Interest in psychedelic mushrooms has increased over the decades as Americans use the substance for recreational, spiritual and medical purposes. These ‘magic mushrooms’ are banned on the federal level, but researchers are unearthing the many ways they could be beneficial.
Mushrooms can be consumed either fresh or dried, and a typical trip can last between three to six hours. They can change the way a person views the world. Some report a positive experience with spiritual revelations, while others report a traumatic experience that worsened their mood and life perspective.
Psilocybin and psilocin are the chemical ingredients that cause hallucinations. It's often advised that you should avoid consuming the psychedelic if you are experiencing mental turmoil, depression or suicidal ideation.
Proponents against mushrooms cite bad trips, physical side effects and even a potential overdose as the detriments of consuming this psychedelic. A new book looks at the effects of mushrooms on the brain, clinical trials, and varying trip anecdotes from bad to life-altering.
Eugenia Bone is author of the new book Have a Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience. Her book takes a deep dive into the world of mushrooms and their place in the world today.
Guest:
Eugenia Bone is an internationally known food and nature writer whose work has appeared in many anthologies, magazines, and newspapers. She is a member of the faculty at the New York Botanical Garden where she teaches classes on mycophagy and psychedelic mushrooms. She is the author or co-author of nine books on food and biology, including the category staple Mycophilia, and most recently, Have a Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience.
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This interview will be recorded on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
