Combining Psychedelics: Is It Safe? | Psychedelic Spotlight

The combination of psychedelics and psychotherapy is gaining increased acceptance and well-warranted research. But what about combining psychedelics and other psychedelics?

Psychotherapy aside, explorers of altered states have been self-administering combinations of substances for decades. They get creative with their cocktails, venturing to amplify the effects of each compound.

The co-administration of psychedelic mushrooms with cannabis, LSD, MDMA mainly remained limited to the experimentation of younger adults until recently. In the past few years, mainstream interest in psilocybin has touched every sector of society, from moms to professional athletes.

Intensifying interest resulted in a historic vote in Oregon and Washington, DC, this time last year when both the state and the district decriminalized the possession and use of psilocybin.

This invites experimentation of legal mixtures in these jurisdictions, such as cannabis and psilocybin, meanwhile illegal combinations like MDMA and mushrooms and LSD and mushrooms are sure to still be used in regions even where they’re illegal for self-styled spiritual or recreational purposes (we’re realistic).

While these mixtures may sound like a gateway to a delightfully strange sojourn through the edges of consciousness, is it actually a good idea? What does science say about how psychedelic substances affect the consumer when taken in tandem?

What the Flip?

“Flipping” is a colloquialism used to describe different MDMA drug combinations. In addition to hippie flipping, you’ll hear of candy flipping (MDMA and LSD), kitty flipping (MDMA and ketamine), nexus flipping (MDMA and 2CB), and plenty more, as you might expect from the curious psychonaut community.

MDMA and Mushrooms

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People mix mushrooms and MDMA to enhance the effects of each psychedelic. They venture to merge the trippy visuals and nonsensical laughter of psilocybin with the serotonin-soaked full-sensory rapture of ecstasy.

Even in their pursuit to explore the ridges of reality, most are aiming for a somewhat balanced effect. However, as always, mixing two or three or more substances introduces more neurochemical complexity — and risk. Research on psychedelics isn’t proliferating because of their (mostly) illegal status, and studies examining the effects of mixing two or more psychedelics are in an even shorter supply.

However, there is avid anecdotal research and discussion advocating for ideal doses and timing; according to experiences shared on Reddit, the Shroomery, and other forums, most find success starting with mushrooms and ingesting MDMA about one to two hours into the psilocybin experience, or after the initial “peak.”

Most experience an irksome comedown after a few hours of heightened mood on MDMA. As you imagine, if you’re still tripping on mushrooms during the comedown, emotional challenges can arise.