As psychedelics grow in popularity and acceptance, more people are exploring new ways to consume them—especially magic mushrooms. While oral ingestion is the most common method, curious minds are asking: Can you smoke magic mushrooms? Is it safe? Is it effective? Or is it just another internet myth?
In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind smoking magic mushrooms, examine whether it actually works, discuss the potential health risks, and share the recommended ways to consume psilocybin for the safest and most beneficial experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned psychonaut or a curious beginner, this guide will answer your questions and help you make informed decisions.
What Are Magic Mushrooms?
Before diving into the question, “Can you smoke magic mushrooms?”, let’s cover what they actually are.
Magic mushrooms refer to a group of fungi that contain psilocybin, a natural psychedelic compound that the body converts into psilocin, the chemical responsible for altered perception, mood changes, and other psychedelic effects.
There are over 180 species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, but the most well-known is Psilocybe cubensis. When consumed properly, psilocybin mushrooms can lead to experiences such as:
- Euphoria and emotional release
- Visual and auditory distortions
- Spiritual insights or a sense of interconnectedness
- Enhanced creativity and perception
Traditionally, they are eaten dried or fresh, brewed into tea, or taken in capsules or chocolates. But what happens when people try to smoke them instead?
Can You Smoke Magic Mushrooms?
The short answer: You can, but you shouldn’t—and science backs this up.
Technically, it is possible to grind up dried magic mushrooms and roll them into a joint or put them into a pipe. However, doing so is not only ineffective but could also pose health risks.
Let’s break this down.
Why Smoking Magic Mushrooms Doesn’t Work
The primary reason smoking shrooms doesn’t produce a psychedelic effect lies in the chemistry of psilocybin.
🔬 Psilocybin Is Heat-Sensitive
Psilocybin and psilocin are both heat-sensitive compounds. When exposed to high temperatures (like those from a lighter or burning joint), these compounds break down and lose potency.
By the time the smoke reaches your lungs, there’s little to no psilocybin left to create any psychedelic effect. So while you might feel a placebo buzz or lightheadedness from smoke inhalation, you won’t experience a real psychedelic trip from smoking mushrooms.
💨 Your Lungs Aren’t Designed for Fungi
Mushrooms are not like cannabis. They’re fungi, not plants, and contain different compounds and materials that can irritate the lungs or even be harmful when combusted.
Unlike cannabinoids (like THC), psilocybin is not efficiently absorbed through the lungs, making the entire method ineffective and potentially dangerous.
The Health Risks of Smoking Magic Mushrooms
Beyond being ineffective, smoking magic mushrooms can be risky to your health.
1. Lung Irritation
Mushrooms contain organic materials like chitin, a fibrous substance found in fungi cell walls. When burned, this can produce harsh smoke that irritates the throat and lungs.
Symptoms may include:
- Coughing
- Throat irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
2. Toxic Combustion Byproducts
Burning any organic material releases toxic byproducts like carbon monoxide and tar. With mushrooms, you may also be inhaling spores, mold, or other contaminants, especially if the mushrooms weren’t dried or stored properly.
3. No Control Over Dosage
One of the benefits of eating mushrooms is controlled dosing. When you smoke them, you have no idea how much psilocybin you’re getting (if any), which can lead to confusion, frustration, or even adverse effects from inhaling non-psychoactive toxins.
What People Report When They Smoke Shrooms
Despite the science, some people online claim to feel something after smoking mushrooms. So, what’s really happening?
🔹 Possible Explanations:
- Placebo Effect: They expect to feel something, so they do.
- Lightheadedness: Inhaling any smoke can deprive the brain of oxygen temporarily.
- Other Substances: Some people mix mushrooms with cannabis or tobacco, and attribute the effects to the shrooms when it’s really from something else.
- Psychological Anticipation: The act of preparing and smoking something with the intention of tripping can prime the brain for altered perception — even without a chemical cause.
In other words, you’re not really getting high from the mushrooms — you’re experiencing the effects of expectation, smoke inhalation, or other substances.
The Best (and Safest) Ways to Consume Magic Mushrooms
Since smoking magic mushrooms isn’t effective or safe, what should you do instead? Here are the most recommended and science-backed ways to consume psilocybin mushrooms:
🍄 1. Eating Them (Raw or Dried)
The classic method. Eat dried or fresh mushrooms on an empty stomach to maximize absorption and reduce nausea. Chew thoroughly.
☕ 2. Making Mushroom Tea
Brewing shrooms into tea is gentler on the stomach and still preserves the psilocybin. Add lemon or ginger for flavor and digestion.
🍫 3. Edibles (Capsules, Chocolates, Gummies)
Pre-measured microdose or macrodose products offer consistency and convenience. Great for therapeutic users or beginners.
💊 4. Microdosing
Taking 0.1g–0.3g of dried mushrooms every few days for mental clarity, creativity, or mood enhancement—without full psychedelic effects.
✅ Always:
- Start low and go slow
- Know your source (avoid wild picking unless you’re an expert)
- Use in a safe, comfortable setting
- Have a sober trip sitter for higher doses
Legal Status of Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin is still considered a controlled substance in many parts of the world, but attitudes are rapidly shifting.
🌍 Where It’s Legal or Decriminalized:
- Canada: Legal for therapeutic use with special permission; decriminalized in some cities.
- USA: Legal or decriminalized in places like Oregon, Colorado, and some cities (e.g., Denver, Oakland).
- Netherlands: Psilocybin truffles are legal and sold in smart shops.
- Jamaica: Legal and unregulated; home to psilocybin wellness retreats.
Always check your local laws before purchasing or consuming psilocybin-containing products.
Final Thoughts: Can You Smoke Magic Mushrooms?
So, let’s return to the question: Can you smoke magic mushrooms?
Technically, yes — you can roll them up and light them on fire. But scientifically and practically, the answer is a firm no.
- 🔥 Smoking destroys the active compound psilocybin
- 💨 Inhaling burnt fungi can harm your lungs
- 🚫 It’s an ineffective and potentially dangerous method of consumption
If your goal is a safe, meaningful, or therapeutic psychedelic experience, you’re far better off eating mushrooms, drinking them in tea, or using trusted psilocybin edibles.
Key Takeaways
- “Can you smoke magic mushrooms?” — You can, but it’s not effective and not safe.
- Psilocybin degrades under heat, so smoking destroys its potency.
- Inhaling burned fungi may irritate your lungs or cause health issues.
- Oral consumption is the safest and most effective method.
- Always source responsibly, dose carefully, and use in a safe setting.
