Thai mushroom effects as they are described

Thai mushrooms contain the same active compounds as every Psilocybe cubensis cultivar, psilocybin and psilocin, so the effects follow the general cubensis pattern. According to the Trimbos Institute, people notice a change in perception 20 to 60 minutes after taking mushrooms, and the effects last about three to four hours (Trimbos, drugsinfo.nl). No study has compared the character of Thai effects with other cultivars. What differs is mainly strength, and the strength page shows how little is measured about that.

The timeline

Timings shift with the amount, with how strong the batch is and with whether the stomach was empty.

Perception and thinking

The Trimbos Institute lists visual distortions, a changed experience of music and sound, and a different way of thinking. In experience reports the most common descriptions are:

• colours that look deeper, edges and patterns that shimmer or breathe, and with eyes closed, shifting geometric images;
• music that sounds layered and physical;
• laughter that is hard to stop, or sudden seriousness;
• a sense that time slows or loops;
• thoughts that jump, and a changed sense of self at higher amounts.

The emotional side is the least predictable part. The same session can hold euphoria, sadness and anxiety within an hour. That is why setting and company matter as much as the amount.

The physical side

Physical effects are part of every description: dilated pupils, muscle relaxation, sometimes headache and nausea, according to the Trimbos Institute. The Thai Food and Drug Administration, in its 2024 warning, lists intoxication, delirium, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations and visual distortions (Thai FDA). The nausea usually belongs to the first hour.

The risks

• Unknown strength. Two harvests of the same Thai kit can differ, and a shake or omelette bought on a beach is a complete unknown, as the Thailand page explains. The Trimbos Institute names variable strength as a reason why a difficult experience becomes more likely.
• A difficult experience. Fear, confusion or paranoia can take over, especially at higher amounts and in busy or unfamiliar places. It passes as the effects wear off. A calm sober person nearby makes a large difference.
• Accidents. Judgement of distance, time and danger changes while the effects last. Swimming, traffic, heights and wandering off alone are where things go wrong. In the Netherlands taking part in traffic after use is prohibited.
• Combinations. Alcohol and cannabis make the experience less predictable. An analysis of online reports found seizures in 47% of 62 reports where a psychedelic was combined with lithium (Nayak et al., 2021). Anyone taking prescribed medication should check interactions with a doctor or pharmacist first.

Who should skip mushrooms

The Trimbos Institute writes that people with psychological complaints, such as depression, anxiety or psychosis, have a much greater chance of running into the risks. The same applies to anyone with a personal or family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder, to people who are pregnant, and to anyone under 18. If you are in a bad place, or under pressure to join in, the safest choice is not to take anything.

If you do take them

1. Start low with a new batch; a precision scale helps (see the grow kit guide).
2. Wait at least an hour, preferably two, before thinking about more.
3. Choose a familiar, quiet place and a free day after.
4. Have someone sober nearby who knows what you took.
5. Do not mix with alcohol or other drugs.
6. If someone panics: a calm room, reassurance, water, and time. If someone has a seizure, collapses or does not respond, call emergency services.

In the Netherlands the Drugs Infolijn of the Trimbos Institute answers questions on 0900-1995. In Thailand, remember that using mushrooms is itself an offence.

Thai at Dutch-Smart

The Thai products are sold for buyers in the Netherlands, aged 18 or over.

For a sense of how a session can unfold, read the composite trip report.