When Microdosing Goes Wrong: Anna Kendrick’s Hilarious ‘Too High’ Halloween Nightmare
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In a hilarious and candid tale from the 2023 Halloween season, actresses Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow found themselves caught in an unintended psychedelic trip, all thanks to a well-meaning attempt at microdosing mushrooms at a party. The incident, shared by Kendrick during a 2024 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, has become a memorable anecdote that underscores the unpredictability of consuming psychedelics, especially in an informal, party setting.
Background and Event Context
The story begins at a Halloween party in 2023, where Kendrick and Snow, both beloved for their roles in Pitch Perfect, were socializing with friends and enjoying the festive atmosphere. The casual vibe of the event led to the decision to try microdosing, a practice where participants take small amounts of a psychedelic substance—often psilocybin mushrooms—hoping to enhance mood or creativity without experiencing strong psychoactive effects.
Someone at the party offered chocolate bars infused with psilocybin mushrooms, promising a mild, controlled experience. Microdosing was all the rage in some circles for its purported benefits, and Anna Kendrick, known for her cautious nature, decided to take just half a square of the chocolate, following what seemed like a safe and reasonable approach. Brittany Snow also joined in, although the specifics of her dosage weren’t as clearly detailed in the accounts of the incident.
The Unexpected Outcome: The Macrodose
However, things took an unexpected turn due to a common issue with homemade or informal psychedelic edibles: inconsistent dosing. The mushrooms weren’t evenly mixed into the chocolate, resulting in a much stronger dose than either actress had planned for. Anna Kendrick quickly realized that her “microdose” had turned into a full-blown “macrodose.” She described feeling “so high,” repeatedly exclaiming, “Oh no, oh, I’m so high. Oh God, I’m so high,” signaling a level of intoxication far beyond what she had intended.
This experience highlights one of the key risks with consuming psychedelics in edible form—since it’s difficult to measure doses accurately, even small variations can lead to significantly stronger effects than anticipated.
Brittany Snow’s Response and Shared Experience
Recognizing that Anna was overwhelmed by the effects, Brittany Snow made the decision to join her in this heightened state. Rather than leaving her friend to navigate the experience alone, Snow took more mushrooms to “meet” Anna at her level, ensuring they could share the experience together. This led the two actresses to retreat to a quieter part of the party, where they exhibited behaviors described as both chaotic and joyful: grinning like the Joker and streaming tears simultaneously, but also feeling a sense of elation.
During this surreal moment, Anna suggested that Brittany should remake the iconic film Chinatown, calling her a “creative genius.” The hallucinogenic effects even led Anna to see Brittany’s face jewels merging with the Los Angeles skyline, a visual distortion indicative of the powerful trip they were both experiencing.
Reflection and Public Sharing
In a lighthearted moment during her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on October 23, 2024, Kendrick shared the details of the Halloween mushroom mishap with the audience. Promoting her directorial debut Woman of the Hour, Kendrick recounted the story with humor, framing it as a cautionary tale: “Don’t do drugs,” she quipped, encouraging viewers to “learn from my mistakes, kids.” The timing of the interview, which aired around Halloween, added an extra layer of thematic relevance, as Kendrick reflected on how the experience had become one of the more memorable moments from that season.
In addition to the humorous account of the mushroom incident, Kendrick also spoke about the close friendship she shares with Brittany Snow and the lasting bond that has developed between the Pitch Perfect cast members. The story, while funny, also highlighted the trust and support they offered each other in unexpected situations, even when the experience became overwhelming.
Additional Context and Implications
Beyond the laughs, the incident underscores a broader point about the unpredictability of informal psychedelic use, particularly with edibles. As psychedelics gain more attention in both pop culture and wellness circles, incidents like this highlight the importance of accurate dosage and the potential risks associated with consuming substances in casual settings. The uneven mixing of mushrooms in the chocolate serves as a reminder that the experience can vary drastically depending on how the substance is prepared, with potential for unanticipated outcomes.
The story also provided a glimpse into the personal dynamics between Kendrick and Snow. Their decision to go through the experience together, supporting each other, only deepens the bond between the two actresses. This shared, albeit chaotic, experience turned into a defining moment of their friendship, showcasing their commitment to one another in the face of unexpected circumstances.
Conclusion
The mushroom mishap at the Halloween party in 2023, as recounted by Anna Kendrick in 2024, serves as a humorous and insightful story about the unpredictability of psychedelics, the importance of dosage control, and the strength of the friendship between Kendrick and Snow. While the experience was intense and unexpected, it became a story they could laugh about in hindsight, offering fans a relatable, entertaining glimpse into their off-screen lives. More importantly, it stands as a cautionary tale for anyone considering psychedelics, especially in informal settings where control over the experience can be compromised.



