What are Philosopher's Stones?

The Psilocybe Tampanensis is also known under the name "truffle" or "Philosophers stone."  The mushroom looks different and also tastes different than other psychoactivating mushrooms. Philosophers stone causes a psychedelic, philosophical and happy-but not necessarily visually exciting- trip.

History

The only Psilocybe Tampanensis mushroom which has ever been found in nature, was discovered by Stephen Pollock nearby Tampa (Florida) in 197.  All species that exist today, are derived from this single item. In Florida a Psilocybe tampanensis has never been found again. However one was found in Mississippi, but unfortunately no breeding material has been taken from this mushroom After several years of successful cloning, there are now traces available on the market that hardy carry any fruit. These form indeed more sclerotia and truffles, which contain psychoactive substances.

Botany

Philosophers Stone contains psilocybin, is very rare and is now mainly farmed from spores or growkids by mycologen, psychonauts, or amateurs. Mushrooms can grow above the ground, but the underground sclerotia is much more important. The underground sclerotia contains psilocybin and psilocine. The truffles are very solid when compared to other mushrooms. Usually 90% of the truffel is water, but the truffles of the Philosophers Stone contain 30% dry material. Sometimes a white substance is on top of the truffles. Don't confuse this ungrown mycelium with fungus.

Chemistry

The active substances in the Philophers Stone are psilocine (0.32%) and psilocybin (0.68%).

Effects

How long it takes before the Philosopher's Stones have effect, depends on the amount of food that  is in your stomach. If you've just eaten it take one hour and there is a chance that the trip is less severe. For an optimal effect, it is recommended not te eat at least four to six hours before using the Philosopher's Stone.

The first effects are noticable from ten minutes to one hour after ingestion. First you'll notice that you will see sharper and that you will hear better. You notice very quickly that you experience the everyday reality in another way. This often causes an uncontrolable laughter. This cheerful start will soon change into confusion. Because the environment looks so different, your mind can no longer comprehend. While the outer world is increasingly confusing, your inner visions are clearer. Than ever. Visions are the strongest in a dark room.

The nature of the trip varies from one person to another and depends, among others, on the emotional mood of the person in case. Your experiences can be quite different than those you've read about, or those which are told by others. The duration of a trip is four to six hours and the trip will decrease gradually. The time difference between the hallucinations will become larger, until the hallucinations disappear entirely.

The active substance in the Philosopher's Stone is called Psilocybin. This is a tryptamine that is chemically related to the human neurotransmitter DMT (dimethyltryptamine). DMT is one of the strongest psychedelics and visionary and exists in nature in abundance. For example DMT can be found in trees and grass. DMT is easily degraded by the body without leaving behind the toxic substances. Although the body can perfectly deal with psilocybin, it possibly confuses the mind. Therefore use the mushrooms in a quiet, familiar surrounding and preferably in the presence of a sober person.

Medical use

So far there are no medical applications known .

Variations

Tampanensis is not the only hallucinogenic mushroom which is grown and consumed as a truffle. Another well-known species is the Psilocybe A Mexicana from Colima (Mexico). The Aztecs adore this kind of mushroom and call it 'Teonanacatl', or" Meat from God. " In 1956 the species was rediscovered by Roger Hein and was used by Dr. Albert Hoffman when he isolated psilocybin and psilocine for the first time.

The category truffles includes the 'Psilocybe Atlantis.'  This truffle has its origin in Georgia (U.S.). According to Guzman, it is not clear whether or not the Psilocybe Atlantis is the species concerned. It could also concern a species which was coincidently taken while harvesting. This caused some confusion. A direct comparison with tests from the field and a correctly published description of P. Atlantis, still has to appear. For now it is enough to say that the P. Atlantis possibly is a new species.

Both deTampanensis and the Psolocybe be Atlantis are called 'philosophers stones'.

Usage

Philosophers stones are being consumed fresh. The mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator. The taste is better than those of other mushroomkinds. Take five to nine grams for a normal trip and ten to fifteen grams for a strong trip.

Please note: the mushrooms possibly dry a littely when being send. This puts off some weight. Don't worry: the total remains as strong as the here described dosage.

The best known way to use mushrooms is simply by eating them. Another method is making tea. Put the cut pieces of mushrooms into half a litre of boiling water and let them cook very gently for about twenty minutes. Then filter the mushrooms out off the water. Eventually you can make the drink more tasteful by addng honey or sugar to the tea. You can sprinkle the mushrooms with hot water and leave them in the hot water for ten minutes. After this ten minutes, you add new hot water and again let it soar for ten minutes.

Warnings

Don't consume the mushrooms if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, when you have a depression, or experience stress, in the case that you suffer schizophrenia or have a related mental disorder. Don't parrticipate in trafic after using mushrooms. Don't combine the mushrooms with drugs, medication or alcohol. If you take mushrooms for the first time, make sure there is someone with you to keep   an eye on you and who can help you, for instance, when you feel sick or when you are afraid.  Using magic mushrooms is forbidden for people younger than 18 years.

Breeding

P. Tampanensis is itself easy to grow with the help of a breedingset, which is available on the internet. This doesn't recuire much effort. It is important to put the breedingset that in a dark place, with a temperature of 22 to 24 degrees (celcius). Try not to wait too long before harvesting: waiting will only bring you more truffles!

Storage

Fresh truffles as Tampanensis and Mexicana contain about 70% water and can be stored up to three weeks in the refrigerator. Drying is simple: put the truffles in a few newspapers in a warm room. You can accelerate the process with a fan. Store the dried mushrooms in a box, or in a vacuum bag, in a cool, dark and dry place (but not the refrigerator). They will loose strength after six months.