Marijuana and THC products are gaining even more popularity as states begin to legalize them for recreational and medicinal use. But if marijuana is legal, does it mean it’s always safe to use? Health experts agree that using weed, magic mushrooms, and other substances could harm your health and lead to severe long-term issues.
Recently, Oregon voted to approve Measure 109, allowing people to use psilocybin-producing mushrooms to aid in the treatment of physical and emotional disorders.[1] More access to magic mushrooms requires more education about the potential interaction between cannabis and shrooms.
Mixing drugs like marijuana and magic mushrooms may lead to problems down the road. If you or someone you love require treatment to put substance abuse behind you, don’t wait for the help you need. Call the caring specialists at the Mandala Healing Center to explore our holistic treatment programs and find the support you deserve.
The Effects of Cannabis
Marijuana contains an active chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. When people smoke or eat products containing THC, they can experience relaxation, heightened senses, elevated mood, and other pleasurable effects. While marijuana helps some people feel more relaxed, it can make some experience a burst of motivation and productivity.[2]
But consuming large amounts of THC can cause unwanted side effects, including:
- Rapid heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Several factors can affect a person’s experience with marijuana, including how much they use and how they use it.
The Effects of Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a fungus that produces a hallucinogenic substance called psilocybin.[3] Shrooms are dried and consumed in several ways. People may brew tea from the mushrooms, grind them into powder and add them to food, or take them in capsule form.
People who take psilocybin mushrooms experience an altered perception of their surroundings. They may experience:
- Moving or “melting” objects
- Distortion of people and objects
- Altered perception of time
- Changes in their perception of their bodies
- Fear, discomfort, or anxiety
- Spiritual or philosophical ideas
Physical symptoms of using shrooms may include:
- Altered body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Twitching muscles
- The sensation of numbness in the face
- Nausea and vomiting
People who use magic mushrooms may develop cravings for them, which can lead to heavy use. Physical and emotional dependence may develop, which could lead to addiction.
What Happens When You Mix Cannabis and Magic Mushrooms?
There is little long-term research into the effects of mixing weed and mushrooms. However, many people who combine these substances have “bad trips,” meaning they have distressing or uncomfortable symptoms.
One of the most common complications of mixing weed and mushrooms is anxiety. Some people who use weed and shrooms together experience new or worsening anxiety, paranoia, and panic. The effects of mixing weed and mushrooms may be more significant in people who have a history of mental illness.
The way you use marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms seems to affect how they interact. For example, using marijuana after mushrooms seems to extend the effects of magic mushrooms–which is not ideal for people struggling with a bad trip or anxiety.
Some strains of cannabis and shrooms work in similar ways. Consuming products with high levels of THC may mimic the effects of magic mushrooms.[4] Similarly, taking a small dose of mushrooms may produce the same results as using a small amount of THC. Mixing weed and shrooms may elevate the effects of both substances or create unwanted symptoms that linger for hours.
Generally, mixing substances can be dangerous or lead to complications and long-term harm to your health. Research is still needed into how mixing weed and mushrooms may affect your health down the road.
What Are the Risks of Mixing Weed and Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Some people may have complications from mixing weed and mushrooms that require immediate medical intervention. Some things to watch for include:
- Continuous vomiting
- Fever
- Losing consciousness
- Acting in a way that could harm themselves or others
If you witness someone who is experiencing complications from mixing cannabis and magic mushrooms, call 911 and wait with them until help arrives. If possible, turn the person onto their side to prevent them from choking if they vomit.
Continuing to mix marijuana and shrooms–even after experiencing a negative trip or harm–might signify you need help to stop using these substances. Comprehensive, holistic treatment can give you a fresh start in life and the skills you need to live a healthy, sober lifestyle.
Find Help Now
Substance abuse can change the course of your life and lead you down paths you didn’t choose. You do not need to live with drug and alcohol addiction–help is just a phone call away.
If you or someone in your life mixes cannabis and magic mushrooms, or you want to explore holistic addiction treatment, reach out to the caring team at the Mandala Healing Center now.
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