Hallucinogens

Among the many species of mushrooms, edible, poisonous, and others, are certain species known to bring about hallucinations. Their usage far predates that of LSD or other modern hallucinogens. In fact, artifacts remaining from pre-Columbian eras often were sculpted with mushrooms surrounded by human figures. These small statues were the first indication that mushrooms were a part of any kind of tribal rite. The significance of such a figure remained obscure for many years. Not until the twentieth century were scientists aware of the existence of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Efforts were then made to collect them and analyze their content.

In 1936, an ethnologist named Roberto Weitlaner collected some mushrooms said to have hallucinogenic properties and sent them to a commercial laboratory, but they were decomposed beyond the point of usefulness. Scientists collected the same mushrooms, preserved them carefully, and sent them for identification. They proved to be Panaeolus campanulatis. The first description of these fungi was published in 1939, alleging to their prowess as hallucinogens.

Not until the 1950s was another mushroom, Psilocybe mexicana, discovered. In 1957, a dried specimen of the mushroom was sent to Sandoz Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland for analysis. An alkaloid in the mushroom was isolated, but its use in animals proved unequivocal. One of the laboratory chemists consumed 0.08 oz (2.4 g) of the dried fungus, a moderate dose by standards of the Indians who regularly used it. He experienced vivid hallucinations. The active ingredient was named psilocybin. Additional analysis disclosed that its chemical structure is similar to serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. A neurotransmitter is a chemical that provides the means of communication from one brain cell (neuron) to another.

Yet another species of hallucinogenic mushroom was found in 1973 on the campus of the University of Washington. It was named Psilocybe stuntzii.

Hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used for centuries in rites of medicine men to foresee the future or communicate with the gods. The privilege of using the mushroom may or may not be passed on to the other tribal members. The mushroom is consumed by eating it or by drinking a steeped beverage in which the mushroom has been boiled. The effects are similar to those experienced by an LSD user-enhancement of colors and sounds, introspective interludes, perception of objects or persons who are not present, and sometimes terrifying visions that predict dire circumstances to come.