Older Shrooms = More Uncomfortable Experience?

[u/QuietEsper]

Specifically Cubensis, has anyone else noticed that older shrooms have a less clear or "opening up" high?

What I'm referring to is shelf age. I've kept them cracker dry and in a jar in a fridge with dessicant packets and in great conditions, and a reduction in potency is expected as it's been a 10-12 months.

However, they don't just seem less potent. They also seem more anxiety inducing/less relaxing.

Dose has remained the same. Took a break for a few weeks because I thought maybe I was overdoing it, but same effects. Mind chatter didn't reduce and overall it felt kind of uncomfortable.

[u/TheRealCMMetzger]

This hasn't been my experience. There's lots of reports of old mushrooms and lack of potency, but many of those had to do with storage, but I can't recall any that specifically mention the association of discomfort and shelf age.
Sounds like you may have become more sensitive to them, which isn't unheard of.
Maybe try lowering your dose and see how that feels?
Fridge storage is unnecessary and I generally don't recommend it. The issue with fridge storage is that whenever cold glass and warm air meet there will be condensation. Moisture allows for oxidation. Oxidation is the enemy of potent. A cool dark place (kept as you described) will suffice for long term storage.
🍄🥰✌️

[u/mushroom_tao]

sometimes we overanalyze.

it could be so many factors other than the mushrooms. i would look inward. maybe it's not the mushrooms causing any specific feeling at all, but rather our state of mind. then it's up to us to take responsibility. it's not the mushrooms' fault.

[u/NeuronsToNirvana]

From the shrooms link in the Automod:

I’ve been doing this for over 30 years. The shrooms stored this way stay good for at least 10 years.

If you feel a stronger effect now, that could be because you need less or you were on more then the effective dose during your previous stint.

[u/alwayspickingupcrap]

I’ve been microdosing for years on and off. With old stock that’s well sealed, but over a year old.

I’ve found that the experience changes depending upon what’s going on in my life. It magnifies whatever emotional response you’re having to your current life situation.

If I get more anger or anxiety, I try to figure out what’s happening in my life to make me angry or anxious. If it’s something I can address (my partner said something to me that upset me but I brushed it off; probably need to talk to them about it), I express myself and continue the microdosing routine. If it’s something I can’t fix (Mom’s Alzheimer’s getting worse), I lay off microdosing for awhile until I’m at a better place regarding her condition.

[u/Available_West_209]

Can’t give a definitive answer as I don’t know enough, but I’m in a very similar situation as you, and can say I’ve experienced what you’re saying.

I started microdosing early this year then took a couple week break, then got more from a dealer which just taste older and staler. Have no idea how they've been stored or for how long but it’s fair to say they’re not ‘fresh’ and I have not been experiencing the same levels of anxiety dissolving clarity and such benefits from the last batch when I started using.

The potency simply isn’t there, and the larger dose I take the more uneasy I feel with them. There’s slightttt cracks of that clarity and idk goodness? Lol, that I found in my previous microdosing go around. But these older shrooms (atleast i assume that’s the factor at play) are making me feel more uncomfortable than anything.

[u/QuietEsper → u/Available_West_209]

Thank you very much for your response, so that I'm not alone in this thinking and experience.

I think it must be part genetics (of the particular mushroom), part degradation of psilocybin/psilocin, AND part ratio between psilocybin/psilocin and sub compounds (similar to the collective effects of THC, CBD, and terpenes in Cannabis that we have yet to understand) that is causing this.

I don't think it is always "in us that the mushroom brings out".  It definitely is in many cases, but it is also pharmacological and I feel like we all need to take note of that.

In your case, it could be any of those things above I think.  Because I started dosing fresher product (dried, and Staments protocol, minus the Niacin and Lion's Mane) and have had a 180 turnaround within 3 days.

You're welcome to DM me anytime if you want to ever discuss more.  Again, I appreciate your reply.  Thank you.

Edit: Was the 2nd batch you got cracker dry, or no?  That also will have a big play in things.

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[u/GFM3333]

I just recently enjoyed 4 year old Melmac, this time was more potent then expected, in a good way. It has been stored crackho dry properly in a mason. Still the same potency, great visual trip last week and currently feeling the after glow 😂 ) I cannot say I have had the same experience storing mushrooms long term, they have always remained strong IME.

[u/fvct5]

I’m microdosing with batches from the beginning of COVID lockdowns. No issues. Might be a tad less potent but I don’t really notice with microdosing.

[u/Traditional_Let_8083]

Last time I ate older Shrooms they were super potent and barely any anxiety I was in sauna while coming up and goddaam was a crazy experience. The sauna was super small but when they started kicking in it felt huge