Johns Hopkins Mystical Mushroom Study

Today I had the good fortune to speak with a loyal Basement Shaman supporter who is passionate about ethnobotany and entheobotany. We exchanged some esoteric info about tropane alkaloids profiles among various species of lovely Brugmansia species, swapped war stories of trying to successfully germinate notoriously stubborn seeds, and pondered whether the archeological evidence of anadenanthera snuffs used several thousand years ago in the highlands of South America is complete.

My companion turned me on to a study which completely escaped my notice, but I think it bears attention. The study involved the use of psilocybin, one of the active alkaloids in what are commonly called "magic mushrooms". The subjects were all quite straight, upright citizen without previous experience with psychedelics/ entheogenic substances. Administration of the compound produced a very high rate of what were termed, positive spiritual experiences which had significant beneficial effects in the subjects outlook and behavior often lasting several months. Further studies are pending. Of course, psilocybin is illegal, and is a officially deamed by the DEA as a pretty evil substance with high abuse potential and little or no medical value. It's refreshing to see an institution with high stature such as Johns Hopkins to brave an area of research that's too often characterized with derision. Check out the link at Johns Hopkins Mystical Mushroom Study

Comments

[Chuck]

Its good to see someone finally studying this. I know that in high school I went to "magic mushrooms" as a party drug. Soon thereafter I realized the power of the mushrooms. I rejected groups of people when under the influence, and came around to many ideas that I would never have imagined without the sacred mushrooms. I now have a devotion to nature and her wellbeing that most "modern" people could never imagine. I will promise you that halucinogens will change you, but as far as my experience goes that change is positive. I'm sure there are people who have an adverse reaction to mushrooms or any other psychoactive compound. Although study of these people is important, I believe that study of those who do not face adverse effects will benefit mankind much more. There is much to learn that the average person ignores, and only the followers of the poison path understand. Dale Pendell is a smart guy, and I see his train of thought. He knows that plants can be dangerous, but the wise practicioner moves on unscathed. Believe, or not, The drugs will change your thoughts. If you are destined to find a way in the system, you will.

[Seesee]

I too am happy to see someone studying this. I hope in the future that studies such as this will help people to realize that people can benefit from these interesting experiences.