Mechanism of action

Psychedelics include a number of different substances that change the way we think and perceive reality. Both the effect and the duration vary, but common to all the so-called classic psychedelics, is that they activate the brains serotonin receptors, and inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in the synapses. It is still unclear exactly how the drugs lead to the subjective experiences one experiences, but as mentioned above, it is assumed that it is connected to the fact that the activity in the so-called default network in the brain is reduced, while at the same time there is increased activity in the nerve pathways that connect other parts of the brain together. Thus the traveler can see the world without the limiting filter we usually see it through. 
 

Where are psychedelics found?

Substances with psychedelic effects have been found in animals, plants and mushrooms across large parts of the world. Examples are the peyote cactus (contains mescaline), and the 5-MeO-DMT-producing Colorado toad in Mexico, the DMT-containing plant psychotria viridis in South America. We humans also produce small amounts of DMT in our bodies. 

In Europe, we find agaric mushrooms, which contain the psychedelic substance psilocybin. The most common thrip mushroom is nevertheless psilocybe cubensis. This comes in many sub-varieties with slightly different properties, and can also be grown indoors. In addition to all the naturally occurring psychedelic substances, there are a large number of synthesized psychedelic substances. 

Traditional use

Psychedelic plants and growths have been used, and are still used, by various indigenous groups in ceremonial and religious contexts. The psychedelic plant brew ayahuasca has been used by indigenous peoples in South America for hundreds of years, if not longer, while archeological finds from Texas suggest that peyote was used in this area as early as 3700 BC. Psilocybin was first identified in mushrooms used in religious contexts by the indigenous people of Mexico, and was brought to Europe by scientists Valentina Pavlovna Wasson and R. Gordon Wasson. ​There is also much evidence that such substances were in common ritualistic use in ancient Greece.

 

Modern Europe, on the other hand - or more correctly the so-called Western world - is one of the few cultures throughout human history that lacks a widely accepted way of using psychedelics. This must be assumed to be partly connected with the fact that what one experiences in these "trips" completely breaks with the ideas we like to stick to when it comes to what is true and real, and the very fabric of reality itself. Very few with some psychedelic experience remain very concerned with holding onto an exclusively material worldview. 

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The various substances

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LSD

One of the most famous psychedelic substances is LSD, which was synthesized by Albert Hofmann in 1938. The synthesis was based on alkaloids found in the rye mushroom ergot. LSD, also known as acid, has a very powerful effect that can last for ten to fourteen hours. The long effect makes you feel like you have taken part in an endless journey through time and space. For example, a single stroke of the piano string can feel like an eternity, telling stories that hardly can be expressed in words. LSD is not toxic to the body, and it is not possible to become addicted to the substance. Imitator substances exist, but are relatively rare. LSD can be easily tested with a kit. 

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Psilocybin

Psilocybin is found in a number of mushroom species, including Psilocybe Cubensis. The trip typically lasts for 4-6 hours and is very similar to LSD. Like LSD, psilocybin can provide a strong feeling of well-being, along with enhanced sensory impressions and synesthesia, i.e. mixing of senses. - For example, that you see colors and patterns when you listen to music. Psilocybin is also not poisonous, and it is not possible to become addicted to the substance. Unlike LSD, the substance is perceived by many to be more organic or "alive". For example, several people encounter the mushroom's spirit, either in the form of a voice, figure or the mushroom itself, as it appears on the forest floor. Many have very strong experiences of receiving advice or guidance from this spirit. It can also be experienced as showing us deep secrets both about ourselves and about the world as such. 

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Eeffects overview

What different psychedelics have in common is that they change the way we experience reality. Colors can be enhanced and flow into each other, you can see patterns you don't normally perceive, and you can hear details in music that you wouldn't otherwise notice. With closed eyes, one can see complex geometric figures or vivid dream scenarios. 

The way you think also changes, and you may experience becoming more associative - or that you think more in symbols and images. Some may feel drawn towards philosophical and existential questions, or reflections on one's own place in life, as well as the relationship with other people and the outside world in general. At higher doses, one can also experience what is referred to in the literature as ego dissolution or ego death, where one loses the experience of being an individual self, and becomes one with the surroundings, the cosmos or  nothingness/eternity. This can be experienced as so great and mysterious that it forever changes the life of the person. 

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Few clinical studies have been done to compare the subjective effects of different psychedelics, and the user literature sometimes gives varying descriptions of similarities and differences in the effect. 

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What about MDMA and Ketamine?

When it comes to MDMA, this releases large amounts of serotonin, which is the substance that regulates sleep, mood, appetite and emotions. A lot of serotonin in the system can be experienced as something close to falling in love. MDMA is also probably the drug that is easiest to obtain. Nevertheless, there are several aspects of MDMA that make this not our preferred aid, neither as tripsiters nor for working with ourselves. 

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Firstly, MDMA can lead to overheating of the body, and in the worst case organ failure, although this very rarely occurs, compared to how many doses are taken worldwide every single weekend. In controlled environments, the substance is considered safe. 

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In addition, the fact that after a trip on MDMA, the brain and body are exhausted, and you can feel empty and depressed. Neither psilocybin nor LSD usually produce this effect - quite the opposite. After a psychedelic trip with one of these substances, you will be often feel better than ever for some time afterwards, although of course you may also be emotionally tired as a result of the material you have worked with. Another potential danger with MDMA is that there is a lot of fake MDMA in circulation. We can possibly help you test this with a test kit. 
 

Ketamine is a drug traditionally used for anesthesia and pain relief. In recent years, it has also become a treatment for depression, and the treatment shows promising results. At low doses, the effect can be similar to alcohol intoxication, while higher doses can induce hallucinogenic effects. This is what is used in the treatment of depression. We ourselves have no personal experience with the substance, nor do we have any opportunity to check whether the substance you may have is actually ketamine. We therefore do not offer assistance if you want to take this substance. 

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Choice of substance

Our conclusion is that psilocybin from the mushroom Psilocybe Cubensis is the best substance for most people, both because it is physically safe, easy to dose and because the therapeutic and spiritual effects are very powerful. 

Both MDMA and ketamine show good effects in clinical studies, but our experience is that for most people the positive effects can be achieved just as well or better with psilocybin (or possibly LDS) - which is a 100% safe substance for the body. Admittedly, there are certain situations where MDMA or LSD would work better.

Nevertheless, it is our clear recommendation to start with psilocybin if you are going to carry out psychedelic development work outside the publicly recognized channels. Not of less importance is the very small chance of confusing psilocybin from mushrooms with another, dangerous substance. This is in no way meant to belittle the effects that can be achieved with other substances, including those that we have not gone into in detail here, such as e.g. DMT - either in pure form or as a component of Ayahuasca. 

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Dosage of psilocybin

A typical therapeutic dose of psilocybin will amoun to approx. 1.6-5 grams of dried mushrooms. For work with PTSD or spiritual development work, even larger doses can be useful. For the vast majority of people, we think it is right to start on the cautious side when it comes to dosage, even if you should cross a certain threshold to indulge in the experience. As said set (your state of consciousness in the situation) and setting (surroundings such as colours, atmosphere in the room, music, the trip sitter's energy etc.) is almost as important as the dose itself. This part is therefore our job to take care of. 

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Our goal is for your psychedelic journey to be 100% safe, and for you to come out of it as a wiser and more harmonious version of yourself.