NationStates Jolt Archive

Despite over 25 years of a legal loophole, this aspect of Tony Blair's assault on civil rights comes into effect today.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4692359.stm

Magic mushroom users have long benefited from a loophole in the law that meant fresh varieties of the hallucinogenic fungus were legal, despite dried ones being banned. But now the trip is over.

They have a reputation as the ultimate hippy dippy drug, beloved of Hawkwind fans and "psychonauts" probing the doors of perception.

Yet despite magic mushrooms' associations with a more innocent, bygone era, their popularity has soared in recent years. The rise has gone hand in hand with growing availability.

Instead of having to dodge cowpats to hunt native Liberty Caps in damp fields each autumn, users in Britain have had their pick of exotic species at "headshops", market stalls and internet retailers up and down the land.

Magic mushrooms in their fresh, raw state have not, until now, been illegal, even though preparing them has been.

But a change in the law meant Sunday was the last day of legal trading - prompting a last-minute rush to buy them in places such as Camden in London.

"I'm buying them to share with friends at a barbeque tonight," says Tom, 23, from Australia as he pops the 50g bag of Mexican Cubensis, costing £20, into his backpack.

"It's a bit of a laugh. I guess I would have to go to the 'underworld' if I want to get any more after today."

Although very much a minority pursuit, mushrooms had been bucking the trend of many other drugs. LSD-use has fallen to a negligible level and ecstasy and cannabis use appears to be steady, according to latest government figures.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that while the fungi are still seen as a largely teenage thrill, older folk have got involved.

"I was never one for mushrooms when I was younger but I bought them for the first time at last year's Glastonbury festival," says Terry, 35, from east London.

"By Sunday everyone around us looked off their heads and we wondered what all the fuss was about so we got some. I've bought them a couple of times since then."

'Spiritual quest'

Although the growing availability of magic mushrooms helps explain a rise in popularity, there are other reasons, says Dr Russell Newcombe, senior lecturer in drug use and addiction at Liverpool John Moores University.

"There has always been an underlying interest in alternative experiences and states of consciousness but that has risen a lot more in the past 10 years or so," he says.

"It goes with that whole section of our youth culture today which is interested in getting experiences, travelling the world and doing risky sports.

"On the other side of the coin there is a need for mystical and spiritual experiences to offset people's secular lives."

The effects, and drawbacks such as paranoia, vary [see box above] but when a trip is particularly intense, users report a loss of ego or a renewed sense of their place in the universe.

"I lay on the ground and felt like I was hugging the world," said Mark, 30, from Bristol.

With effects like this it's unsurprising that magic mushrooms are linked to ancient religious ceremonies such as those of the Aztecs who called them Teonanacatl, God's flesh.

Fairytale link

In the UK their history is a little more obscure although folklore gives clues that Britons have been well aware of the hallucinogenic properties of plants for centuries, including both the small brown Liberty Cap (Psilocybe semilanceata) and the red and white, and more toxic, Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria).

Flying witches, powerful fairy rings and elves' predilection for sitting on red and white toadstools have all been ascribed to experiences with magic mushrooms.

However the first documented case was in London's Green Park in 1799 when a man who had been picking mushrooms for breakfast accidentally sent his entire family on a trip.

The doctor who treated them later described in the Medical and Physical Journal how the youngest child "was attacked with fits of immoderate laughter, nor could the threats of his father or mother refrain him".

There are theories that Lewis Carroll knew what he was talking about when he had Alice eat pieces of mushroom, as advised by a hookah-smoking caterpillar, which made her grow and shrink.

Psychedelia

But the psychedelic influences of the 1960s and 70s brought mushrooms to a wider audience, when they started to be used as a milder or more natural alternative to LSD.

The popularity increased following the publication of a guidebook to British mushrooms and a particularly high-profile 1978 court case in which the House of Lords decided fresh magic mushrooms were not illegal in their natural state.

That ruling has now been superseded with the Drugs Act 2005 which means they are now classified as a "Class A" drug, alongside heroin. Possession could lead to seven years in jail, while supplying them could result in a life sentence.

While the changes to the law will undoubtedly get rid of overt selling on the High Street, ardent mushroom fans may not be dissuaded.

Cheer up. (I don't know how, but it sounded like a good idea at the time)

Now you can learn how to get them illegally like your friends across the pond here have been doing for years.

I don’t use them, never will, think anybody that does is an idiot. However, the government shouldn’t be able to tell people not be idiots.

On another note: What would the druids say? :D

truely is a sad day for britain. even less liberties now, what joy.

They're going to sit at approximately the bottom of the police priority list, and they're still going to be available through different channels so its quite a pointless law.

I think this is a disgrace. There is no earthly reason for banning 'shrooms, except that people get high. It is yet another example of creating criminals for no good reason.
People who take 'shrooms don't commit crimes, they don't hurt people. They were extremely unlikely to go onto other drugs, in part because they had no need to go to a drug dealer.
Well done to TB's government on increasing the income of drug dealers. That's the way to fight a 'war against drugs'-redefine more things as 'drugs', so you can lift more people who are doing no harm.

Blessings
Cyber

Now you can learn how to get them illegally like your friends across the pond here have been doing for years.
I live in Ireland, so this law doesn't affect us. It's legal to buy them wet here. But knowing my government, they'll soon follow suit. So it's a matter of time.

Why would anyone want to get high in the first place?

Why would anyone want to get high in the first place?Because it's fun. Why do some people like rollercoasters and some don't?

Because it's fun. Why do some people like rollercoasters and some don't?Roller coasters are a far cry from drugs.

Why would anyone want to get high in the first place?

Who cares why the idiots do what they do? The point is, the government shouldn’t be able to tell them not to.

Roller coasters are a far cry from drugs.And collecting stamps is a far cry from roller coasters. It's still fun for some people while others can't understand it.

Roller coasters are a far cry from drugs.
Not at all. Adrenaline is a drug.

I don’t use them, never will, think anybody that does is an idiot. However, the government shouldn’t be able to tell people not be idiots.



Obviously everone is entitled to their own opinion yaddyadda, so please don't see this as an attack. However, I am genuinely interested in why you think this? What makes those who take 'shrooms idiots in your eyes?

Blessings
Cyber

I live in Ireland, so this law doesn't affect us. It's legal to buy them wet here. But knowing my government, they'll soon follow suit. So it's a matter of time.

Ah. I only assumed you were from the UK. I wouldn't worry about it. As someone who has lived in a place where shrooms have been illegal my whole life, I can say that it is in no way difficult to get them. The war on drugs is a farce.

Roller coasters are a far cry from drugs.

The difficulty with using the word 'drug' is that it has such negative connotations. IMHO, 'shrooms are the least 'drug' like thing around. They're not addictive, they are natural, and although I used the word 'high', since they are halluinogens, that's not exactly what I mean, just a handy descriptor that doesn't take up too much space.

Blessings
Cyber

Obviously everone is entitled to their own opinion yaddyadda, so please don't see this as an attack. However, I am genuinely interested in why you think this? What makes those who take 'shrooms idiots in your eyes?


I consider anyone, that has to escape from realty like that, to be foolish.

I consider anyone, that has to escape from realty like that, to be foolish.
So do you consider users of all drugs (incl. alcohol) to be idiots or only hallucinogenic users?

I consider anyone, that has to escape from realty like that, to be foolish.And what methods do you accept?
I must admit that I don't wholly approve of using 'shrooms either, but under some circumstances they seem less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco...

I consider anyone, that has to escape from realty like that, to be foolish.

Specifically 'like that', or general escapism?
I have never seen 'shrooms as an escape from reality. I have often found their use to be more revalatory than anything else. And full of pretty colours and moving things which are fun *grins*.
I'm not saying that 'shrooms are all about a deep intellectual experience of the universe, although they can be. But there is nothing wrong with having fun, it's not necessarily driven by a desire to 'escape' reality.

Blessings
Cyber

So do you consider users of all drugs (incl. alcohol) to be idiots or only hallucinogenic users?

All users of any non-medicated drugs except alcohol. Alcohol can simply be used to calm your nerves, it doesn’t effect the fundamental workings of your mind unless done in excess.

And what methods do you accept?

I “accept” all methods. I just have low opinions of some.

I must admit that I don't wholly approve of using 'shrooms either, but under some circumstances they seem less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco...

Alcohol, taken in moderation, is very safe and actually beneficial to your health, unless you are an alcoholic. Tobacco use is extremely moronic.


Specifically 'like that', or general escapism?

Getting lost in a chemically induced reality because you don’t want to face the world is unproductive and irresponsible. Other forms of escapism like writing, reading or rping on nationstates :D you can at least snap out of whenever you wish.

I have never seen 'shrooms as an escape from reality. I have often found their use to be more revalatory than anything else. And full of pretty colours and moving things which are fun *grins*.
I'm not saying that 'shrooms are all about a deep intellectual experience of the universe, although they can be. But there is nothing wrong with having fun, it's not necessarily driven by a desire to 'escape' reality.

Whatever. The thought of getting drunk or high has always scared me. I don’t want to lose control of my perceptions.

Has the government got nothing better to do than to ban a virtually harmless drug? Unlike heroin, coccaine and even cannabis, the side-effects are thought to be virtually nil.

The police are already overwhelmed by useless laws and beauracracy. With violent crime, especially by young people, on the increase, has Blair or Clarke got the wits to see where priorities should lie?

Of cource Blair's got his priorities: recenly the media revealed that Blair has failed to reduce drug useage, one of his many failed election promices. This is a pathetic attempt to win us over.

And it will make no difference whatsoever. Period.

. Other forms of escapism like writing, reading or rping on nationstates :D you can at least snap out of whenever you wish.
You can snap out of it? How do you do it?! :p

You can snap out of it? How do you do it?! :p

Get your little sister to pull out the modem. ;)

All users of any non-medicated drugs except alcohol. Alcohol can simply be used to calm your nerves, it doesn’t effect the fundamental workings of your mind unless done in excess.

The same can be said about cannabis.

Get your little sister to pull out the modem. ;)She lives too far away and I use my University's WLAN... The only way I can snap out of it is when the library closes or my battery runs out. :D

She lives too far away and I use my University's WLAN... The only way I can snap out of it is when the library closes or my battery runs out. :D

If she's feeling well disposed to you, ask her to vsit you at the uni library with a large amount of concrete and lead sheilding.

The same can be said about cannabis.

True. However, I’ve yet to meet someone who uses it for such purposes.

True. However, I’ve yet to meet someone who uses it for such purposes.

I have. In fact, most people I know who smoke dope use it because it's relaxing.

If she's feeling well disposed to you, ask her to vsit you at the uni library with a large amount of concrete and lead sheilding.She's already complaining enough about lugging carpet tiles for my dorm room... besides, the library is brand new and you need a lot of concrete and lead to block 7 stories...

I don’t use them, never will, think anybody that does is an idiot. However, the government shouldn’t be able to tell people not be idiots.

Governments don't generally tell their citizens not to be idiots. They LIKE their citizens stupid, makes them easier to control.

that sucks so bad. my condolences to all the british shroomheads :(

speaking of shrooms, i really want to trip right now.

I have. In fact, most people I know who smoke dope use it because it's relaxing.

Everyone that I know that uses it does so because they want to get high, and its cheaper and more readily available than other drugs.

Everyone that I know that uses it does so because they want to get high, and its cheaper and more readily available than other drugs.

and why do you think they want to get high?

Everyone that I know that uses it does so because they want to get high, and its cheaper and more readily available than other drugs.

Define 'get high'.

Being high could be a state of artificially induced relaxation. In many cases, the two are well and truly synonymous.

Define 'get high'.

Losing your perception of reality.

Losing your perception of reality.

And if getting stoned and losing your perception of reality is relaxing? Perhaps for some people, it is.

Losing your perception of reality.You don't necessarily need drugs for that. People have managed quite well with religion too. (I'm referring to those people who let themselves be bitten by snakes to prove their faith, for instance)

Losing your perception of reality.
I know of more people who got, in your sense, high on alcohol (although as a drug it's a downer) than on pot. They might giggle more, but still have a fairly close grip on reality.

But one drug is socially accepted the other not.

As to the 'shrooms - that takes me back to the time I lived in the hills of the north Peak District. That wonderful summer when suddenly for a about a week most of the local youth walked around with a spaced out grin on their faces. And local police who made shure everybody got safely home. Great times.

Although I didn't partake - I'm sorry for you people, this law sucks! But it is a great example of how to turn law abiding people into criminals, by forcing them to buy the stuff from dealers. Then again, I don't think that young people in the more rural areas give a d***. It grows wild and what will the police do? Patrol the hills in search of 'shrooms. As if they haven't got anything better to do.

I wholeheartedly endorse the effort to expand one's consciousness through any means. And that includes psilocybin.

Losing your perception of reality.

Expanding your perception of reality.

You don't necessarily need drugs for that. People have managed quite well with religion too. (I'm referring to those people who let themselves be bitten by snakes to prove their faith, for instance)

Another example might be people for whom psilocybin is a sacrament. Nobody seems willing to agree on what losing a sense of reality or getting high or relaxing is, or where they cross, but there are certainly people for whom, maybe as well as being relaxing or whatever, a mushroom trip is a spiritual experience. This is as such another underhand attack on alternative creeds, typical of this government's attitudinising hypocrisy when it comes to diversity, awareness and tolerance.

And if getting stoned and losing your perception of reality is relaxing? Perhaps for some people, it is.

I will always consider chemically altering your brain to such a degree without a legitimate medical need, to be foolish, but like I said before, it isn’t the government's place to tell people not to be foolish.

I don’t use them, never will, think anybody that does is an idiot. However, the government shouldn’t be able to tell people not be idiots.

On another note: What would the druids say? :D


something like this:

"Wow..im frickin flying man....."

I will always consider chemically altering your brain to such a degree without a legitimate medical need, to be foolish, but like I said before, it isn’t the government's place to tell people not to be foolish.

Have you ever had the pleasure? It's hard having wisdom enough to judge foolishness if you've never played the fool.

Despite the fact that there are "no" malicious effects, there is.
I live in a small town of about 600 n rural Indiana.
The fact that they are illegal is the main malicious effect.
An average of two gun deaths per year are the result of mainly mushies and pot. Also, it distorts the users mentality leading to a lower class life and an unending cycle of use. It is not ultimatley an acceptable thing to do. Laerod needs to stop using and possibly think.
Have you seen someone have a horrific six and a half hour trip?
It changes them. Paranoia sets in and from what I have seen, usually irreversible metal scarring.

I think the government can be just that at times, but if you don't like it, move. Laws are made to protect citizens of that nation. If one guy uses shrooms and then throws a grenade onto a metro, people are not being protected.

Move to South America and use buttons. That is what I say.
If your life is in need of external stimulii, get a girlfriend.
They can be known to stimulate....

I will always consider chemically altering your brain to such a degree without a legitimate medical need, to be foolish, but like I said before, it isn’t the government's place to tell people not to be foolish.

Going out in a polluting car is foolish, but we do it anyway.

The Brain isn't any more/less chemically altered by many drugs than it does to itself. Dreaming, emotion, even mood, is governed by large chemical changes in the brain. The brain has special receptor cells to recieve THC, in the same way that it has cells to accept adrenalin, dopamine, serotonin and any other hormone you can care to name.

You're quite right that the government shouldn't tell people not to be foolish. However, if I want to be foolish, and it doesn't hurt other people, the government shouldn't stop me. You only live once, after all.

Despite the fact that there are "no" malicious effects, there is.
I live in a small town of about 600 n rural Indiana.
The fact that they are illegal is the main malicious effect.
An average of two gun deaths per year are the result of mainly mushies and pot. Also, it distorts the users mentality leading to a lower class life and an unending cycle of use. It is not ultimatley an acceptable thing to do. Laerod needs to stop using and possibly think.
Have you seen someone have a horrific six and a half hour trip?
It changes them. Paranoia sets in and from what I have seen, usually irreversible metal scarring.

I think the government can be just that at times, but if you don't like it, move. Laws are made to protect citizens of that nation. If one guy uses shrooms and then throws a grenade onto a metro, people are not being protected.

Move to South America and use buttons. That is what I say.
If your life is in need of external stimulii, get a girlfriend.
They can be known to stimulate....

Great. Even given how much of that is bullshit, it's still not the point. Above all else, you talk about gun deaths resulting from shroom use. So ban guns... Beyond that, passing laws because something might make a minority do something bad is no way to go about running a country.

Have you ever had the pleasure?

Like I’ve said before, I’m scared to lose my perception of reality. I’ve heard to much about bad trips and people mutilating themselves when they were high.

It's hard having wisdom enough to judge foolishness if you've never played the fool.

That statement is little more than intellectual masturbation. One does not have to touch a lit stove to know that it is hot and will burn you. You can simply learn from observing others who have touched the stove or even listening to those that have.

I think those who judge anything should try it first. Undelia, before you open your mouth, go smoke pot or eat some shrooms. How do you know that you won't enjoy it?

In fact, I don't think anyone who has tried weed doesn't like it.

Laerod needs to stop using and possibly think.Never have used any nor ever intend to, actually.

Have you seen someone have a horrific six and a half hour trip?
It changes them. Paranoia sets in and from what I have seen, usually irreversible metal scarring.

Nope, but I've seen what alcohol can do to you. I don't take drugs because I've talked to people that know what it can do to you, but some, if used in measure don't do things everytime.

I think the government can be just that at times, but if you don't like it, move. Laws are made to protect citizens of that nation. If one guy uses shrooms and then throws a grenade onto a metro, people are not being protected.
More people die of tobacco induced lung cancer than hand grenades thrown into metros by druggies. You're right, people aren't being protected.

Move to South America and use buttons. That is what I say.
If your life is in need of external stimulii, get a girlfriend.
They can be known to stimulate....They can be known to cause psychosises too. I should know, I'm taking anti-depressants because of one right now.

One does not have to touch a lit stove to know that it is hot and will burn you. You can simply learn from observing others who have touched the stove or even listening to those that have.

Yes, except that earlier on you were passing judgements on the nature of the trip. Sure, you can observe and note people's behaviour whilst on shrooms - but you can't possibly hope to understand a full hallucinogenic trip until you've experienced it. I still agree with you to the extent that this shouldn't be a debate that only those who have taken shrooms can take part in, though.

Like I’ve said before, I’m scared to lose my perception of reality. I’ve heard to much about bad trips and people mutilating themselves when they were high.

LOL (Wow, I'm seeing trails! This is great! Hey, let's mutilate ourselves! Cool!)

That's right up there with "Reefer Madness".

That statement is little more than intellectual masturbation. One does not have to touch a lit stove to know that it is hot and will burn you. You can simply learn from observing others who have touched the stove or even listening to those that have.

Ahh, but watching people burning themselves doesn't lead to consciousness-expansion, and neither does watching people eat mushrooms.

That statement is little more than intellectual masturbation. One does not have to touch a lit stove to know that it is hot and will burn you. You can simply learn from observing others who have touched the stove or even listening to those that have.

Sure, i've accidentally touched my grandmas boiler pipe. It was f*****g painful, and wouldn't want anyone to do it.

People have taken drugs and enjoyed it . People normally don't put their hand in fires and enjoy it.

I have both taken drugs and burned myself. I know which I would do again. There is no comparison.

Sure, i've accidentally touched my grandmas boiler pipe. It was f*****g painful, and wouldn't want anyone to do it.

People have taken drugs and enjoyed it . People normally don't put their hand in fires and enjoy it.

I have both taken drugs and burned myself. I know which I would do again. There is no comparison.

And there is also the case where you burn yourself with the lighter while doing drugs :mad:

I think those who judge anything should try it first. Undelia, before you open your mouth, go smoke pot or eat some shrooms. How do you know that you won't enjoy it?

In fact, I don't think anyone who has tried weed doesn't like it.


Thats crap.

Im a smoker myself..love the stuff really....but I know plenty of people who have tried it, and just didnt get the same satisfatcion from it that many do.

LOL (Wow, I'm seeing trails! This is great! Hey, let's mutilate ourselves! Cool!)

Are you saying that you have never heard of people who think bugs are crawling under their skin when they are high, so they rip off chunks of skin and tear out their eyes? I have. One particularly frightening story is of a man in Britain who drank hallucinogenic tea and though his tongue and penis were snakes, so he cut both of them off!

Ahh, but watching people burning themselves doesn't lead to consciousness-expansion, and neither does watching people eat mushrooms.

I fail to see how severing your link with reality is going to cause you to better understand it.

Thats crap.

Im a smoker myself..love the stuff really....but I know plenty of people who have tried it, and just didnt get the same satisfatcion from it that many do.

Oh well then I guess they suck.

And there is also the case where you burn yourself with the lighter while doing drugs :mad:

Matches are actually better-suited to the stoned scenario than a lighter.

Unless you have half a bottle of JD after, and set the ground on fire...

Matches are actually better-suited to the stoned scenario than a lighter.

What?? Matches are only cool with joints or blunts, but have you ever tried smoking a pipe or bong with matches? It's frustrating as hell!

Are you saying that you have never heard of people who think bugs are crawling under their skin when they are high, so they rip off chunks of skin and tear out their eyes? I have. One particularly frightening story is of a man in Britain who drank hallucinogenic tea and though his tongue and penis were snakes, so he cut both of them off!

I've heard things like that, and here's my response...

With most products you can buy off the shelf, there are legal processes and requirements that state how the product should be made and what quality control checks should be in place. That's why people don't drink whisky and immediately go blind, or have a cough and gat safe medicine.

With drugs, there are no such legal demands made on those who produce them. It is a perfect lassiez-faire market: no regulations bar supply & demand. That's why things can go wrong. With drugs, you simply don't know what's in there, and why they're much more harmful than they really are.

That's my opinion on such matters. It is a bit of a catch-22 situation: you can't legalize without knowing the effects and you can't know the effects without legalizing.

I fail to see how severing your link with reality is going to cause you to better understand it.

That's just stupid, isn't it? You seem to be pretty much admitting that you have absolutely no idea what a trip is like. Perhaps you 'fail to see' because you've never tried.

What?? Matches are only cool with joints or blunts, but have you ever tried smoking a pipe or bong with matches? It's frustrating as hell!

Lol, no. I can only imagine!

Lol, no. I can only imagine!

Happened to me the other day..my friend and I were toking with this pipe and some matches and we kept getting frustrated by the damn things and the little smoke we were getting. Finally we went to the convenience store across the street (felt like more than that by that time) and bought a lighter. It was one of those sweet ass I AM CANADIAN lighters :D

"Illegal drugs are bad! They cause harm to yourself!" As you pop prescription meds for allergies that can cause Hemorraging, clots, sneezing, diarreah, mucous discharge, loss of appetite, paranoia, light-headedness, liver and stomach complications, suicidal thoughts, and a small percentage of users experience a slight case of death. Oh, and people with heart related problems in their family and people nursing or pregnant should consult a doctor first. In case of accidental overdose, contact a mortician. Sounds perfectly logical to me. :rolleyes:

I will always consider chemically altering your brain to such a degree without a legitimate medical need, to be foolish, but like I said before, it isn’t the government's place to tell people not to be foolish.

So I guess coffee, tea, chocolate, sleeping pills, melatonin, etc... are all unacceptable, too? :p

Don't mind me, I'm just being a pain. I have to agree with you, if someone wants to be foolish, and isn't hurting anyone else, the gov't should butt out. :)

And to others, stop using the 'mushrooms are natural' argument. Whether or not something is 'natural' is irrelavent. Botulinum is 'natural', and it's certainly not even remotely 'safe'. :D

Everything we consume are chemicals.

Meh. I ate some caps a few nights past, and I enjoyed myself immensely, as did the dozen or so friends of mine who were with me. We had a blast, strengthened our ties, and in the end experienced something unique. Aside from a bit of a 'hangover' the next day, we were all richer for the experience. Sure, the occasional person gets a bad trip, but in the five years or so I've delved into the 'halluinogenic drug world' I've never, no not once, seen anyone mutilate themselves or lose all touch with reality.

I have, however, seen a kid take too much rydalin and LOSE HIS SHIT on a teacher, busting her nose and sending her to the ER. I've also seen a number of kids on 'anti-depressants' shoot/hang/cut themselves. I've also seen a number of kids drink booze until they puke blood. I've also seen my grandmother smoke herself into the grave. I've also seen women eat valium until they waste away. ALL of these are completely legal and commonplace. All. Yet, the two hundred or so people I've done mushrooms with have never lost it and killled or hurt another person. No not once. In fact, most of them have been placid as Hindu cows.

Perhaps the people you all have talked to are just idiots who are unable to moderate themselves. I know that when my friends and I decide to go on a trip, we do it safely and together. If someone is getting out of hand, the rest of us are there to set shit straight and keep the night on the right path. I know I would much rather someone who knows and loves me move to take care of me, rather than some faceless politician who sees me as a statistic and little more.

A wise man once said that if you hate drugs sooooo much, then take pretty much every album you own that's been made in the past 40 years, and throw that shit out the window. Why? Because, mostly likely, those guys were reaaaal fucking high on drugs.

Fuck it, though. They've been illegal here in the states forever, yet we still manage a solid trip twice a year or so, with not much trouble in finding. If all else fails, buy a kit.

Why would anyone want to get high in the first place?
Well, I don't know about shrooms, because I've seen people do some pretty dumb shit on them, but as far as weed goes, I don't see how anyone could not like it. I do however believe it should be illegal to drive on any of it. I just don't know of a test that will tell whether some one has ingest it in the last couple hours. ( the only currently acceptable testing measure, is to test for metabolites of Marijuana, with stay in your body for up to a month after use. Not sure if theres a test for shrooms?)

I had a pretty bad 20 mins while on shrooms, freaked out and the like but before and after that I felt amazing.

Yeah, driving while on drugs probably isn't the best idea. Once I was baked and in the car with this dude who was on crack...not fun. He's a shitty driver to begin with but that night he was barely missing other cars and stuff. So, yeah I tend to stay away from vehicles when the driver is on anything.

Are you saying that you have never heard of people who think bugs are crawling under their skin when they are high, so they rip off chunks of skin and tear out their eyes? I have. One particularly frightening story is of a man in Britain who drank hallucinogenic tea and though his tongue and penis were snakes, so he cut both of them off!



I fail to see how severing your link with reality is going to cause you to better understand it.

Old wive's tales.

Listen, I've spent more time talking people out of bad trips than any one person ought to have. It's more often than not due to being uptight about something before taking a hallucinogen. A neutral space, some words of kind reassurance, and occasionally the traditional placebo, orange juice, has always, in my vast experience, turned people round.

Who said anything about 'severing' links to reality?

The only substance I know that can do that is Salvia Divinorum, "Diviner's Sage" (perfectly legal, btw) - and I know damn few people who've experimented with that - as that substance does carry dangers, though not along the lines you're probably thinking.

Hallucinogens sever nothing. LSD, for example, is present in the human body for only a small fraction of time, and in that time, does actually 'burn out' certain neural pathways used for conveying information to the brain. The brain dynamically responds by re-routing information along unused pathways, or pathways originally used for other sensory input - hence, people claiming to "see" music or "taste" sound. The re-wiring process takes between 8 and 12 hours to complete. All the links to reality are still in play, it's just a question of interpreting that reality. Or relaxing and having fun with it.

Of course, you'll never understand consciousness expansion without having tried it - and here's where I get upset with ham-handed anti-drug policies:

I've researched each and every substance I've ever ingested, prior to ingesting it. I didn't realize how lucky I was to have grown up in a time where all I required to gain access to factual, as well as anecdotal information and evidence about drugs was to pay a visit to my local library. When I came to southern Ontario as a young teen, however (during the Reagan era) there was a politically-motivated decision taken to remove many non-hysterical books that concerned recreational and consciousness-expanding drugs and drug use. What was left? "Nancy Reagan's Just Say No To Drugs", ands the uproariously racist "The Black Candle", neither of which are designed to help young people make educated, informed choices about drugs - they are simply knee-jerk reactionary tomes designed to frighten, and to encourage ignorance where drugs are concerned.

I'm half-convinced this is a leading cause for the resurgence of extraordinarily bad drugs, like the opiates, coca, and so-called 'designer drugs' of dubious lineage and manufacture. Keep people in the dark at society's risk, because people will always be getting out of, or into, their headspaces. No amount of wishful thinking is going to stop people from altering their consciousness.

You said earlier that people you know take drugs to get 'stoned'. Well, let me be the first to tell you that a lot of people use drugs for reasons other than that. If you can't accept what I'm saying, well - I guess there's not a lot to talk about. But if it's any consolation, I don't use drugs to get 'stoned'.

I use them to get 'high'.

I had a pretty bad 20 mins while on shrooms, freaked out and the like but before and after that I felt amazing.

Yeah, driving while on drugs probably isn't the best idea. Once I was baked and in the car with this dude who was on crack...not fun. He's a shitty driver to begin with but that night he was barely missing other cars and stuff. So, yeah I tend to stay away from vehicles when the driver is on anything.

Yeah, good idea. I stay away from my dad's driving. He can be a little special when parking.

Authoritarians, just can't give anyone freedom, can they? Just let them have their mushrooms, it's not like it's that big of a deal.

Authoritarians, just can't give anyone freedom, can they? Just let them have their mushrooms, it's not like it's that big of a deal.

And why not?

The government made it illegal, so what?

I smoke weed, im not a hardcore smoker but i do, ive even been caught with some on my person, was confiscated and a slap on wrist.

I will not stop using weed, the government can make it class A for all i care, Its not because i need the drug, its out of principle. I am tired of the british government stamping on our liberties, there are cases when certain substances (I.E Crack and normal Cocaine) needs to be illegal. But this is rediculous

Im tempted to try Shrooms now just out of defiance to Blair. This isn't going to stop anyone, in fact making a drug illegal is worse than making it legal.. it leads to more black and underground markets which creates more crime and means they cant keep track of what is and isn't sold anymore.

its rediculous, London gets bombed, and his priority is a drug which is basically harmless... Im amazed he is still in power

its rediculous, London gets bombed, and his priority is a drug which is basically harmless... Im amazed he is still in power

He's never survive a vote of no-confidence in the commons.

Yeah, there should be a few policy priorities other than a small legal loophole. Although our Dear Leader is planning on making the police search asian-looking people (can't think of a better phrase) more than other people. A great show of integrity, solidarity and tackling problems head-on.

He's never survive a vote of no-confidence in the commons.

Yeah, there should be a few policy priorities other than a small legal loophole. Although our Dear Leader is planning on making the police search asian-looking people (can't think of a better phrase) more than other people. A great show of integrity, solidarity and tackling problems head-on.

That's not quite true (by which I mean there isn't the merest whiff of truth to that).

That said, it does still seem a shame that he can't concentrate on more important problems. The up side is that the police most definitely will concentrate on more important problems, particularly given how difficult it will be to prevent people collecting the mushrooms that grow naturally - a problem that haven't had to deal with with cannabis or opiates.

He's never survive a vote of no-confidence in the commons.

Yeah, there should be a few policy priorities other than a small legal loophole. Although our Dear Leader is planning on making the police search asian-looking people (can't think of a better phrase) more than other people. A great show of integrity, solidarity and tackling problems head-on.

I know that sounds to be discriminating agains't a certain race/religion, but at the end of the day its what needs to be done. Muslims argue that it is only a few extremists who do these terrible things, that is undebatable, most muslims are nice people, however we still need to search them when they look suspicious. If they are innocent then they should have no problem co-operating, and it will help alot

I know that sounds to be discriminating agains't a certain race/religion, but at the end of the day its what needs to be done. Muslims argue that it is only a few extremists who do these terrible things, that is undebatable, most muslims are nice people, however we still need to search them when they look suspicious. If they are innocent then they should have no problem co-operating, and it will help alot

Although I agree with the reasoning, I think that it's the wrong way to go about it. Since these suicide bombers were British, they could be blonde hair and blue eyed, for all we know. I don't want to give the extremeists more ammo by letting them say that they are oppressed.

However, this is way off topic (my fault, slaps self on wrist) and shouldn't be discussed here.

I consider anyone, that has to escape from realty like that, to be foolish.

surely if they want to escape from reality, thats more a problem with reality than the person?

and i read an article in new scientist once that said after we satisfy the food/shelter/etc urgs, the next urge is to escape reality via hallucinagens. or something to that effect, anyway.

Define 'get high'.

Losing your perception of reality.

Define 'reality'.

Face it, just because you are afraid of changing perspective for a breif period doesn't make everyone else who isn't afraid of it or even craves a change in perception 'idiots'.

Oh well, just another person who needs to admonish people for having a different point of view.

Define 'reality'.

Face it, just because you are afraid of changing perspective for a breif period doesn't make everyone else who isn't afraid of it or even craves a change in perception 'idiots'.

Oh well, just another person who needs to admonish people for having a different point of view.

What are you on about? I said I think it should be legal, didn’t I? In fact, I take issue with this:

there are cases when certain substances (I.E Crack and normal Cocaine) needs to be illegal

I don’t see why those should be any less legal than shrooms.

and i read an article in new scientist once that said after we satisfy the food/shelter/etc urgs, the next urge is to escape reality via hallucinagens. or something to that effect, anyway.

Funny, I have more food and shelter than most people on the planet, yet I do no seek hallucinogenics.

I don’t use them, never will, think anybody that does is an idiot.

I'm on about this. I didn't mention the legality issue in my response to yoru post.

Getting lost in a chemically induced reality because you don’t want to face the world is unproductive and irresponsible.

People don't only 'get high' because they want to escape teh world. Generalizations have no value.


Whatever. The thought of getting drunk or high has always scared me. I don’t want to lose control of my perceptions.

I was also on about this - you are scared to do it so anyone who isn't is foolish or an idiot in yoru eyes it would seem.

I just think you are a bit too intolerant of something you dont even seem to understand.

Its not the best law, but it for the people's best health. If only America could remove cigs. That would be a GOOD thing for the nation's health plan. The UK should ban cigs and smoking before 'shrooms. The physical damage is less and they aren't as addictive as cigs. A good step, but a step in the wrong direction.

To "Ban" or "outlaw" things which grow naturally; is absurd; and indicative of a non-functioning brain.

I just think you are a bit too intolerant of something you dont even seem to understand.

As long as I don’t want to legislate it, why do you care?

This bites. In the London, how the hell am I going to find free growing shrooms? Grow kits are out...

Wait... does anyone know if grow kits are out? If the cultivation of mushrooms is actually illegal? I mean, its fairly obvious that 'cultivation for consumption' is going to be frowned upon (to put it lightly) but will that stop all the net sites selling the kits? Cos if it doesn't, this new law changes nothing.

I guess for the moment, its back to good old dope if I want to trip out... they've been growing some gorgeous stuff in Harrow thats almost psychadelic to a fault.

As long as I don’t want to legislate it, why do you care?


If you are going to call me an idiot because I happen to enjoy taking mushrooms or smoking cannabis, then I am going to take you to task on your point of view. I shouldn't care though, you are right. In any real life situation where I would encounter someone spewing crap like you are, I would just ignore your hateful ramblings and blow you off as ignorant of any truth outside your limited perspective and leave it at that. If you are not willing to open your eyes to what I am saying and instead wish to merely dismiss it (i.e ''what do you care?"), then there is no use continuing this discussion. Consider my hands washed of you.

Dude, all you gotta do is go to a farm and find piles of cow shit after it rains.

I consider anyone, that has to escape from realty like that, to be foolish.

Why do people place such a high priority on reality? If someone has enjoyed their life, why the hell does it matter if they got their kicks in the real world or drug-induced delusions?

Why do people place such a high priority on reality? If someone has enjoyed their life, why the hell does it matter if they got their kicks in the real world or drug-induced delusions?
We talking about getting high or masterbating to porn with animated underage girls?

They're the same level in my eyes. At least one is getting more exercise than the other, however. ;) :D

Dude, all you gotta do is go to a farm and find piles of cow shit after it rains.


but then you should look for signs to see if you can verify that teh shrooms are safe to eat.

but then you should look for signs to see if you can verify that teh shrooms are safe to eat.

Or look for a book on non-flowering, edible plants.

Or look for a book on non-flowering, edible plants.

Well yeah but from what I have read, there are many mushrooms that look alike initially but some can be poisonous. Psilocybe cubensis, for example have look-a-likes but to determine if it's the real deal first you touch the stem and if it bruises bluish purple then you are halfway to determining if it is truely psilocybe cubensis, after that you take a cap and place it on a sheet of white paper in a dark spot overnight (I think - damn memory) and if the spore print left behind on teh paper is purple then you have a winner. At least I think thats how you test them. lol - it's been a long time since I've gone thru those motions.

The same can be said about cannabis.


Yeah, except cannabis doesn't turn people into raving lunatic assholes, which alcohol does.
:mad: :mad: :mad: Alcohol is a drug, period, and anyone who makes excuses for it and defends at as being less harmful than cannabis or even Heroin or Crack is a fucking looney tune who needs to stop openming their mouth just to switch feet.

:mad: I fucking hate alcoholics, I hate the whole culture that goes with drinking. :gundge: Its 50 times more harmful than cannabis and ruins WAY more lives than drugs like Heroin or Cocaine, which are used by far fewr people than Assohol is. If you're going to ban drugs, ban them ALL, including alcohol. Prohibition is idiotic and has been proven to not only be inneffective, but plays into the hands of organized crime.

I in no way wish to advicate drug abuse, but I am curious. I read just yesterday that the Vikings used to use hellucinogenic mushrooms right before going into battle. Are these the same ones?

Well yeah but from what I have read, there are many mushrooms that look alike initially but some can be poisonous. Psilocybe cubensis, for example have look-a-likes but to determine if it's the real deal first you touch the stem and if it bruises bluish purple then you are halfway to determining if it is truely psilocybe cubensis, after that you take a cap and place it on a sheet of white paper in a dark spot overnight (I think - damn memory) and if the spore print left behind on teh paper is purple then you have a winner. At least I think thats how you test them. lol - it's been a long time since I've gone thru those motions.

This is why I have an ounce of dried shrooms hoarded away in my refrigerator for a rainy day. I don't need all the legwork. Oh and by the way, my 'compassion garden' is growing by leaps and bounds this year.

I went with a monoculture this time out - 9 (nine!) healthy, stinky, Silver Haze plants grown from seed, and making the most of this unbearable weather. They're already four feet tall!

That statement is little more than intellectual masturbation. One does not have to touch a lit stove to know that it is hot and will burn you. You can simply learn from observing others who have touched the stove or even listening to those that have.
Logical flaw. A lit stove will burn anyone, every time; however, a drug will not always have the same effect on a person.

its rediculous, London gets bombed, and his priority is a drug which is basically harmless... Im amazed he is still in power
To be fair, this law was made before the bombings. It only came into force today.

I guess for the moment, its back to good old dope if I want to trip out... they've been growing some gorgeous stuff in Harrow thats almost psychadelic to a fault.
Is it exported? ;)

Yeah, except cannabis doesn't turn people into raving lunatic assholes, which alcohol does.
:mad: :mad: :mad: Alcohol is a drug, period, and anyone who makes excuses for it and defends at as being less harmful than cannabis or even Heroin or Crack is a fucking looney tune who needs to stop openming their mouth just to switch feet.

:mad: I fucking hate alcoholics, I hate the whole culture that goes with drinking. :gundge: Its 50 times more harmful than cannabis and ruins WAY more lives than drugs like Heroin or Cocaine, which are used by far fewr people than Assohol is. If you're going to ban drugs, ban them ALL, including alcohol. Prohibition is idiotic and has been proven to not only be inneffective, but plays into the hands of organized crime.
You're preaching to the converted, mate.

I in no way wish to advicate drug abuse, but I am curious. I read just yesterday that the Vikings used to use hellucinogenic mushrooms right before going into battle. Are these the same ones?
No. The Vikings used berserker drugs that sent them into an aggressive frenzy. The common hallucinogenic mushroom brings out no aggression.

This is why I have an ounce of dried shrooms hoarded away in my refrigerator for a rainy day. I don't need all the legwork. Oh and by the way, my 'compassion garden' is growing by leaps and bounds this year.

I went with a monoculture this time out - 9 (nine!) healthy, stinky, Silver Haze plants grown from seed, and making the most of this unbearable weather. They're already four feet tall!

An ounce?!?!?!? Nice. Ah how I miss the shrooms. I hope you don't meant that ouce for a rainy day is all goign to be eaten on teh same day :p I used to grown them myself. Got busted for it. :(

These plants of yours indoor? They look beautiful in my mind. I bet you give them lots of company. I used to grow too. Now I own a house and don't wish to lose it though. I was growing white widow and it was as white as it is in the pics in High Times.