Legal mushrooms became a “thing” in 2023, and in 2024, the market for them has only grown. Currently, you can find lots of great brands producing top-quality products containing amanita mushrooms and other varieties, in product forms ranging from tasty gummies to high-potency vapes. If you’re ready to try the absolute best of the best that the mushroom industry has to offer, we’ve got you at The Calm Leaf.
A Quick Overview of Mushrooms
Mushrooms, also knowns as “shroomz”, are divided into several categories:
- Category 1. Culinary Mushrooms: These are edible mushrooms used in cooking. Examples include white button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, shiitake, oyster mushrooms, and more. These are widely available in grocery stores and farmers' markets.
- Category 2. Agricultural Mushrooms: These are used in farming and composting. They impact soil health and are not typically used for consumption.
- Category 3. Medicinal Mushrooms: Some mushrooms are used for their medicinal properties. Examples include reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane mushrooms. These are often sold in health food stores or as dietary supplements.
- Category 4. Psychoactive Mushrooms: This category includes mushrooms containing psilocybin, a substance known for its psychoactive properties. The legality of these mushrooms varies significantly across different jurisdictions. In some places, they are strictly illegal, while in others, they are either decriminalized or allowed for specific uses, such as medical research or therapeutic applications.
- Category 5. Other Edible Wild Mushrooms: There are many varieties of wild mushrooms that are edible and can be legally foraged, depending on local regulations.
As you can see, mushrooms can be fascinating due to their wide range of psychoactive and medicinal properties.
Psychoactive Mushrooms
1. Psilocybin Mushrooms (Magic Mushrooms):
Species: Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, and several others.
Effects: These mushrooms contain psilocybin, which converts to psilocin in the body, causing hallucinogenic effects. Users often experience altered perceptions, time distortion, and emotional shifts.
2. Amanita Muscaria (Fly Agaric):
Species: Amanita muscaria.
Effects: Unlike psilocybin-containing mushrooms, Amanita muscaria contains muscimol and ibotenic acid, leading to psychoactive effects that can include euphoria, altered perception of sights and sounds, and in some cases, delirium or unpleasant experiences.
3. Amanita Pantherine (Panther cap)
Species: Amanita pantherine.
Effects: The effects of consuming Amanita pantherina can vary widely and are dose-dependent, ranging from mild relaxation and euphoria to intense hallucinations, delirium, and confusion.
Medicinal Mushrooms
1. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum):
Uses: Reishi mushrooms are known for boosting the immune system, reducing stress, improving sleep, and decreasing fatigue. They contain compounds like triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans that contribute to their health benefits.
2. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus):
Uses: Chaga is praised for its antioxidant properties. It’s used to lower cholesterol, improve immunity, fight inflammation, and potentially reduce blood sugar levels.
3. Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus):
Uses: This mushroom is famous for its potential to support brain health. It's believed to stimulate the growth of nerve growth factors, thereby aiding in cognitive functions, memory, and even offering potential benefits in neurodegenerative diseases.
4. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis):
Uses: Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, Cordyceps is thought to increase energy levels, improve stamina, and boost athletic performance. It might also have anti-aging properties and help in managing blood sugar levels.
5. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor):
Uses: Known for its immune-boosting properties, Turkey Tail contains a high level of polysaccharopeptides (PSP and PSK), which are thought to stimulate the immune system and might be beneficial in cancer therapy support.
6. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes):
Uses: Beyond its culinary applications, Shiitake has been studied for its effects on cholesterol levels, immune system enhancement, and anti-cancer properties, owing to compounds like lentinan and eritadenine.
Pros & Cons of Psychoactive and Medicinal Mushrooms
Both psychoactive and medicinal mushrooms offer potential advantages and disadvantages. For those considering their use, especially psychoactive mushrooms, it's important to approach with caution, educate oneself thoroughly, and consider legal implications and personal health conditions. Always consult with your doctor first when contemplating the use of mushrooms for any type of purse.
Pros:
Psychoactive Mushrooms (e.g., Psilocybin Mushrooms):
- Mental Health Treatment: Shows promise in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
- Spiritual and Personal Growth: Many users report profound spiritual experiences and insights that contribute to personal growth and well-being.
- Enhanced Creativity: Some users experience increased creativity and open-mindedness.
Medicinal Mushrooms (e.g., Reishi, Lion's Mane):
- Immune System Support: Certain mushrooms are known to boost the immune system.
- Cognitive Health: Compounds in mushrooms like Lion's Mane may promote brain health and improve cognitive function.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Many medicinal mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to overall health.
Cons:
Psychoactive Mushrooms:
- Legal Issues: Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in many countries, which can lead to legal consequences.
- Psychological Risks: Risk of panic attacks, paranoia, and psychosis, especially in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
- Unpredictable Effects: Effects can vary greatly depending on dosage, setting, and individual psychology, sometimes leading to unpleasant experiences.
Medicinal Mushrooms:
- Insufficient Research: While many claims exist about their health benefits, more scientific research is needed to substantiate these claims.
- Quality and Purity Concerns: The market for medicinal mushrooms is unregulated in many areas, raising concerns about the quality and purity of products.
- Potential Interactions: Medicinal mushrooms can interact with prescription medications, potentially leading to adverse effects.
What to Look For in Psychoactive and Medicinal Mushrooms
When exploring psychoactive and medicinal mushrooms, whether for their potential health benefits, therapeutic uses, or other purposes, we took into account the following:
- Legality and Compliance: Ensure the mushroom product is legal and complies with regulations.
- Purpose and Type: Different mushrooms offer different benefits. Psychoactive mushrooms (e.g., Psilocybe species) are known for their mind-altering effects due to psilocybin, while medicinal mushrooms like reishi, cordyceps, lion's mane, and others are sought after for health benefits, such as immune support, cognitive enhancement, and stress reduction.
- Quality and Purity: For both psychoactive and medicinal mushrooms, choose products from reputable sources that ensure purity and quality. This is especially important for psychoactive mushrooms to avoid contamination with harmful substances and for medicinal mushrooms to ensure they contain beneficial compounds in effective concentrations.
- Lab Testing: Look for products that have undergone rigorous third-party lab testing for contaminants (like pesticides, heavy metals, and bacteria) and potency. Lab tests should confirm the levels of active compounds (e.g., psilocybin, psilocin, beta-glucans).
- Form and Preparation: Both psychoactive and medicinal mushrooms are available in various forms, including whole dried mushrooms, powders, capsules, extracts, and teas. The form can affect the onset and duration of effects, dosage control, and ease of use. Consider what aligns best with your needs and preferences.
- Dosage and Standardization: For medicinal mushrooms, products should specify the dosage and concentration of active ingredients. Standardization ensures consistent potency and efficacy across batches. With psychoactive mushrooms, dosage is crucial due to their potent effects; starting with a low dose is advisable, especially for beginners.
- Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Opt for products from companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing practices. Many medicinal mushrooms can be cultivated in an environmentally friendly manner, whereas the collection of wild mushrooms should not harm natural populations.
- Vendor Reputation: Research vendors thoroughly before purchasing. Look for reviews, testimonials, and detailed product information. Reputable vendors will be transparent about their sourcing, production processes, and lab testing results.
Grab These Mushroom Products to Find Your Bliss in 2024
Whether you’re an experienced mushroom enthusiast or a total newbie, these amazing mushroom products can provide the results you’re looking for. They’re all produced by trusted names in the business, and contain clean ingredients paired with effective, premium mushroom extracts.
Mushroom Product #5: Odyssey Energy + Focus Sparkling Mushroom Elixir
First up, we have a super refreshing mushroom-infused sparkling drink from Odyssey. Formulated to enhance energy and focus, this supercharged beverage offers up a blend of adaptogenic (nonintoxicating) mushrooms along with other nootropics – not to mention some caffeine for good measure. A fantastic alternative to coffee, this drink is absolutely delicious, coming in all kinds of tempting flavors. And, you’ll enjoy a generous pack of 24 servings.
Each can contains a whopping 2500mg of lion’s mane and cordyceps mushrooms, both of which are known to enhance cognitive function, physical energy, mood, and motivation. Combined with the other natural ingredients, the formula can get you through your day feeling centered and grounded, yet totally prepared for whatever comes your way.
Mushroom Product #4: Dreamer Shrooms Amanita Muscaria Microdose Capsules
Do you want a simple way to get on a microdosing routine with amanita mushrooms? Look no further. These capsules from Dreamer Shrooms are easy to take daily, and contain 400mg of this mushroom, which’s perfect for those who want the mood-balancing, soothing effects of amanita without the powerful psychedelic effects that come with a higher dosage.
The capsules are totally vegan, which is always a good thing, and contain pure amanita extract. Each pack contains 5 capsules, total, and you can buy multiple packs at once to grab a large supply for your daily needs.
Mushroom Product #3: Psilonaut Amanita Mushroom Milk Chocolate Trippy Waffle Cones
If you’re a fan of chocolate, you’re going to fall head over heels for these tasty chocolate waffle cones from Psilonaut, which are infused with psychoactive amanita muscaria extract. These single-serving bites are simply out-of-this-world delicious. Plus, each one contains 500mg of this mushroom, which can produce a mild psychoactive effect. Every pack contains 6, so if you want a stronger high, you can take a few at a time – as long as you’re being responsible. The ingredients are surprisingly clean, which means that you don’t need to worry about taking in loads of preservatives and sweeteners.
Mushroom Product #2: Exodus Mushy Mushroom Extract 2.2G Disposable Vape Pen
Exodus has been a longtime favorite on the hemp circuit, offering up exceptional cannabinoid concoctions that are made with clean, lab-tested hemp extracts. So, when they first released their mushroom vape, we knew that we could trust the brand to deliver something exceptional. Their Mushy Mushroom Extract 2.G Disposable Vape Pen is a convenient, pocket-friendly all-in-one vaping device, containing pure extracts of their unique blend of mushrooms.
What we love is that this vape also comes in loads of delicious flavors, so while you’re vaping in beneficial mushroom varieties, you’re also being treated to an unbelievable taste.
Mushroom Product #1: ELYXR Amanita Muscaria Mushroom Gummies
ELYXR has maintained a phenomenal reputation for their hemp products, and their debut of mushroom products has proven to be just as popular with consumers, and just as trustworthy as the rest of their formulas. The brand has been particularly successful with their amanita mushroom gummies, which are renowned for their effectiveness, clean ingredients, and tasty flavor.
These gummies each contain 500mg of amanita muscaria extract, which is enough to experience a mild psychoactive effect. Taking multiple gummies at once will give you a more substantial, and potentially psychedelic high. They come in a “Party Pack,” which means that there’s an assortment of flavors in each can. Meanwhile, each can offers 10 gummies, total.
Treat Yourself to Premium Mushrooms at The Calm Leaf!
Basically, you cannot go wrong with any of the mushroom products at The Calm Leaf. We take enormous pride in the fact that each and every product we carry comes from a brand that has proven themselves as a company with integrity, crafting only the cleanest formulas, and employing lab-testing to ensure maximum safety and purity levels. These amazing mushroom products all have what it takes to give you a taste of what the world of mushrooms can offer.