve as hippie pastimes. Instead, modern science is demystifying the mystery shrouded in these two plants and revealing their therapeutic benefits. Today, more and more people are turning to dried shrooms and weed as alternative medicines to pick up the slack for modern therapies.

What are shrooms?

Types of psychedelic mushrooms

Besides psilocybin, psychedelic mushrooms contain other natural hallucinogens, for example, psilocin and baeocystin. The most well-known psychedelic mushrooms are the 

• Psilocybe cubensis, the most potent variety, 
• and the Psilocybe semilanceata, also known as liberty caps.

What is weed?… Really?

Weed, pot, cannabis, or marijuana, is a plant like any other. That has been used for millennia for various purposes; medicinally, recreationally, and industrially. 

Its strong fibers made rope and sails, and its oily seeds were a source of food and fuel. Today, cannabis is best known as a recreational drug. However, it also has a range of potential medical applications.

Cannabis contains a chemical called THC that binds to receptors in the brain, causing the user to feel high. THC is also responsible for other effects of cannabis, such as increased appetite and relaxation.

In recent years, weed has become increasingly popular as a source of medical treatment. As it happens, in states where medical weed is legal, an MMJ doctor can recommend it for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and migraines.

When it comes to variety, weed abounds. Dispensaries nationwide stock strains of Sativa, Indica, and hybrids, for instance, Purple Kush, Sour Diesel, Girl Scout Cookies, and Sweet Tea.

What do shrooms and weed have in common?

Before pitting shrooms and weed against each other, let’s see where they share common ground.

• First, shrooms and weed are popular recreational drugs often used for their psychoactive effects. 
• Both substances can cause users to feel euphoric and relaxed, 
• and they can also alter perception plus cause visual and auditory hallucinations. 
• Shrooms and weed have a long history of use in traditional medicine, 
• and research on their potential therapeutic benefits continues.
• Both drugs are relatively safe when used responsibly,
• but they can be dangerous if used excessively or in combination with other substances.

With that out of the way, we can get to the crux of the matter; shrooms versus weed.

Magic mushrooms benefits VS weed benefits

Though magic mushrooms have existed for centuries in shamanic rituals, western science is only now beginning to understand their healing potential. Recent studies and anecdotal reports suggest that magic mushrooms may:

• Alleviate cluster headaches.
• Ease depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
• Enable smokers to quit the habit.
• Help manage alcohol addiction.
• Help with cocaine addiction.
• Manage OCD.

Particularly for depression, research suggests that psilocybin (the psychedelic compound) has a way of loosening the grip negative thinking patterns have on the brain.

Medical marijuana is a legal treatment for many debilitating and life-threatening conditions in many states. Its pain-relieving, psychotropic, and anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for treating:

• ALS
• Anorexia
• Chronic pain
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Multiple sclerosis
• PTSD
• Trigeminal neuralgia…to name a few.

Medicinal weed has this incredible range because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a pivotal part responsible for keeping our body in balance.

Shrooms: 0 Weed: 1

How to do shrooms VS how to do marijuana

While there are many ways to consume psychedelic mushrooms, the most popular method is to eat them. Shroom edibles are also available in various forms, for example, psilocybin chocolate bars and gummies. Also, several brands sell psilocybin capsules. Alternatively, you can make psychedelic mushroom tea by boiling dried shrooms or powder in water.

Most importantly, when consuming psychedelic mushrooms, always start with a low dose, then increase the amount gradually. Additionally, you should be in a comfortable environment and have a trip sitter present. 

A trip sitter is someone who remains sober during the experience and can provide support if needed. Remember, psychedelic mushrooms can produce powerful hallucinations and alter your perception of reality. For this reason, preparation is necessary before taking them.

What about weed? How should you take it? There are countless ways to consume medical weed. For instance:

• Smoking joints
• Vaping
• Applying topicals
• Inserting suppositories
• Eating edibles

So, if you can do shrooms in one way, you can probably do weed the same. Well, apart from eating the bud, that would be scandalous. 

Also, rarely do you need someone watching over you when consuming marijuana. Still, like shrooms, consuming weed in excess will likely lead to an unpleasant experience, so be cautious.

Shrooms: 0 Weed: 2

Microdosing psilocybin VS microdosing weed

Microdosing psilocybin involves taking small sub-perceptual doses of the psychedelic substance. 

But how much is a microdose of mushrooms? Generally, a microdose of psilocybin can be anywhere from 0.1 to 0.5 grams of dried mushrooms. This low dose is not enough to trigger any intoxication or “trip.” But it can produce some subtle changes in perception and mood.

Microdosing psilocybin can have many benefits, for instance: 

• increased creativity, 
• improved focus, 
• increased sense of well-being, 
• and improved self-awareness. 

However, it is worth noting that everyone reacts differently to psychedelics.

Microdosing weed is not a new phenomenon either. And for people who want to enjoy the benefits of marijuana without the psychoactive effects, microdosing weed can be a great option. By taking small doses of cannabis, typically around 2.5mg THC or less, people can experience relief from pain, anxiety, and other conditions without feeling high.

Shrooms: 0 Weed: 2

How long does a shroom high last?

How long a shroom high lasts depends on several factors, such as the type of mushroom, your weight and metabolism, and how you prepared the shrooms.

Generally, the effects of psilocybin mushrooms peak 1 to 2 hours after ingestion because of how quickly the liver metabolizes it. The total experience usually lasts between 4 and 6 hours. However, some people report feeling the effects for up to 12 hours. So, set aside plenty of time for the magic mushroom experience.

Similarly, many variables determine how long you are high on weed. Usually, you can expect it to last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours if you smoke. And, of course, the first few minutes are the most pronounced. 

That said, do not worry if the effects begin to fade after a couple of hours. Most people find that they can still enjoy a pleasant afterglow afterward.

However, weed edibles are a different ballgame since the high is longer-lasting and more intense, around 6 to 8 hours. And dabbing can last for 2 to 4 hours. To clarify, these are just averages–some people may find that their high lasts shorter or longer than these estimates.

Since shrooms and weed induce non-identical experiences, there is no clear winner based on how long the high or “trip” lasts. 

This one is a tie: Shrooms: 0  Weed: 2

Do shrooms show up in drug tests?

Shrooms can show up in a drug test. After all, federal law classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I substance. However, drug tests seldom investigate for traces of magic mushrooms.

Additionally, psilocybin metabolizes rather quickly. And it clears from the system in around 15 hours. Still, when it comes to drug testing, the detection of psilocybin depends on the method of investigation.

For instance, urine tests can detect the presence of psilocybin for up to 48 hours after consumption, while blood tests are only reliable for up to 24 hours. However, some urine tests are more sensitive than others, and shrooms may show several days after use. Hair samples may reveal traces for up to 90 days, but these tests are more expensive and rarer.

Weed, on the other hand, is a red flag! Generally speaking, drug tests can detect THC in urine for up to 30 days after last use, in hair for up to 90 days, and blood for up to 7 days.

So, in this respect, shrooms are the clear winner. Finally, a point!

Shrooms: 1  Weed: 2

Growing magic mushrooms VS growing weed

Anyone who has attempted growing magic mushrooms or weed understands that both can be challenging.

First are the climate requirements for each. Mushrooms need a cool, dark, and humid environment to thrive, while weed prefers a warm and sunny climate. Therefore, growing magic mushrooms is typically more challenging, as it can be difficult to create the right conditions indoors.