Psilocybin vs LSD: Key Differences in Effects, Dosage, and Trip Duration

One of the most insightful studies on this topic comes from Holze et al. (2022), who conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment comparing both LSD vs psilocybin in healthy participants. Their results suggest that the effects of psilocybin and LSD are dose-dependent rather than substance-dependent, meaning that how much you take may matter more than what you take.

In the study, 28 men and women participated in five separate sessions, each receiving either a placebo, two doses of LSD (100µg and 200µg), or two doses of psilocybin (15mg and 30mg). The effects were measured over 24 hours and included subjective perceptions like mood changes and altered states of consciousness, along with physiological responses such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.

So, what does this mean for the classic debate of shrooms trip vs acid trip? According to the study, both substances induced similar mind-altering experiences, with the main difference being the duration of the trip. LSD lasted significantly longer than psilocybin, but otherwise, their effects on mood, perception, and consciousness were comparable.

Interestingly, participants rated their experience with a high dose of psilocybin (30mg) as falling between the two LSD doses (100µg and 200µg). This suggests that 30mg of psilocybin might be roughly equivalent to 150µg of LSD in terms of subjective effects.

But there’s more: The time to onset, time to peak effects, and total duration also varied. LSD typically takes longer to kick in, peaks later, and lasts much longer than psilocybin, which is known for its shorter, more intense trip.

Key Differences in Effects Between Psilocybin vs LSD

• Onset of Effects: Psilocybin effects are typically felt within 20–40 minutes, while LSD can take 30–90 minutes to fully kick in.
• Duration: LSD trips can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, whereas psilocybin trips usually last 4 to 6 hours.
• Peak Effects: Psilocybin peaks within 2–3 hours, while LSD peaks later, usually around the 4- to 5-hour mark.

So, if you're looking for a shorter, more intense experience, psilocybin might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you're prepared for a longer ride, LSD offers a more drawn-out psychedelic journey.

Psilocybin Dosage vs LSD Dosage: Finding the Right Fit

When comparing psilocybin dosage to LSD dosage, understanding the right amount is crucial for a safe and meaningful trip. Both substances are highly dose-sensitive, meaning that even slight variations can produce significantly different effects. According to the study, here’s a rough comparison:

• 15mg of psilocybin ≈ 100µg of LSD
• 30mg of psilocybin ≈ 150µg of LSD

In both cases, the higher the dose, the longer the trip and the more intense the effects. For those new to psychedelics, starting with a lower dose is recommended to better control the experience. However, experienced users often prefer higher doses to fully immerse themselves in the psychedelic state.

Both psilocybin and LSD affect not just the mind but the body as well. In the study, participants experienced changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature during their trips, though these responses were largely similar for both substances.

However, one significant difference is how the two substances are metabolized. LSD takes longer to break down in the body, leading to its extended duration of effects. Psilocybin, on the other hand, is converted into psilocin relatively quickly, which is why its effects are more short-lived.

Beyond the physical effects, both substances interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, which is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects. This interaction is key to why both shrooms and acid produce such profound changes in mood, perception, and thought processes.

What Does This Mean for Psychedelic Therapy?

As psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin continue to be explored for their therapeutic potential, understanding their differences—and similarities—becomes more important. Both substances show promise in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but knowing the right dosage and trip duration will be essential for clinical applications.

The findings from Holze’s study could play a critical role in helping researchers fine-tune dosing protocols for future clinical trials. By understanding how psilocybin and LSD compare at different doses, scientists can create more targeted therapies, minimizing side effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits.

Psilocybin vs LSD—Dose Matters More Than You Think

As the study by Holze et al. shows, the differences between psilocybin and LSD come down largely to dosage rather than the substances themselves. Both psychedelics offer profound mind-altering experiences, but understanding the right dose is crucial for ensuring a safe and tailored journey. Whether you're exploring for therapeutic reasons or personal growth, getting the dose right can make all the difference.

And here's where the miraculix QTests can be incredibly useful. These simple and reliable tests allow you to measure the exact potency of your psilocybin or LSD, taking the guesswork out of dosing. By knowing the strength of your batch, you can adjust your dosage to match your desired experience—whether it's a mild, introspective trip or a deeper, more intense exploration. With the miraculix QTests, you can approach your psychedelic experiences with greater precision and confidence.

Ready to take control of your journey? Try the miraculix QTests today and ensure you’re dosing right every time!

Why Is Potency Testing Important?

One of the biggest challenges with psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD is that the potency can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as:

• The strain or species of the mushrooms (in the case of psilocybin)
• Storage conditions and how the substances have been handled
• The method of cultivation (for mushrooms) or synthesis (for LSD)

For example, one batch of magic mushrooms could have a significantly higher concentration of psilocybin than another, even if they look identical. This variability can make it difficult to control the dosage, potentially leading to an overwhelming or underwhelming experience. By using a potency test like the miraculix QTest, you can accurately measure the amount of psilocybin or LSD in your sample and adjust your dosage accordingly.

How Do the Tests Work?

Using a QTest is straightforward and can be done with just a small sample of your substance. Here’s a basic breakdown of the process:

Sample Collection: You’ll need to take a small piece of your magic mushroom or a drop of your LSD solution for testing. The sample size required is minimal, so you won’t waste your product.

Chemical Reaction: The QTest kit contains reagents that react with the active compounds (psilocybin or LSD) in your sample. The reaction causes a color change that indicates the presence and concentration of the substance.

Read the Results: After a short wait, the test provides you with a clear result showing the exact concentration of psilocybin or LSD in your sample. This allows you to calculate the appropriate dosage based on the potency of your batch.

The QTests are designed to be as user-friendly as possible, meaning you don’t need any lab experience or special training to use it effectively. The results are presented in a way that’s easy to understand, making it simple to interpret your findings and apply them to your dosing.

Holze, Friederike, et al. "Direct comparison of the acute effects of lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects." Neuropsychopharmacology (2022): 1-8.