PROS AND CONS OF MUSHROOM CHOCOLATES US

A common delivery system for psilocybin micro-dosing is dark mushroom chocolates, as it can help with dosing measurements and cut the bitter taste of these mushrooms.

Although research outcomes are mixed, supporters of mushroom chocolates micro-dosing are confident in the benefits. Mushroom chocolates are a form of chocolate that contains psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic” mushroom chocolate that provides psychedelic effects. Some people believe that consuming psilocybin mushroom chocolates may provide various benefits like lowered anxiety and improved creativity.

What is a micro-dose?

It’s no surprise that micro-dosing is on the rise as more people seek non-pharmaceutical methods to address mental illness and improve cognition. Although micro-doses of psilocybin aren’t enough to experience a full psychedelic experience, there is still inconsistency in what constitutes a micro-dose.

Harvard University published a paper explaining that “there isn’t a single, clearly recognized definition of micro-dosing for any psychedelic drug, and this complicates attempts to perform consistent research.” The article goes on to explain that one definition written by the British Association of Psychopharmacology states that “approximately 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose” is considered a micro-dose — that is a broad scale.

Harvard University further explains that “a medium-strength dose of psilocybin is 2 to 3 grams of dried mushrooms, and a micro-dose is typically around 0.3 grams.” However, a big obstacle to calculating dosage “is that the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, as they are not regulated outside of clinical trials, so this isn’t an exact science.”

Why chocolate with mushrooms?

Chocolate is a popular way of consuming psilocybin, as it can mask the bitter taste of the mushrooms and make dosing more precise. To make psilocybin mushroom chocolates, finely ground psilocybin mushrooms are mixed with melted chocolate and then poured into molds to cool and harden.

Some additional benefits of chocolate as the delivery system for psilocybin include:

• Rich in antioxidants. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May improve brain function. Chocolate contains caffeine and other compounds (like magnesium) that can stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span.
• May reduce stress and improve mood. Chocolate contains compounds that can stimulate the production of endorphins, natural chemicals in the body that help improve mood and reduce stress.
• May improve skin health. The antioxidants in dark chocolate may also help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution.

It’s also important to note that not all types of chocolate provide the same benefits. For example, milk chocolate and white chocolate, in particular, do not have the same health-promoting properties as dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate can improve brain function and offer mood support, just like psilocybin purports. So, it’s no wonder people choose dark chocolate as a delivery system for psilocybin mushrooms.

Pros and cons of micro-dosing

It’s important to note that while psilocybin has shown promising results for treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, it is still illegal in many parts of the world. Additionally, the effects of psilocybin can vary widely depending on the individual, the dosage, and the setting in which it is consumed, so caution should always be exercised. Here is a common list of pros and cons to consider:

Because there are reported pros and potential cons to micro-dosing psilocybin, let’s delve deeper into what research has to say.

Mixed research findings

Current research is still very mixed and hasn’t determined if magic chocolates is an effective treatment for mental health conditions or if it provides cognitive benefits.

For example, a study published in Translational Psychiatry found that “0.5 g of dried mushroom material did not present significantly positive impacts on creativity (divergent and convergent thinking), cognition, physical activity levels, and self-reported measures of mental health and well-being.” However, the study did observe “a trend towards impaired performance in some cognitive tasks (i.e., attentional blink and Stroop test), although they lacked consistency across participants”.

However, for every inconclusive study, there seems to be a supportive study showing the perceived benefits of micro-dosing. For example, a published research report in the National Library of Medicine found that “among individuals reporting mental health concerns, micro-dosers exhibited lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress across gender” and that these results “highlight the need for further research into the mental health [outcomes] of micro-dosing.”

Another study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that “mushroom chocolates treatment with psilocybin relieved major depressive disorder symptoms in adults for up to a month. Furthermore, in a follow-up study of those participants, the researchers report that the substantial antidepressant effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy, given with supportive psychotherapy, may last at least a year for some patients.” Unfortunately, the dosages of mushroom chocolates were not published in this study, so it is still unclear whether or not micro-dosing can have the same long-term impacts on depression. However, these findings are promising.

Overall, psilocybin micro-dosing has both potential benefits and risks, and it’s important to carefully consider these factors and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before deciding to try it.