Psychedelics

If we have to go by the definition, then psychedelics are a class of hallucinogenic drugs whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary states of consciousness but psychedelics are so much more than just that, they are a way to lose all your inhibitions, find your inner peace and be one with yourself. Creatives use psychedelics to move past their creative blocks, to explore worlds beyond our own.

History of Psychedelics

Psychedelics may be the oldest class of psychopharmacological agents known to man. Psychedelics have a long history of being used as a traditional medicine in many cultures including indigenous tribes of South America, Native North Americans, Mexico, Amazonian rainforest, India, and Pakistan for physical healing as well as religious rituals.

The use of various psychoactive plant materials and substances was common in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican societies, including the Olmec, Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec cultures. Psilocybin mushrooms were used by the Aztec shaman in healing and a variety of religious and divinatory rituals. These mushrooms were known as teonanacatl, meaning “god’s flesh”. One psychedelic that has been extensively studied is LSD, probably because being synthesized in a lab makes it more easily available as compared to the herbal psychedelics that are considered some of the best-kept secrets by the indigenous people.

The term psychedelics meaning ‘mind manifesting’ was coined by the psychiatrist Humphry Osmond. He was one of a small group of psychiatrists who pioneered the use of LSD as a treatment for alcoholism and various mental disorders in the early 1950s.

In 1951, Osmond joined Weyburn Mental Hospital in Saskatchewan, Canada as the deputy director of psychiatry. He began collaborating with Abraham Hoffer on experiments using LSD. He tried LSD himself and concluded that the drug could produce profound changes in consciousness. Osmond and Hoffer also recruited volunteers to take LSD and theorized that the drug was capable of inducing a new level of self-awareness which may have enormous therapeutic potential.

On 5th May 1953, Aldous Huxley, a volunteer took a small dose of Mescaline (a psychedelic hallucinogen) at his California home under the direct supervision of Osmond.

Ronald Sandison, a consultant at Powick Hospital near Worchester met Albert Hoffman in Switzerland and returned with hundred 100 vials of LSD for clinical trials. Sandison received similar results as the Saskatchewan trials.

In the early 1960s, the U.S. government passed new drug safety regulations and designated LSD as an experimental drug. LSD was now being sold on the streets in form of liquid soaked on sugar cubes. Its popularity in hippy counterculture and frequent use among students protesting against the war gave LSD a bad rep and was thus banned by the U.S. federal government.

Since the 90s there is a renewed interest in the neurobiological effects and therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

Herbal Psychedelics

Psychedelics substances can be both synthetic and natural. LSD and MDMA are perhaps the most commonly known synthetic psychedelic. However, there are a variety of naturally occurring psychedelics that help you with the same if not a better experience. Worldherbals has a selection of high-quality psychedelics that are sourced from experienced farmers and tested for their purity and quality. Some of the psychedelics in our collection include;

Anadenanthera Colubrina (Cebil) - Anadenanthera Colubrina or Cebil is a South American tree with mimosa-like leaves and a very thorny trunk. Several parts of the tress including bark, fruits, and seeds contain powerful psychoactive substances including bufotenine, 5-MeO-DMT, and DMT. Cebil is one of the oldest psychoactive substances and has been given a high priority conservation status in Brazil. The most commonly used part of a Cebil tree is its seeds. Once dried and toasted Cebil seeds can be either chewed or ground into powder for insufflation.

Anadenanthera Peregrina (Yopo) - Yopo is a psychotropic plant that has been used in healing ceremonies and rituals in the Caribbean and South America for thousands of years. Yopo’s effects can be compared to that of DMT and LSD, only milder and for a shorter duration. Yopo and Cebil both belong to the genus Anadenanthera and are often confused with one another. Just like Cebil, seeds are the most commonly used part of a Yopo tree and are either chewed or ground into powder for insufflation after being toasted and dried.

Banisteriopsis Caapi (Ayahuasca) - Banisteriopsis Caapi, also known as Ayahuasca is a South American Liana (woody vine) with a long history of entheogenic use among the indigenous people of the Amazonian rainforest. It is one of the two main ingredients used in brewing Ayahuasca, a psychoactive drink used both socially and as ceremonial spiritual medicine among the native people Amazonian basin. Ayahuasca when taken in form of tea causes an altered state of consciousness. Users claim that the experience led to positive, long-term, life-altering changes.

Canavalia Maritima (Bay Bean) - Canavalia Maritima, more commonly known as Beach Bean, Bay Bean, or Coastal Jack-Bean is a species of flowering plant of the genus Canavalia in the pea family. Bay Bean is found pantropically and is considered sacred by the Mazatec and other native tribes. The dried leaves are used as an entheogen and are part of ancient rituals. Traditionally Bay Bean leaves are made into tea however, the dried leaves can also be vaped along with other herbs to experience its psychedelic effects.

Heimia Salicifolia (Sinicuichi) - Sinicuichi is native to the Americas raging from southwestern United States (Texas and New Mexico) through Mexico and Central America to Argentina. Sinicuichi foliage has been a favorite among shamans for a long time and continues to be used for its psychedelic properties to date. It is best used in form of fermented tea.

Peganum Harmala (Syrian Rue) - Peganum Harmala or Syrian Rue is a perennial plant that usually grows in temperate deserts and Mediterranean regions. Syrian Rue has long been used in traditional Middle Eastern and North African folk medicine. In turkey, dried capsules of the plant are hung in homes or vehicles to protect from the evil eye. In certain regions in India, the root of the Syrian Rue was applied to kill body lice. When chewed or taken in form of tea, Syrian Rue seeds have potent hallucinogenic effects, not unlike Ayahuasca.

Salvia Divinorum - Salvia Divinorum, also known as the Sage of the Diviners or simply Salvia is a plant species with transient psychoactive properties when its leaves are consumed by either chewing, vaping, or as a tea. The leaves contain opioid-like compounds that induce hallucinations.

Sapo/Kambo Sticks - A Kambo Stick is a ritualistic wooden stick with dried secretions of a bright green monkey frog or Phyllomedusa bicolor on its surface. The indigenous people of South America use Kambo sticks to heal and cleanse the body. Its use still very popular among shamans and naturopaths. Kambo is applied to fresh blisters, usually made on the shoulder by a burning stick and blister skin being scraped off. The user is made to drink at least a liter of water beforehand and rehydrated once the effects have faded off.

Voacanga Africana - Voacanga africana is a small tree native to tropical Africa. Voacanga Africana contains large number of alkaloids similar to ibogaine. When taken in sufficient quantity, ibogaine is a potent psychedelic capable of producing dream-like effects. The dried leaves and bark of Voacanga Africana can be brewed into tea for consumption.

Bursera Graveolens (Palo Santo) - Bursera Graveolens, known in Spanish as Palo Santo (Holy Wood) is a wild tree native to Yucatan Peninsula to Peru and Venezuela. The tree belongs to the same family as frankincense and myrrh and is widely used in ritualistic purification and folk medicine. When burned as incense, Palo Santo gives the aroma reminiscent of baked apples or burnt sugar, inducing a calming, relaxing effect.

Happy Caps Space-E - Formulated with a blend of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose and amino acids, Happy Space-E capsules give their users a boost of energy with a pleasant dreamy feeling. One can take up to 2 capsules 45 minutes before the effects the desired.

Effects of Psychedelics

All psychedelics on some level have similar effects ranging from euphoria to visual and/or auditory hallucinations. Whether natural or synthetic psychedelics can induce;

• Euphoria
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Deep complex thoughts
• Change in time awareness
• Otherworldly sense

Types of Psychedelics and their effects

Though all psychedelics have similar effects, there are subtle distinctions between them. Based on their effects, psychedelics can be categorized into three groups;

Classical Psychedelics

Classical psychedelics, also known as serotonergic substances influence the serotonin in our system. Many of these psychedelics are naturally occurring such as vines, mushrooms, and leaves, and are usually the go-to for beginners. The effects of classical psychedelics can range for change in perception, mood, and at higher dosage sensory experiences.

Classical psychedelics have a long history of use. Some people even hypothesize that Psilocybe mushrooms (also known as magic mushrooms), one of the most commonly used classical mushrooms contributed to the evolution of humans from apes.

Effects of Classical Psychedelics include;

• Distorted perception of time
• Alteration to vision – change in color, drifting, shifting, or stretching shapes
• Enhancement of mood thought and awareness

For first-time users, it's beneficial to have a comfortable environment and a relaxed mind. A trip-sitter or sober partner can also be invaluable to the safety and health of the user. As with all psychedelics, it is important not to mix them with other substances such as alcohol and stick to the recommended dosage.

Empathogens

Empathogens have a mild effect on the visual and auditory senses. They primarily affect the emotions and social aspects of the user.

This class of psychedelics has a strong reputation as party drugs because they increase the sociability, and friendliness of the user. Empathogens are a bit of a hybrid between stimulants and psychedelics making them an obvious choice at the rave scene. The most commonly known psychedelics in this category is the MDMA also known as ecstasy, E, or molly.

Effects of Empathogens:

• Euphoria
• Increased friendliness and sociable behavior
• Heightened sensitivity to emotional and visual stimuli

Empathogens being stimulants tend to make the user sweat a lot which can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water regularly during and after coming down from the trip. Mixing empathogens with other psychedelics or alcohol is not recommended and will only end up overwhelming the user.

Dissociatives

Dissociative psychedelics have perhaps the most intimidating effects of the three. If you dare to have an out-of-body experience, these are the psychedelics for you. As fun as it may sound, dissociative psychedelics tend to manipulate perception and make the user feel detached from reality. These are not to be taken lightly, they can alter your perception of reality, your environment and even detach the user from themselves.

Some of the most known dissociatives are Salvia Divinorum and N2O. Salvia Divinorum has a long history of use among the Mazatec shamans and even today it is used in rituals and ceremonies throughout the forest of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Effects of Dissociatives:

• Out of body experience
• Vivid hallucinations
• Communication with otherworldly beings

Dissociatives are for experienced psychonauts and even then they shouldn’t be taken lightly - first-time users are likely to get overwhelmed. For a successful trip, it is important to have a calm and relaxed setting and as with any psychedelic. Dissociatives are powerful enough in themselves and mixing them with other psychedelics or substances such as alcohol will only ruin your experience.

Where to buy Psychedelics?

Given that most psychedelics have potent effects on the users, it is important to buy them from a reliable source. At Worldherbals, we provide our customers with the highest quality of psychedelic herbs in dried leaves, seeds, shredded, resin, or capsulated form. Our psychedelic products can either be ordered online or bought at our shop.

Caution

Do not use psychedelics (natural or synthetic) if pregnant, breastfeeding, or in children.

Do not mix psychedelics with other substances such as alcohol.

If it is your first time or you are trying a new psychedelic, a trip sitter is advised to keep you safe.

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery when under the influence of psychedelics.

If you are using any prescribed antidepressants, sedatives, or any other such medication, please consult your healthcare advisor before using any type of psychedelics.