Written by Kim Koehler
Are you a fan of mind-altering and magical substances? Do you ever find yourself wondering about the different effects they can have on your brain? Well, you're in luck! Today we're going to explore the differences between two popular substances: muscimol and psilocybin.
First, let's start with psilocybin:
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, have been getting a lot of attention lately, with decriminalization on many ballots across the globe.
Decriminalization is NOT the same as legalization-meaning you won’t get locked up for indulging and taking the mindbending journey, but you cannot start an ecommerce business or local mushroom dispensary without the potential of some pretty serious repercussions. I don’t know about you, but I definitely do not look good in orange.
But let's be real, mushrooms that can make you see unicorns and dance with gnomes when taken in macro or heroic doses? That sounds like a party to me! Sure, they might not be the best choice for a business meeting or a job interview, but when it comes to getting in touch with your inner hippie, the original, magic mushrooms are where it's at.
Just be sure to have a friend around during your trip to make sure you don't accidentally think you become invincible, or to hold your hand as you deal with intense healing from deeply buried traumas that may unearth themselves. My girlfriend saw her house suddenly consumed by an unending jungle that she was suddenly lost in, so remember, you need to be mentally prepared for some wild possibilities and it's best to do with a trip sitter, or someone you trust if you are going all in. Psilocybin journeys can be extremely healing and rewarding in the right setting and with the right company.
Psilocybin, which is the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms”. Psilocybin is a stimulant. It's famous for its mind-altering effects, which can range from euphoria to full-blown hallucinations.
Many people describe their psilocybin experiences as being deeply introspective, giving them a heightened sense of self-awareness and empathy.
It can have a massive and life altering impact on things like depression and anxiety when being taken as a microdose. (approximately 1/10th of a typical mushroom trip).
I personally microdose for its incredible mental health benefits- I’ve been pharmaceutical free under a doctor’s supervision for almost 2 years thanks to this amazing little capsule and my coach.
This is the reason it has been decriminalized and officials are beginning to loosen the reigns with the undeniably huge benefits of psilocin on the body’s way of processing stress and day to day mood.
For those of you doing the Lord’s work and commercializing it before it’s totally cleared to do so. Love you, and respect you so mush! (I obviously cannot disclose these heroes and heroines).
Now, Let me now introduce you to muscimol- the Ying to this Yang.
This little guy is found in the Amanita muscaria mushroom, also known as the fly agaric. Amanita Muscaria in it's raw form can be a potent hallucinogen, and is technically considered a psychedelic mushroom. (I mean have you seen Alice in Wonderland?)
But, here’s the kicker- the ibotenic acid in this mushroom in its raw, unprocessed state can cause an unsettling and crappy experience---like literally, you'll vomit and crap your brains out, before you take a trip to an alternate universe. Definitely a trip you couldn’t pay me to take.
So if you stumble across this beautiful red and white spotted mushroom in the wild...do not consume it raw, you should leave the harvesting and extraction to the pros to make it safe, and thanks to some new discoveries, these pros are not simply shamans anymore.
Shaman's used to consume it and let their bodies rid it of the ibotenic acid and serve up their urine to their eager students...safety first, but YUCK. RIGHT???
Don't be alarmed, you can touch it, admire it, it is actually not as dangerous as some make it out to be, even in it's raw form, unlike it's deadly sister, the Death Cap mushroom, scientifically known as Amanita phalloides-This mushroom is responsible for the majority of mushroom-related deaths worldwide. Pretty scary right?
So if you’re not out on a day trip with a vetted mycologist like Paul Stamets or a well educated foraging club, I’d recommend only getting close enough to any of these fungi’s to utilize that portrait mode on your new iphone 14 to get some shots for the IG. I mean, that depth of field is MAGICAL right? (peep the pic of Paul Staments and me...he's such a fun guy.)
Thankfully, as of recently, there has been a breakthrough, It has been discovered that through a process called decarboxylation, the ibotenic acid, and other potential toxins can be removed and converted strictly to the psychedelic compound muscimol, without any Shaman or reindeer urine involved. YAY SCIENCE
Unlike other psychedelics, muscimol actually interacts with the GABA-A receptors, instead of the serotonin receptors like its other magical cousin. When muscimol binds to GABA-A receptors, it enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA neurotransmitters, leading to an overall decrease in neuronal activity and a calming effect on the brain. Uhhh...what?
In basic, easy to digest words- it simply means- if you consume the muscimol only compound, you’ll be feeling chill AF, not potentially seeing your living room turn into an overgrown jungle with bending walls or melting faces-DO NOT LOOK IN THE MIRROR they say…
That's right, instead of visual and auditory hallucinations, muscimol will make you feel calm and relaxed. Some even describe it as having a hypnotic effect, which can be pretty trippy in itself.
So, to sum it up: muscimol will chill you out in lower amounts and give you a dream-like state of mind in higher, while high doses of psilocybin will rev you up and make you feel like you're in a whole new and potentially galactic feeling world.
Both can be incredibly intense depending on your own body chemistry and should be approached with caution, but they offer unique experiences that are worth exploring if you're curious.
While psilocybin is still illegal for commercial use IN ALL 50 states, which is a major buzz kill- muscimol is not.
One of the biggest differences between them, at least for now, is muscimol is legal in 49 states with the exception of Louisiana. What kind of VODOO BS is that?
Until someone high up (you know where) tries to meddle, muscimol is not yet regulated by the DEA or the FDA and can be purchased directly online from a few vendors. Including, you guessed it, us!
Try our To the Moon gummies for yourself, and chill.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a way to explore the depths of your mind, muscimol and psilocybin are two substances that are definitely worth checking out. Just remember to be safe and always respect the power of these powerful substances, and your state an local laws.
Mush love,
Kim