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SUPERFUNGUY

16Feb

Are there different kinds of magic mushrooms?

February 16, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY mushrooms 101 45

Just like at the grocery store, mushrooms of the ‘magic’ variety come in many different shapes, colours, and sizes. The most common is Psilocybe cubensis, also known as “cubes”, “golden tops”, or simply “magic mushrooms.”

There are over 180 different species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin, the compound that makes these fungi magic. Psilocybin can comprise up to 2% of the overall weight of a dried mushroom and is named after the largest group of psychedelic mushrooms, the Psilocybe genus. The compounds were originally researched, synthesized and named by Albert Hofmann, better known as the ‘inventor’ of LSD or “acid.”

Species of magic mushrooms

The original chemistry conducted by Albert Hofmann used samples of Ps. mexicana, a magic mushroom bought from the Amazon rainforest. This particular species has a history spanning millennia, used as a sacred tool by the Nahuatl people — better known as the Aztecs. To them, it was called teonanacatl, or “flesh of the Gods.” They were consumed fresh or dried, sometimes mixed into honey or chocolate for ceremonies or feasts.

With magic mushrooms growing wild on nearly every continent, histories like these are suspected and evidenced around the world. Druidic peoples from Ireland are said to have used the “liberty cap”, or Ps. semilanceata — a species common throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They also consumed an entirely different type of magic mushroom, the iconic red and white-speckled “fly agaric” or Amanita muscaria, that shares the same northern range.

The latter — enshrined in pop-culture as the mushroom from the Mario series — can cause hallucinations and stupor but does not contain psilocybin. It contains an unrelated, psychoactive chemical that may be neurotoxic under certain conditions; these “magic mushrooms” should be avoided at all costs, except under the watchful eye of trained guides.

The many strains of Psilocybe cubensis

It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that Ps. cubensis began to amass its enduring fame. Before this time, most of the mushrooms that helped to power the counter-culture movement of the 1960s were harvested from the wild. Species like Ps. cyanescens and Ps. allenii grew readily from the wood-chips that covered flower-beds and paths within the parks of San Fransisco. 

The publication of Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower’s Guide by the McKenna brothers in 1976 brought magic mushrooms — Ps. cubensis, specifically — indoors and readily cultivated in bulk. Much like cannabis, this move provoked selective breeding and the creation of unique strains and cultivars of cubensis. While the evidence isn’t yet there to support it, many claim that strains have their own distinct personality that can influence your psychedelic trip.

Strains or species, they’re all magic mushrooms

It’s relatively easy to tell species from strains: species will have “binomial” (two-part) names of Greek or Latin origin (Psilocybe cubensis, for example), while strains often have light-hearted or descriptive names like ‘Golden Teacher’ or ‘Penis Envy’. In most cases, “shrooms are shrooms” and contain psilocybin nonetheless, in relatively consistent quantities. 

As always, proceed with caution and moderate doses whenever you’re trying a new batch, strain, or species.

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16Feb

Do magic mushrooms contain anything other than psilocybin?

February 16, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY mushrooms 101, science 45

Recently, there’s been a surge in reporting on psychedelics. Often, “psilocybin” is used interchangeably with “magic mushrooms”, with little distinction made between the two. This is especially important as results become available from clinical trials — only synthetic psilocybin is used in these settings. 

Active compounds in magic mushrooms

Psilocybin is the compound in magic mushrooms that creates the remarkable experience these fungi are known for. Actually, that’s not strictly true. Psilocybin has little effect on the brain itself — it’s considered a ‘pro-drug’ — and is converted in the body to psilocin, the true star of the show. Psilocin is the molecule that directly interacts with the brain to create the psychedelic mushroom experience.

In magic mushrooms, psilocin is usually only found in trace amounts, where psilocybin can comprise up to 2% of the overall weight of a dried mushroom. Both are named after the largest group of psychedelic mushrooms, the Psilocybe genus, with over 120 different species. The compounds were originally researched, synthesized and named by Albert Hofmann, better known as the ‘inventor’ of LSD or “acid.”

If this was the end of the story, synthetic psilocybin could be considered an exact replacement for magic mushrooms in a clinical setting. While this has been the case so far, the story may be changing.

Magic mushrooms and the entourage effect

The entourage effect is a phenomenon that has garnered much attention from the cannabis industry. The premise is that cannabis is more than just a vehicle for THC and CBD — its primary active components — and cannot be replicated with synthesized compounds alone. This is largely due to a plethora of other compounds, mainly terpenes, that can influence the psychoactive effects of a given plant.

Evidence is emerging that suggests a similar observance in magic mushrooms. It has been known for decades that some species of magic mushrooms contain compounds similar to psilocybin: baeocystin and norbaeocystin. While the research is scarce, it suggests that these chemicals may also have an influence on the brain. 

More recently, trace amounts of entirely different compounds were found in magic mushrooms. They’re beta-carbolines and are known to inhibit an enzyme called monoamine oxidase. This enzyme is responsible for clearing psychedelic substances from the brain; when inhibited, it can prolong and intensify a psychedelic experience. 

Mushroom strains and ‘chemovars’

It remains unknown as to whether these substances — in the minimal quantities in which they’re found — may be enough to differentiate mushrooms from synthetic psilocybin, but their existence alone bolsters the need for more research.

Alongside scientists, these investigations will likely also be pursued by eventual players in the magic mushroom industry. Like cannabis, magic mushrooms have many different ‘strains’ that have been bred over the years. The weed industry is slowly making a shift from ‘strains’ (used for bacteria and viruses, not plants) that describe physical aspects of the plant, to ‘chemovars’ that indicate what the plant contains.

No doubt this trend will continue in an eventually legal mushroom system.

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14Feb

How do I prepare magic mushrooms?

February 14, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY mushrooms 101 41

There aren’t very many psychedelic compounds that can be simply harvested from nature and eaten, with no further preparation. However, this usually requires months of study in the identification of mushrooms and may come with an increased risk of nausea and discomfort.

Most people encounter magic mushrooms in a bag, dried and ready to munch. While this method will definitely get you to where you want to go, there are some alternative ways to prepare mushrooms, which may change certain aspects of your psilocybin experience.

How to prepare magic mushrooms

One big thing to keep in mind is that your stomach has a massive influence over your trip, no matter how you prepare your magic mushrooms. An empty stomach (no solid food for 4-8 hours) can result in a very fast onset and intense experience, compared to eating a large meal just before the mushrooms. Some snacks or a light meal is usually suggested in the hours before eating magic mushrooms, but not required. Be sure to have some calories on-hand for “trip food” in case you get hungry.

Eat ‘em

The obvious first choice when it comes to magic mushrooms is to simply eat them. The downside is that they’re not very palatable, especially for someone who doesn’t like the flavour. The actual mushroom mass – other than the roughly 2% psilocybin by weight – may also contain some compounds that could contribute to nausea at the beginning of your psilocybin experience.

Make a mushroom tea

Psilocybin is incredibly soluble in water, unlike the oil-based and resinous extracts of cannabis. This means that the active ingredients can easily be removed from magic mushrooms with water alone. Conveniently, psilocybin also seems to be relatively stable below 100°C – the maximum temperature of boiling water.

To maximize potency, mushrooms should only be in boiling/simmering water for up to 15 minutes. This is more than enough time to complete a near-total extraction of psilocybin. The process is faster if the pieces are smaller – grinding or breaking up your mushrooms helps. Just ensure that you have a strainer that’s capable of removing the small chunks, unless you don’t mind them in your tea.

Once the psilocybin is extracted into a tea, you can add any flavourings you find appealing to make the brew most palatable. Savoury stocks like chicken or beef can almost completely mask the mushroom flavour, and ginger is helpful if you’re prone to nausea. Your favourite tea can also contribute to the start of your psilocybin experience, by promoting a calm and relaxed state of mind.

Note: Be careful mixing any other substances with psilocybin; including caffeine, cannabis, alcohol, and even lemon juice.

The “Lemon Tek”

Adding lemon – or other acidic substances like citrus or tomato – can significantly change your experience with psilocybin. While the mechanism is uncertain, it is suspected that psilocybin may be broken into psilocin under acidic conditions. For whatever reason, this produces a very intense trip that often also has a shorter duration. This method should only be considered by those with prior experience with psychedelics.

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11Feb

How does Psilocybin affect the brain?

February 11, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY science 39

If magic mushrooms have captured your interest, you may be asking “How does psilocybin affect the brain?” Psilocybin is the compound in magic mushrooms that creates the remarkable experience these fungi are known for.

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.

The effects of Psilocybin

A psychedelic trip is purely temporary, with no known effects on the structure or health of the brain. At low doses, known as microdosing, effects are not readily noticeable but may contribute to improved creativity and mental flexibility. Psilocybin may have the power to heal both physically and emotionally, but the experience will almost always be memorable — regardless of the outcome.

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. If an individual were to have two, back-to-back psilocybin experiences — which is not suggested — an increase in dose of up to 300% might be required for the second day.

This tolerance also applies to other ‘classical’ hallucinogens like LSD and DMT, which hints toward their shared mechanism of action.

How does Psilocybin affect the brain?

Psilocybin mimics the neurotransmitter serotonin, which powers the pathways in your brain associated with perception and reward. Psychedelic compounds like psilocybin are known as “serotonergic” or “classic” hallucinogens, chemicals that directly alter the creation, action, or elimination of the neurotransmitter serotonin. While often characterized as the mediator of well-being and happiness, serotonin has many nuanced roles within the body.

Serotonin, or a lack thereof, is often associated with clinical depression. The frontline treatment is the prescription of SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor. While there is little evidence to explain the phenomenon, this type of drug has a significant interaction with psilocybin and other psychedelic compounds. Anecdotes suggest that SSRIs inhibit the effects of psilocybin and that the combination should be largely avoided.

The interplay between SSRIs and psilocybin is especially unfortunate, given that there is growing evidence that psychedelics can significantly improve severe forms of depression. The FDA has even granted psilocybin a “breakthrough therapy” designation for both Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and Major Depressive Disorder, with clinical trials underway.

Psilocybin and your brain

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. Considering the potential impact of such an event, preparation and education are incredibly useful for making the most of what could otherwise just be a fun trip. Understanding what psilocybin can do to your brain can unlock a universe of potential exploration and self-improvement.

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07Feb

How safe are magic mushrooms?

February 7, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY mushrooms 101, science 38

Before taking any substance for the first time, it’s best to start by asking a few questions. When it comes to psilocybin, one of the first should be “How safe are magic mushrooms?” A key pillar of harm-reduction is education, both the benefits and possible harms.

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

Understanding psilocybin

A psychedelic trip is purely temporary, with no known effects on the structure or health of the brain. 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. 

If an individual were to have two, back-to-back psilocybin experiences — which is not suggested — an increase in dose of up to 300% might be required for the second day. This is often cited as the reason that “No” is the answer to “Are magic mushrooms addictive?” This tolerance also applies to other ‘classical’ hallucinogens like LSD and DMT, which hints toward their shared mechanism of action.

At low doses, known as microdosing, effects are not readily noticeable but may contribute to improved creativity and mental flexibility. Psilocybin may also have the power to heal both physically and emotionally.

How safe are magic mushrooms?

Psychedelic compounds like psilocybin are known as “serotonergic” or “classic” hallucinogens, chemicals that directly alter the creation, action, or elimination of the neurotransmitter serotonin. While it seems counter-intuitive, anecdotes suggest that SSRIs — Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors — inhibit the effects of psilocybin and that the combination should be largely avoided.

Otherwise, according to a global drug survey completed in 2017, magic mushrooms were considered the safest recreational drug. “Magic mushrooms are one of the safest drugs in the world,” says Adam Winstock, founder of the Global Drug Survey and consultant addiction psychiatrist. Compared to users of MDMA, LSD or cocaine; users of magic mushrooms were five times less likely to require medical attention.

The FDA has even granted psilocybin a “breakthrough therapy” designation for both Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and Major Depressive Disorder, with clinical trials underway.

Magic mushrooms and other drugs

Psilocybin has the potential to interact with some other medications and compounds. Other than SSRIs, MAOIs and other antidepressants are the most common interactors. Depending on the preparation method, mushrooms can also interact with acids like lemon juice and potentiators like Syrian Rue. Extra research and caution is suggested before combining Psilocybin with any other substance, even alcohol or cannabis.

For your first few magic mushroom adventures, it’s best to avoid any substance that might cloud the experience. As always, if you are mixing things up, proceed with caution and consume in moderation.

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04Feb

Is there any reason why I can’t take magic mushrooms?

February 4, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY mushrooms 101 31

Magic mushrooms are very safe among recreational drugs when taken responsibly and in moderation. 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.” 

Compared to users of MDMA, LSD or cocaine; users of magic mushrooms were five times less likely to require medical attention. However, there are a few fringe cases that may create some complications when psilocybin is involved. Read on if you’re wondering “is there any reason why I can’t take magic mushrooms?”

Who can’t take magic mushrooms

A psychedelic trip is purely temporary, with no known effects on the structure or health of the brain. 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.

  • If you’ve taken magic mushrooms or other serotonergic hallucinogens (LSD, DMT) in the last 10 to 14 days, it may be best to wait. If you choose to trip again, begin with an average dose – it’s impossible to estimate an accurate, higher dose to compensate for tolerance

Psychedelic compounds like psilocybin are known as “serotonergic” or “classic” hallucinogens, chemicals that directly alter the creation, action, or elimination of the neurotransmitter serotonin. While it seems counter-intuitive, anecdotes suggest that SSRIs — Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors — inhibit the effects of psilocybin.

  • If you are taking SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, TCAs or other serotonergic drugs, it is best to avoid magic mushrooms unless under the supervision of a trained therapist

Depending on the preparation method, mushrooms can also interact with acids like lemon juice and potentiators like Syrian Rue. Extra research and caution is suggested before combining Psilocybin with any other substance, even alcohol or cannabis.

  • If you’re new to magic mushrooms, avoid mixing them with any other compound. Alcohol and cannabis can have intensely strong synergies with psilocybin; even things as innocuous as lemon juice can potentiate the experience

For the uninitiated, average to large doses of magic mushrooms and related compounds produce entirely new effects: a “psychedelic trip” and distortions of perception, time and space. For many, this may be their first adventure into an unknown reality, a step outside the cognition to which they’ve become accustomed.

  • If you, or your family, have a history of mental illness — especially any form of psychosis — it is best to avoid psychedelics entirely. The significant shift in perspective and reality caused by magic mushrooms may provoke an initial psychotic episode. If you choose to proceed nonetheless, it should be under the guidance of a trained medical professional

These restrictions and considerations are not only for magic mushrooms, they also apply largely to nearly all recreational substances. The best tool for harm-reduction is education; while psychedelics are generally considered as safe to the vast majority of people, it’s imperative to understand potential risks before exploring.

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16Jan

What is Psilocybin?

January 16, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY mushrooms 101 37

What is Psilocybin? It’s one of the first questions you may be asking when exploring magic mushrooms for the first time. Psilocybin is the compound in magic mushrooms that creates the remarkable experience these fungi are known for.

Actually, that’s not strictly true. Psilocybin has little effect on the brain itself — it’s considered a ‘pro-drug’ — and is converted in the body to psilocin, the true star of the show. Psilocin is the molecule that directly interacts with the brain to create the psychedelic mushroom experience. Perhaps the real question should be why psilocybin gets all the attention.

Psilocybin and psilocin

In magic mushrooms, psilocin is usually only found in trace amounts, where psilocybin can comprise up to 2% of the overall weight of a dried mushroom. Both are named after the largest group of psychedelic mushrooms, the Psilocybe genus, with over 120 different species. The compounds were originally researched, synthesized and named by Albert Hofmann, better known as the ‘inventor’ of LSD or “acid.”

Both psychedelic compounds — psilocybin and LSD — are related in the effect they have on the brain. They inhabit the class of “serotonergic” or “classic” hallucinogens, chemicals that directly alter the creation, action, or elimination of the neurotransmitter serotonin. While often characterized as the mediator of well-being and happiness, serotonin has many nuanced roles within the body — including cognition, reward, learning, and memory.

What is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin and psilocin share a chemical structure that is very similar to serotonin. This tricks the brain into exciting the pathways related to happiness, well-being, cognition, and learning. The result is a “psychedelic trip”: distortions of perception, time and space. For many, this alteration of reality is so profound as to provoke wonder, amazement, awe and a shift in one’s approach to the world.

This state is purely temporary, with no known effects on the structure or health of the brain. Your mindset, on the other hand, is often given a refreshing shake — and a fresh perspective that comes along with it. At low doses, known as microdosing, effects are not readily noticeable but may contribute to improved creativity and mental flexibility. In both cases, it relaxes the rigid structure of thought that characterizes our lives and ourselves.

What is psilocybin? It’s a question with many answers. On one hand, it’s a simple compound that’s produced by humble ‘magic’ mushrooms for some unknown reason. On the other, it is a tool for exploration, recreation and betterment. For some, it’s a portal to a world that can’t be fully understood by earthly minds.

Psilocybin and You

Psilocybin has the power to change the way you think. The psychedelic trip lasts only a few hours, but the understanding and realizations that you encounter during the experience can have lasting outcomes. Psilocybin may have the power to heal both physically and emotionally, but the experience will almost always be memorable — regardless of the outcome.

So if you’re asking “What is psilocybin?”, the best answer may be to try it for yourself. But before you do, be sure to educate yourself on the possible outcomes, and seek guidance if it’s your first excursion.

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10Jan

What is microdosing?

January 10, 2020 SUPERFUNGUY microdosing, mushrooms 101 50

When you’re exploring magic mushrooms or psychedelics for the first time, you may eventually find yourself asking “What is microdosing?” The trend has been mentioned alongside Silicon Valley executives and moms alike. 

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 being applied to a number of ailments, with anecdotes suggesting positive outcomes for pain, arthritis, and ADHD.

What is microdosing?

The traditional format for microdosing psychedelics is to take only one-tenth of an ‘average’ recreational dose. At these quantities, the LSD or mushrooms are not intended to provoke noticeable effects, deemed “sub-threshold.” For microdosing any substance, a reliable scale — or some other method to be sure of dose — is required. Microdoses of mushrooms, for example, are often only a tenth of a gram.

Psilocybin shares a chemical structure that is very similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. After eating magic mushrooms, the supplementation of serotonin-like molecules may assist the brain in exciting the pathways related to happiness, well-being, cognition, and learning. Effects are not readily noticeable but may contribute to improved creativity and mental flexibility.

How to microdose psilocybin

The most important aspect of microdosing, at least at the beginning, is to maintain a consistent schedule. Dr. James Fadiman, the father of microdosing, suggests a single dose only once every four days (1 day on, 3 days off). He stresses the importance of keeping a journal, to track the ‘dose days’ and any changes over time.

An alternative schedule, proposed by the ‘Monarch of Mushrooms’ Paul Stamets, increases the frequency dramatically to 5 days on, 2 days off. He also proposes a ‘nutrient stack’ alongside the psilocybin microdose, including niacin — Vitamin B3 — and another fungus known as Lion’s Mane. He claims the combination of the three promotes neuroregeneration, the growth of new cells in the brain.

Both Fadiman and Stamets place a strong significance in tracking your doses and the outcomes. Journaling alone has been demonstrated as a helpful therapy for the improvement of health wellness. Combining the two helps to solidify microdosing goals and to observe the results of modifications to dose or schedule.

The tools for microdosing psilocybin

There are only a few things that you need to microdose magic mushrooms:

  • Psilocybin: We’ve got you covered, no matter your preference. Mycro capsules contain 100mg of Ps. cubensis and a dash of premium cacao; perfect for easy dosing. If you prefer to make your own capsules of combinations, our small-batch dried mushrooms are ideal.
  • Journal: Physical or digital, you need to track your dose days and outcomes, for maximum benefit. Consider contributing to microdosing science by using the Stamets-approved microdosing app Microdose.me.
  • Scale: Precise doses are critical to avoid accidental trips or discomfort. Grinding batches of mushrooms into a powder is the best way to divide doses and to reduce any variability in potency between individual mushrooms.

With these tools in hand, you can confidently answer — with your own experience — when someone asks “What is microdosing?”

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