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But there is additional circumstantial evidence

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT

But there is additional circumstantial evidence compatible with our theory. The crime was committed on October 12 - in the season when the deadly amanita could be easily found around Rome. On the morrow after Claudius had eaten the mushrooms and while he was yet alive, comedians were introduced into his presence to solace and delight him, as Suetonius says.

m - effects an individual often takes in with a g

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT

m - effects an individual often takes in with a great sense of wonder and awe. Based on these types of experiences, the label "psychoesthetica" has been used as well. During the 1950's, those experiments of a purely pharmacological nature revealed that, within a specific low dosage range, the effects of psilocybin and LSD were largely similar, except for the shorter duration of the psilocybin experience. That is why there are numerous comparisons in the literature of 10 mg of psilocybin with 100 ug of LSD as equivalent dosages. There are several authors, however, who focus on the more visionary and metaphysical nature of the psilocybin experience compared to other hallucinogenic substances. A. Hofmann conducted self-experiments with both substances and found the altered state of consciousness induced by psilocybin to be both deeper and somewhat gloomier than those produced by LSD. Other investigators have portrayed psilocybin as "friendlier" - a substance that is not as fierce as LSD in exposing possible traumas hidden within the subconscious mind (see Chapter 3.2). Such differences in comparative evaluations of psilocybin and LSD are likely linked to a variety of factors, such as dosage differences, research protocols less than comprehensive and exhaustive in scope, as well as personality and environmental variables. LSD "Flashbacks" R. Fischer conducted a series of experiments designed to study the effects of psilocybin compared to LSD and mescaline. The results confirmed what had already been common knowledge among those who used the mushrooms in various contexts around the world: "flashbacks" are quite rare, and very mild, if they occur at all, nor do abnormal symptoms persist once the effects of the alkaloid have worn off. Widespread reports of LSD-induced "flashbacks" spawned biochemical theories which falsely postulate that LSD is stored inside the body and can be released at a later time to induce short periods of visions and other "psychotic" manifestations. Such conjecture about the body's "storage capacity" persisted despite prior evidence to the contrary that established LSD as a substance rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the body. The assumption of a prolonged storage period following ingestion of LSD had already been debunked by LSD-assisted psychotherapy during the 1960's. According to M. Hausner, who worked in the former Czechoslovakia, several patients who went through a series of LSD sessions did experience "flashbacks" in between sessions. However, the therapeutic administration of hallucinogens was continued in these cases and those flashback episodes that did occur were far less spectacular than expected based on some of the more dramatic descriptions of the phenomenon. Within the context of M. Hausner's studies, flashback episodes turned out to be merely temporary manifestations of issues that had reached the conscious mind. Moreover, flashbacks disapp

Most recreational users of Psilocybe cubensis (whe

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT

Most recreational users of Psilocybe cubensis (when grown in vitro) require a dosage of 1 to 2 gm of dried mushrooms to produce an altered state of consciousness; a clinical dosage for Psilocybe cubensis, on the other hand, had previously been reported as ranging from 3 to 5 gm of dried material. This dosage would be comparable to the amount of fungal material consumed for religious purposes in a Mazatec Indian healing and curing ceremony. In 1982, one research team "found that the level of psilocybin and psilocin varies over a factor of 4 among various in vitro cultures of Psilocybe cubensis, while specimens from outdoors varied tenfold." A fresh dosage of Psilocybe cubensis in Australia would be approximately from 1 to 2 large mushrooms weighing up to as much as one fresh ounce, or as many as from 25 to 50 small mushrooms equaling the same weight amount. Ethnopharmacologist Jonathan Ott (1976, 1993) noted that he has observed "the ingestion of from 0.5 gm to 5.9 gm dried weight (10 gm to 40 gm fresh)", of various species of Psilocybe. Dosage for Psilocybe subcubensis would be the same as for Psilocybe cubensis. Both of these latter two species are macroscopically alike. The usual dosage for Copelandia cyanescens required to induce psychedelic visual effects ranges from 1 to 3 large specimens (cap diameter c. 5 mm), or as many as 5 to l0 medium-sized mushrooms (cap diameter c. 2.5 mm); however, personal tolerance to this species may occur with continued use, and some who consume large amounts of this mushroom have reportedly ingested as many as 50 to 200 fresh specimens of various sizes.

ame was Alexander Schmitt, and I knew that I had

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT

ame was Alexander Schmitt, and I knew that I had died in 1871. As a child, I travelled by boat to North America, together with my parents and other immigrants. In the United States, 1 changed my last name to Smith. I was a logger in a small Kentucky town named Sharpville or Shopville. My life there was hard and full of sacrifices and I drank a lot of alcohol. These circumstances of my existence were indicative of my lifestyle, which included beating my wife and otherwise mistreating her like the tyrant I was. As the experience deepened, I completely identified with the person of Alexander Smith. During these moments I forgot my native German altogether, and my thinking processes unfolded entirely in English. In this manner, I eventually experienced the last hours of Alexander Smith's life. I was lying in bed on several white sheets and was very ill. Suddenly I knew that my wife had poisoned me, to put an end to my continuous degrading treatment of her over the years. I knew that I did not have long to live. I was about to die. Fortunately, the experience ended before I had to face the final struggle against death. Today, over three years later, this unique experience is still etched into my memory in vivid detail. The experience's emotional impact has not diminished with the passage of time. Such experiences of earlier incarnations cannot be explained in terms of the accepted tenets of western science. In any case, a thorough attempt should be made to research the existence and historic accuracy of the locations and persons involved. The individual who experienced the events described above had never been to Kentucky, did not know whether or not a town named Sharpville or Shopville has ever existed there and had never before had the slightest interest in this U.S. state. Due to his strictly atheistic upbringing, he had never thought such experiences possible. S. Grof, however, has described similar sequences and emphasized that they can occur quite unexpectedly under the influence of hallucinogens. He also noted that such experiences are not exactly unusual, when an individual experiences repeated applications of hallucinogenic substances. In closing this section, I would like to present a short account of an experience that illustrates how the effects of psychotropic substances can vary across individuals, depending on the setting in which the experience takes place: After ingestion of 0.6 g of pulverized mushrooms in orange juice, the effects began to manifest after about 30 minutes: An endless sequence of images behind closed eyes. At the same time, no distinctly euphoric nor dysphoric emotional states were noted; the reaction to these images is most fittingly described as "temporary amazement". The initial images of entwined ornaments changed with the passage of time and became plants, some of whom had several surreal characteristics not known to exist on Earth. I believe these ima

ed and large numbers of studies were conducted,

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT

ed and large numbers of studies were conducted, primarily with LSD. These investigators sought to discover the receptor binding sites for hallucinogenic compounds in the brain and to understand the mechanisms underlying the genesis of psychedelic visions. Today, we still lack a sound theoretical framework able to explain the relationship between chemical compounds and the manifestation of their psychoactivity. Even though basic research is certainly important, its methods, unfortunately, are often a function of a rather one-sided pharmacological approach to investigating the effects of psilocybin, LSD and mescaline - an approach that is, in fact, too narrow to address the remarkably unusual nature of these substances and their effects. Misunderstandings between pharmacologists and toxicologists on the one hand and psychiatrists and psychologists on the other can often be traced all the way back to the 1950's, creating a legacy of disputes and arguments that have yet to be resolved. S. Grof undertook the tedious task of analyzing 5,000 experimental LSD protocols in an effort to isolate "absolute" symptoms that are reported or occur all of the time. His results were negative. According to Grof, hallucinogenic substances are non-specific triggers causing a sequence of altered states of consciousness, which do not fit the syndrome labeled "toxic psychosis". Rather, it is the individual's personality, along with the experimental setting that significantly shape the nature of the psychedelic experience. This view is shared by a majority of experts with considerable experience in conducting psychedelics-assisted psychotherapy. Even "real" somatic symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting, can often be controlled through psychological intervention techniques administered by trained professionals. A Plethora of Names The broad range of possible experiences inspired the use of labels other than "hallucinogens", with widely differing semantic connotations: entheogens, psychedelics, illusionogens, psycholytics, psychomimetics, psychodysleptica, psychoemetics and others. "Phantastica" (Lewin) is the oldest label ever used to describe this class of substances. This term successfully evokes dream-like, fanciful aspects of the experience, as well as the potential for euphoric and dysphoric emotional overtones. More recent terminology often says more about semantic biases of those who use the labels than about any factual, objective characteristics of the alkaloids they refer to. Accordingly, official antidrug propaganda since the 1960's has disparaged "psychedelics" as excessively glamorous and too positive a label, as the term was popular among Timothy Leary's fans and supporters. When used in low doses or for the first time, these substances are most likely to bring about a kind of magical transformation of surroundings, with a heightened ability to perceive subtle differences along the color spectru

er a new therapy is adopted, occasional mistakes

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT

er a new therapy is adopted, occasional mistakes are not uncommon during the initial phases. The medical use of hallucinogenic substances was no exception. However, our knowledge base and expertise on essential practical procedures has grown considerably since the pioneering days of psycholytic therapy. Having learned from initial errors, we can now prevent problems and avoid mistakes. Psilocybin as the Drug of Choice Following its initial isolation and discovery of its chemical structure, psilocybin quickly joined the group of hallucinogens used in therapeutic settings. The alkaloid was considered to be quite safe, based on existing toxicological data. H. Leuner still considers psilocybin the most effective alkaloid for use as a pharmaceutical aid in psychotherapy, despite recent progress in developing other substances designed for therapeutic applications, such as the substituted phenethylamines like MDMA. Psilocybin's reputation as a substance well suited for psychotherapeutic applications is related to its extremely low toxicity. Most importantly, dosages below the 10 mg threshold can be measured with accuracy. This is significant, because dosages of up to 10 mg are not only known to be therapeutically efficient, but effects within this dosage range can always be brought under control. The states of consciousness induced by psilocybin last only five hours, on average, and thus can be more conveniently utilized than altered states caused by LSD, whose effects persist for much longer time periods. LSD should be considered a more difficult substance to work with, due to the possible emergence of unwanted symptoms in a small percentage of users and the prolonged process of "coming down" when symptoms subside. Unlike other hallucinogens, psilocybin also has the advantage of almost never inducing "hangovers" the day after experimental sessions. It is important to note in this context that all authors stress that hallucinogens are no substitute for lack of skills on the part of the therapist and that the usage of these substances should remain limited to carefully selected cases. Usage of hallucinogens "merely" shortens the duration of psychoanalytic treatment, as problem conflict areas surface faster and with greater clarity, mediated by the process of selfexploration and discovery that is the essence of psychedelic experiences. Repressed patterns of normal behavior and reactions must be gradually reconstructed within the therapist-patient relationship. The capacity for emotional immersion into one's own problems under the influence of a psychoactive substance is provoked and amplified by the emergence of memories, as well as the elimination of the Me/You boundary. As this process unfolds, the therapist gains valuable insights into existing psychopathologies and psychodynamics. Still, in addition to providing proper guidance for the patient, the therapist must also be able to separate

muscimol acid ibot? nique muscazone mu

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT

muscimol acid ibot? nique muscazone muscarine

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???? Lamanite fly has three main actions, toxic, due? the muscarine hallucinog? not due to muscimol and? l? acid ibot? nique s? dativeand hypnotic due? the muscazone. Consumption reproduces the symptoms? My from a gastrointestinal disorder b? Nign and produces one? Tat d? Ivresse accompanied d? and hallucinations? motor agitation.

JOCHEN GARTZ MAGIC MUSHROOMS Around the World

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT

JOCHEN GARTZ MAGIC MUSHROOMS Around the World A Scientific Journey Across Cultures and Time The Case for Challenging Research and Value Systems * LIS PUBLICATIONS * LOS ANGELES, CA* Figure 1 - Water Color Painting of Psilocybe semilanceata (Germany, 1927) TABLE OF CONTENT (With Active Links' Just Click On A Subject To Go To The Page) "Who Was the First Magician?" - Foreword by Christian Ratsch 7 1. Introduction 9 2. Reflections on the History and Scientific Study of Magic Mushrooms 10 3. The Current State of Knowledge About European Species 14 3.1 Psilocybe semilanceata: The Classic Species Among European Psychotropic Mushrooms 16 3.2 Psilocybe cyanescens: Potent Mushrooms Growing on Wood Debris 29 3.3 Panaeolus subbalteatus: Mycology and Myths about the Panaeolus Species 37 3.4 Inocybe aeruginascens: Fast-Spreading New Arrivals 44 3.5 Gymnopilus purpuratus: Magnificent Mushrooms from South America 51 3.6 Conocybe cyanopus: Tiny Mushrooms of Remarkable Potency 55 3.7 Pluteus salicinus: A Little-known Wood-Inhabiting Species 58 4. Mushroom Identification: Taxonomic Confusion and the Potential for Deadly Mistakes 61 5. The Bluing Phenomenon and Metol Testing: Reality vs. Wishful Thinking 63 6. Mushroom Cultivation: Classic Findings and New Techniques 66 7. Psychotropic Mushroom Species Around the World 77 7.1 Spotlight on North America and Hawaii 79 7.2 Mycophilia in Central and South America 82 7.3 Australia's Mycoflora Attracts Attention 84 7.4 European Customs and Conventions 87 7.5 Japanese Experimentation 93 7.6 Intoxications and the Oldest Known Mushroom Cult in Africa 95 7.7 Usage in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific Islands 98 8. Some Comments on Effects of Mushrooms from the Category Phantastika 102 9. Psychotherapy 108 10. Outlook 114 11. Bibliography 120 Index 129 Figure 2 - Psilocybe cubensis from Australia Figure 3 - Water color painting of Panaeolus subbalteatus (Germany, 1927). Figure 4 - Fresh Panaeolus subbalteatus mushrooms. FOREWORD Nobody knows precisely when the first magic mushroom emerged from the shadows of prehistory to enter the light of consciousness. Nobody knows when the first magic mushroom was eaten by a human being. Nobody knows just who the first magic mushroom eater was. In seeking answers to these questions, we can only speculate. Mycophobes, however, are quick to voice their conviction that only a fool would be reckless enough to want to attain a higher state of consciousness beyond the boundaries of everyday reality. And only a fool would attempt to do this by ingesting those odd little things that mysteriously thrive on decaying, humid soil, rotten wood and malodorous mounds of cow manure. Historically, magic, mushrooms have been feared and hated` since antiquity: magic mushrooms were thought to be made from poisons that had dripped from serpents' fangs; they were considered to be unclean emissions of evil spirits; moreover, mushrooms were a kn

subcubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens. It is unkn

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT

subcubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens. It is unknown if a tourist in Thailand has ever been sentenced for usage or possession of mushrooms. In addition to the collection of fruiting bodies growing naturally on buffalo dung, Thai as well as German residents on Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan began to cultivate the mushrooms, outdoors and inside houses. In accordance with the "natural cultivation" approach, rice debris was added to fresh manure and mixed with dung already permeated by mycelia. After prohibition, mushroom cultivation continued at hard-to-reach wilderness locations. Moreover, Allen found evidence that some restaurants temporarily served dishes made from regular table mushrooms apparently spiked with a synthetic hallucinogen (LSD?) whose effects lasted much longer than those of psilocybin. This dangerous practice caused unexpected reactions with effects lasting for up to 10 hours. Some consumers experienced dysphoric side effects which persisted for as long as several days. One individual developed an aversion against all kinds of mushroom dishes for several months. As in Mexico during the sixties, a large variety of mushroom images and products are marketed commercially in Thailand these days. Among merchandise offered for sale there are hand-painted and mass-produced T-Shirts (see Figure 56, p. 78) with pictures of Panaeolus cyanescens and Psilocybe subcubensis, shown together as well as separately, not to mention postcards, posters, lighters and key rings, all featuring mushroom-motif decorations. Allen reported that such goods are available in both Northern and Southern Thailand. In coming years, we can well expect a wealth of new discoveries and insights into the ethnopharmacology, taxonomy and natural chemistry of Asia's mycoflora. Not surprisingly, another new mushroom species was discovered in Thailand in August, 1991 and named Psilocybe samuiensis Guzman, Bandala & Allen (see Figure 60, p. 99). The species is similar in appearance to Psilocybe semilanceata, but the fruiting bodies do not contain baeocystin. Psilocybe samuiensis is a bluing species that grows on fertilized soil, but not directly on top of dung. We successfully cultivated this species on a mixture of rye, horse dung and water (2:1:2), but found that we needed to add a casing layer consisting of peat and chalk (2:1). CHAPTER 8 SOME COMMENTS ON EFFECTS OF MUSHROOMS FROM THE CATEGORY PHANTASTICA Extensive animal research efforts during the 1950s furnished evidence that both psilocybin and psilocin are alkaloids of negligible acute toxicity. Specifically, the dosage of psilocybin that caused death in 50% of the experimental mice (LD 50) was determined to be 280 mg/kg body weight. By comparison, noticeable effects in humans generally occur at dosages as low as 0.02 mg/kg. Animal tests showed that, on average, psilocybin was a substance only half as toxic as mescaline, and at the same time, turned out to

JOCHEN GARTZ MAGIC MUSHROOMS Around the World

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT