PSILOCYBIN

Psilocybin mushrooms (commonly referred to as magic mushrooms, mushrooms, and shrooms) are a family of mushrooms that contain a mixture of psychoactive indole alkaloids, particularly the tryptamines psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and norbaeocystin. When consumed, these mushrooms produce "classical psychedelic" effects (i.e. those associated with Mescaline, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms and DMT). As the name implies, the principal psychoactive component of these mushrooms is psilocybin, which is thought to be converted into psilocin in the body before exerting their characteristic psychedelic effects. Both psilocybin and psilocin share a close structural relationship with the powerful visionary entheogen DMT, as well as the endogenous neurotransmitter serotonin. Psilocybin mushrooms have been noted for their connection to a number of shamanic and ceremonial traditions among various cultures that used these mushrooms to produce visionary or entheogenic states of consciousness for spiritual or religious purposes. Unlike most highly prohibited substances, psilocybin-containing mushrooms are not considered to be toxic or addictive by the scientific community. Nevertheless, unpredictable adverse reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, delusions and psychotic breaks can still always occur, particularly among those predisposed to psychiatric conditions. While these negative reactions or "bad trips" can often be attributed to factors like the user's inexperience or inadequate preparation of set and setting, they have been known to happen spontaneously among even the most experienced of users as well.

 

Psilocybin mushrooms may have been used since prehistoric times. Evidence shows that they have been consumed by ancient cultures since as far back as 7000 B.C. They are possibly depicted in Stone Age rock art in Europe and Africa, and have a history of use in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Many cultures have used these mushrooms in their religious rites and ceremonies.

Psilocybin mushrooms are the most commonly used form of psilocybin and psilocin. They have likely been used since prehistoric times and may have been depicted in ancient rock art. There are hypotheses of psilocybin mushrooms playing an evolutionary role in the advancement of human consciousness and language. Many cultures such as the Mazatecs and even the Aztecs have used these mushrooms in religious rites for centuries and are still used today in Oaxaca, Mexico by the indigenous Mazatec people for divinatory purposes. In modern Western society, they are used medicinally, recreationally, scientifically and spiritually for their psychedelic effects.

Psilocybin, or 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-PO-DMT), is an organic indole alkaloid molecule of the tryptamine chemical class. Tryptamines share a core structure comprised of a bicyclic indole heterocycle attached at R₃ to an amino group via an ethyl side chain. 4-PO-DMT is substituted at R₄ of its indole heterocycle with a phosphoryloxy (-PO) functional group; it also contains two methyl groups CH₃- bound to the terminal amine R_N. This makes psilocybin the 4-phosphoryloxy ring-substituted analog of DMT, and is largely thought to be inactive until it dephosphorylates into psilocin (4-HO-DMT) by the alkaline phosphatase enzyme, via hydrolysis. Psilocin's psychedelic effects are believed to come from its efficacy at the 5-HT_2A receptor as a partial agonist. Unlike LSD, this compound has no significant effect on dopamine receptors and only affects the noradrenergic system at very high dosages. However, the role of these interactions and how they result in the psychedelic experience continues to remain unknown and is subject to ongoing scientific investigation.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS 

SEDATION - In terms of its effects on the physical energy levels of the user, psilocybin is considered by most to be relaxing, stoning and mildly sedating. This sense of sedation is often accompanied by compulsive yawning.  

PERCEPTION OF FEELING HEAVY, GROUNDED, SEDATED - This effect corresponds to the general sense of sedation and relaxation that characterizes psilocybin experiences, this manifests as a bodily heaviness that discourages movement but is typically only prominent during the first half of the experience. This particular physical effect seems to be more commonly experienced and pronounced with certain “woodlover” species of mushrooms such as Psilocybe azurescens. 

SPONTANEOUS PHYSICAL SENSATIONS - The "body high" of psilocybin can be described as a pleasurable, soft and all-encompassing tingling sensation or glow. This maintains a consistent presence that steadily rises with the onset and hits its limit once the peak has been reached. Once the peak of the experience or sensation is reached it can feel incredibly euphoric and tranquil or heavy and immobilizing depending on the dose. 

TACTILE ENHANCEMENT - This effect is less prominent than with that of LSD or 2C-B but is still present and unique in its character. It is repeatedly described as feeling very primitive in its nature often times with the small hairs on the user's arms or legs feeling slightly itchy or even ticklish against the skin. 

CHANGES IN BODILY FORM - This effect is often accompanied by a sense of warmth or unity and usually occurs around the peak of the experience or directly after. Users can feel as if they are physically part of or conjoined with other objects. This is usually reported as feeling comfortable in its sensations and even peaceful. 

NAUSEA - This effect can be greatly lessened or even completely avoided if the individual has an empty stomach prior to ingestion. It is often recommended that one either refrain from eating for approximately 6 to 8 hours beforehand, or eat a light meal 3 to 4 hours before if they are feeling physically fatigued.

EXCESSIVE YAWNING - This effect seems to be uniquely pronounced among psilocybin and related tryptamines. It can occur to a lesser degree on LSD and very rarely on psychedelic phenethylamines like mescaline. It typically occurs in combination with watery eyes.

BRAIN ZAPS -  Although this effect is very rare, it can still occur for those susceptible to it. This component is however much less common and intense than it is with serotonin releasing agents such as MDMA. 

SEIZURE - This is a rare effect but can happen in a small population of those who are predisposed to them, particularly while in physically taxing conditions such as being dehydrated, undernourished, overheated, or fatigued.

FREQUENT URINATION

CHANGES IN FELT GRAVITY

MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS

OLFACTORY HALLUCINATION

PUPIL DILATION

RUNNY NOSE

INCREASED SALIVATION

COGNITIVE EFFECTS

 The cognitive effects of psilocybin are described by many as extremely relaxing, profound and stoning in style when compared to other commonly used psychedelics such as LSD or 2C-B which tend to be energetic and stimulating, it is also regarded as being significantly less clearheaded than other commonly used tryptamines such as DMT and ayahuasca. It contains a large number of psychedelic typical and unique cognitive effects. The most prominent of these typical effects generally include:

EMOTION ENHANCEMENT- This effect can be described as being more prominent, consistent and profound when compared to other traditional psychedelics such as mescaline or LSD. This can lead to strong feelings of compassion, urgency and even completely sporadic moments of intense emotional significance that can also be periodically affected by enhancement and suppression cycles.

EMPATHY, AFFECTION AND SOCIABILITY ENHANCEMENT - This effect differs from MDMA and other entactogens in that it isn't as central to the experience, feels less forced and more natural and is experienced at a less consistent rate. The sociability enhancement in particular only occurs rarely and it appears to be more emotional.

LANGUAGE SUPRESSION - This effect can be described as a perceived inability or general unwillingness to talk aloud despite feeling perfectly capable of formulating coherent thoughts within one's internal narrative. It is much more common among inexperienced users.

ANALYSIS ENHANCEMENT - This effect is consistent in its manifestation and outrospection dominant.

ENHANCEMENT AND SUPRESSION CYCLES - This can be described as constant waves of extremely stimulated and profound thinking which are spontaneously surpassed in a cyclic fashion by waves of general thought suppression and mental intoxication. These two states seem to switch between each other in a consistent loop once every 20 to 60 minutes.

FEELINGS OF IMPENDING DOOM - This effect is usually only experienced during the come up phase but typically completely passes or subsides once the primary effects begin. It should be noted that this effect is relatively consistent and normal for psilocybin and related tryptamines which is why a positive and well-informed mindset is key. Less regularly this aspect can also occur during the peak but will most often be met afterwards with sensations of euphoria, catharsis or rejuvenation.

 CONFUSION- This effect occurs at a higher rate than other psychedelics such as LSD or DMT. It is more commonly observed in users who are inexperienced with psilocybin, or psychedelics in general.

EGO REPLACEMENT - Although this effect is rare and more likely to occur with certain psychedelics like DMT or ayahuasca, it can still spontaneously occur, usually with higher doses.

PERSONALITY REGRESSION - Although this effect is rare it can still manifest spontaneously and is thought to depend primarily on the user's set and setting.

REJUVENATION - While this component can occur spontaneously at any point, it typically follows a difficult phase of the experience, if not the entire experience itself. It is however almost always felt during the offset of a psilocybin experience and tends to slowly transition into the after effects which are generally described as positive. These positive or mindful after effects are sometimes referred to as an "afterglow" and is both common and consistent for psilocybin and related tryptamines.

COGNITIVE EUPHORIA 

VOICE COMMUNICATION

CONCEPTUAL THINKING

THOUGHT CONNECTIVITY

THOUGHT DECELARATION
THOUGHT LOOPS

THOUGHT ORGANIZATION

NOVELTY ENHANCEMENT
CREATIVITY ENHANCEMENT

DELUSIONS

 DEJA VU 
INCREASED MUSIC APPRECIATION

IMMERSION ENHANCEMENT
MEMORY ENHANCEMENT MEMORY SUPRESSION

EGO DEATH
MINDFULNESS

SIMULATANEOUS EMOTIONS

PERSONAL BIAS SUPRESSION
 CATHARSIS
ADDICTION SUPRESSION
TIME DISTORTION

VISUAL EFFECTS

COLOUR ENHANCEMENT - Relative to other psychedelics, this effect may appear to be more saturated.

PATTERN RECOGNITION ENHANCEMENT - This effect typically occurs prominently at lower doses and becomes increasingly suppressed as one raises the dose.

 VISUAL ACUITY ENHANCEMENT - This effect typically occurs prominently at lower doses and becomes increasingly suppressed as one raises the dose.

DRIFTING, MELTING, FLOWING, BREATHING AND MORPHING - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect can be described as highly detailed, realistic, slow and smooth in motion and static in appearance.

 GEOMETRY - The visual geometry that is present throughout this experience can be described as more similar in appearance to that of 4-AcO-DMT, ayahuasca and 2C-E than LSD or 2C-B. It can be comprehensively described through its variations as intricate in complexity, abstract in form, organic in feel, structured in organization, brightly lit, and multicoloured in scheme, glossy in shading, soft in its edges, large in size, slow in speed, smooth in motion, rounded in its corners, non-immersive in-depth and consistent in intensity. It has a very "organic" feel.

COLOUR SHIFTING
COLOUR TINTING
VISUAL HAZE
DIFRACTION

TRACERS

AFTER IMAGES

SYMMETRICAL TEXTURE REPETITION

PERSPECTIVE DISTORTION
DEPTH PERCEPTION DISTORTION
ENVIRONMENTAL ORBISM
SCENERY SLICING

AUDITORY EFFECTS

AUDITORY ENHANCEMENT, DISTORTION AND HALLUCINATION.

MULTI-SENSORY EFFECTS
 
SYNAESTHESIA -  In its fullest manifestation, this is a very rare and non-reproducible effect. Increasing the dosage can increase the likelihood of this occurring, but seems to only be a prominent part of the experience among those who are already predisposed to synaesthetic states.

DOSAGE INDEPENDANT INTENSITY 

TRANSPERSONAL EFFECTS

 Anecdotally, these components are generally considered to be most consistent with the naturally-occurring entheogenic tryptamines such as ayahuasca, ibogaine and psilocybin. They are listed below as follows:

SPIRITUAL ENHANCEMENT
EXISTENTIAL SELF-REALIZATION
PERCEIVED EXPOSURE TO INNER MECHANICS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

UNITY AND INTERCONNECTEDNESS 

HALLUCINATORY STATES

Psilocybin and its various other forms produce a full range of high level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is more consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used psychedelics. These effects generally include:

  INTERNAL HALLUCINATION - (autonomous entities; settings, sceneries, and landscapes; perspective hallucinations and scenarios and plots) - This effect is very consistent in dark environments at appropriately high dosages. They can be comprehensively described through their variations as lucid in believability, interactive in style, new experiences in content, autonomous in controllability, geometry-based in style and almost exclusively of a personal, religious, spiritual, science-fiction, fantasy, surreal, nonsensical, or transcendental nature in their overall theme. (autonomous entities; settings, sceneries, and landscapes; perspective hallucinations and scenarios and plots)

EXTERNAL HALLUCINATION - These are more common within dark environments and can be comprehensively described through their variations as lucid in believability, interactive in style, new experiences in content, autonomous in controllability, geometry-based in style and almost exclusively of a personal, religious, spiritual, science-fiction, fantasy, surreal, nonsensical or transcendental nature in their overall theme.

OBJECT ACTIVATION

 MACHINESCAPES


TRANSFORMATIONS

DOSAGE:

PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS

Psilocybe cubensis (also known as cubes) is one of the most commonly used species of psilocybin mushrooms. The doses for oral consumption for dried cubensis mushrooms are generally considered to be:

Threshold: 0.25 - 0.50 grams
Light: 0.5 - 1.5 grams
Common: 1.5 - 3 grams
Strong: 3 - 5 grams
Heavy: 5 grams +