Hey there, fellow mind-explorers! Ever wondered about the funky effects of mind-altering substances? Well, buckle up, ’cause today we’re diving into the differences between two groovy favorites: muscimol and psilocybin.
Let’s kick it off with psilocybin:
Psilocybin mushrooms, aka magic mushrooms, are getting a ton of attention lately, with decriminalization efforts popping up worldwide. Now, hold up! Decriminalization ain’t the same as legalization. It means you won’t end up in the slammer for a trip, but starting a shroom-based biz or local dispensary might lead to some seriously bad vibes. Orange jumpsuits just aren’t my style, you know?
But let’s get real, folks. Mushrooms that can make you see unicorns and groove with gnomes? Sounds like a party to me! Sure, they might not be office-friendly or interview material, but when it comes to embracing your inner hippie, the OG magic mushrooms are where it’s at.
Shroomin’ Adventure
Just remember to have a buddy around during your trip, so they can make sure you don’t go thinking you’re invincible or help you navigate intense healing journeys where buried traumas might surface. My girlfriend once saw her house transform into an endless jungle where she got totally lost. So, be mentally prepared for some wild possibilities and make it a team effort. Whether it’s a trip sitter or a trusted pal, having good company makes all the difference.
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is a mind-bending stimulant. It’s famous for its mind-altering effects, ranging from pure euphoria to full-blown hallucinations.
Folks often describe their psilocybin experiences as deeply introspective, giving them a heightened sense of self-awareness and empathy. When taken in microdoses (around 1/10th of a regular trip), it can have a massive, life-altering impact on things like depression and anxiety. Personally, I microdose for the incredible mental health benefits. Thanks to this tiny but mighty capsule and my coach, I’ve been off pharmaceuticals for almost two years now!
That’s why psilocybin has been decriminalized, and officials are starting to loosen up due to its undeniable benefits in processing stress and improving day-to-day mood.
And for those of you brave souls venturing into commercializing it before it’s fully cleared for takeoff, mad love and respect! (Sorry, I can’t reveal these mushroom heroes and heroines.)
Now, let me introduce you to muscimol – the yin to psilocybin’s yang.
This little buddy is found in the Amanita muscaria mushroom, a.k.a. the fly agaric. In its raw form, Amanita Muscaria can be a potent hallucinogen, technically a psychedelic mushroom. (Seriously, have you seen Alice in Wonderland?)
But here’s the kicker: the raw, unprocessed version of this mushroom contains ibotenic acid, which can cause a rather unpleasant and crappy experience – and I mean literally! You’ll end up puking and crapping your brains out before embarking on an interdimensional journey. Not my idea of a good time, thanks.
So, if you stumble upon this beautiful red and white-spotted mushroom in the wild, don’t eat it raw. Leave the harvesting and extraction to the pros. And guess what? Thanks to some recent discoveries, these pros aren’t just shamans anymore!
Mushroom Shaman
Shamans used to consume it themselves, allowing their bodies to eliminate the ibotenic acid, and then serve up their urine to eager students. Safety first, but ewww, right?
Don’t panic, though. You can still touch and admire it. In its raw form, it’s not as dangerous as some make it out to be – unlike its deadly sister, the Death Cap mushroom (scientifically known as Amanita phalloides). That one’s responsible for most mushroom-related deaths worldwide. Talk about terrifying!
So, unless you’re out on a day trip with a vetted mycologist like Paul Stamets or a well-educated foraging club, I’d suggest getting close enough to these fungi to snap some IG-worthy pics using the portrait mode on your new iPhone 14. That depth of field is pure magic, right? (Check out the pic of me and Paul Stamets. He’s such a fun guy!)
Kim Koehler and Paul Stamets
Luckily, there’s been a breakthrough recently. It turns out that through a process called decarboxylation, the ibotenic acid and other potential toxins can be removed, leaving behind only the psychedelic compound muscimol. No shamans or reindeer urine required. Hooray for science!
Unlike other psychedelics, muscimol actually interacts with the GABA-A receptors instead of serotonin receptors, like its magical cousin. When muscimol binds to GABA-A receptors, it boosts the inhibitory effects of GABA neurotransmitters, leading to reduced neuronal activity and a calm, relaxed effect on the brain. Sounds trippy, right?
Simply put, if you consume pure muscimol, you’ll feel chill AF instead of potentially witnessing your living room transform into a lush jungle with bending walls or faces melting before your eyes. Trust me, avoid looking in the mirror when that happens…
Yep, you heard it right! Instead of wild visual and auditory hallucinations, muscimol will give you a tranquil and relaxed vibe. Some even describe it as having a hypnotic effect, which can be a trip in itself.
So, to wrap it up: muscimol chills you out in smaller doses and takes you on a dream-like journey when you go all-in. Meanwhile, high doses of psilocybin rev you up and transport you to a whole new, potentially intergalactic world of feelings.
Both can be incredibly intense depending on your body chemistry, so approach them with caution. But trust me, they offer unique experiences worth exploring if you’re curious.
While psilocybin is still a buzzkill, illegal for commercial use in ALL 50 states, muscimol isn’t!
The biggest difference, for now at least, is that muscimol is legal in 49 states, except for Louisiana. Seriously, what kind of voodoo BS is that?
Until some higher-ups (you know who I mean) try to meddle, muscimol remains unregulated by the DEA or FDA, and you can buy it online directly from a few vendors. Yep, including us!
Give our To the Moon gummies a whirl and chill out.
To sum it all up, if you’re eager to explore the depths of your mind, muscimol and psilocybin are two substances worth diving into. Just remember to stay safe, respect the power of these mind-blowers, and, of course, follow your state and local laws. Happy tripping!
