MAGIC MUSHROOMS... What's the trick?

True mushroom enthusiasts, mycologists, archaeologists, and psychonauts dedicate their professional lives to studying and discovering the mysterious world of mycelium. There is always more to learn about these infinitely complex organisms.

Humans have consumed mushrooms since at least 10,000 BC; the oldest archaeological evidence consists of mushroom cave paintings found in northern Australia. We also know that aromatic mushrooms have been consumed ceremonially for thousands of years, dating back to the Koryak people of eastern Siberia (who ate the famous mushroom).

Amanita muscaria) to its use in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican societies.

Most people have heard of magic mushrooms, but there are many misconceptions about them. Many psychonauts and writers, for example, use the terms "magic mushrooms" or "hallucinogenic mushrooms" interchangeably with "psilocybin," but, as Dr. K. Mandrake, a mycologist at DoubleBlind, explains, psilocybin is just one of many potentially beneficial alkaloids present in magic mushrooms.

Furthermore, there are over 180 different species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin, and they grow all over the world. Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and emotions. Psilocybin is a compound found primarily in certain fungi, especially those of the Psilocybe family, which are known as magic mushrooms.

Then there's the more recent history, going back to the last five years, where mushrooms and the prohibition of psychedelics have received more attention. Why were mushrooms outlawed? What's happening with the black market for mushrooms and the efforts to decriminalize psilocybin in the United States?

True mushroom enthusiasts, mycologists, archaeologists, and psychonauts dedicate their professional lives to studying and discovering the mysterious world of mycelium. There is always more to learn about these infinitely complex organisms.

Humans have consumed mushrooms since at least 10,000 BC; the oldest archaeological evidence consists of mushroom cave paintings found in northern Australia. We also know that aromatic mushrooms have been consumed ceremonially for thousands of years, dating back to the Koryak people of eastern Siberia (who ate the famous mushroom).

Amanita muscaria) to its use in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican societies.

Most people have heard of magic mushrooms, but there are many misconceptions about them. Many psychonauts and writers, for example, use the terms "magic mushrooms" or "hallucinogenic mushrooms" interchangeably with "psilocybin," but, as Dr. K. Mandrake, a mycologist at DoubleBlind, explains, psilocybin is just one of many potentially beneficial alkaloids present in magic mushrooms.

Furthermore, there are over 180 different species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin, and they grow all over the world. Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and emotions. Psilocybin is a compound found primarily in certain fungi, especially those of the Psilocybe family, which are known as magic mushrooms.

Then there's the more recent history, going back to the last five years, where mushrooms and the prohibition of psychedelics have received more attention. Why were mushrooms outlawed? What's happening with the black market for mushrooms and the efforts to decriminalize psilocybin in the United States?

Neighborhood Guru

Cannabis Advocate

Psilocybin Connoisseur

@yourneighborhoodguru