Tripsitter

Tripsitter is a Substack focused on providing comprehensive insights into various psychoactive substances, covering their pharmacological effects, legal and cultural history, potential for clinical use, harm reduction strategies, and personal and societal implications. It explores psychedelics, dissociatives, and other substances with a focus on safety, education, and the potential for therapeutic benefits.

Psychedelic Substances Harm Reduction Psychedelic Therapy Psychedelic Culture and History Mental Health Drug Policy and Legal Issues Mycology Shamanism and Traditional Medicine Psychoactive Plant and Fungi Psychedelic Science and Research

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Forest Feed: How Trees Like, Share, & Communicate Through Mycelial Networks 🌲🍄

179 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🔬 Science Communication Networks Ecology
  1. Forests operate as interconnected organisms, with trees communicating and sharing resources through underground mycelial networks.
  2. The symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi, known as mycorrhizae, plays a vital role in enhancing the forest ecosystem.
  3. Trees use the mycelial network to warn each other of dangers, nourish weaker trees, and even collectively defend against threats like pests.

A Sober Look at MDMA Therapy: What Happens Next?

119 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Therapy PTSD Research Safety
  1. MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD is facing a critical juncture with the FDA, with potential historical implications for rescheduling and funding sources.
  2. There is ongoing debate on the safety, efficacy, and ethical conduct of MDMA-AT, with a focus on the role of organizations like Lykos/MAPS.
  3. Despite the current challenges and controversies, the testimonies of individuals like Cristina Pearse underscore the potential transformative impact of MDMA-AT and the imperative to enhance safety measures.

High Hopes: Can Psychedelics Mark A New Era In Pain Management?

159 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pain management Psychedelics Chronic Conditions Research Studies
  1. People are exploring psychedelics for pain management as conventional medications may fall short in providing long-term relief.
  2. Research suggests that psychedelics, both in micro and macro doses, can target both physical and psychological aspects of pain.
  3. Psychedelics offer a holistic approach to pain management by potentially reshaping how individuals perceive and assign meaning to their pain.

Europe's Psychedelic Jewel: The Liberty Cap Mushroom

139 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Education
  1. The Liberty Cap mushroom was involved in the first documented case of psilocybin 'poisoning' in Europe, leading to unexpected psychedelic experiences for a family in London.
  2. The discovery of psilocybin and psilocin in the Liberty Cap mushroom by Albert Hofmann and Roger Heim revolutionized the accessibility of psychedelic mushrooms for Europeans in the 1960s.
  3. Despite their inconveniences in terms of accessibility and cultivation, Liberty Cap mushrooms are considered highly potent due to their high psilocybin content, making them a sought-after species for psychedelic experiences.

Awakened States: Exploring The Harmony Between Psychedelics & Meditation

99 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Meditation Consciousness Brain Activity
  1. Psychedelics and meditation both offer transformative experiences, but lasting change likely requires a foundation of consistent meditation practice.
  2. Both meditation and psychedelics can induce altered states of consciousness, but they achieve this through different mechanisms.
  3. Meditation and psychedelics have the potential to impact brain networks such as the default mode network and the salience network, leading to improved cognitive abilities and a shift in thinking patterns.
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The Seductive Secrets of the Blue Lotus Flower

99 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. The blue lotus flower symbolizes life, creation, and afterlife connections, offering aphrodisiac, trance-like, and dream-inducing effects.
  2. Ancient Egyptian culture holds a strong connection to the blue lotus flower, associating it with creation, the sun god Ra, and powerful psychoactive properties.
  3. The blue lotus flower acts as a potent aphrodisiac, affecting brain regions related to love and arousal, providing a natural alternative to conventional pharmaceuticals like Viagra.

Alchemy of the Psyche: Exploring Shadow Work & Psychedelics

199 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Shadow work Integration Therapy
  1. Shadow work involves acknowledging and integrating suppressed traits, desires, and emotions that influence our thoughts and actions.
  2. The human consciousness comprises layers including the ego, the persona, and the collective unconscious, each influencing our personality and interactions.
  3. Suppressing the shadow can lead to projecting undesirable traits onto others, disconnection, biases, impatience, victim mentality, and narcissism.

Bicycle Day (April 19): The First Acid Trip in Human History 🚲 🍄

159 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Substance Use Self-Exploration
  1. Bicycle Day commemorates the first intentional dose of LSD by Albert Hofmann in 1943, marking a significant event in the history of psychedelics.
  2. Psychedelics like LSD are celebrated on Bicycle Day for their mind-opening capabilities and not just for their euphoric effects.
  3. People celebrate Bicycle Day by consuming psychedelics responsibly, learning about psychedelics, engaging in psychedelic-inspired art, music, and nature activities.

The Fungal Farmer: 11 Mushrooms Anyone Can Grow At Home

179 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
🍲 Food & Drink Psychedelic
  1. Learning to grow mushrooms at home can be rewarding and easy, whether for the psychedelic, medicinal, or nutritive properties.
  2. There are three main groups of mushrooms to consider growing at home: Psychedelic Mushrooms, Functional Mushrooms, and Edible/Gourmet Mushrooms, each with their own health benefits.
  3. Some of the easiest mushrooms to grow at home include Psilocybe cubensis, Lion's Mane, Oyster mushrooms, Shiitake mushrooms, and Enoki mushrooms, offering a variety of tastes, health benefits, and growing methods.

Prepare For Liftoff: Your Magic Mushroom Prep Guide

79 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelic Preparation Safety Mental health
  1. Proper preparation is key for a safe and enriching magic mushroom experience. Respect the unpredictability of mushrooms and take precautions like testing samples, staying in a safe environment, and having a responsible trip sitter.
  2. Set and setting are crucial for a positive trip. Choose a comfortable and safe environment that aligns with your intentions, and approach the experience with a positive mindset.
  3. Research and know the specifics of the magic mushrooms you're consuming, including species, strains, dosages, and potential risks. Opt for a trusted trip sitter and be mindful of physical health considerations when using psychedelics.

Zen Bones: The Life & Legacy of Alan Watts

139 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Psychedelics Books Quotes Legacy
  1. Alan Watts was a prolific writer and philosopher who translated Eastern philosophical ideas for a Western audience, influencing many with his work.
  2. Watts believed in the philosophy of not taking life too seriously, embracing the idea that there are no failures or successes, just experiences.
  3. He integrated ideas from Buddhism, Taoism, and other philosophies, advocating for a relaxed approach to enlightenment and addressing Western problems like fear of meaninglessness.

The Secret Life of Salvia: How this Bizarre Psychedelic Could Revolutionize Gut Health

239 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Pain management
  1. Salvia, known for its psychedelic effects, is a potent hallucinogen with medicinal uses such as treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and gut motility issues.
  2. The psychedelic experience induced by salvia is profoundly intense, often leading users to lose their sense of time, identity, and reality, experiencing bizarre and nonsensical visions.
  3. Salvinorin A, the active compound in salvia, works on the kappa-opioid system and is being studied for its potential in developing new drugs for pain management, inflammation, and gut health without the risk of addiction.

Ambrosia: The Food of the Gods

99 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Mythology Psychedelics
  1. Ambrosia in Greek mythology was believed to be the food of the gods, granting immortality and divine power.
  2. Ambrosia's true nature remains a mystery, with theories ranging from honey to psychoactive plants like psychedelic mushrooms.
  3. The legendary food of the gods, ambrosia, was reserved for divine beings, and its true identity may forever remain a topic of speculation and myth.

The War on Drugs Targets People, Not Substances

59 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Social Disparities Criminal Justice Public Health
  1. Drug prohibition perpetuates racial and social disparities, serving as a tool for division and maintaining social order.
  2. The War on Drugs may not have succeeded in its stated goal of reducing drug use, but it has been successful in boosting police budgets and expanding harm among marginalized communities.
  3. The emphasis on controlling people rather than substances in the War on Drugs has led to an increase in prison populations, incentivizing more arrests and further marginalization.

Amazonian Brujos: The Sorcerers Serving You Ayahuasca

159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Shamanism Magic Amazon Psychedelics
  1. Amazonian shamans in the jungle often engage in feuds and conflicts using magical tools like darts and spirits.
  2. Shamanic warfare in the Amazon involves real belief in sorcery and its consequences can be severe, including death and financial ruin.
  3. Westerners seeking shamanic experiences in the Amazon may face challenges due to cultural differences and the real dangers of engaging in local practices.

Hippie Crack: The Highs & Lows of Nitrous Oxide

59 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Substance Use Mental health Pain management Addiction Physical health
  1. Nitrous oxide is a powerful dissociative drug that creates euphoric and out-of-body experiences but has extremely short-lasting effects.
  2. Nitrous oxide is commonly used for pain relief in medical settings, transforming intense pain into uncontrollable laughter.
  3. Recreationally, nitrous oxide is popular due to its potency, affordability, and short-lived effects, but excessive use can lead to addiction and various health risks.

Burning Botanicals: The Art & Tradition of Herbal Smokes

139 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Herbal Medicine Holistic health Alternative therapies Physical health Mental health
  1. Humans have been burning and inhaling plant matter for at least 7,000 years to ingest medicinal and psychoactive plants, but it's important to be mindful of the health risks associated with overconsumption.
  2. Smoking herbs have high bioavailability as the active compounds enter the body quickly, but it's better to use a vaporizer to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
  3. Various cultures worldwide have a rich history of using herbal smoking for spiritual, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes, showcasing the diverse traditions and beliefs surrounding herbal smokes.

How Phenibut Went From Russian Space Drug to American Addiction

159 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Anxiety Drug policy
  1. Phenibut was initially used by Russian cosmonauts for anxiety and sleep during space missions due to its calming effects and GABA-related properties.
  2. Phenibut, an analog of GABA, can have both stimulating and sedating effects depending on the dosage, posing risks of addiction and severe withdrawals when misused.
  3. The use of phenibut is on the rise in the United States among young adults, despite efforts by government agencies to regulate its availability due to its addictive nature.

Who Killed Steven Pollock?

159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Crime Psychedelics Medicine Research Legacy
  1. Steven Pollock was a pioneering mycologist passionate about the medicinal potential of magic mushrooms.
  2. Pollock's legacy includes revolutionizing magic mushroom cultivation and the legal status of magic truffles.
  3. The mysterious circumstances of Pollock's death and his unorthodox life ventures added layers of controversy and intrigue to his story.

Digital Drug Trade: The Story of Silk Road

59 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology Dark web Cryptocurrency Cybercrime E-commerce
  1. Silk Road was a pioneering dark web marketplace for illegal drugs and other items, founded by an idealist named Ross Ulbricht.
  2. Ulbricht's motivation for creating Silk Road included making money, promoting libertarian ideologies, and providing a platform for people to buy drugs anonymously.
  3. The Silk Road story reflects a mix of ambition, freedom, and technology, showcasing the complexities of Ulbricht's character and the challenges he faced.

A Tale of Two Brews: Ayahuasca vs. Yagé 🌱🐍

99 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. Ayahuasca and Yagé are similar brews with differences in preparation and administration, used by indigenous tribes across Amazonian territories.
  2. Ayahuasca ceremonies in Peru and Yagé ceremonies in Colombia have unique brewing styles and approaches, with differences in the choice of plants and rituals.
  3. The effects and experiences in Ayahuasca and Yagé ceremonies vary, with distinct energetic qualities and styles of healers, but both hold the intention of healing mind, body, and spirit.

The Final Trip: Embracing Psychedelics in Terminal Care

139 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health
  1. Psychedelics are being embraced in end-of-life care facilities to provide relief from anxiety and existential distress in terminal patients.
  2. Research has shown that certain psychedelics can induce mystical experiences and offer patients a new perspective to accept their fate and find peace.
  3. Psychedelics are not about escapism but rather about helping individuals confront their mortality with clarity, acceptance, and reduced fear of death.

Shroom Showdown: Ranking Magic Mushrooms by Potency 🍄

259 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Testing
  1. Magic mushrooms vary greatly in potency due to different species and chemical compositions.
  2. Measuring the potency of magic mushrooms is complex due to the presence of multiple active and non-active compounds.
  3. The strongest magic mushroom species include Psilocybe azurescens, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Psilocybe baeocystis, with average total tryptamine concentrations around 1%.

How Penis Envy Mushrooms Are Taking Over The World

139 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics History
  1. Penis Envy mushrooms are known for their exceptional potency, with concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin as high as 2.90%, making them significantly stronger than the average magic mushroom.
  2. The distinctive trait of Penis Envy mushrooms is their phallic shape, resembling a circumcised penis, which sets them apart from other strains.
  3. The fervent interest in creating new hybrid forms of the Penis Envy mushroom stems from their impressive potency, unique appearance, and high market appeal among spore vendors.

Psychedelic Music: The British Invasion of ‘60s Psychedelic Sound

139 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎶 Music Psychedelic Rock
  1. Psychedelic music in the '60s was heavily influenced by psychedelic substances and the counterculture movement, with iconic bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd paving the way for the genre.
  2. The story of Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd showcases the complexities of the relationship between psychedelics and creativity, with his experiences leading to both innovation and personal struggles.
  3. While The Rolling Stones briefly dabbled in psychedelia, their encounters with psychedelic drugs highlighted the era's experimentation and cultural impact, contributing to rock and roll history.

The Story of P. tampanensis: Psychedelia, Murder, & the Evolution of Magic Truffles

159 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics History
  1. Psilocybe tampanensis, also known as Philosopher's Stones, was one of the first magic truffles species cultivated, kickstarting the truffle market in the Netherlands.
  2. Magic truffles, while named for resemblance to true truffles, are not for reproduction but help species survive harsh conditions like drought.
  3. The story of Psilocybe tampanensis involves a fascinating history including accidental legalization due to Dutch laws, a tragic murder of the discoverer Steven Pollock, and a revival of the species by Stephen Peele.

Reality Check: Mythbusting 7 Drug-Related Urban Legends

59 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Substance Use Health Effects
  1. Drug-related urban legends can be enticing and scary, often stemming from popular culture and historical contexts.
  2. Common urban legends surrounding drugs like LSD and Ecstasy are often false and misleading in nature, leading to misconceptions about their effects.
  3. Understanding the origins of urban legends can shed light on societal fears and anxieties related to drug use and other modern issues.

Beware The Plastic Shaman

119 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. Plastic shamans exploit spiritual practices for personal gain and may lack genuine connections to the traditions they claim to represent.
  2. Consumers of psychedelic retreats should be cautious and research potential facilitators or centers to ensure legitimacy and safety.
  3. Indigenous traditions are at risk of exploitation by individuals who prioritize profit and self-interest over upholding ethical and cultural values.

Tranq Dope: The Truth About the "Zombie Drug" (Xylazine)

139 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Side Effects Treatment Options
  1. Xylazine, also known as tranq, is a horse tranquilizer that has made its way into illicit drug use by being combined with substances like heroin and fentanyl.
  2. The heavy sedative effects of xylazine can lead to severe skin issues, with users having necrosis and sores that can go down to the bone, contributing to its 'zombie drug' nickname.
  3. Xylazine causes a range of side effects and can increase the risk of opioid overdose, acting as a significant danger when mixed with other substances and having no known safe agents for reversal in humans.

Nootropic or Narcotic? The Dual Faces of Gas Station Heroin (Tianeptine)

119 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Psychology Pharmacology Research Mental health
  1. Tianeptine is sold as an antidepressant in many countries but is unregulated in the US, marketed as a nootropic, Kratom alternative, and opioid withdrawal remedy.
  2. Improper use of tianeptine can lead to addiction, withdrawals, and even fatalities, emphasizing the importance of education, moderation, and avoiding marketing gimmicks.
  3. Tianeptine's mechanism of action is complex and debated, with conflicting research on how it works in the brain, indicating potential cognitive benefits but also addiction risks.

The Placebo Paradox: Why Placebos Are Ineffective In Psychedelic Research

79 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Placebo effect Research Methods Clinical Trials
  1. Researchers struggle with placebo controls in psychedelic trials due to the unmistakable subjective experiences and physiological effects of psychedelics, making blinding participants difficult.
  2. The power of expectations and beliefs influence the effectiveness of psychedelics, leading to challenges in maintaining placebo controls and interpreting trial results.
  3. Alternative approaches in psychedelic research involve creating placebo psychedelic experiences or comparing psychedelics directly to established treatments, offering potential solutions to traditional placebo limitations.

Designer Drug Exposé: Amphetamines & Other Stimulants

139 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Designer Drugs Psychedelics
  1. Stimulants like amphetamines boost certain brain chemicals to increase alertness and energy. Cocaine, meth, and MDMA are well-known, but there are many more stimulants available.
  2. The use of stimulating herbs like ma huang dates back to ancient China for treating conditions like asthma and congestion.
  3. Designer amphetamines, fluorinated amphetamines, synthetic cathinones ("Bath Salts"), and MDXX class compounds are popular in the designer drug market, offering a range of effects from stimulant to psychedelic.

The Mexican Dream Herb: Calea zacatechichi 🌱🌙

59 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Herbal Medicine Psychedelics Side Effects Precautions
  1. The Mexican Dream Herb, Calea zacatechichi, is known for enhancing dream vividness and helping in lucid dreaming.
  2. Traditional shamans use Calea for ceremonial purposes and other benefits like relief from digestive disorders.
  3. Using Calea can lead to hyper-realistic and coherent dreams by affecting sleep stages N1 and REM, which can help in extracting knowledge from dreams.

Ketamine Science: Dirty Drugs, Dissociation, & Depression

159 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmacology Pain management Depression
  1. Ketamine is a "dirty drug" with unique effects on the body and mind, causing dissociation and a powerful anesthetic effect, but with fewer side effects compared to other anesthetics.
  2. Ketamine shows promise as a rapid and unique antidepressant, working on neuroplasticity and enhancing brain recovery, although its mechanisms and effectiveness vary among individuals.
  3. Ketamine has analgesic properties, particularly effective for certain pain conditions like the wind-up phenomenon, through its action on NMDA receptors in the spinal cord.

From Leaf to Life: The Conversation We Should Be Having Around Kratom 🌱

219 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Harm Reduction Drug Safety Pharmacology Regulation
  1. Regulators have targeted kratom in attempts to ban it, but public backlash has prevented complete bans so far.
  2. Kratom is seen as a tool for harm reduction due to its potential as an alternative to prescription painkillers, but it carries risks and should be used carefully.
  3. Misinformation and misrepresentation of kratom-related deaths have fueled the stigma around the plant, highlighting the need for proper regulation and education rather than outright bans.

Is Ketamine Psychedelic?

119 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Neurochemistry Mental health Therapy Consciousness
  1. The definition of what makes a substance psychedelic is changing, with ketamine now being considered part of the psychedelic therapy.
  2. The debate over whether ketamine is psychedelic focuses on the chemistry/pharmacology versus subjective experience of the drug.
  3. Ketamine induces mind-revealing states through its unique impact on the brain, even though it doesn't directly target the 5HT2A serotonin receptors like classical psychedelics.

"Euphoric Nothingness:" The Dichotomy of Dissociation & Healing

199 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Therapy Integration Drugs
  1. Dissociative drugs like ketamine offer a paradoxical healing potential by inducing a state of 'euphoric nothingness' that allows for self-reflection and identification of suppressed truths.
  2. Integration after dissociative experiences is crucial for long-term success, involving techniques like journaling, talk therapy, meditation, and self-care practices to make sense of insights and apply them to daily life.
  3. Ketamine therapy should be approached with caution and only through reputable clinics that prioritize integration and multiple sessions, avoiding clinics with red flags like lack of information or poor design.

Psychedelic Torture: The Dark Reality of the CIA's Project Bluebird

39 implied HN points • 10 May 24
  1. The CIA's Project Bluebird was approved to research the use of drugs for interrogation, torture, and mind control, with a focus on obtaining information from unwilling individuals.
  2. The CIA delved into goals like conditioning agents to prevent extraction of information, creating 'sleeper cells' for control, and preventing 'sleeper cells' from external control.
  3. Nazis played a significant role in the American government post-WWII, contributing to human experimentation and the evolution of Project Bluebird into Project Artichoke and eventually MK-ULTRA.

Shades of Pink: The Rise of Colombian Tusi (Pink Cocaine)

139 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Harm Reduction Psychedelics
  1. Colombian Tusi, also known as Pink Cocaine, is a highly variable mixture of substances like ketamine, MDMA, cocaine, and caffeine, often dyed pink.
  2. Tusi originated as a knockoff of the rare and expensive drug 2-CB in an effort to fill a market gap in South America.
  3. The drug Tusip is not to be confused with 2C-B, despite its phonetic similarity, and is created by mixing leftover drugs to produce a colorful and flavorful substance.

Is It Necessary to Have a Mystical Experience With Psychedelics?

179 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Personal Growth Spirituality Psychology
  1. Having a mystical experience with psychedelics may lead to successful outcomes in some cases.
  2. Various factors contribute to mystical experiences with psychedelics, including dosage and individual mental state.
  3. Seeking only mystical experiences without integrating the lessons into one's life could lead to spiritual bypassing.