Have you ever wondered about the origins of magic mushroom supplements? They come from psilocybe cubensis fungi, which have a long and intriguing history.
What’s even more fascinating, is that these types of mushrooms have had an ancient role in various regions. Various cultures utilized them for psychedelic properties. There was also the belief that the fungi had a spiritual factor.
Join us as we dig up the past and explore the origins of psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. We unpack the early research, modern interests, and current supplement trends. We also highlight the science behind the fungi and address their safety when used.
What was the earliest recorded use of psilocybe cubensis fungi? Some historians believe that millennia before magic mushroom supplements, they were recorded in cave paintings.1 The belief is that the ancient rock art in North Africa dates back to 9000 BC.
There’s also evidence suggesting early use of the fungi in other regions of the planet. In Central America, there are mushroom statues from Aztec and Mayan ruins.1
The Aztecs used a substance called teonanacatl. The term translates to mean “flesh of the gods”. Some individuals claim that this was psilocybe cubensis.
They used the substance along with peyote and other natural psychotropics for spiritual ceremonies. The aim was to induce a trance-like state to communicate with their deities.
Information regarding the flesh of the gods appeared in the Florentine Codex in the 1500s. It’s the first written record of the hallucinogenic mushrooms.
These findings about the history of magic mushroom use are intriguing, but they’re a controversial topic in historical circles.
Some experts claim that these images and artifacts aren’t definitive evidence. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that several tribes in Central America have confirmed their use of psilocybe cubensis. These include:
In the 1500s, there was an attempt by Spanish missionaries to destroy all evidence of magic mushroom use in Mesoamerica.
On the other side of the globe, in Europe, there are depictions of hallucinogenic mushrooms dating back to 4000 BC.2 These findings are from cave paintings in Spain.
Many years had passed before scientists studied psychedelic mushrooms in labs and isolated psilocybe cubensis. The compound is present in various mushrooms in the psilocybe genus.
A Swiss chemist named Albert Hofmann and his co-workers isolated the compound in 1958.3 They extracted it from a mushroom called P. Mexicana. The team also extracted small quantities of psilocin from the same mushroom.
The breakthrough occurred 20 years after Hofmann started studying LSD, by ingesting it himself. Hoffman and Franz Troxler reported a synthesis of psilocybe cubensis years later in 1963, and patented it.
The progress made in research opened up a new understanding of psilocybe cubensis. Five years after the scientists managed to successfully isolate the compound from the mushroom, the US Federal government criminalized possessing psychedelics.2
The new ruling was under the 1968 Staggers-Dodd bill. Psychedelics were even more taboo after 1971 when President Richard Nixon began the war on drugs.4
The government classified psilocybe cubensis as a “Schedule 1 drug” under the Controlled Substances Act. The result was a long halt in scientific research regarding psilocybe cubensis.
Similar restrictions happened in the UK. Legislation prohibited or controlled most psychedelics under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The laws resulted in a long pause in any new information regarding psilocybe cubensis. Almost 30 years passed with psychedelic research being put on the back burner.
Some scientists tried to continue small-scale studies, but the first significant breakthrough occurred in 2000. John Hopkins got regulatory approval from the FDA and DEA to investigate the effects of psychedelics.
Many people believe this action was a catalyst for the resurgence of interest in psychedelics.
Psilocybin mushrooms garnered renewed interest towards the end of the 20th century. A group of John Hopkins researchers got the green light to study psychedelics.
They conducted studies on healthy individuals who volunteered. These people had no previous experience with psychedelics.5 Six years later, there was an intriguing publication of a psilocybe cubensis study that many believed sparked renewed interest in the scientific community.
It was called “Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance.”6 The focus was on the potential positive effects a single dose of psilocybe cubensis could induce.
The publication also discussed the safety aspects of psilocybe cubensis. It was a double-blind study used to evaluate the psychological effects of psilocybe cubensis at a higher dose compared to a comparison compound.
There may also have been cultural and societal factors that contributed to the renewed popularity of these fungi. In 2018 researchers from Johns Hopkins University confirmed that psilocybe cubensis mushrooms could have medicinal uses.
In recent years, some states have decriminalized these psychedelic fungi.7 The new scientific findings have resulted in more interest in medicinal fungi. There have also been major cultural shifts in how people view psychedelics.
Some individuals claim that psilocybe cubensis in small doses can assist with various conditions. These include:
Advocates for psychedelic fungi, typically for microdosing. There are various ways to ingest psilocybe cubensis. Below we highlight some of these methods.
One of the most popular options is magic mushroom capsules. They’re discreet and convenient. It also makes them more portable.
Having psilocybe cubensis in capsule form is also better for getting a consistent dose each time. Capsules also mask the taste of their content.9
Many individuals consider microdoses of magic mushroom capsules as a game changer. It’s easier to take a single pill than to weigh specific measurements.
Magic mushroom gummies are a delightful sweet treat. In recent years they’ve become a favorite for alternative health products.
Magic mushroom gummies are discreet and convenient. They’re also portable and allow for consistent doses. Unlike capsules, these gelatin-based candies have a sugary flavor. This makes them even more appealing.
Some individuals prefer their psilocybe cubensis microdosing in the form of magic mushroom tinctures. Fans of this option believe that it’s a purer option than alternatives.
Like all supplements, tinctures have advantages and drawbacks. Some research suggests that the quantity of psilocybe cubensis in tinctures may be significantly lower than in other supplements.10
The reported advantages of magic mushroom tinctures are that they have a longer shelf life and you can adjust the dosage easily. There are also reports of greater bioavailability with tinctures.
The options for magic mushroom supplements are expanding. People are coming up with creative ways to ingest psilocybe cubensis in microdose form.
One unexpected psilocybe cubensis treat is chocolate magic mushroom chocolate. There’s a science behind this combination. Psilocybin has reported benefits, but so does cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate.11
Indulging in psilocybe cubensis edibles like chocolate form is tasty and may even enhance the overall experience.
Psilocybin is the psychedelic compound in medicinal fungi. The hallucinogenic substance can have varied effects on anyone who ingests12 it.
The fungi have a powerful impact on the brain. Certain varieties are more potent than others. The level depends on aspects like:
Psilocybin impacts the brain. It activates the serotonin receptors in the brain. The result is that it reduces the required energy needed to switch between the brain’s activity states.13
After ingesting magic mushroom supplements, it takes a few minutes for you to feel any changes. The effects typically kick in around 30 minutes after ingestion. The experience then lasts around 3–6 hours.
Each individual has a different experience based on a variety of factors such as age, weight, or how much the person has eaten. Some researchers claim that the compound can continue impacting the brain for weeks after use.14
Some of the effects include feeling:
As more information regarding psilocybe cubensis becomes available, the number of individuals willing to try mushroom extracts grows.
One way of ingesting these psychedelics is with a microdose. It involves consuming very small quantities of psilocybe cubensis.15
Clinical trials looking at using magic mushroom supplements for health have taken a positive direction. However, there is no conclusive evidence that taking a microdose of it can help with conditions like cancer.
Some individuals claim that they can feel the difference when microdosing.16 They use it for several ailments including anxiety and depression.
Research on the safety of psilocybe cubensis is quite limited. Some studies found that it was effective in improving the mood of participants. It may therefore assist with depressive disorders, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.
There are some potential side effects and risks associated with psychedelic fungi. These include:
The recent discoveries regarding the fungi are intriguing. More people are willing to try them out as an alternative treatment.
What is the prediction for psilocybe cubensis and magic mushroom supplements in the next few years? The fungi are currently trending amongst young adults and slightly older individuals.
The future may see more people turn to it for healing.
There are several ways to ingest the fungi. Some people enjoy eating them whole, but others prefer a different approach. Examples include brewing it in tea, having it in capsules, or gulping down a lemon shot.18
As more people become interested in psilocybe cubensis, the list of delivery methods is sure to grow. The types of magic mushroom supplements and edibles available may also change.
Hallucinogenic substances are typically not habit-forming, but there may be long-term effects. These haven’t been studied extensively yet.
Experts claim that the long-term impact could be of a psychological nature rather than physical. The potential risks are:
Many regions still prohibit the use of psilocybe cubensis. In some places, it’s decriminalized. Legally these psychedelic fungi still haven’t been given the green light.
The compound is undergoing rigorous research, and there is a buzz of interest currently surrounding it.20 Advocates for magic mushroom supplements believe these fungi may take a similar route as cannabis and become legal. However, there is no concrete evidence of this.
These humble-looking fungi came into human hands as sacred consumables used for spiritual practice. Over time, it became a topic of scientific exploration, and in recent years garnered mainstream acceptance.
The 20th century was a time of renewed perspectives surrounding psychedelics. It was only with the turn of the 21st century, that the stigma started fading. It’s also the era where experts began uncovering the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybe cubensis.
Now that the topic of psychedelic fungi has got you curious, check out Good Moods. Here you’ll find the ultimate guide to medicinal fungi.
Good Moods Inc. 70 SW Century Dr
Bend, Oregon 97702
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