Skip to main content
Historical Use of Magic Mushrooms

© Uni Kaya

The Historic Journey of Magic Mushrooms

Historical evidence suggests that the existence of Magic Mushrooms can be traced back to 9000 BC. These unique mushrooms, comprising over 200 species, are rich in psilocybin, a substance known to trigger hallucinogenic effects. These effects can range from altered perceptions to visual and auditory hallucinations, and profound spiritual experiences. Over the millennia, these mushrooms have seen widespread use in spiritual ceremonies, rituals, and practices across diverse cultures and tribes. A large fraction of these historical instances originate from North and South America.

Magic Mushrooms in Ancient Times

Many cultures throughout history have made use of natural psychedelics. Evidence found in the Sahara Desert indicates that humans were consuming Psilocybe Cubensis as far back as 7000 years ago. Archaeological findings reveal depictions of this psychotropic substance in prehistoric art across various regions. For instance, the indigenous tribes of North Africa in the Sahara have showcased its usage in their paintings dating back to 9000 BC. Similarly, the renowned Selva Pascuala mural rock painting in Spain, estimated to be 6000 years old, implies the use of Psilocybe Hispanica in religious rituals. The influence of these substances on our cultural evolution, religion, art, societal norms, and everyday life is increasingly noticeable. This substance has undoubtedly left a significant mark on our culture and society.

A Historical Overview of Magic Magic Mushrooms Utilization

Historically,magic Magic Mushrooms have been consumed for a long period. The psychoactive substance we recognize today has traversed several centuries, with diverse practices related to its use. Who can resist the gifts of nature? It’s high time for Shrooms Edibles Online Canada to delve into the historical journey that has led Magic Mushrooms to its current status.

Key Milestones

  1. Dried Magic Mushrooms have been employed in traditional rituals and spiritual healing for centuries. Today, they serve as a treatment for mental health disorders.
  2. Magic Mushrooms became a hallmark of the hippie culture, significantly influencing the psychedelic revolution, and encouraging its recreational use.
  3. Key figures such as Wasson, Sabina, and McKenna played a pivotal role in introducing psilocybin to the modern world.
Canadian Psilocybin Mushrooms

© Jonathan Solter

Backing the Stoned Ape Theory

Terence McKenna proposed the Stoned Ape Hypothesis, suggesting that psilocybin might have contributed to human evolution, specifically cognitive development. Despite some objections, the intriguing nature of the hypothesis is undeniable.

Ancient Cultures and Holy Rites

Historical civilizations depicted cubes in symbols, artwork, and sculptures, indicating the ceremonial use of Magic Mushrooms. The Mayans and Aztecs used it for interactions with supernatural beings, including gods. In the culturally rich Aztec society, it was referred to as “teonanácatl“, which means “flesh of the gods”. The concept of a psychedelic experience was alien to them, leading to its interpretation as a divine entity. Moving north to Siberia, hallucinogenic Magic Mushrooms were deployed by Siberian shamans. They specifically employed the hallucinogenic compound (Magic Mushrooms) known as “Amanita Muscaria” for spiritual recovery and traditional practices, in spite of its poisonous nature. This practice dates back nearly ten thousand years. In African tribal rituals, notably among the Congo and Zimbabwean tribes, cubes were utilised for dialogue with ancestors, to stimulate visions, and promote spiritual healing. These historical civilizations provide context for modern psilocybin use. The reverence for this substance in these societies originated from its divine connections and its ability to trigger mystical experiences.

Magic Mushrooms in Legend and Myth

Several stories, including those by Gordon Wasson, have highlighted the connection between Magic Mushrooms and the spiritual world, underlining its function in folklore and mythology as a medium for divine interaction and illumination. In ancient India, the Soma—a ritual drink mentioned in the Vedas—was thought to stimulate altered states of awareness. Scholars like Wasson speculate that it could have been made from psychoactive plants, particularly fly agaric. Some even suggest that this ancient beverage may have incorporated a mixture of different plants. Regardless of its origins, the psychedelic history suggests that Soma facilitated the appearance of sacred symbols during ceremonies, symbolizing a pathway to superior knowledge or spiritual enlightenment.

The Contemporary Era

A Brief Glance at the

Beginnings

Historical documents from before the age of exploration indicate that psilocybin Magic Mushrooms was utilized by the Mayans and Aztecs. However, during the 15th and 16th centuries, Spanish rulers deemed its use as uncultured, leading to its prohibition. Despite this ban, shamans secretly continued to consume the mystical Magic Mushrooms, safeguarding their cultural heritage for over four centuries.

The Western World’s Reacquaintance

The 1950s witnessed a resurgence of these substances in the West, largely due to the groundbreaking work of individuals like R. Gordon Wasson, Roger Heim, and Albert Hofmann. While visiting Mexico, they managed to isolate the two psychedelic components (psilocybin and psilocin) found in the Magic Mushrooms obtained from the Mazatec tribe. Wasson later shared his adventures, uses, and understanding of magical Magic Mushrooms in Life magazine. His articles and first-hand experiences helped establish the substance as a potent hallucinogen. By the arrival of the 1960s, this substance had become emblematic of the Hippie movement and was perceived as a conduit to spiritual enlightenment. However, its use also incited substantial debate and triggered a shift in the recreational consumption of hallucinogenic substances.

Subsequent Progress: Global Prohibition

In 1971, the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances classified psilocybin as a Schedule 1 illegal drug, alongside Lysergic Acid Diethylamide and N, N-Dimethyltryptamine. All three were considered to have no medicinal value and a high risk for misuse. This classification led to a broad criminalization in Western nations, including Canada and the U.S., severely limiting the spiritual and therapeutic uses of the substance.

Modern Resurgence of Psilocybin

Recently, there’s been a softening of the strict laws regulating the use of psilocybin, beginning with its decriminalization. This shift is in line with the UN’s provision allowing treaty member nations to control the substance as per their own judgement. Simultaneously, a growing body of research and clinical trials regarding psychedelics and consciousness is providing strong evidence for the potential medical uses of psilocybin. A 2021 study investigating the therapeutic use of psychedelics suggests that the 1970 prohibition significantly hampered ongoing research. Nevertheless, an initial study in 2004 rekindled interest in psilocybin, proposing potential uses in neuropsychiatry, especially for treating mental health conditions such as:

  • Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Drug Abuse (Aiding in Addiction Recovery)
  • Alcohol Overuse and Drugs)

Media and Art’s Influence

The topic of psychedelic cubes has gained such momentum that it’s now portrayed in numerous mediums. The resurgence of interest in these substances is fueled by various forms of media, art, and literature. Movies like “Fantastic Fungi” directed by Louie Schwartzberg, and documentaries that delve into their therapeutic benefits, have enhanced public understanding of their psychological and physical effects. Michael Pollan, the writer of “How to Change Your Mind,” has studied the application of psychedelics for mental wellness and spiritual development, thus revitalizing their societal and therapeutic relevance.

Historical Noteworthy Advocates of Fungi

  1. María Sabina: A Mazatec shaman and poet from Mexico, Sabina was instrumental in introducing cubes to the Western world. She permitted Wasson to observe her Magic Mushrooms rituals.
  2. Gordon Wasson: Wasson, a writer, gained recognition for bringing international focus to the drug. His comprehensive account of his experiences with Sabina contributed to a broader understanding of its indigenous use.
  3. Terence McKenna: A key advocate for psychedelics, McKenna was pivotal in accentuating their cultural and philosophical value. His speeches, writings, and research popularized the “Stoned Ape” theory, suggesting it as a cognitive enhancement tool that shaped society.

Historical Overview – A Brief Summary

with TRD.

Prehistoric Stone art found in the Sahara, Africa, illustrates prehistoric use
Ancient The Maya and Aztec civilizations incorporated teonanácatl into their religious and spiritual rituals.
16th Century Use was discouraged due to its association with Indigenous beliefs
18th Century The “intoxicating” effects of the drug came to light in 1799 when four children accidentally ingested Psilocybe Semilanceata, highlighting the potential risks of its use.
20th Century Wasson and Sabina introduced the drug to the Western world, sparking the psychedelic wave among the hippies. The UN legalized its possession and use.
21st Century Clinical research to validate its medical benefits are increasing. A Special Access Program for its usage has been authorized by Health Canada.

The Emergence of the Psychedelic Era and Beyond Redemption | Purchase Magic Mushrooms Online at Shrooms Edibles Online Canada

Through consistent use of cubes and backed by substantial scientific research, Shrooms Edibles Online Canada is paving the way for their global acceptance. Shrooms Edibles Online Canada’s online Magic Mushrooms store stands ready to facilitate this paradigm shift. Our extensive product range tempts customers, encouraging them to embark on the therapeutic and enigmatic journey of psilocybin. Secure your preferred items from Zoomies today.

Commonly Asked Questions

No, Amanita Muscaria does not contain the active compounds found in Psilocybe Cubensis. Instead, the psychoactive substances in fly agaric are muscimol and ibotenic acid. A prevalent theory about Soma’s origin suggests it’s a concoction of various psychoactive plants. Similarly, ayahuasca is a mind-altering beverage. However, the only link between the two is the belief that soma could be an analogue of ayahuasca. It was scrutinized for potential Magic Mushrooms poisoning after being classified as a toxic Magic Mushrooms. Today, we recognize it as the Psilocybe Mexicana.