Caramel Psychedelic Chocolate Bar

Magic Mushrooms in Chocolate

Mushroom chocolate products contain various mushroom ingredients responsible for the candy’s potential effects. Here’s how to tell if they’re good for you—not to mention safe, and legal.

Psilocybin

Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms that causes trippy effects (1). More than 100 species of mushrooms contain psilocybin, and many with multiple strains, like the popular “penis envy,” a strain of Psilocybe cubensis (2).

In the briefest of summaries, psilocybin activates serotonin receptors (located all over your body, with most in the gut). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood, digestion, sleep, and sexual health. Psilocybin is a copycat for this neurotransmitter, according to psychedelic researchers.

What are the benefits?

If the dose is high enough, psilocybin drops you into an altered state of consciousness that has been shown to have beneficial effects on PTSD, depression, and anxiety (1).

Research is still ongoing, with studies at various clinical trial stages. Psilocybin has also been investigated for helping with cluster headaches, which, when it comes to enjoying a chocolate bar as a fix, could be pretty sweet (3).

Is it legal?

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) lists psilocybin as a Schedule I substance, placing it in the same category as heroin as ‘easy to abuse’ (4). But some states (like California and Colorado) and municipalities have either legalized psilocybin or decriminalized it (meaning that, in most cases, its use is not something police are prosecuting). The list of states and their respective involvement with legalizing psilocybin is evolving, so check your local laws before you buy (5).

Is it safe?

For the most part, psilocybin is safe. In fact, it has a low toxicity. That said, some fungi could be poisonous, so it’s important to know what you’re getting when buying any type of shroom candy, let alone a magic mushroom chocolate bar. Derek Chase, founder of Psilouette, an entheogenic wellness company dedicated to sharing the healing powers of psychedelics, recommends testing products you purchase. You can buy kits from DanceSafe to ensure they contain what you want—and not what you don’t.

If you have an underlying medical condition or take medications, consult your doctor before using psilocybin—even in chocolate form. It may temporarily elevate heart rate or blood pressure. If you have a mental health condition or are taking related medications and are interested in psilocybin’s benefits, you might want to consider working with a medical professional who administers psychedelic assisted therapy, rather than doing a DIY chocolate journey (6).