One of the most common questions I get is people asking about the differences between acid vs shrooms. In this post, you’ll learn the basic similarities and disparities between them.

What Is Acid?

Acid, or LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide), is a psychedelic that gained popularity during the 1950’s and 1960’s during the counterculture movement. The drug was first synthesized by Albert Hoffman in 1938. It wasn’t until 5 years later, on April 19, 1943, that Hoffman took the drug himself and experienced their effects for the first time.

Fun fact: April 19 is known as bicycle day because Hoffman rode his bicycle home from the lab on that fateful afternoon.

What Are Shrooms?

Shrooms, or magic mushrooms, are naturally growing fungi that contain psilocybin. Psilocybin is the chemical in mushrooms that produce their hallucinogenic effects. There are estimated to be over 200 different strains of psilocybin-producing mushrooms. They grow naturally in meadows and forests with rich soil. 

Acid vs Shrooms Similarities

Acid and Shrooms produce many of the same effects. They are actually the most similar out of all of the psychedelics that exist. Scientists classify both of these hallucinogens as classical psychedelics, or serotonergic psychedelics. This means their primary way of working in the brain is through serotonin receptors. 

Many consumers have similar experiences, which includes:

• Increased levels of happiness or satisfaction
• Visual Distortions
• Hallucinations
• Feelings of connectedness with each other and nature
• Altered sensory function (touch, smell, taste)

Individuals can report positive lasting effects with both substances. I’ve observed many positive changes in myself in both mood and overall life satisfaction.

There are also some potential side effects you should be aware of:

• Dizziness
• Panic
• Fever or sweats
• Dilated pupils
• Feelings of psychosis

Some of these side effects can certainly seem overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time experiencing them. That is why set and setting is so important. Set refers to your mindset and setting refers to your physical and social setting. It is also important to realize that these are SIDE effects and not permanent feelings.

Acid vs Shrooms Differences

While they share many related qualities, there are also some distinct differences everyone should be aware of. 

Dosage

Shrooms are typically dried before consumption and then measured in grams. A common dose in order to trip is anywhere from 1-4 grams. You can consume them raw, add them to a sandwich (peanut butter is quite popular), or brew them into tea.

LSD is consumed by way of a small square tab made out of blotter paper or gel. Rather than grams, acid is measured in micrograms, which denotes one millionth of a gram. Most people would take anywhere from 50 – 200 micrograms of acid in order to fully feel the effects.

Duration

Mushroom trips last about 4 – 6 hours in length, with the peak happening around the 2 – 3 hour mark.

Acid trips are longer in duration, with the whole trip lasting between 6 – 12 hours and peaking at about 3-6 hours in.

Trip duration for each individual is based on factors such as metabolism, size, and age, among others.

Both experiences can leave you with an afterglow effect where you may still feel some of the effects, but not nearly as intense. I personally describe this feeling as light brain fog or cloudiness.

Are They Safe?

Almost all scientific evidence points to both of these substances being safe to consume for healthy individuals. They also do not lead to addiction or dependence. In a 2022 study, scientists reported that “medical risks are often minimal, and that many – albeit not all – of the persistent negative perceptions of psychological risks are unsupported by the currently available scientific evidence, with the majority of reported adverse effects not being observed in a regulated and/or medical context.”

Psychedelics are not only safe, but medical professionals are testing them in clinical trials to treat mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Like almost everything humans consume, too much of something at one time is never good for you. The same is true for acid and shrooms. While you cannot technically overdose and die from too large of a dose, taking too large of a dose can have adverse effects. 

If I ever feel overwhelmed during a trip, I always try to remind myself that whatever is happening is only temporary. This tends to help me relax and start to lean into it and enjoy it.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments!