Psilocybin

What is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin, or Magic Mushrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced in certain species of mushrooms. It is most notably present in the fungus genus Psilocybe. Once ingested, Psilocybin is converted by the body into Psilocin, which causes mind-altering effects. In fact, in some cases these effects can resemble that of LSD or even DMT.

These unique compounds bind with the serotonin receptors in your brain, reducing depression and providing an intense euphoria. These effects can also include visual and mental hallucinations, and changes in perception. These changes are especially noticeable in regards to the passing of time, which seems slowed almost to a stop. Negative effects can include nausea and increased levels of anxiety. These effects are usually reserved for rare cases, and are most common when proper recommended doses have been exceeded.

How long Does Psilocybin Last?

The intensity and duration of Psilocybin is subject to many factors. First and foremost is the species of mushroom. Some species also contain compounds like baeocystin and norbaeocystin. Both of these compounds intensify the psychedelic effects of Psilocybin. In addition, factors like set and setting, dosage, and individual physiology can play a serious role.

On average, effects last from 2-6 hours. However, based on Psilocybin’s distortion of the brain’s perception of time, it can feel as if they have lasted much longer.

History of Psilocybin

There has been documentation of prehistoric murals and paintings found in Northern Australia, modern-day Spain, and Algeria that suggests the earliest use of Psilocybin around 10,000 BCE. Some historians claim that the use of Magic Mushrooms was paramount in the development of consciousness in apes. This “Stoned Ape” theory claims Mushrooms acted as the catalyst for evolution from Ape to modern day man.

In Central America, the use of Psilocybin by the Aztec and Mayan Civilizations was common during spiritual and religious ceremonies. They called the Mushrooms Teonanácatl, which translates directly to “flesh of the gods”. Many of their religious writings are packed with mentions of mushrooms. One such writing even stating that Magic Mushrooms were a gift from the creator of life himself.

Indigenous tribes in Siberia and other far reaching Northern European cultures also used Psilocybin. They used it not only for spiritual purposes, but also practical applications as well. The Muscaria genus of mushroom offered its users an altered state of consciousness. In addition, they offered an elevated physical capacity to endure harsher climates. This heightened tolerance was one of the effects of Muscimol, the active compound in the Muscaria Mushrooms.

As time progressed, the use of Psilocybin became more philosophical than spiritual. It eventually made its way into Egyptian, Roman and Greek cultures. In ancient Greece, cults worshipped the goddess Demeter with rituals involving consuming psilocybin. These ceremonies were shrouded in mystery and highly exclusive. They were often only attended by the upper-class, and by scholars and philosophers like Aristotle, Homer and Plato.