Education
Recorded human use of psychoactive mushrooms dates back thousands of years. The scared mushroom played a large role in cultures such as the Aztec. It was used in ceremony and ritual for healing purposes. Once European settlers conquered the Meso-American countries in the mid sixteenth-century, the use of the sacred mushroom became forbidden, and its healing wisdom was forced underground.
Despite prohibition, psychoactive mushrooms maintained a strong role in Mexican culture. Maria Sabina, a 20th century Mexican shaman, became famous when she shared the sacred mushroom during a velada (a Mazatec healing ritual) with an American named Gordon Wasson in 1955. This was the first time a Westerner had ever been invited to partake in this type of ceremony.
Wasson then published an article in 1957 about psychoactive mushrooms in Life Magazine, which was the first popular media coverage on the subject. Wasson also gave a tissue sample of the psychedelic mushroom to Swiss chemist, Albert Hoffman. Shortly after, Hoffman, who is best known as the first person to synthesize LSD, also became the first person to isolate two of the main psychoactive compounds in psychedelic mushrooms: psilocybin and psilocin.
Government-funded studies aimed at researching the therapeutic benefits of psychoactive mushrooms began, the results of which were overwhelmingly positive. However, this period came to an abrupt halt. It was the late 1960’s, and there was growing unrest within society. Social movements were gaining momentum, and The Nixon administration was terrified of a societal uproar. As a consequence, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act and The Controlled Substances Act were passed in 1970. The latter is a scheduling system that classifies drugs in order of potential for abuse and therapeutic benefits. Most of the known hallucinogens, including LSD, mescaline, peyote, cannabis, MDA, psilocybin and psilocin, were placed in Schedule I, which meant that they had the highest risk of abuse and no therapeutic benefits. Once again, the healing power of the sacred mushroom was forced underground.
Fast forward to the late 1990’s, and the door for scientific exploration of psychoactive compounds reopened. Studies at American Universities such as Johns Hopkins and NYU recovered and began to build upon the research that was lost during prohibition. These studies continued to find an increasing number of benefits and therapeutic applications for psychoactive mushrooms, from treating end of life anxiety to PTSD, to addiction, to general wellness.
Today, the overwhelming amount of evidence pointing to the therapeutic benefits of psychoactive mushrooms has led to an exponential increase in their cultivation and use within society.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the historic use of psychoactive mushrooms, please visit:
Microdose
Definition:
Defined as approximately 1/10th of a hallucinogenic dose, the term “Micro-dose” was officially coined in 2011 by Dr. James Fadiman, a renowned psychologist and author. In the release of his book, “The Psychedelic Explorers Guide,” Fadiman formally introduced the term “micro-dosing”, though a number of indigenous cultures and modern professionals had already used microdosing to experience a myriad of personal benefits.
Dosing Instructions:
A typical micro-dose for psilocybin-containing mushrooms is between 100-250mg. To find your perfect dose, start with 50mg of dried mushrooms and gradually increase from there. If you experience any changes in consciousness such as yawning, drowsiness, or changes to your visual perception, decrease the dosage. While you should be able to perform your everyday activities on a microdose, it is not recommended to drive or operate heavy machinery until you have found your perfect dose. Whether you take your microdose with food or on an empty stomach is up to you, however keep in mind that if you dose on an empty stomach, you will need a smaller amount to feel the effects. Whatever you choose, it is important to be consistent in order to produce the most reliable results that help you find your perfect dose.
Fadiman created a microdose schedule, in which he recommends one to be taken once every 3 days. This schedule is derived from his understanding of psilocybin’s pharmacokinetic process. The majority of psilocybin is metabolized within 48 hours, or two days, of ingestion. On the third day, the 5HTa receptors are washed and the serotonergic system returns to normal. The cycle can then begin again on the 4th day.
There have been other microdosing schedules created by professionals, but Fadiman’s remains widely used to this day. To experience the best results, please do your own research to find which microdosing schedule will work best for you.
Microdosing every day is not recommended. Your body produces a tolerance to psilocybin, which means you may see diminishing effects after only a few days if they are taken every day. You can compare this to drugs such as caffeine that are used to increase productivity. If you consume caffeine every day, you will need to increase the dosage over time to produce the same effect. Within a few months, your dose can easily double or triple.
Another reason Fadiman suggests leaving a couple days in between doses is that the positive effects can often be felt for several days afterward.
If you microdose every day, you run the risk of normalizing a very powerful medicine. Microdosing is best used as an occasional supplement, rather than a constant crutch.
Benefits:
The primary benefits associated with microdosing mirror those of larger doses. Psilocybin does not have a minimum “threshold” dose for the stimulation of neurogenesis and glutamate/BDNF production. Many individuals who have integrated microdosing psilocybin mushrooms into their weekly routine report higher levels of creativity, more energy, increased focus, and improved relational skills, as well as reduced anxiety, stress, and even depression. Some enthusiasts also report that microdosing psilocybin has helped them heighten their spiritual awareness and enhance their senses.
Macrodose
Definition:
A macro-dose of psilocybin is defined as the amount required to experience an altered state of consciousness. Many factors play a role in deciphering how much is necessary for a macrodose, such as the variety of mushroom, an individual’s size, the foods they have consumed that day and in what amount, and their sensitivity level. Macro dosages are much broader than micros, and can range anywhere from 1-5 grams of dried mushrooms.
Benefits:
Effects can vary greatly depending on the amount taken and the species and variety consumed. Macrodoses reliably produce spiritual, mystical, or transcendent experiences that have lasting positive effects on the subject. In addition to their remarkable effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, and addiction, psilocybin mushrooms also have the potential to radically improve the well-being and happiness of individuals.
Research has shown that psilocybin can also be used to enhance one’s spiritual practice. In a recent study, 75 participants engaged in a six-month spiritual course involving meditation, awareness, and self-reflection. During the course, participants were given either a low or high dose of psilocybin. At the end of the six months, the participants given the high dose of psilocybin showed significantly greater improvements in measures of spirituality such as interpersonal closeness, life meaning, death transcendence, and forgiveness.
For more information about micro and macrodosing, please refer to the following pages:
The Third Wave: The Ultimate Guide to Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
**The following section refers to a macrodose of psychedelics. When microdosing, you should be able to comfortably perform your everyday activities and obligations.
Set and setting, when referring to a psychedelic experience, means your mindset (shortened to “set”) and the physical and social environment (the setting) in which you have your experience. The terms were used as early as 1958 by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, and popularized by Timothy Leary in 1961. They became widely accepted by researchers in psychedelic therapy.
In Leary’s 1964 guide, The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead, he introduced the idea of “set and setting.” Although research has shown that psychedelics are not physically addictive and do not harm mental health, they can come with some risks. To mitigate those risks and maximize benefits, Leary suggested that the most important factors are set and setting.
Set (a shortened form of “mindset”) refers to the mental state a person brings to the experience, such as thoughts, feelings, desires, general mood, and any preconceived notions or expectations about what they are about to experience. The current physical state of the body is also an important part of your “set.” If you are sick, injured, or generally unwell, these sensations may be amplified during the experience.
Setting refers to the physical and social environment that the journey takes place in. The setting can guide or influence the course of the experience on both conscious and subconscious levels. Since psychedelics often enhance the emotions or mood you are feeling, stress, fear, or anxiety due to an unfamiliar, uncontrollable or otherwise disagreeable environment may result in an unpleasant or dangerous experience. These experiences become stereotyped as “bad trips.” Conversely, an environment that provides a sense of safety, familiarity, control, and comfort is more likely to result in a positive experience.
Set
Mental state
One of the most important factors to consider as the user is your current state of mind. Many substances exponentially enhance a person’s emotional state and general perception of the world which is a process that can go in either a positive and euphoric direction or a negative, terrifying, and anxiety-ridden direction.
It is because of this that many substances should not be used during stressful or negative periods of life. Users should be fully aware of the ways in which substances, particularly psychedelics, are known to consistently force a person to face and directly deal with their deepest personal problems and existential anxieties, including past traumas.
Throughout the experience, the user should try to surrender to the effects of the medicine. You should take the metaphorical passenger seat and try not to control or dictate any part of the experience. It is important that people relax and allow things to arise or disappear of their own accord. The user should understand that psychedelic journeys are often ineffable and incomprehensible, particularly at high dosages. A total acceptance of not being able to understand the full scope of what is happening should be present at all times.
You should understand that your thought processes, although more insightful in places, will be inherently impaired along with motor control, conversational skills and general psychosocial functioning. You should view these effects as normal and not feel self-conscious or insecure about them within the presence of others.
Physical state
The current condition of your body is as important as your mood when going into an experience. If you feel tired, sick or injured, these sensations will manifest as amplified versions during the trip which, when combined with the potential body load of the substance, may ruin your mood and the rest of the experience. Instead of tripping during a stressful, tired, sick or injured time in your life, you should wait for a more suitable opportunity in order to drastically lower your chances of having a negative experience.
Setting
Choosing an appropriate and safe place to undergo the effects of a psychedelic is extremely important and plays a key factor in determining the outcome of the experience. The best place is a safe, familiar, environment that is devoid of factors which could elicit negative thoughts.
- Ensure that you are completely free of responsibilities during the experience and the day after, as the simplest tasks can become difficult and potentially stressful under the influence of certain substances. You should relax, remain comfortable, and not perform chores or everyday obligations. This includes driving and operating heavy machinery for obvious reasons.
- Avoid unnecessary interactions with others who will not positively enhance the experience. This includes close friends who are not extremely trustworthy and understanding. The mere presence of others, especially if they are sober, can be anxiety-inducing for many individuals.
- The presence of a sober, responsible, and trustworthy trip sitter is highly recommended if one is inexperienced with psychedelics or looking to push the boundaries of their experience.
- Avoid potentially dangerous, loud, unfamiliar, cluttered, and/or public environments. The more cluttered and messy your environment is, the more disorganized and negative your state of mind can become.
- Avoid general bad vibes of any sort. This may seem obvious, but do not watch scary or unpleasant films and do not listen to unpleasant music. If bad vibes are encompassing the experience, they can easily be escaped by quickly changing one’s environment. For example, if you are sitting down with the lights off, stand up and put the lights on, change the music, or move to a different area. Any negative thought loops can be immediately reset to base level.
Once you have become familiar with your substance of choice and aware of your limits, it is up to you to decide whether or not you would be comfortable tripping in a more recreational environment such as out in nature, social gatherings, parties, raves, parks, museums, etc. The inexperienced, however, should always seek a safe environment at home or a friend’s house. It should be private, with comfortable seating/bedding, relaxing music, a vomit bucket (in case of nausea) and readily available healthy food and water.
*Please note that this chart is specific to Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, and should only be referenced as a general guide, as potencies between varieties and individual thresholds will vary.
- Threshold: 0.25 g – 0.5 g
- Light: 0.5 – 1 g
- Common: 1 – 2.5 g
- Strong: 2.5 – 5 g
- Heavy: 5 g +
Chew and Swallow
The usual way of ingesting psilocybin mushrooms is by simply eating them. In this case, it is important to chew them thoroughly to allow for quicker and easier metabolizing. The psychoactive compound released from the mushroom by your saliva will start mixing with your blood, reaching every cell in your body. It will take around 45 minutes to start feeling the effects, depending on your stomach content – the less you eat before, the better. It is advised to avoid food for a few hours beforehand.
Lemon TEK
Lemon tek is our favourite method of consumption. Not only is it quick and easy, but the acidic nature of the lemon helps break down the psilocybin, which brings the effects on faster.
Consumption is simple. Grind your mushrooms and add them to a small glass (a shot glass works nicely). Then add enough lemon juice to completely cover the mushrooms. Let it sit for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Drink the shot, then rinse the glass with water to collect any residual particles, and consume that as well.
Lime juice can also be used if you do not have lemon on hand. Grinding the mushrooms and adding either of these acidic juices serves as a method of pre-digestion, which helps negate potential nausea once the mushrooms reach your stomach. As long as you like lemon or lime juice, Lemon tek is a fast and effective consumption method.
Capsules
Capsules are another excellent method of consumption. Mushrooms are pre-ground before they are put into capsules, which allows for easy digestion. Capsules are also a great way to bypass the flavour of mushrooms if you do not enjoy it. They are pre-dosed, which makes them easy to take, easy to share with friends, and also great for transport.
When microdosing mushrooms, capsules are the best choice, because they allow you to find your perfect dose through milligram precision.
Edibles
Since many people seem to dislike the flavour of mushrooms, taking them with food has become a very popular method of consumption. We do not recommend combining mushrooms with food, as this lengthens the time it takes to feel the effects and decreases the intensity of the experience.
If you choose to eat your mushrooms with a food source, we recommend raw, organic cacao. When combined with mushrooms, raw cacao has a synergistic effect that can enhance the overall experience. To receive the greatest benefits of this pairing, it is actually best to eat the cacao 20-30 minutes before consuming the mushrooms.
If you are concerned about experiencing nausea after consuming mushrooms on an empty stomach, you can eat a small amount of easily digestible foods an hour or so before you eat your mushrooms. Smoothies are a great option, as the food has been mostly broken down by the blender and will digest quickly after consumption.
Cubensis mushrooms are most potent when they’re fresh, but fresh mushrooms are notoriously difficult to store. They don’t stay viable for long, regardless of the type. For this reason, we only sell dried mushrooms.
For long-term storage, mushrooms should be dried and kept in a cool, dark and dry place. The best way to store dried mushrooms is in an air-tight container (jar or bag) with silica gel packs, in a cool, dark cupboard. A tightly sealed mason jar often does the trick, and food-grade silica packets are inexpensive to purchase online. Vacuum sealing is also a great option. Mushrooms can be stored for to 2-3 years, and possibly longer, without any degradation using this simple, economical trick.
One of the most important factors for growing high-quality mushrooms is starting with strong genetics. It is very difficult to produce high-quality mushrooms with weak genetics. On the other hand, even if genetics are strong, mushrooms require optimal growing conditions in order to fruit successfully. Some of those conditions include: humidity, temperature, fresh air exchange, quality and volume of substrate, and nutrient and moisture content. Using organic growing materials greatly contributes to quality, as this ensures the mushrooms are free from toxic chemicals. Lastly, the time at which mushrooms are harvested greatly affects their quality. We harvest our mushrooms at peak potency, which is right around the time of “veil-break” (the point where the cap of the mushroom separates from the stem). After this point, mushrooms transition from the growth phase into the reproduction phase, and degradation begins to occur.
Most cubensis look alike, and they all grow in the same conditions. Some varieties are known for fast colonization, large fruits, and high potency. The main reasons one cubensis may be more potent than another are its genetics and how well it was grown. However, varieties such as Penis Envy are continuously reported to be more potent than others. This variety grows slower than others, which could account for the increase in medicinal compounds.
As anecdotal evidence grows, a pattern of varying effects between different varieties can be noted. This is due to the difference in chemical compounds between the mushrooms. Today, there are more than half a dozen psilocybin derivatives that have been identified in psychoactive mushrooms. However, most of these derivatives have yet to be studied individually, which means we do not yet know the specific effects each one has. What we do know is that these derivatives are found in varying concentrations between varieties, which corresponds to the different effects noted by users.
For a comprehensive explanation of the different effects between cubensis varieties, please refer to the following article by Psilocybin Technology: Different Effects From Different Mushrooms?
- History, Dosage & Effects: For a comprehensive breakdown on the history, dosage and effects of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, please visit:
https://psychonautwiki.org/wiki/DMT - Storage & Shelf-Life: DMT is best stored away from heat, light and oxygen. If stored correctly, such as in an air-tight container in a cool cupboard, the shelf-life of DMT can exceed two years. Never store raw DMT powder in plastic – use glass or metal instead.