FAQ
PRODUCT
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Is Amanita muscaria legal?
In the USA, yes, but not everywhere.
Amanita muscaria is legal in most countries and states around the world, including in the USA. However, it is illegal in the Netherlands, Thailand, Australia, Romania and in one state - Louisiana.
Read our blog post to see a map of where Amanita is legal.
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Where are your mushrooms harvested?
All of our mushrooms are harvested by hand in Washington. Only mushrooms that have dropped their spores (seeds) are collected to ensure the future sustainability of the fungi.
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Is it safe?
Misinformation names amanita as a toxic mushroom, bound to cause intestinal discomfort and hallucinations, however, ibotenic acid and overconsumption cause most, if not all, of those effects. When the ibotenic acid is fully decarboxylated into muscimol and taken as a microdose, Amanita muscaria (specifically the muscimol contained within them) has been shown to be anti-inflammatory, memory enhancing and calm inducing.
Read more about the healing benefits of Amanita on our studies page.
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What are the effects?
Unlike taking large doses (which I do not encourage), microdosing with amanita means the effects are sub-perception. So you won't feel like your body is changing sizes, or feel like you're flying, but you will feel magical. When taken during the day, most people report feeling energized, calmer, more emotionally balanced and overall more confident in themselves. When taken before bed, most people feel calm, relaxed, and like they are being called into bed to rest.
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Can I drive machinery while taking Luminita?
The purpose of microdosing Amanita muscaria is that you will be able to gain the benefits of this mushrooms while also being able to perform day to day tasks. The effects should be sub-perception, if not, you should reduce your dosage.
Ultimately you are responsible for your own actions. If you feel luminita impairs your ability to operate a vehicle, you should not do so.
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Do I need to refrigerate it?
The tins last about 3 months at room temperature. If you think you will take a while to get through the full tin, I recommend you refrigerate (or even better freeze) the capsules to preserve potency. I keep all capsules frozen before shipment to ensure yours will last as long as possible upon arrival.
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How are you sure you only pick Amanita muscaria when foraging?
I pride myself on being an expert Amanita muscaria forager. With my degree in Biology and experience as a mycology guide in one of the largest mycological societies in the US, I feel confident the mushrooms I pick are the magic ones.
Additionally, Amanita muscaria is one of (if not the) most easily identifiable mushroom on earth. The main identification features are 1) Warts -dots on top of mushroom 2) Vulva - bulb at the bottom of the stem 3) Annulus - skirt of "skin" below mushroom cap 4) Red to Orange Colored Cap 5) Gills Not Attached to Stem. I make sure all 5 features are checked before I pick any mushroom to be used in my shop.
Plus I always try a few capsules of every batch before shipping to ensure they feel magical and are safe.
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Who shouldn't take it?
Anyone under 18 years old, who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or who already feels confident and in control of their life's path.
AMANITA MUSCARIA
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Is it psychoactive?
At Luminita, we believe Amanita Muscaria is most beneficial at low doses, specifically microdose levels. Each capsule contains microdoses amounts of dried mushroom, meaning you won't feel high or drunk when you take it (if you do, you should reduce your dose). However, when consumed in large amounts, Amanita can be psychoactive, with effect ranging from feeling of floaty drunkedness to full on dream-like trips with multiple universes and elf-like people (called Amanita elves). I do not recommend using Amanita Muscaria or these products in such a manner.
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Is it a psychedelic?
Muscimol acts as an agonist on the GABA receptor in the brain, whereas psychedelics act on the 5HT2A receptors. So it is technically a depressant, acting like a brake on overactivity in the mind. Additionally, while psychedelics open your mind up to new information, amanita helps your mind feel more stable and less anxious.
How I explain it to others: Psychedelics ground your body so your mind can run free, Amanita grounds your mind so your soul can run free.
Read our blog post to learn more about how Amanita differs from psychedelics.
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Can I take with other medications?
At this time we do not know how it reacts with all other psychoactive substances, so please talk with your physician. However, we do know that muscimol (the active molecule in Amanita muscaria) acts on the GABAa and somewhat at the GABAc receptor location in the brain. Thus, I do not recommend anyone who is taking medications or substances that act on GABA receptors take amanita. Ie) don't mix with alcohol or benzodiazepines. Anecdotally we also know you must not take amanita with red wine, as the histamines in the brew do not play well with muscimol.
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Will I fail a drug test?
You shouldn't. Amanita Muscaria (or more specifically muscimol contained within them) is not currently tested on drug panels. In fact, it's quite a task getting any reputable lab to test for ibotenic acid or muscimol in the first place.
HOW TO
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How much should I take?
We believe amanita muscaria is more healing at microdose levels. Every person is different, so you will need to find your own perfect dose. Start with 1 capsule for a few days and then check in with yourself. If you don't feel any different, increase, if you start to feel irritable or notice any changes in perception, reduce.
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How often should I take it?
Unlike other medicinal mushrooms, Amanita muscaria seems to have a reverse tolerance, meaning you need less of it over time to give you the same benefits. We recommend you start taking it daily and then taper down until you don't need it anymore, or only need it occasionally to feel a "boost".
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What time of day do I take it?
You can either take your microdose in the morning or evening. If you take it in the morning, you might feel confident, in control and calm - perfect for taking on a stressful day. If you take it in the evening, you might feel calm, relaxed and content - perfect for having a restful sleep.
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How long should I take it?
It's recommended to take Amanita daily at least 1 week (ideally 1 month) and check in with yourself afterwards to see how it is helping/affecting you. Most people will take it longer than a month (though there does not seem to be a rebound affect when stopped). In fact most people state they continue to feel the benefits of Amanita long after finishing microdosing.
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When will I feel it?
Though you won't "feel" it like you would a glass of beer, you should feel a little uplifted and calmer within the first day or two of taking it. If not, you may need to increase your dosage.
SHIPPING
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How much is shipping?
Shipping is free for all US orders. You also have the option to upgrade shipping to priority mail for $10, which has a delivery timeline of 1-3 days.
For international orders, shipping cost is based on the cheapest option to ship to your location and ranges from $10-$15. You may also upgrade shipping to priority mail and the price is also calculated at checkout.
All orders are shipping via United States Postal Service (USPS).
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Do you accept returns?
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Do you ship internationally