There are many different ways to prepare magic mushrooms for human consumption. However, the organic method is probably the most popular means employed. Psilocybian mushrooms are either eaten fresh (which supposedly produces the most powerful and intensely visual experience), or dried and consumed at a later date. Some users freeze their mushrooms for later use, while others put them in capsules. Freezing the mushrooms for later use is not recommended. Mixing psilocybian mushrooms in milk or fruit shakes (known as mushroom smoothies) or tea are also common methods employed by those who dislike the natural taste of the mushrooms. Cooking the mushrooms in a soup, stew or omelette to alleviate the acrid taste of psilocybian fungi is also popular. Other methods include serving the mushrooms on toast with jam or honey. Chocolate and honey were served with magic mushrooms by Aztecs priests during Montezuma's coronation and at other Aztec festivals and celebrations. Popular ludible use in this new century has brought to the attention of the public a new method of employment for the consumption of mushrooms; cooked in candies and gift wrapped. However, it is best to eat the mushrooms on an empty stomach. The mushrooms may be rinsed carefully in water, but it should be mentioned that psilocybin is water soluble and some lose some of the active ingredients. Remember, psilocybine and psilocine are controlled substances.

A dehydrator is probably one of the best methods for drying fresh picked mushrooms. However, if a dehydrator is not available then the best method for drying mushrooms is as follows: at home, place several sheets of newspaper on a table or in a high dry area. Separate and spread the mushrooms evenly across the newspaper and make sure that they are not touching one another. After 2-3 days the mushrooms will have shrunk down to virtually nothing. This occurs because the mushrooms are approximately 95% water. The color of the mushrooms will also change as they dry. After a few days, handle a mushroom specimen to see if it has completely dried. It may feel rubbery but in no way will it break apart like a fresh stem would.

Next turn the oven on to 350 degrees and let it heat up. After 20 minutes turn the oven off and crack open the oven door until it stays cracked open. Let the oven cool off for no more than five minutes. Next place the dried mushrooms on several layers of newspaper and place them into the oven leaving the door cracked open. In twenty minutes remove the mushrooms from the oven and let stand in the air for ten minutes. Store the dried mushrooms in glass bottles with a rubber gasket and seal. This will insure that the potency of the mushrooms will remain for years to come. Also keep them away from direct light and heat. Do not store the mushrooms in honey. Another easier method for drying mushrooms is to place them in open pizza boxes under a bed or on a shelf in the home, letting fresh air flow through and ceiling heat to dry them. This method takes about two to three days without much loss of potency. They can then be stored in a jar with a lid and kept away from heat or light.

The mushrooms may then be eaten as is, or ground up into a powder and placed into double-ought gelatin capsules for later use. Dosages vary within each individual species of mushroom and care should be taken when experimenting with entheogenic mushrooms. Dosage for the home grown mushroom Psilocybe cubensis and/or Psilocybe subcubensis is from 1 to 5 grams (dried), and from 1 to more than an ounce (fresh). This would be approximately 1 to 2 big mushrooms weighing 1 fresh ounce or from 5 to 25 small mushrooms weighing up to 1 fresh ounce. Dosage for Psilocybe semilanceata has been reported to be from 10 to 20 mushrooms fresh weighing approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of a fresh ounce and from 1 to 2 grams dried. Dosage for Psilocybe stuntzii, Psilocybe pelliculosa and/or Psilocybe silvatica is 20 to 40 fresh mushrooms or 2 to 3 grams dried. Dosage for Psilocybe cyanescens, psilocybe baeocystis and Psilocybe azurescens is 1 large mushroom or 2 to 3 small specimens. Psilocybe baeocystis is potent when fresh but apparently loses more than 80% of its potency in drying while Psilocybe cyanescens and liberty caps retain about 90% of their potency when drying. Psilocybe azurescens loses potency when stored for over a short period of time of several months. Copelandia cyanescens are very potent when fresh but in drying, a dose would be 1-2 dried grams. When fresh this species is potent at one to 7 or 10 mushrooms. Panaeolus subbalteatus is basically approximately the same as for Psilocybe cubensis. 3-5 dried grams or more than one fresh ounce.

When consuming fresh or dried mushrooms, it is better to take them in the evening on an empty stomach. Avoid bright lights because they will divert from the visuals effects for which the mushrooms are famous. The darker the room, the more visuals one may experience. Consume the mushrooms over a 15-20 minute period and the experience will commence within 15 minutes up to half of an hour. The slow emergence to the come on of the experience is so much more tranquil and relaxed. When consumed in the form of tea or liquid, the experience will commence within 5 to 10 minutes and could be compared to the effect of a rocket during lift-off. I usually drink a pint of nestles chocolate milk with the mushrooms. Spanish historians recorded that the Aztecs served the mushrooms to dignitaries during festivals with either chocolate or honey. They never preserved them in honey.

If should be mentioned that there is just as much psilocybine in the caps of the mushrooms as there is in the stems. I mention this because I have observed people who eat the cap and throw away the stems.

Some individuals have reported that strychnine is present in psilocybian mushrooms. This is not true. Freshly picked psilocybian mushrooms will not make anyone sick. Do not abuse this earthly treasure and the treasure will not abuse you. Be cool and safe and enjoy that which you have just learned and experienced.