Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms are a variety of mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin. These active ingredients are psychedelic when ingested. The effects of a psychedelic mushroom are similar to LSD with a shorter lifespan in your system.

Brief History:

Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years by indigenous culture across the globe to induce altered states of consciousness (ASC) during rituals and ceremonies. In fact, researchers have found the earliest depiction of psychedelic mushrooms in cave painting in northern Algeria dating back as early as 9,000 BCE. Our human history with this healing plant is runs DEEP. One could argue, that we have a very special connection with all species of psychedelic mushrooms.

How magic mushrooms became popular ((in the 1950's)- history con'd):

Maria Sabina was a medicine woman (curandera) from a small town in Oaxaca called Hualta de Jiménez. She would heal people through an indigenous healing modality using psychedelic mushrooms (psilocybin)

Although she was ambivalent to share this sacred & ancient practices with westerns, she was kind enough to allow author Gordon Wasson to be part of psilocybin ceremony in 1955. They agreed to keep this deeply sacred ceremony between them.

In 1957, Wasson published “Seeking the Magic Mushroom” in Life magazine.

So, it was definitely not intentional... but we can ALL thank this magnificent, divine, and kind hearted curandera for our understanding & culturally connection with psilocybin mushroom.

What about today?

Well, current research is being done at numerous universities such as Johns Hopkins and NYU to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), and ease end-of-life anxiety in terminally ill patients.

Magic mushrooms have become more and more popularized outside of lab because of their natural and gentle way of bringing deep and needed insights. They are most often consumed in teas or dried.

Effects:

High doses of mushrooms can cause visual effects: colors appear sharer, moving objects may leave "trails" behind and still objects may appear to "breathe." In addition to visual changes, one may begin to experience euphoria. Users have reported bouts of deep belly laughs, and finding things funnier than they normally would. In higher doses, an average "trip" can last around 4-6 hours. In lower doses, mushrooms often produce feelings of relaxation that have been compared to cannabis.

Many people say that mushroom experience is more "earthy" than other psychedelics, increasing emotional awareness and causing less psychological confusion.

Risks & Considerations:

• Just like all psychoactive substances, magic mushrooms may cause the onset on schizophrenia to genetically predisposed individuals.

• Magic mushrooms are illegal. Possession can result in long term prison terms.

• Mushrooms can sometimes be frightening and could induce extreme anxiety panic.

As with all psychedelics, "set" and "setting" are important factors in determining whether someone has a positive or negative experience. "Set" is the mental state that a person brings to the experience. "Setting" is the physical and social environment in which the psychedelic substance is consumed.

Happy Journeying, Mystic Friends!