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05Apr

Immunity: Psychedelics and mushrooms

April 5, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY health, science

Psychedelics, and especially magic mushrooms, will be touted as having many amazing applications over the coming decades. From large doses of psilocybin for depression to microdoses of mushrooms for arthritis pain—the science has only just started and many questions remain unanswered and unasked.

Until concrete data is gathered on the effects of magic mushrooms on the body and mind, we’re left to explore anecdotes, small studies, and theoretical musings on the benefits of psychedelics. One specific area of importance is the possibility of receiving an immune boost from fungi—both a vague marketing term and a very real contributor to optimal health.

The immune system and how to boost it

Your immune system is best seen as a reflection of your overall health and fitness: 

  • Immune boosters: Exercise, vitamins, minerals, healthy diet, and even mindfulness.
  • Immune compromisers: Injury, disease, deficiencies, stress, some medications, and lack of sleep.
  • Immune balancers: Vaccinations, some medications, and the ‘good’ bacteria in your gut.

Unfortunately, for many supplements and proprietary blends touted by ‘experts’, the title of “immune booster” does not require support or verification, and is not a claim that bothers the FDA or Health Canada.

For all intents and purposes, the onus is on you to verify the statements concerning supplements and non-pharmaceutical products.

When it comes to supplementing your diet, there are only a few specific additives or foods that definitely (supported by extensive research) boost your immune system, Vitamins C and D for example. Individual products or compounds are unlikely to single-handedly swing immunity in your favour—a holistic and all-encompassing approach is a preferred method. However, there are some indirect approaches to bolstering your immunity that have some basis in fact.

Mushrooms and the immune system

When added to a balanced diet, mushrooms provide a component of health that fruits and vegetables aren’t able to produce. Vitamin D is a compound that is integral to immune function and optimal health, and can only be created through direct exposure to sunlight. Humans produce it in the skin, but only with adequate time in the sun.

Fungi are also capable of this process, creating Vitamin D that is able to be absorbed by humans who lack it.

Placing sliced mushrooms in the sun for only 15 minutes, spread over tin foil, can increase the concentration of Vitamin D by nearly 25%.

Psychedelics and the immune system

In general, psychedelics can be an immediate stressor to your body, with elevated hormone levels (e.g. Cortisol) associated with emotional stress. However, this heightened level of stress rarely lasts much longer than a trip, when other benefits begin to manifest after the initial onslaught. Aside from the potential for significant impacts on stress and mental well-being, an intriguing hypothesis is being proposed that also implicates microdosing psychedelics.

Research has definitively demonstrated a connection between the gut—and the organisms that inhabit it—and our brain. Further, gut health has been implicated in major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, addiction and autism. These findings have prompted Dr. Kim Kuypers, preeminent psychedelic research, to propose

“…low doses of psychedelics exert their effects via an indirect ‘central’ route, i.e., via the gut…psilocybin is a phytochemical that ends up in the gut after oral administration.”

Serotonergic drugs are known to affect the GI tract—SSRIs have been used for their therapeutic value in the treatment of gastric disorders. With 95% of the body’s serotonin localized to the gut, the effect of psychedelics is only beginning to be uncovered.

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05Apr

Antidepressants and psychedelics

April 5, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY health, science

The psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, has recently been ‘fast-tracked’ by the United States FDA for approval in treating depressive disorders. More specifically, the therapy has been indicated for both Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and Major Depression (MDD). 

This has prompted interest in the chemical from those who currently suffer from all forms of depression; front-line therapies for the disorders currently employ antidepressant pharmaceuticals, along with behavioral therapies. Unfortunately, antidepressants blunt and diminish the effects of psilocybin—understandably, you may be wondering how to safely combine the two.

Antidepressants and magic mushrooms

Most antidepressants significantly diminish the psilocybin experience, from microdosing to macrodosing. Not only is this a bummer in general, but it can also be dangerous when individuals try to increase their dose of psilocybin to overcompensate for the effect. For others that are desperate for real transformation, the outcome of a disappointing trip can be equally as detrimental to the psyche.

The boogeyman of drug prohibition has also created the specter of Serotonin Syndrome—a legitimate and dangerous event to be sure, but incredibly rare among users of ‘classical psychedelics’. These include magic mushrooms and LSD, compounds that operate directly on your serotonin system. The syndrome and its associated complications are much more common among users of MAOIs, which are inherent in the mixture of plants that comprise ayahuasca.

While the prospect of a blunted trip isn’t dangerous in and of itself, the possibility is nonetheless a barrier to those who may most benefit from psilocybin therapy. For those that are stable and determined to make the most of their psychedelic experiences, tapering off of antidepressants is an approach that’s frequently considered.

Tapering antidepressants for psychedelic therapy

Antidepressants are prescribed for a reason, and tapering your dose will come with inevitable outcomes. Before making any changes to your medication regimen, a thoughtful reflection on whether it’s truly a good time to undertake such a process is necessary. Crisis, major life changes, and instability should be general indicators that now is not a good time for drastic measures.

Ideally, you’ll have your prescriber on-board and notified. Along with brain zaps and general discomfort, tapering can also increase suicidal ideation—discounting the potential benefit of psilocybin, safety is always of paramount importance. Reduction of dosing as not a strict science: a fast taper limits your unmedicated timeframe, but may introduce strong and unwanted side-effects.

Tapering off of antidepressants slowly is often recommended, minimizing side-effects and allowing for time to reflect on the changes in mindset that accompany the process. This isn’t a one-way process—if you feel, at any time, that your mental stability is at risk, reassume your regular dose and delay your psychedelic experience. 

After fully tapering to baseline over weeks or months, it is best to allow for a further 2-4 weeks to fully eliminate the compound from your system. At this point, you’ll be ready to experience the full, mystical and transformative experience that you seek. Afterwards, medication should be resumed, but the dosage can be discussed with your prescriber to account for any changes in mindset.

Antidepressant & Psychedelic Drug Interaction Chart

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05Apr

Magic mushrooms and sleep

April 5, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY health, science

Sleep is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think about magic mushrooms. While yawning can be a common side effect, the stimulation of a trip often pushes the thought of sleep to the background. The experience provided by psilocybin is not unlike a waking dream, though the similarities between the two situations continue well beyond the visuals they’re able to project onto your mind’s eye.

The direct effect of magic mushrooms on sleep

Perhaps the most well-known effect of psychedelics on the sleep of its users is the propensity for wild dreams:

“Even when I close my eyes and feel like the trip has run its course, my mind is still operating at an elevated activity level, I sat in a dark room, but I could still see light. I’d close my eyes and could see flashes of electricity.”

This outcome is probably due to the influence of psilocybin on the serotonin system. This neurotransmitter (a chemical that allows your brain to think) powers the parts of your brain associated with happiness, well-being, learning, and cognition. It also has strong connections to dreaming; namely the speed and frequency of shifts between phases of sleep.

The bulk of vivid dreams occur in the phase known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Research demonstrates that alterations of the serotonin system—SSRIs for the treatment of depression—can modify the time spent in REM sleep each night. The same effect is expected of classic psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms; you may find your dreams intense and vivid, or unremarkably dull or even nonexistent.

The connection between a psilocybin trip and dreaming

When researchers look at the brain images of patients tripping on psilocybin, they describe the pattern as similar to dreaming states—increased “volume” of activity in regions associated with sleep and primitive emotion. Further, when the drug is administered during or just before sleep, it seems to induce higher activity levels during REM sleep, confirming their connection. 

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a preeminent researcher in the psychedelic domain, mentions “a waking dream” is more than just a metaphor when it comes to a trip.

Psychedelics have the capacity to blur lines between dreams and reality, with distortions of time and memory to match. While the realization that you’re dreaming only rarely saves you from a nightmare; a reminder that “it’s just a mushroom, it will end” often helps to soothe a bad trip.

Magic mushrooms and sleep

When it comes to sleep, there are two main things to keep in mind when taking magic mushrooms:

  • Don’t expect to sleep on shrooms. While Dr. Carhart-Harris mentions above that psilocybin was administered to some patients before sleep, the situation is out of the norm. Make sure to give yourself enough time, at least 6-8 hours, between taking mushrooms and bedtime.
  • Be prepared for vivid dreams. A very common side-effect, this outcome may ignite a trip-like dream—or equally intense nightmare. Yet another reason to avoid sleep after dosing, and gives a reason to trip in the morning!
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27Feb

What is set and setting when it comes to psychedelics?

February 27, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY mushrooms 101

“Set and setting” is a concept that is well-known within the psychedelic community, only just now entering mainstream parlance. The phrase was coined by Timothy Leary – American psychologist and psychedelic advocate – in the early 1960s. Recently, the idea is being applied to cannabis in an attempt to maximize therapeutic potential and to understand the nature of memorable experiences – both positive and challenging.

The nature of a psychedelic trip

Psilocybin is the compound in magic mushrooms that creates the remarkable experiences these fungi are known for. It shares a chemical structure that is very similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. After eating magic mushrooms, the influx of serotonin-like molecules tricks the brain into exciting the pathways related to happiness, well-being, cognition, and learning. The result is a “psychedelic trip” and distortions of perception, time and space.

Like most psychoactive compounds, psychedelics provoke a somewhat consistent set of results. Caffeine and cocaine will speed you up, cannabis and alcohol can slow you down, magic mushrooms and LSD make you trip. Unlike the first two, the latter trip can come in many shapes and forms, often playing out in your mind alone. While it may seem unpredictable – a rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions – there is an approach to psychedelics that helps to guide a trip.

What is set and setting?

Set and setting (S&S) are more of any exercise in mindfulness than anything else. It can equally be applied to any drug or activity. In regards to magic mushrooms, set and setting are arguably more important than the dose when it comes to the psychedelic experience.

It’s an understanding of both the world around you and your mind, before even taking a substance in the first place. Psilocybin may have the power to heal both physically and emotionally; set and setting are the best way to maximize the positive outcomes of a psychedelic experience.

Set: Short for ‘mindset’, this aspect of S&S is the consideration of your current state of mind, and the factors that are influencing it. This allows you the opportunity to predict what the general ‘vibe’ of the trip might be. Set also includes your goals and intentions, even if you’re only planning to have a purely recreational experience. You have the power to guide yourself in any direction you hope to explore, understand, or overcome.

Setting: Your environment. Where you are, what time it is, who you’re with – they all have a huge influence on a psychedelic trip. With experience, you can understand more clearly how these factors might influence you. To accelerate the process, consider keeping notes on your setting, to assist in evaluating the impact of individual factors on your trip.

The prime therapeutic value of psilocybin as a tool is the requirement for only a single session, as opposed to a life-time of pills. So, what is set and setting? Considering the potential impact of a trip, preparation and education are incredibly useful for making the most of what could otherwise just be a fun experience. Understanding what psilocybin can do to your brain can unlock a universe of potential exploration and self-improvement.

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27Feb

Tools for maximizing your trip/microdose/etc.

February 27, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY microdosing, mushrooms 101

If you’re trying to get the most out of your psychedelic experiences, or simply want to maximize the utility of a first or infrequent dose, there are tools that you can use. Different approaches—whether you’re microdosing, tripping, or preparing for either—have different methods to make your experience easy, insightful and enjoyable.

Physical tools for tripping and microdosing

These physical tools make up a part of your ‘setting’ or the environment where you use magic mushrooms.

Grinder

Grinding your mushrooms in bulk, before weighing doses, is the best way to increase consistency between experiences from the same batch. This eliminates the chance of getting a “strong shroom” surprise—the Russian roulette of group trips. The potency of individual mushrooms can vary by as much as ten-fold between mushrooms from different batches.

Journal

Tracking the aspects of your trip or microdose in a journal will help you find the factors that reliably provide you with positive outcomes. It helps you define your intention before you begin, track your insights during the session, and reflect on your experience after the fact. Many experienced psychonauts and therapist guides mention the possibility of “recapturing the magic” long after a trip ends—simply by reviewing the notes from your enlightened states.

Art supplies

Having a creative outlet during your heightened state is often a strong suggestion, especially alongside a journal. This can be something as simple as some pencils and paper, all the way to clay and paints. Even microdosing is associated with increased creativity and other measures of divergent thinking.

Prepared psilocybin products

One of the easiest ways to maximize your trip or microdosing is to buy prepared psilocybin products, skipping the hassle of grinding and dosing. Some examples include encapsulated microdoses with a dash of cacao; simple, pre-dosed, quarter-gram capsules; or more sophisticated blends that might include additions like CBD or ginseng. With some preparation and empty capsules, you can develop and create your own preferred blends alongside quality dried mushrooms.

Additions

Like the cacao, CBD and ginseng that are mentioned in the products above, there are some other well-known options that might make your experience different or more enjoyable.

Lemon

While it’s not totally clear, something in lemons accentuates the psilocybin trip. It often intensifies and shortens the experience, though it doesn’t do it reliably. Other acidic substances like citrus or tomato can also mimic this phenomenon.

Ginger

Ginger is known to treat indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. This is due to its ability to provoke gastric movement and emptying. If you’re prone to nausea after eating magic mushrooms, consider adding ginger in some way, or preparing a tea.

Cannabis

Many psychonauts are considering how they can introduce cannabis into their magic mushroom experiences, given expanding legalization. Combining the two can both intensify your trip, and potentially cloud the overall adventure. The possible effects will also depend on the potency of your cannabis, and whether it is THC- or CBD-rich.

Applying these tools have the power to maximize your trips and super-charge your microdoses.

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27Feb

Physical effects of magic mushrooms: What to expect

February 27, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY mushrooms 101

The most obvious outcome of eating magic mushrooms is a memorable and mind-expanding trip. However, like anything with that kind of power, a few side effects are inevitable. With some planning and preparation, most of these undesirable outcomes can be managed or eliminated entirely. In some regards, a side effect for some might be desirable for others—uncontrollable giggles is the best example.

What to expect from magic mushrooms

Psilocybin shares a chemical structure that is very similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. After eating magic mushrooms, the influx of serotonin-like molecules tricks the brain into exciting the pathways related to happiness, well-being, cognition, and learning. The result is a “psychedelic trip” and distortions of perception, time and space.

Writers have been trying to describe the nature of a trip for centuries, with varying degrees of success. The great, late Ram Dass—a father of the ‘60s psychedelic renaissance—tries to explain with a metaphor:

“…picture a guy on the floor, looking at some spilled Coca-Cola…It show(s) the people under drugs became so trivial, and their minds became so caught in nothing…It show(s) this person was seeing that in everything there is everything. That in the spilled drop of Coca-Cola is the entire universe.”

Common physical side effects of magic mushrooms

Setting aside the mystical—and deeply personal—experience of the trip itself, there are some physical effects than can easily be explained. Most are fleeting and temporary, rarely lasting more than an hour or two.

Nausea

Magic mushrooms contain more than just psilocybin. In fact, the active compound usually comprises only 2% of the weight of dried shrooms. While the science is still underway to identify other compounds, something in the mix has the potential to provoke nausea. For those who are sensitive, preparing a mushroom tea is often the best way to reduce this side effect.

Yawning

While tiredness or sluggishness are rare—mushrooms are generally energizing—some people may be afflicted by frequent yawning at some point during a trip. The side effect is rarely more than annoying, but those around you might misinterpret the sign as boredom. Simply being aware of the possibility is enough to ensure no one feels hurt through misinterpretation.

Giggles and laughter

Given the energizing nature of magic mushrooms and the massive influx of serotonin into your brain, happiness and laughter are inevitable. This is rarely considered a side effect, but may cause trouble if discretion is required.

Clumsiness

Distortions of time and space are defining aspects of a psychedelic trip. Preparing a safe setting, avoiding stairs, and ‘babyproofing’ your space are simple measures that you can take to reduce risk.

Tolerance

The only semi-permanent, physical effect on the brain is the creation of tolerance to serotonergic compounds after a psilocybin trip. If a similar dose is taken within 10 to 14 days of the first trip, a significantly reduced experience is to be expected. Further, under certain conditions—like those taking anti-depressants—there might be other factors that give you an underwhelming experience.

Education and preparation aren’t required before taking magic mushrooms. However, they are suggested to make the most of the experience and to limit any potential for discomfort or risk.

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27Feb

Magic mushrooms and sex

February 27, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY mushrooms 101, sex

Taking magic mushrooms with your partner can be an incredible bonding experience with the ability to profoundly deepen your connection. Inevitably, the question of sex will arise (hopefully!), especially with a nickname like “herbal ecstasy” that some give to shrooms. Unfortunately, most people will have trouble with at least once aspect of sex on magic mushrooms, but it’s definitely worth trying if the circumstances align.

The connection between magic mushrooms and sex

“Sex, like everything else on psychedelics, is amplified,” says Neal Goldsmith, a New York-based psychologist and author of Psychedelic Healing. “Psychedelics enhance what’s already there, they put you in touch with reality with greater clarity and intensity than you generally experience. That’s part of tripping in general—surrendering, being open, having an accepting, philosophical attitude toward the events that might come your way.”

Sex with your partner while tripping doesn’t even need to happen for your sex life to improve from a magic mushroom experience. Even a solo trip can have significant effects on your sexuality and connection with others. Tripping with a partner can facilitate a deeper connection and intimacy, diminish barriers that might distance you, and allow a whole new level of communication to grow.

“I feel like if you trip with someone it can be like six months of dating in one day because you get to know them on this new level,” says Michelle Janikian, the author of Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion: An Informative, Easy-to-Use Guide to Understanding Magic Mushrooms. “If you’re at a higher dose you might feel overwhelmed or very vulnerable. With so much sensation the thought of having sex on top can be too intense.”

Tips for sex on magic mushrooms

First and foremost, consent is best sorted before you’re under the influence. As with tripping in general—let alone sex—it’s safer and more enjoyable with someone you are able to trust. In a way, nothing is truly ‘casual’ on psychedelics; communication is more important than ever, especially if prone to anxiety. 

If you’re lucky enough to have your stars align, the best moment to take the dive is sometime after the peak. While there’s no real harm in trying before this—given the stipulations above—the intensity might be overwhelming. Time will dilate, sensations of sight and touch will be distorted, and interactions may feel anywhere from alien to complete unity.

Regardless of the outcomes of your trippy sexual experience, it will no doubt be a memorable excursion in your coital repertoire. Anecdotes often end in laughter, fiddling bits, in-depth exploration, acrobatic cuddling, or open discussion. As long as the rules of respect, understanding, communication, and patience are observed, you’re likely to have one of the most exciting sessions you’ve ever had. 

Remember to keep in mind that even after sex, you will likely still be tripping—depending on when you began in the first place. Such physical activity may ground you during the act, with your mind ready to float away again once you’re calm again.

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27Feb

Microdosing at work

February 27, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY microdosing, mushrooms 101

Unlike trip-inducing ‘macrodosing’, people are taking tiny amounts—or microdoses—of psychedelics for a competitive edge, from business to parenting. Like cannabis, the self-therapy is also being applied to a number of ailments, with anecdotes suggesting positive outcomes for pain, arthritis, and ADHD. The trend has been mentioned alongside Silicon Valley executives and moms alike, so let’s explore the idea of microdosing at work.

The demanding nature of work

Modern work is demanding, we all seek to limit the costs it has on our bodies and minds. For the lucky few that are invigorated by their professions, they too strive for burdenless efficiency. Across the spectrum of work, tools are employed to further these goals—caffeine, nicotine, legal amphetamines (e.g. Adderall), technology in all its forms—permissible enhancements to our working and personal lives.

While these chemical and digital boosts may be legal, they’re not without their downsides. Caffeine can leave you jittery, nicotine usually comes with a challenging addiction, pharmaceuticals each have their own laundry-list of side-effects, and technology has enabled individual workloads that would have been inconceivable only a few decades ago.

For the sake of this article, we’ll speak in hypothetical terms that assume the legal use of psilocybin at work. We do not condone activity that may jeopardize your security or employment.

Microdosing at work

Psilocybin shares a chemical structure that is very similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin, exciting the pathways related to happiness, well-being, cognition, and learning. At low doses, the effects are not readily noticeable but may contribute to improved creativity and mental flexibility. While the evidence is limited, these are all attributes that we seek to maximize while on the job.

Further, magic mushrooms are very safe among recreational drugs (cannabis, caffeine, and nicotine included) when taken responsibly and in moderation, with no known effects on the structure or health of the brain. According to Adam Winstock, founder of the Global Drug Survey and consultant addiction psychiatrist, “magic mushrooms are one of the safest drugs in the world.” However, long-term studies have not yet been undertaken.

With all this in mind, it seems like it might be easier to come up with an argument for why you shouldn’t microdose at work.

How to microdose magic mushrooms at work

If you’re interested in microdosing at work, there are a few things that will help you try the enhancement for yourself. Obviously, getting magic mushrooms is the first step; we make this as easy as ordering yourself a coffee—both prepared capsules, and dried mushrooms if you prefer a hands-on approach.

Like any new experience, it’s best to practice before “game day.” Consider trying your first microdose at home, so there are no unexpected surprises at the office. Even with very small doses, there are many different factors that might influence both the potency and the effect. Further, since the effects of microdosing can be subtle initially, you should track your days—and progress on the particular goals you’ve chosen—with a journal or digital tool.

With these tips, you should be able to maximize your experimentation with microdosing at work.

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27Feb

The difference in dosages and terminology: micro, average, hero

February 27, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY microdosing, mushrooms 101

Stepping into magic mushrooms, or psychedelics, for the first time is like entering into a whole new world, in more ways than one. Even before your first psychedelic experience, there is a universe of information and terminology that can feel daunting enough to ignore it entirely. If there’s one thing you really need to know before you dive in, it’s appropriate dosing for an enjoyable trip.

Trippy terms for dosing magic mushrooms

When it comes to magic mushrooms — the fungi that contain psilocybin — there are a few terms that are thrown around when talking about dosing. The most common are microdoses, average doses, and ‘heroic doses’. While these terms are somewhat open to interpretation, there is a range that’s generally agreed upon. It goes without saying — hopefully — that an average dose is recommended if you’re new to magic mushrooms.

The ‘average’ dose of magic mushrooms

An average dose of magic mushrooms is usually in the range of 1 to 2 grams. Since potency between mushrooms from different batches can vary by as much as ten-fold, it’s best to start on the low end if it’s your first experience with a particular batch. Unless you’ve gotten lucky (or unlucky?) with a super-strong mushroom, a dose of 1.5g should not be overwhelming for the vast majority of new users.

This assumes that your mushrooms are dried to the point that they snap like a cracker when bent. If your mushrooms bend and flex, it’s safe to assume that they’re carrying some water weight. However, do not attempt to increase the dose to compensate for added water; you can always re-dose after an hour if you prefer, but you can never un-dose if you’ve overdone it.

Microdosing magic mushrooms

Magic mushroom microdoses are usually suggested to be 1/10th of an average dose, putting them in the ballpark of 0.1 to 0.2 grams. However, the point of microdosing is that the direct outcomes are ‘sub-threshold’, or not readily detectable. Some sensitive individuals may find themselves having a ‘mini-trip’ with only 0.2g; self-experimentation is critical to finding the correct dose for you.

The Heroic Dose

A heroic dose of magic mushrooms is a concept coined by Terence McKenna, the “American ethnobotanist, mystic, psychonaut, lecturer, author, and advocate for the responsible use of naturally occurring psychedelic plants” and fungi. He defines it as any dose that is over 5 grams of dried mushrooms. He added an extra stipulating, in which the dose is undertaken in the setting of “silent darkness.”

While the name may implicate the slaying of dragons, or subduing of villains, it’s not without reason. A heroic dose will be challenging, only advised for those with ample experience. Like the heroes of yore, this dose is reserved for those with ‘training’, experience, or sheer strength of will. The addition of silent darkness adds another layer of ‘difficulty’, by making your mind the only challenge to overcome. In this setting, with a heroic dose, only you can dictate the objective success of such a challenging experience.

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27Feb

Psilocybe cubensis Species Spotlight

February 27, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY mushrooms 101

The mushroom species Psilocybe cubensis has made a big name for itself; from humble beginnings growing wild in the tropics, this mushroom has traveled to nearly every country on the face of the Earth. You may know it by another name — magic mushrooms — of which over 95% of the ones you might grow or buy are Ps. cubensis.

Most magic mushrooms are Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe cubensis — nicknamed “cubes” or “gold tops” — are the most common species of magic mushroom. There are over 180 different types of fungi that produce psilocybin, the compound that makes these mushrooms magic. The native range of Ps. cubensis is actually quite small, largely found in Cuba, where they gained their name.

Cubensis gained its fame and worldwide distribution by how easy they are to grow indoors. In 1976, Terence McKenna and his brother Dennis published Psilocybin: The Magic Mushroom Grower’s Guide. In it, they describe a simple method for indoor cultivation of Ps. cubensis that reliably yielded ounces of mushrooms after only a few months. Until this point, many individuals sought their mushrooms from the wild, with only a few diligent cultivators of both indoor and outdoor grows.

Since the ‘70s, there’s been a growing network of spore (a mushroom equivalent to a seed) traders and sellers. Like cannabis, some individuals chose to pursue the breeding of desirable traits, leading to the creation of strains with names like Golden Teacher and Penis Envy. When you buy magic mushrooms online or from somebody, they will likely be identified simply by their strain name.

The diversity of Psilocybe cubensis

Aside from a few specific strains, most Ps. cubensis mushrooms are indistinguishable from each other, making identification of strain nearly impossible once they’re harvested. In most cases, the strain name can be considered a ‘brand name’ or marketing tool, provided by the breeder at their whim.

The names usually refer to the history or a trait of the strain itself. Brazilian, Hawaiian and Mexican refer to where the mushroom might have first been cultivated from the wild, but it might equally refer to where the breed was developed. In other unfortunate cases, the name may be nothing more than a marketing fiction.

Aside from the strain, other factors are much more likely to have an impact on your trip: dose, set, setting, and the growth conditions of the mushrooms themselves. At the moment, this isn’t really a problem; all available evidence suggests that “a shroom is a shroom.” The real problem, arguably, is that almost no data exists on the differences between strains of Ps. cubensis. There is however one outlier, and that is Penis Envy (PE).

Penis Envy is a truly unique ‘cube’

This notable strain gained its name from its unique shape, characterized by an under-developed cap that resembles a helmet. It also has an albino sibling, the starkly white APE (for Albino Penis Envy). Through some act of nature or breeding, this strain is one of the few that is readily recognizable and generally considered to be potent. 
Magic mushrooms will rarely let you down when sourced from a reliable friend or vendor, the strain isn’t much more than a branding choice, unless it’s PE.

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  • What is set and setting when it comes to psychedelics?
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