How to Trip 101
Whether this is your first trip into the unknown or you are an experienced psychonaut, preparation can completely change the experien ace. This guide covers all the basics of an intentional psychedelic experience, from the preparation beforehand to the journey itself and the integration afterwards.
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Before the Trip
Set & Setting
Set and setting simply means your mindset (set) and your environment and the people around you (setting). Together, they heavily influence how the trip feels.
Before taking truffles, try to ensure basic self-care such as:
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Eat well earlier in the day
- Stay hydrated
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Clear your schedule so you’re not rushed
Your environment should feel safe, calm, and comfortable. This might look like cozy blankets and soft lighting, or being surrounded by nature and trees. If you’re going to be outside, make sure you are prepared with water, snacks, and clothing for changes in temperature throughout the trip (i.e. pack a bag).
Setting an Intention
You don’t always need a deep or spiritual goal, but it helps to understand why you want to experience the truffles or mushrooms. Your intention could be:
- Reconnecting with yourself and your inner being
- Spending meaningful time with loved ones
- Getting in touch with your creative side
- Enjoying nature
- Simply having fun
Setting an intention before the trip often leads to a more meaningful and grounded experience.
Your Mental State
Psychedelics tend to amplify what already exists deep in your subconscious.
When things arise that you may not be expecting, it’s good to remember that what you resist persists. Try not to fight the emotions that come up. Let them come, acknowledge them, and as you process them, they will slowly pass.
If you are feeling very emotionally unstable prior to a trip, it may be better to wait until another time when you feel ready to explore your inner world.
Taking the Truffles
Before You Eat Them
Make sure your truffles have been stored in the fridge and check the best before date, as they are a fresh product.
Prepare Your Stomach
- Don’t eat for approximately 2 hours beforehand
- Drink water normally
A very full stomach can weaken or delay the effects, whereas a completely empty stomach can lead to nausea.
Dosage Guide
A dose for one person may look completely different on somebody else, so if it’s your first time, it’s often best to start a little lower than you may think. As a general guide:
- 7g is when a light trip occurs and you may begin to notice colour distortions.
- 10-15g is considered a standard full experience.
- 20-25g is a strong trip with more intense effects.
Some people like to begin with 7-10g and see how they feel after about one hour before deciding whether they want to go a little deeper. If you redose after around 1.5 hours, tolerance has already begun to build, so the additional dose usually won’t add much to the experience.
How to Consume
Chew the truffles thoroughly and swallow everything. They have an earthy, slightly bitter taste, similar to an unripe walnut. If you prefer, try them with:
- Plain yogurt
- A few squares of dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa)
- A handful of nuts
Dark chocolate helps mask the flavour and contains naturally occurring theobromine, which many people find gently uplifting.
If you feel nauseous during the come up, don’t panic. This is common and usually passes. Stay calm, sip some water, and focus on slow, steady breathing.
If you’re prone to nausea, you may prefer Lemon Tek. Finely grind the truffles, soak them in fresh lemon juice for 15-20 minutes, then drink the mixture and consume all the remaining truffles. Many users report a faster onset and less stomach discomfort.
You can purchase a magic truffle grinder
Try to avoid heavy meals and sugary foods or drinks just before your trip, as they may reduce or delay the effects.
During the Trip
What to Expect
A truffle trip usually lasts around:
- 30-90 minutes: Onset of effects
- 2-4 hours: Peak effects
- 5-6 hours: Effects gradually fade
The beginning of a trip can feel strange and unlike anything you have experienced before. However, it is generally a conscious experience, you are still connected to yourself and to reality. Remind yourself that:
- You are safe
- The feeling is temporary
- You took psychedelics
Surrendering to the Experience
Trying to control the trip can create tension. Instead, lean into the experience and see what it may be trying to teach you.
If you feel anxious, try:
- Box breathing to calm your nervous system
- Changing your environment, even moving to another room or chair can help
- Changing the music to match the mood you want to create
- Talking to a trusted person
- Wrapping yourself in a blanket or changing into comfortable clothes
The level of stimulation around you also affects the experience.
More stimulation, such as crowds, bright lights, and busy environments, can create more energetic, social experiences.
Less stimulation, such as nature, quiet surroundings, or darkness, often encourages deeper introspection and imagination.
Suggested Trip Experiences
- Cozy day at home
- Forest walks, hiking, or camping
- A light trip in an interesting museum or arcade
- A sunny day in the park or botanical gardens
Safety Considerations
Psychedelics deserve respect and should not be mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Other important reminders include:
- Don’t drive while tripping
- Avoid tripping while pregnant
- Check with your doctor if psychedelics may interact with any medications you are taking
- Some antidepressants can reduce or alter psychedelic experiences in unpredictable ways
If you’re worried about the experience becoming too intense, having Trip Stopper nearby can help you feel more grounded and comfortable.
After the Trip
Integrating the Trip
After the trip, many people feel emotionally open, reflective, calm, and connected, often referred to as the afterglow. You may also experience small waves of emotion or mild sensory distortions, which are generally considered normal as the experience settles.
The trip doesn’t end when the visuals stop. It’s worth taking time to reflect and integrate what you learned from the experience.
Some helpful practices include:
- Journalling what you learned
- Talking with trusted friends or those you shared the experience with
- Spending time in nature
- Meditating
Recovery
Importantly, you should end the trip the same way you began it, by taking care of yourself.
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Eat a nutritious meal afterwards
- Stay hydrated
- Be gentle with yourself
Not every trip needs to be life-changing. Sometimes it’s simply a shift in perspective. Sometimes it’s learning something new about yourself. Sometimes it’s just remembering how to let go a little more and lean into the deeper parts of who you are.
Introduction
Whether this is your first trip into the unknown or you are an experienced psychonaut, preparation can completely change the experience. This guide covers all the basics of an intentional experience, the before, during, and after of Magic Truffles.
Before You Eat Them
Make sure they have been stored in the fridge and check the best before date as they are a fresh product. If you’re unsure how to keep them fresh, read our Magic Truffle Storage Guide.
Dosage Guide
Not sure how much to take? Our Magic Truffle Dosage Calculator can help you estimate a suitable starting dose based on your experience level.
How to Consume
If you’re prone to nausea, you may prefer Lemon Tek. Finely chop the truffles, soak them in fresh lemon juice for 15-20 minutes, then drink the mixture. You can learn more in our Lemon Tek Guide.
Safety Considerations
If you’re worried about the experience becoming too intense, having Trip Stopper nearby can help you feel more grounded and comfortable.
After the Trip
If you’re looking for a gentler way to explore psychedelics, our Microdosing Guide explains how microdosing differs from a full magic truffle experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a magic truffle trip last?
Most magic truffle experiences last around 5 to 6 hours. Effects usually begin within 30 to 90 minutes, peak after 2 to 4 hours, and gradually fade.
Should I eat before taking magic truffles?
A light meal a couple of hours beforehand is usually recommended. A very full stomach may delay the effects, while an empty stomach can increase the chance of nausea.
Can I take more if I don’t feel anything?
It’s generally best to wait. Redosing after around 90 minutes is usually less effective because tolerance develops quickly.
What if I feel anxious during my trip?
Remind yourself that the effects are temporary. Slow breathing, changing your surroundings, listening to calming music, or talking with a trusted person can all help.
What should I do after my trip?
Rest, eat a nutritious meal, stay hydrated, and spend some time reflecting on your experience through journaling or quiet contemplation.
