News and Science

There are around 14,000 different mushroom species that have been identified in the world, and of these only 180 are psychoactive. Each species and strain can─ significantly or subtly ─ differ in appearance, distribution, and potency. To get an overview, we’ve gathered up some of our favorite mushroom and truffle types to consider their similarities and differences. 

One caveat to mention before diving into this quick and easy strain comparison: the effects of psychedelic substances can (and will) vary from person to person, making the results difficult to compare or predict as they depend on many personal factors and environmental circumstances.

Continue reading →

Before taking a psychedelic substance it just makes sense to contemplate set and setting. Yet another aspect of these considerations is knowing the different stages and lengths of a psychedelic journey. This information can help you to safely arrange your trip and give yourself the proper amount of time to really unfold into the experience. 

Continue reading →

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties. It is widely known for its unique appearance resembling a lion's mane, hence the name. In recent years, research has been conducted on the compounds found in Lion's Mane and the potential benefits they may offer. This article will explore the compounds of interest in Lion's Mane and their potential benefits.

Continue reading →

Whether you had a solo journey or took a psychedelic trip with your friends, whether it was plant medicine in a ceremony or hallucinatory drugs in a clinic, proper processing of these transcendental experiences is both valuable and necessary. Despite what it can feel like, real healing often comes after the trip. 

Continue reading →

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book. And while text may not always capture the trippy visuals and non-linear flow of a psychedelic experience, the written word can certainly transmit a lot of wisdom in its own way. In the spirit of celebrating the books that have supported us along the path of conscious expansion, we’ve created a list of our top 10 psychedelic books for you to enjoy!

Continue reading →

There is no denying it ─ psychedelics are becoming mainstream. This is almost certainly connected to the recent surge of studies that have been revealing the many benefits of psychedelic plants for healing illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

One of the interesting side effects of this popularization is that it has spurred interest in retreats that make use of these substances for healing purposes ─ immersive psychedelic retreat centers are now popping up all over the world. 

If you’re feeling called to participate in a psychedelic retreat here’s a rundown of what to look for and what to expect. 

Continue reading →

Carlos Castaneda catapulted to fame in the 1960s with his mystical books documenting the teachings of Yaqui shaman and sorcerer Don Juan Matus. Castaneda’s life-affirming learnings became a handbook for the new age revolution, and his books still sell thousands of copies each year. 

Yet there is a considerable degree of controversy surrounding this literary icon, with some claiming that Carlos Castaneda was a total fraud and that the teachings of Don Juan were a figment of the author’s imagination.

So what is fact and what is fiction? Let’s take a closer look at the mysterious legacy of Carlos Castaneda.

Continue reading →

Cultivating mushrooms at home is a fairly simple process, but one that offers rich rewards. It can be incredibly satisfying to nurture your fungi friends as they grow and there is a lot to learn along the way. In this article we outline some of the essential information you will need if you are interested in growing your own magic mushrooms.

Continue reading →

If you're interested in growing magic mushrooms at home, you may be wondering how to increase the levels of psilocybin, the compound responsible for the mushrooms' psychedelic effects. Recent research has suggested that two key factors in psilocybin production are light and tryptophan.
Continue reading →

Intriguing and terrifying at the same time ─ the mysterious and elusive ‘ego death’ is a concept often associated with psychedelics and plant medicine ceremonies. Loss of subjective identity, enlightenment, annihilation of self… let’s have a deep dive into what the term ego death actually means and how it can happen.

Continue reading →