NZ scientists explore medical benefits of psychedelic drugs and Where to get them
Microdosing involves taking 5 to 10 percent of a full psychedelic hit – and it’s not about getting high. Credits: Video – The Project; Image – The Project
Could psychedelic drugs be the new medical craze?
Local scientists are looking into the effects of small doses of psychedelic drugs. in the hopes it could become a way to treat health and wellbeing.
LSD was first synthesised in the 1930s by a chemist trying to create a respiratory stimulant.
But after the swinging psychedelic ’60s. lawmakers worldwise killed the buzz – and with it, all medical research.
Half a century later, Kiwi scientists at the University of Auckland are testing for any medical benefits from microdoses.
“It might sound outrageous but people use substances all the time that manipulate their consciousness,”. Dr Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, Associate Professor at the School of Pharmacy, tells The Project.
“The effect of a microdose of LSD is likely to be less than a pint of beer.”
Microdosing involves taking 5 to 10 percent of a full psychedelic hit – and it’s not about getting high.
“Microdosing is far in a way the most boring form of consuming psychedelics,”. American psychologist James Fadiman says.
“No visions, no angels, no becoming one with all humanity and all matter – none of that.”
But advocates claim, while the amounts are small, the effects are significant.
“These substances, I found, give me the benefits without any drawbacks,”. microdosing advocate Simpa says.
“You feel a little bit happy or you feel a little bit lighter, you feel a little bit more open. you have a little bit more energy, you’re a bit more on top of things,” microdosing psychedelics coach Paul Austin says.
But, experts are quick to point out there’s still been little research.
“Drug prohibition has prevented scientific progress in this area,” Dr Muthukumaraswamy says.
“We’re not even able to say whether it’s like a placebo effect or that it does create some kind of benefit.
“Very there is some evidence that it might improve certain types of performance and stimulate neural growth.”
But even those who can see the potential benefits are advising caution.
While it’s illegal, it’s getting traction around the globe. In Australia for example the government has thrown $15 million dollars into a nz psychedelic mushrooms nz research fund. to learn more about potential health benefits.
And researchers at London’s Imperial College found in some cases magic mushrooms are more effective than antidepressants.
But before you consider breaking the law to seek inner peace – experts say it’s still early days.
Where Do magic mushrooms nz Grow?
blue mushroom nz belong to the fungi kingdom. Although there are some countries where it is legal to grow magic mushrooms, they can still grow naturally without human intervention.
Magic mushroom nz around the world have been used since ancient times. This means there are parts of the world where these magic mushrooms grow freely. Here are some of the most popular magic mushrooms around the world and where they grow.
Psilocybe Cubensis
This is the most popular magic mushroom around the world found in:
Southern US, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Honduras, South America, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Fiji, India, Australia.
Psilocybe Semilanceata (Liberty caps)
The most widespread naturally growing magic mushroom. They grow in rich and acidic soils such as on grasslands and meadows across Europe including Italy, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Iceland, Finland, Turkey, and Russia.
In North America, they grow in West Coast California up to British Columbia. Some varieties of this magic mushroom also grow in Chile and New Zealand.
Psilocybe Azurescens (Flying Saucer Mushrooms)
These are purple mushroom nzthat have the strongest psilocybin in the wild. They are found in the sandy soils of California, Washington, and Columbia rivers in Oregon.
Psilocybe Cyanescens (Wavy caps)
They are also one of the most popular wild magic mushroom nz around the world. It is alleged that they are native in Central Europe and Pacific Northwest but have been spread more \ since they prefer to grow on wood debris. They populate on gardens, parks, and trails.
Panaeolus Cyanescens (Blue Meanies)
One of the most potent magic mushrooms nz around the world that isn’t under the psilocybe genus.
They can be found in Jamaica, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Mexico, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand, France, and Spain.
Psilocybe caerulescens (Landslide mushrooms)
They grow naturally in Mexico and can be found in South Carolina and Georgia.
Psilocybe stuntzii (Stuntz’s Blue Legs).
A rare magic mushroom that grows in the West Coast and Canada.
Frequent Ask Questions On magic mushrooms nz
Are magic mushrooms legal in New Zealand?
Magic mushroom. Eight species of magic mushroom are known in New Zealand. They can be found growing on animal dung and rotting wood. Some have hallucinogenic properties and have been collected by people seeking states of euphoria. In New Zealand it is illegal to cultivate or prepare any magic mushroom.
How many different types of magic mushrooms nz are there?
There are more than 1 dozen species of “magic mushrooms” in Australia and New Zealand. Four of these species are dung (manure) inhabiting mushrooms. They include Psilocybe cubensis and/or Psilocybe subcubensis (known as “gold caps” and/or “gold tops”). Psilocybe subaeruginosa, and Copelandia cyanescens.
What are “magic mushrooms”?
That means many Kiwis will be searching the bushes, banks. And gardens of Aotearoa in the hunt for psychedelic mushrooms, called “Magic Mushrooms.” purple mushroom nz are classified as a Class A drug. Possession of death cap mushroom nz containing psilocybin and psilocin (the compounds. which causes their psychedelic effects) risks six months in prison.
Are lookalike mushrooms in New Zealand psychedelic?
Pictured below is a selection of the common ‘lookalike’ mushrooms in New Zealand. These blue mushroom nz are not at all psychedelic mushrooms nz nor desirable for consumption. When foraging, be aware of patches where both the psychoactive mushrooms. And the toxic lookalike enoki mushroom nz grow side by side..
How do mushrooms grow in New Zealand?
The scientific name for a chaga mushroom nz is the ‘ fruiting body ’. which usually contains millions of spores. Spores are transported by wind, water or animal activity to a new location. where they form a new mycelial network and produce more fruiting bodies. New Zealand has a fascinating mix of native, endemic and introduced fungi.
How to identify mushrooms?
Fungi come in all shapes and sizes, but a few things can help you identify them. The most crucial part of mushroomidentification is understanding what they look like inside as well as out. So without further ado, let’s get started with our beginner’s guide on identifying Toadstools! How to identify a mushroom
Where can I find a mushroom hunting guide in NZ?
Langland’s foraging guides are excellent for this and can be purchased on TradeMe. Shirley Kerr’s Field Guide to New Zealand Fungi is helpful. and the Mushroom Hunting of New Zealand Facebook group is full of experts and hobbyists who are happy to help. Regional workshops can be found with a quick online search.
Are lookalike magic mushrooms nz psychedelic?
Pictured below is a selection of the common ‘lookalike’ mushrooms in New Zealand. These mushrooms are not at all nz psychedelic mushrooms nor desirable for consumption. When foraging, be aware of patches where both the psychoactive chaga mushroom nz and the toxic lookalike enoki mushroom nz grow side by side..
How dangerous are magic mushrooms nz?
New Zealand is home to a number of poisonous mushrooms, including the toxic death cap mushroom. Even the smallest bite is enough to kill or cause serious damage – death caps are responsible for 905 purple mushroom nz poisoning deaths. Poisoning through eating mushrooms that are similar in appearance to magic mushrooms nz are not uncommon.
How dangerous are death cap mushrooms?
A Waikato doctor has suffered permanent liver and kidney damage after eating the poisonous death cap mushroom. Dr Anna Whitehead is now speaking out in the hope of warning others about the dangers of foraging mushrooms.
What are the different types of poisonous mushrooms?
Two other types of toxic reishi mushroom nz are fly agaric ( Amanita muscaria ), and several species of magic mushroom ( Psilocybe species). Both types contain hallucinogenic chemicals, and some people deliberately risk the toxic effects to achieve a psychedelic high.
How common is mushroom poisoning in the US?
oyster mushroom nz, or mycetism, occurs in about 6,000 to 7,000 cases per year in the United States alone. Many of the most lethal mushrooms do not appear to be threatening, and in fact several look similar to their edible cousins. These are eight of the most poisonous species of enoki mushroom nz in the world, which should be avoided at all costs.
What are magic mushrooms (psilocybin)?
Psilocybin reishi mushroom nz, commonly known as magic mushrooms nz or shrooms, are a polyphyletic, informal group of fungi that contain psilocybin and psilocin. [1] [2] Biological genera containing psilocybin mushrooms include Copelandia , Gymnopilus , Inocybe , Panaeolus , Pholiotina , Pluteus , and Psilocybe .
What is the scientific name for psilocybin?
nz psychedelic mushrooms . A psilocybin lion’s mane mushroom nz is one of a polyphyletic group of fungi that contain any of various psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin. Common, colloquial terms for psilocybin reishi mushroom nz include psychedelic mushrooms, booms, magic mushrooms nz, shrooms, and mush.
Are there psychedelic magic mushrooms nz?
There are thousands of fungal species in New Zealand, many of which produce similar looking purple mushroom nz to the ones you’re seeking. Pictured below is a selection of the common ‘lookalike’ lion’s mane mushroom nz. These turkey tail mushroom nz are not at all psychedelic nor desirable for consumption.
Are there other species of Psilocybe in New Zealand?
There are several other psychoactive species of Psilocybe found in New Zealand: P. aucklandii, P. cubensis, P. semilanceata, P. subaeruginosa, P. subcubensis, and P. tasmaniana. P. subaeruginosa is distinguished from P. makarorae by having chocolate brown pleurocystidia.
Where do psilocybin mushrooms come from?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. Psilocybe makarorae is a species of psilocybin mushroom in the family Strophariaceae. Officially described as new to science in 1995, it is known only from New Zealand, where it grows on rotting wood and twigs of southern beeches.
Are magic mushrooms legal in New Zealand?
Magic mushroom. Eight species of magic mushroom nz are known in New Zealand. They can be found growing on animal dung and rotting wood. Some have hallucinogenic properties and have been collected by people seeking states of euphoria. In New Zealand it is illegal to cultivate or prepare any magic mushroom nz.
Do psychedelic mushrooms grow in New Zealand?
Well, first of all, 8 species of psychedelic mushrooms nz are known to grow wild in New Zealand. And, we ship our products there. So y’know, the Kiwi’s have access.
What is Psilocybe makarorae?
Psilocybe makarorae is a species of psilocybin mushroom in the family Hymenogastraceae. Officially described as new to science in 1995, it is known only from New Zealand, where it grows on rotting wood and twigs of southern beeches.
Are magic mushrooms legal in New Zealand?
Magic mushroom. Eight species of magic mushroom are known in New Zealand. They can be found growing on animal dung and rotting wood. Some have hallucinogenic properties and have been collected by people seeking states of euphoria. In New Zealand it is illegal to cultivate or prepare any magic mushroom nz.
What are “magic mushrooms”?
That means many Kiwis will be searching the bushes, banks, and gardens of Aotearoa in the hunt for psychedelic death cap mushroom nz, commonly called “Magic Mushrooms.” Mushrooms are classified as a Class A drug. Possession of mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin (the compounds which causes their psychedelic effects) risks six months in prison.
Do psychedelic mushrooms grow in New Zealand?
Well, first of all, 8 species of psychedelic chaga mushroom nz are known to grow wild in New Zealand. And, we ship our products there. So y’know, the Kiwi’s have access.
What are the best psychedelic mushrooms?
One of many species of psychedelic mushrooms nz is psilocybin cubensis. It’s well-known for psilocybin and psilocin compounds. One of the best part concerning the fungus is that it grows all by itself. A mushroom that comprises psilocybin and psilocin is known as a magic mushroom.
Where can I find mushrooms in New Zealand?
By a rough estimate, 1 out of 8 endangered native NZ species is a fungus. Generally, the best time to search for death cap mushroom nz is in the days after rainfall, especially in the autumn and winter months. In some areas, such as the West Coast of the South Island, oyster mushroom nz can be found easily all year round.
What does a gold cap mushroom look like?
Gold Cap Mushrooms – Psilocybe Cubensis – Mushly. Typically, the caps of the mushroom are chestnut brown to golden sometimes with a white ring around the outside of the cap, which is where it earned the nick-name turkey tail mushroom nz from.
Where to find Psilocybe in New Zealand?
99% of the Psilocybe subaeruginosa you’ll find in NZ grow in suburban/man-made woodchips. They grow in chipped Pinus radiata or other white woods, not bark chips. All of the NZ psilocybe season threads are the best place to look for examples of the habitat.
Are lookalike mushrooms in New Zealand psychedelic?
Pictured below is a selection of the common ‘lookalike’blue mushroom nz in New Zealand. These mushrooms are not at all psychedelic nor desirable for consumption. When foraging, be aware of patches where both the psychoactive mushrooms and the toxic lookalike mushrooms grow side by side..