Mescaline

An interesting and questionable article on mescaline.

The article devotes a couple paragraphs on the tendency to vomit after drinking the Bolivian torch or San Pedro cactus. The author fails to comment that in Peru, the San Pedro cactus is used in ceremony, only under the guidance of a shaman and for spiritual purposes. It is not at all common to vomit, though it is true it does not taste good.

The reckless use of these sacred plants, that indigenous cultures have used historically, continues to be problematic.

Psilocybin Mushrooms and Bipolar Disorder

A new study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology is the first to characterize the psychological impacts of psilocybin among people with bipolar disorder.

The findings indicate that many people with bipolar disorder who consume psilocybin, the primary psychoactive component of psychedelic “magic mushrooms,” believe that the experience is helpful. However, many also report adverse outcomes, such as manic symptoms.

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