What is a Golden Teacher Mushroom?
Currently considered to be the most popular strain of the species Psilocybe cubensis, the Golden Teacher mushroom is a type of psychedelic mushroom that has become increasingly recognized amongst shroom users.
The mushroom’s hallucinogenic effects have been found to be more reliable, with less risk of them causing a “bad trip.” It is for this reason that many people who are new to using shrooms will use this particular magic mushroom.
For many people, Golden Teacher shrooms are considered to be a gateway to other Psilocybe cubensis strains, which may produce a stronger or more unstable psychedelic experience.
Keep reading to learn more about Golden Teacher mushroom and how to get help if hallucinogens have become an unhealthy part of your life!
What are “Magic Mushrooms?”
Magic mushrooms are a type of mushroom containing the drugs psilocybin or psilocin. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms grow all over the world, making them easily accessible. Both psilocybin and psilocin are considered psychedelics, due to their hallucinogenic properties. They are also one of the main substances that can cause a hallucinogenic persisting perception disorder or HPPD to occur for a small but still significant percentage of users.
People often use these mushrooms for their psychoactive properties, as these can produce what many consider to be a spiritual and out-of-body experience.
How are Magic Mushrooms Used?
People can either eat fresh mushrooms or dried mushrooms or even take this substance in a capsule form. While less common, some people may even choose to crush their mushrooms into a dried powder resembling brown rice flour, which can then be snorted or injected.
When ingesting mushrooms, some individuals may choose to eat them raw, steep them in teas, combine them with water or juices, or cook them into foods.
What Do Golden Teachers Look Like?
As the name suggests, this strain of Psilocybin cubensis mushrooms has a distinct appearance with its yellow-brown caps. Some people compare the caps to golden halos, earning it its nickname of “Golden Teacher” mushrooms.
Golden Teacher Mushrooms vs Other Magic Mushrooms
Compared to other mushrooms, this naturally occurring specimen is one of the most potent strains of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. Many people who use this particular mushroom reported feeling enlightened and awakened afterward, and have found that it is less likely their trip will go wrong when using Golden Teachers.
Although Golden Teacher mushrooms and other psilocybin strains are not generally thought of as physically addictive, a psychological addiction to psychedelics can occur from some regular users of such drugs.
Growing mushrooms can be a tedious process, as many strains require controlled conditions to flourish. Golden Teachers have been found to be relatively easy to grow, unlike some of their counterparts, even in sometimes unpredictable environmental conditions.
They also tend to have a fairly quick growth rate and minimal cultivation requirements. This mushroom also releases a decent amount of purplish-black spores, making it easier to take prints of this particular variety.
What are the Side Effects of Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms are used for their ability to provide individuals with psychedelic experiences. Of course, the exact effects they will have can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The amount being taken
- The mushroom’s potency
- Where it is being taken
- What effects are expected
- The user’s age and weight
- What the user has recently eaten
- Past history of drug use
- The user’s personality
Generally, the effects of mushrooms will kick in after about 30 minutes, and last for around 3 to 6 hours. Most people will experience the strongest side effects during the first 3-4 hours, and start to come down from their trip over the final two hours.
Some of the most common side effects caused by mushrooms are changes in your perception, smell, sight, taste, and touch. For example, some people experience hearing music and seeing colors that aren’t really there. Users may also feel very light or heavy.
Many people consider using psychedelic mushrooms to be a spiritual journey. Some other less pleasant side effects that may occur on this psychedelic journey include:
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Shivers and chills
- Anxiety
- Nausea or vomiting
- Numbness of the tongue and mouth
It is important to be aware that this psychedelic journey can be overwhelming and scary for some people. Especially for new years, it is important to not take a psychedelic mushroom while isolated and to ask for support from more experienced users or a trusted individual.
Are Golden Teachers and Magic Mushrooms Addictive?
Currently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has mushrooms classified as Schedule I Substances. This means that they have no recognized medical usage (despite recent research being conducted into their therapeutic benefits) and a high risk for abuse.
With that being said, hallucinogenic mushrooms do not have the same addictive traits as those common with drugs such as opioids and stimulants. Even for those who regularly use mushrooms, do not tend to follow typical addictive patterns.
This may be largely due to how quickly drug tolerance builds to these substances. With compulsive use, most people will become used to the effects of psychedelic mushrooms, and may no longer be able to experience its pleasurable and hallucinogenic effects.
Of course, while the Golden Teacher mushroom and other magic mushrooms may not be considered addictive on their own, they may serve as a gateway drug to other illicit and more dangerous substances.
Many people who use shrooms may also experiment with LSD and stimulant drugs, such as cocaine. Some individuals may combine these substances, which can be very dangerous as well as habit-forming.
Can Using Magic Mushrooms Be Dangerous?
Taking a mind-altering substance of any kind can be dangerous if not done correctly and safely. There are many potential dangers that can come with using Golden Teacher mushrooms. For starters, if you are not growing these shrooms yourself, there is always the risk that you may not be getting what you think you paid for.
There are several poisonous mushrooms that resemble psilocybin shrooms. Accidentally consuming these can cause damage to your liver, nausea and vomiting, and even prove life-threatening.
Furthermore, mixing mushrooms with other drugs or alcohol can also have unpleasant side effects. Growing, carrying, and selling mushrooms is also illegal in most of the US, with some exceptions in Colorado and Oregon, and getting caught for any of the above can lead to an expensive fine and even jail time.
In order to stay safe while using mushrooms, it is important to do so in the company of a trusted and experienced friend, and in a comfortable environment. Psychedelic substances can also cause anxiety and panic attacks, so being prepared for this ahead of time is also important.
While it is difficult to have a physical overdose from mushrooms, it is quite possible to take too much psilocybin and have a negative reaction that is unpleasant and damaging to both body and mind.
Recognizing a Drug Addiction
If you are concerned that you or a loved one is potentially abusing psychedelic substances, knowing how to recognize the signs of a substance use disorder can help you determine when it may be time to get help.
While addiction is less common amongst those who use shrooms, signs of a drug abuse problem include:
- Using drugs more often or for longer than originally intended
- Spending large amounts of time and money using drugs
- Having to increase your usual dose in order to achieve the desired effect
- Experiencing problems at home, work, or school due to drug use
- Losing interest in previously enjoyable hobbies and activities due to drug use
- Developing withdrawal symptoms when no longer using drugs
If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, whether they are related to mushrooms or any other substance, then it is time to get help. Seeking out professional addiction treatment programs can help you get clean and take back control of your life.
Common Forms of Rehab Programs for Drug Abuse
There are several rehab programs available to help those struggling with addiction overcome their substance abuse and achieve long-term sobriety.
While each individual’s treatment process will vary based on their specific recovery needs, some of the services and programs that may be included in this process are:
You can learn more about the 7 Levels of Care in the addiction treatment process and start finding rehab and recovery services by speaking with a Find Addiction Rehabs representative today!
FAQ on the Golden Teacher Mushroom:
What is the Most Widely Distributed Species of Psychedelic Mushrooms?
Any mushroom with Psilocybin content may be abused for its hallucinogenic properties. However, the most commonly abused mushroom under the genus Psilocybe is the species Psilocybe cubensis.
Some of the commonly abused strains under the P. cubensis species include the Golden Teacher mushroom strain, Penis Envy, and B+, just to name a few.
What Substances are Commonly Used With Hallucinogenic Mushrooms?
It is not uncommon for people to consume magic mushrooms alongside other substances. In particular, many people may combine mushrooms with other hallucinogenic substances, such as LSD and DMT.
Some people may also use dissociative drugs like marijuana and PCP, or stimulants like cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine. Generally, it is not recommended to mix substances, as this can have unpredictable and potentially dangerous side effects.
Find Help to Stop Using Drugs Here!
If you are struggling with substance abuse and are ready to get help, the Find Addiction Rehabs team is here to help you. Our hotline is available 24/7 so that you can get answers to all of your recovery questions and find treatment programs in your area, no matter what time it is.
The only person who can choose to get help is you; so make the right choice, and call now to get started on your recovery journey today, where you can become a happier, healthier, and substance-free you!
