THE USE OF PSYCHEDELICA AND HOW THEY CAN HELP WITH DEPRESSIONS AND ADDICTIONS

After my last blogs about (growing) cannabis and CBD, this time we are going on the psychedelic tour. Let's take a look at the world of psychedelics and also consider the use of these psychedelics for medical purposes, such as depression relief and the help they can provide for many addictions. First of all, I would like to emphasize that the use of psychedelics is always at your own risk and that I do not want to encourage anyone to use psychedelics or any other substances. However, I believe that those who choose to do this should be properly informed and get to know the many benefits as well as the risks in order to make their own well-considered decision. If you are using or want to use psychedelics for the first time, this is a comprehensive explanation of what psychedelics are and what their effects are, especially the medical and therapeutic effects of psychedelics. Psychedelics are used recreationally or "relaxing" as well as medicinally and therapeutically. There are many people who can benefit from the use of psychedelics. I will explain all of you in this blog how, why or to whom this applies in particular. Let's start with exactly what we mean by psychedelics and also briefly discuss the history of these psychedelics.

What are Psychedelics and how do they work?

To answer this question directly: psychedelics or ''hallucinogens'' are substances that induce hallucinations. The term hallucination comes from the Latin word "hallucinere", which means "wandering with the mind". In short, psychedelics are all hallucinogenic substances that have an effect on the central nervous system and thus (often) have a mental and physical effect. Psychedelics are mind-altering agents, often obtained from nature and / or chemistry. Psychedelics allow you to perceive the world in a new and different way, where things like time and space fall away.

Also, a person's ego decreases. Often one sees changing colored images, shapes, figures and signs, just like during a dream or vision. This is one of the many reasons why psychedelics can be used so widely and can be of great importance as a therapeutic agent. It can cause a user to stir or provide insight into his or her personal (life) situation. It is extremely important when using hallucinogens that the dosage, the user's own circumstances, and the place where the psychedelic experience is experienced are correct.

History and the different kinds of Psychedelics

Psychedelics have an enormously rich history of recreational and medicinal use that goes back as far as (ten) thousand (s) years in dozens of civilizations around the world. There are a lot of Psychedelic substances available, illegal and legal. Of course we strongly advise you to only use the legal and tested products, such as the products that you can obtain in the 24High Smartshop.  Having said this, I will proceed with a list of the most famous psychedelic substances and agents. First, I will talk about perhaps the most famous psychedelic substances: Psilocin Psilocybin.

These psychedelic substances are mainly found in magic mushrooms and truffles, Mescaline (Peyote) and Dimethyltryptamine, better known as DMT, which can be found in Ayahuasca Anadenanthera Peregrina, the latter also called Yopo. But also psychedelic substances and agents such as Phencyclidine (PCP), Ketamine, Ibogaine (Tabernanthe iboga), Muscimol (Fly Agaric), Salvinorine-A (Salvia Divinorum), Wormwood (Lemon Herb, Absinthe Walsam Mugwort), Atropine (Wolfskers) and agents such as MD ( M) A and 2C-B, both of which can certainly also be (very) psychoactive, are all discussed below.

NOTE!

Some of the above substances can be very toxic and having the right knowledge and taking the right dosage is in some cases crucial! When in doubt, no matter how small, always ensure 100% certainty.

Psilocin Psilocybin

Psilocin and Psilocybin are the active (psychedelic) substances in magic mushrooms and truffles, on the currently the most common and widely used powerful Psychedelics. These psychedelic substances in the mushrooms (magic mushrooms) provide a natural trip. These substances are present in magic mushrooms s from the natural defense mechanism against, for example, insects. The natural substance in magic mushrooms and truffles is Psilocybin, which is converted into Psilocin by humans in the intestines. Mushrooms and truffles can have an effect for several hours to days. Often the (audio) visual effects are noticeable for 4 to 8 hours. Truffles and magic mushrooms have been used by different peoples for thousands of years because of their psychoactive effects.

LSD

LSD, which stands for Lysergic acid diethylamide, was one of the first psychedelic agents that, in particular in the hippie era, became very popular in a short time. LSD causes the user to show strong changes in perception, whereby the user can, among other things, start hallucinating, causing his or her thoughts, vision and hearing to change and the user, as it were, moving into a different "reality". LSD is a very powerful psychedelic and semi-synthetic that combines both natural and man-made substances. LSD works by activating serotonin receptors in the brain and stimulating their production. The psychedelic LSD can be taken in different ways, but this is usually done orally. This is done by means of liquid (s) in the form of drops, a (mouth) spray or by licking the well-known "stamps" with LSD incorporated. LSD works for a very long time and also intensively, sometimes for about 8 to 12 hours. LSD is illegal in the Netherlands, but there are other natural and synthetic variants that mimic the effect of LSD.

LSA

LSA stands for Lysergic acid amide, also called Ergine. This is a psychedelic substance that occurs naturally in many plants. The dust is found in the seeds of the Blauwe Winde, Morning Glory and Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, among others. LSA is considered the natural version of LSD. LSA can be used by consuming the seeds or other parts of the above plants. The resulting trip can have a euphoric and hallucinogenic effect at a high dose and causes an (alcoholic) intoxication at a low dose. LSA seeds are available in the Smartshop of 24High: LSA Seeds

Mescaline

Mescaline appears in Peyote and San Pedro Cactus. These are cacti that contain naturally occurring psychedelic compounds for defense against predators. Mescaline causes intense hallucinations lasting about 6 hours. Primarily used as a recreational drug, these cacti are also widely used as an adjunct to various types of meditation and psychedelic therapy. The Peyote Cactus has been used by South American tribes for over 5,000 years. Peyote is the most famous and also the most powerful psychedelic cactus in the world!

PCP

PCP or Phencyclidine is a hallucinogen and dissociative agent. It is also called Angel Dust or Hog genoemd. The substance was first synthesized in 1926 and patented as an anesthetic in 1963. Recreational use is illegal because of its effect on the brain. In the Netherlands PCP is therefore on List II of the Psychotropic Substances Convention. PCP mainly acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, which hinders the activity of the NMDA receptor. Other NMDA receptor antagonists are, for example, Ketamine, Methoxetamine, Tiletamine and Dextromethorphan. Chemically, PCP is part of the family of dissociative drugs. Dissociative drugs are a class of psychoactive drugs that reduce or block signals from the brain to consciousness.

Dissociatives are unique in their action, as they also have hallucinogenic effects. Pure PCP is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in both water and alcohol and has a bitter, chemical taste. PCP can be eaten, smoked, injected or snorted. The most popular ways are eating and smoking. When smoking, liquid PCP is put on tobacco or marijuana cigarettes. If PCP is smoked, the effects are already noticeable after 2 to 5 minutes and last for about 4 to 6 hours. If PCP is taken in pill or capsule form, the effects will occur after 30 to 60 minutes and the effects can last as long as 6 to 24 hours.

Ketamine

Ketamine is an anesthetic that is sometimes also used as a recreational drug. It is also called Special K, or Keta. It was invented in 1962 in the quest for alternatives to PCP by Calvin Stevens at the Parke Davis Research Laboratory. In 1965 it was discovered that the substance can be used as an anesthetic for humans and animals. It provides a so-called dissociative pain relief: the patient appears awake, but does not respond to pain stimuli. (Strong) hallucinogenic symptoms may occur with the use of Ketamine. Ketamine is often taken by sniffing it, but some users also take it orally or inject it.

To be able to snort the drug, a ketamine solution, intended for injection, is boiled or evaporated until a crystal powder remains. At lower dosages, the user becomes dreamy. Low doses of Ketamine are also used as a party drug, whereby the user can become more absorbed in the music due to the slight dreaminess and weakening of physical stimuli. While higher doses can lead to an experience where the user is barely aware of his environment and can move with difficulty or not at all. Higher doses are psychedelic in nature and require the user to lie down, as movement, balance and sense of touch can be greatly disturbed by the anesthetic properties of the substance. The substance is therefore classified as a dissociative psychedelic, like PCP, because it can detach the user from the perceptions of his or her own body.

DMT, 5-MeO-DMT 5-HO-DMT

DMT stands for Dimethyl-tryptamine and is a molecule that occurs naturally in many plants and animals, even in humans. The use of isolated DMT can produce one of the strongest hallucinogenic effects of all psychedelics. In somewhat larger quantities, DMT ensures that the user enters a "different reality". The user enters a highly hallucinogenic state. Although the high usually only lasts about 15 minutes, many users report that the trip seems to last much longer. So it also plays with your sense of time. DMT is usually smoked, but can also be snorted, injected or drunk through the Ayahuasca brew.

5-MeO-DMT is a powerful psychedelic. This substance is found in a large number of plants, European mushrooms and the substances in some mushroom species are closely related to the substance DMT. Like DMT, it has probably been used for thousands of years as an entheogenic agent by, among others, South American shamans.

5-HO-DMT or Bufotenine is a tryptamine with a molecular structure related to the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is found on the skin of some toads, in mushrooms, larger plant species, and also in some mammals. In structure, Bufotenine is very similar to the hallucinogens Psilocin, DMT and 5-MeO-DMT.

Ibogaine

Ibogaine can be found in the Tabernanthe Iboga, a shrub that grows in West Central Africa. The roots of this plant contain ibogaine. The bark of the root is grated and eaten. At a low dose, one usually experiences a stimulating effect. At high doses of Ibogaine, people can experience an intoxication comparable to a dream. For example, they can feel extremely happy or be overcome by an enormous fear. The intoxication is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The effects often last for 12 to 24 hours. The substance affects a number of neurotransmitters and can cause hallucinations. Ibogaine is illegal in most countries and thus also in the Netherlands.

Muscimol

Muscimol also known as Agarin or Pantherine is one of the main psychoactive components of the Fly Agaric and related types of mushrooms. Muscimol is a potent, selective agonist of the GABA receptors and displays sedative-hypnotic, depressive and hallucinogenic psychoactivity. This substance is colorless or white and solid.

Salvinorin-A

Salvinorin-A comes from the Salvia Divinorum, a plant that grows native to Mexico. This can cause hallucinogenic effects when ingested. Salvinorin-A is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects. Salvia is often sold as (regular) leaves or as an extract. Salvia is usually smoked but can also be eaten, chewed and swallowed. The effects of Salvia often last for about 30 minutes or less. However, these effects can differ enormously: at one time the experience can be very intense and at other times (somewhat) less.

Wormwood

Wormwood is a plant and a psychological stimulant. The effect of Wormwood is slightly narcotic and it gives a peaceful and reassuring feeling. In combination with alcohol or in large amounts, hallucinations can also occur when using Wormwood. The effect of Wormwood can also be mildly intoxicating and/ or slightly pain-relieving and it can also give the user a peaceful and Providing a relaxed feeling. Too high doses can cause headaches and dizziness, they often have a psychoactive and paralyzing effect. Wormwood is very suitable for making tea, which can have a positive effect on recovery from flu or infections. Wormwood can also stimulate the appetite in some cases.

Atropine

Atropine is an alkaloid and is obtained by extraction from the deadly nightshade (Atropa Belladonna). The berries of these are very poisonous, so much so that a single berry can sometimes be enough to kill a child. Traditionally, Atropine has been used in medicine. It is still used in modern medicine as well. The deadly nightshade is also called Belladonna. It got this name because the juice of its berries was used in the Renaissance as eye drops to enlarge the pupils. Atropine blocks the action of the substance Acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) in the whole body.

This means you produce less saliva, you get a dry mouth and thirst and you sweat less. The pupils dilate, blood pressure and heart rate increase. With a (too) high dose of Atropine, the following symptoms occur: agitation, headache, dry / warm skin, difficulty passing urine, hallucinations, palpitations, dilated pupils, blurred vision, fever (like symptoms), poor coordination, confusion, agitation, epileptic symptoms, increased breathing and decreased consciousness (to unconsciousness). In the worst case, the symptoms lead to a fatal outcome, as a result of respiratory and cardiac arrhythmias. A few milligrams of the substance Atropine can be very dangerous.

MDMA & MDA

MDMA are semi-synthetic compounds that are classified as a psychostimulants and hallucinogens. MDMA is one of the most commonly used synthetic drugs, especially in the electronic music subculture (especially techno, trance, house and hardcore), but also in psychotherapy. Users of MDMA often do not experience physical addiction and the psychological addictive effect is less than when using cocaine or methamphetamine, for example. Ecstasy, XTC, X are some street names for pills or powders that contain, among other things, the substance MDMA. These tablets sometimes also contain substances other than MDMA, such as mCPP and PMMA. The substance MDMA has been on List I (hard drugs) of the Dutch Opium Act since 1988. MDMA is sold in the chemically purest possible form in the form of sand-colored crystals.

The American street name for MDMA (crystal) is Molly. MDMA was discovered and patented by the pharmaceutical company Merck in 1912 and rediscovered in 1967 by Alexander Shulgin, a University of California chemist. MDMA is mainly sold as XTC in tablet form, where the MDMA content is between 60 and 360 mg. In addition, MDMA is sold in "pure" form in the form of sand-colored crystals and as a powder that can be sniffed (Molly). In the Netherlands 89% of the ecstasy pills only contain MDMA as an active substance, although the dosages vary widely. The amount of active ingredient varies from 50 to 300 milligrams per tablet. The prices vary, but often "less than" 3 to 5 euros per pill. The stimulant effect on the central nervous system and the psychedelic effects are caused by the neurotransmitter Serotonin and to a lesser extent by Dopamine. The effects of MDMA include a feeling of euphoria, accompanied by a feeling of relaxation, empathy and energy. Sexual desire may also increase in some cases.

2C-B

2C-B is a psychedelic Phenylethylamine and is one of the most common designer drugs in Europe and Australia . 2C-B is regularly used in combination with other (illegal) drugs. It is chemically related to Mescaline. It was incorporated into the Opium Act in most countries in the late 1990s. Until then, 2C-B was manufactured by the company Drittewelle from Leipzig (Germany) and often sold as an aphrodisiac in Smartshops under the brand name Nexus. 2C-B has both psychedelic and emphathogenic properties.

In general, the psychedelic properties of 2C-B are perceived as more controllable than other psychedelic agents. The means ihas been illegal since 1997 and is on List I of the Opium Act in the Netherlands. It is still sold illegally in the form of small pills and sometimes as a powder or in capsules. An average oral dose is between 15 and 25 milligrams. A dose of 8–10 mg often has mild effects. The oral duration of action of 2C-B is on average 2-7 hours. When used nasally, the duration of action of 2C-B is on average 2-5 hours. Main reasons for use are often experimental, recreational, spiritual and also therapeutic in nature.

Recreational use

Before we talk about the medicinal and therapeutic use of psychedelics we will talk quickly about its recreational use. Psychedelics are often suitable and therefore extremely popular with many as the drug of their choice. Psychedelics are very popular in both home (home settings) and during parties or in the nightlife. The following effects can occur with recreational use: feeling of euphoria, laugh kick, stronger positive feelings and thoughts, sounding different / more intense of sounds and music, you can get completely carried away, being absorbed in thoughts, relaxation, having more energy, feeling emotions that you are normally not aware of, supernatural experiences, senses that overlap, different perception of time, sexual stimulation and also visual hallucinations or '' tripping '', such as seeing all kinds of intense colors and patterns or figures.

 

Medicinal Therapeutic use

As many of you probably already know, (many) psychedelics have various medicinal and therapeutic effects. For thousands of years hundreds if not thousands of peoples have used various psychedelics, mainly in the fight against depression and pain and as (supportive) aid for many addictions. Psychedelics can be widely used both medically and therapeutically. As a medical or therapeutic agent, psychedelics can put a user in a state of agitation or provide insight into his or her personal (life) situation and give a view of the mind. It is very important when using hallucinogens that the dosage, the user's conditions, and the place where the psychedelic experience is experienced are correct. Of course, when people think of drugs, people immediately think of addiction. This is at psychedelica however (normally) not applicable, in fact, psychedelics already play an even more important role in the fight against addictions in the future. For example, there was a study among smokers where the vast majority of people stopped smoking within six months after using certain psychedelics and this says a lot, since smoking and thus the addiction to Nicotine is a very persistent addiction.

Psychedelics seem to work primarily for treating problems related to "mental rigidity," also known as "mental disorders". Psychedelics are increasingly seen as effective in the treatment of mental illness and can offer a solution for people who are stuck in negative thinking or behavioral patterns. This is often accompanied by fears, addictions and depression. Psychedelics could help to break those thinking patterns. There are many studies into the treatment of suicidal thoughts and even more into the treatment of traumatic experiences, such as (childhood) trauma. Last year there was an investigation into the medicinal effect of Psilocybin by the FDA, the US government agency that monitors the quality of medicines.

The FDA sees potential in the psychedelic for the treatment of major depression. There are also studies on the use of psychedelics for the treatment of post-traumatic stress, for example by the US government for veterans and war veterans and even as a treatment for fear of death among terminal cancer patients. A study on the potential of Psilocybin for the treatment of anorexia is also underway. Furthermore, research is also being done into the treatment of (cluster) headaches. The human brain can be too rigid, too stuck. Thoughts go in circles and get stuck. Psychedelics seem to interrupt that process. They relax the neurological network in a way that can be good for psychological health, a more creative and flexible way of thinking. In general, users of psychedelics experience less stress.

So it seems that having "spiritual experiences" is of enormous importance. Psychedelics can bring about deep and meaningful experiences in individuals iee are seeking spiritual enlightenment for any reason (s). As mentioned earlier, several studies confirm this: one even concluded that 80% of people using psychedelics saw these experiences as one of the most meaningful experiences ever, but most psychedelics were and are generally still banned worldwide. Even though research into the possibilities of psychedelic therapy was initially stopped.

Psychedelics turned from a therapeutic tool into a banned drug. Fortunately, research was restarted about twenty years ago and nowadays new studies on psychedelics appear monthly, often with promising results. Scientists now even speak of a "psychedelic Renaissance". After years of disregarding psychedelics, scientists are finally giving psychedelics like LSD and Psilocybin a new chance. Many psychedelics also have a ritual, religious and / or spiritual effect on hundreds or thousands of peoples. This effect is also called "entheogenic" "effect, which means" coming from the god within ourselves. " As a noun, the term is used to designate psychoactive substances used in a religious or spiritual context. Entheogenic substances have been providing humanity with a connection between the transcendental and the worldly for centuries.

Microdosing

Microdosing is the use of drugs in mini / small amounts, as the word suggests. Have you heard about the success stories that can be achieved with microdosing? Then you might be curious about which types of psychedelic substances you can use for microdosing. There are several substances that can help you get more out of life than you are currently doing. For example, as far back as the 1950s, small amounts of LSD were used to increase creativity and productivity. This mainly happened in the tech sector in America, but now a large part of Silicon Valley is starting the day with microdosing. Nobel laureates and employees of the largest companies in Silicon Valley now regularly use it. And with success. But what psychedelics do they use for microdosing? In any case, choose substances that are easy to dose. Mushrooms and magic truffles are certainly interesting, but are better dried than freshly dosed, for example. Below is a list of some psychedelic substances (with recommended amounts) that can possibly be used for microdosing:

• Dried truffles 0.3 - 1 gram
• Dried mushrooms 0.2 - 1 gram
• Mescaline, dried San Pedro Cactus 0.5 - 1.5 grams
• LSD 5 mcg - 20 mcg
• ALD-52 5 mcg - 20 mcg
• 1P-LSD 5 mcg - 20 mcg

The chosen dose differs per chosen psychedelic, however. Make sure you pay enough attention to this, because you obviously want to avoid taking an excessive amount and tripping. With microdosing you want to achieve that you feel more energetic, more productive and creative, without this disrupting your daily life. Therefore, always start with a small microdose. You are looking for the right amount so that you can enjoy the benefits while you can continue to do your job or function normally socially.

Quality Psychedelics Detox (en)

There are so many different types of psychedelics, but also good and bad quality psychedelics. However, the following applies to all: use them with common sense, read yourself carefully in advance, know exactly the correct and maximum dosages and the correct way (s) of use / application. If possible, always provide a (sober) Trip Sitter. Our advice is to only use legal and tested products that you can order easily and safely online, such as at 24High. Many people are afraid or anxious about `` getting stuck on a trip '', but this is due to the responsible use of tested psychedelics in the right doses among users who are mentally healthy and get enough sleep, also the so-called `` flashbacks '' are a rare phenomenon and do not normally occur when fasting. Moreover, a fatal overdose is almost impossible with many psychedelics suchs as Trfulles or Mushrooms.

Addiction is also hardly an issue, according to the annual figures of the Trimbos Institute. Do you ever use magic mushrooms or magic truffles? Then it is also smart to always have a Tripstopper at home. No one can guarantee you that you will have a great, fantastic and pleasant experience / trip. If you unexpectedly end up in a bad trip, you are really doing yourself a favor with a Tripstopper. This stops your trip faster and becomes less intense during the period that the trip is working out. A nice thought when you feel bad and it seems that you cannot get out of the trip yourself, so there are all kinds of remedies available that counteract a (bad) trip or help you sober up faster. Detoxing has become a well-known term. Especially for people who want to have a healthy and fit body. There are different ways to detox and there are also products that can help with this.

Not only can you get a hangover from alcohol, but also from (smart) drug use. For example from the use of MDMA at a festival or cocaine. AfterC (Cocaïne) en After E (Ecstasy) helps recovering ypur body faster and easier after a wild night out. This prevents you from lying in bed aimlessly watching cartoons the next day. After a good party, you can still have some fun the next day with the help of these products. So you no longer throw away your entire weekend after you went out one night. You only have one body and it will take you far in life if you take good care of it. Therefore, make sure that your body is strong and vital. For this you eat healthy and you exercise regularly. Still, everyone ingests toxins. Unfortunately there is nothing to do here, but you can certainly do something about to do! Detoxing is the way to ensure that these toxins leave your body quickly. This way they cause as little damage as possible and you can enjoy a healthy and vital body for longer. Interested in Detox (en) or Tripstoppers? These are of course also part of our range: Recovery, Detox, Tripstopper