The active principles present in psilocybin mushrooms are psilocybin (4-PO-DMT), psilocin (4-HO-DMT) and baeocystin (4-HO-NMT). Psilocybin is the main component of most varieties and the most stable alkaloid of the three. Like any organic matter, entheogenic mushrooms need to be fully dried of all moisture to maximize shelf life. For more information on how to properly dry your shrooms, check out the Reality Sandwich article How to Dry Shrooms. When properly dried, shroom stems should snap easily in half when bent, and caps should crumble from pressure. Once properly dried, how you choose to store your shrooms can affect how long they will remain good. This includes the potency of the shroom8217;s psychedelic properties. Begin by trying very hard to find a reason why you should not consume shrooms. What exactly are the laws where you live? Are you on parole or probation? Do you take any prescription drugs? Google your medication's name and "shrooms." Do you have recommended to read epilepsy? Search drug forums to find out how other epilepsy sufferers have fared on psilocybin. Do you need to monitor your glucose throughout the day? Search drug forums for the experiences of diabetics.