Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, can induce mind-altering trips. Unfortunately, like any drug, misuse carries with it risks that include anxiety, fear, nausea, stomach pains and raised blood pressure, according to Live Science. Psilocybin also resembles certain poisonous mushrooms and users may accidentally consume an inappropriate type.

Psilocybin does degrade with time, but you can preserve its potency with proper storage techniques. A popular approach is drying mushrooms; these keep their potency for extended periods before being easily stored in bags or pouches until ready for use.

When it comes to mushroom storage, it’s crucial that they’re kept away from air and light. Exposure to sunlight or artificial lighting can cause them to spoil, while moisture can lead to mold growth that reduces their psilocybin content. Protective opaque containers wrapped with aluminum foil can further help shield from damage while maintaining their psilocybin levels.

For an intense psychedelic experience without ingesting mushrooms directly, creating psilocybin mushroom tea (commonly referred to as lemon tek or LKT) may be just what’s needed. Brewing such tea may take more time and patience than expected but the results could more than make up for any delay in production.

LKT is said to be particularly effective at mitigating the nausea associated with mushroom consumption and can further enhance psychedelic experiences. This method provides for extended mastication sessions which expose more psilocybin molecules to chitinase enzymes which break down indigestible chitin [14].

Consuming fresh mushrooms is recommended because their delicate tissues quickly succumb to heat or light exposure, bacteria and fungal spores, or other contaminants like air pollution. To increase shelf life and maximize their shelf life, store your mushrooms in an airtight container such as glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags; adding silica gel packets or oxygen absorbers may further prolong their longevity and prolong shelf life.