Decadent, delicious chocolate has impacted humankind for more than four millennia. The mind-bending, medicinal properties of psilocybin have similarly influenced society for thousands of years. What happens when we combine magic mushrooms and chocolate?
As researchers uncover the therapeutic benefits of the psychedelic compound, enthusiasts create innovative ways to consume it. One method involves blending cacao with psilocybin-containing truffles.
Why mix these two famous stimulants, and does their union offer users any additional benefits? Read on to learn more about this powerful duo and how merging them isn’t as novel as some might think.
Archaeologists discovered evidence of cacao in drinking vessels dating back to Mesoamerica’s pre-Colombian cultures. The Mayan and Aztec people held the beans in high esteem, reserving beverages created with the plant for religious ceremonies.
They believed cacao acted as a powerful aphrodisiac and mood-alterer and saw the plant as a divine teacher. The drink made from fermented beans helped them access higher states of consciousness, unity, and love.
Modern-day studies on raw cacao reveal the food isn’t psychedelic but has stimulating effects and enhances mood. These characteristics are thanks to the following compounds being present in the beans:
Scientists have also found that cacao contains small amounts of substances that inhibit the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme. This compound is responsible for degrading several neurotransmitters.
MAO inhibitors could also slow the breakdown of psychoactive compounds, intensifying their effects.
Is it any wonder that magic mushrooms and chocolate are such an intriguing combination?
Psilocybin and chocolate share a long history, as ancient Mesoamerican cultures often consumed cacao with other ritualistic plants, including fungi.
A typical ceremony involved roasting and fermenting the beans, then grinding them into a paste with water, chilies, and corn. Once healers thoroughly blended the mixture, they poured it back and forth between two pots to form a foamy drink.
The Aztecs would then add mushrooms to the cacao beverage or eat the fungi, followed by the chocolate. They thought the qualities of these sacred beans guided the spirit through the mushroom experience.
Famous amateur mycologist, R. Gordon Wasson, claimed to participate in a mushroom-cacao ritual in Mexico in 1955. While visiting a local shaman’s home, Wasson drank a chocolate elixir and chewed “acrid” fungi.
Cacao’s psychoactive attributes blend perfectly with those of magic mushrooms, and the pair’s benefits complement one another when ingested together.
The mild MAO inhibitors in chocolate enhance psilocybin’s effects. Cacao also works as a carrier for the psychedelic compound, aiding the body to absorb and utilize it effectively. This process helps consumers receive the full effects of the mushrooms.
Chocolate is rich in natural fats, increasing psilocybin absorption and aiding its transfer to the blood and brain. As cacao acts as a vasodilator and increases blood flow, it could encourage the body to take up more active components.
Putting magic mushrooms in chocolate seems to provide an elevated experience and could be a match made in heaven.
Anecdotal evidence suggests mixing psilocybin with other ingredients could improve an individual’s psychedelic reactions. Enthusiasts believe certain foods complement mushrooms by enhancing their effects and taste.
Some of these components include:
The legality of magic mushroom chocolate varies across the United States, with psilocybin decriminalized in certain regions for personal use. While individuals won’t face prosecution for using and consuming small amounts, they can’t buy or sell mass-produced edibles.
Also, keep in mind there’s a lack of peer-reviewed research on the effects of blending psychedelics with other ingredients. Studies completed to date primarily involved animal models, which means we aren’t aware of any potential side effects of these combinations.
As new evidence on the benefits of psilocybin treatment emerges, legislation on the substance might change. A shift in the legal landscape could pave the way for future studies on the fascinating relationship between magic mushrooms and chocolate.
Mycology enthusiasts are intrigued by the tiny world of microorganisms. Visit our store to purchase high-quality spores perfectly suited for research. Discovering a new magical mushroom combination could soon be within our reach.
All of the content and images on our site are for informational reference only. The cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is federally illegal in the United States. We do not promote the cultivation of psilocybin “magic” mushrooms under any circumstances. Do not contact us asking for advice related to this subject. Any products found on this site are for microscopy and taxonomy purposes only. None of the psilocybin mushroom spores we offer are for consumption or cultivation. We do not sell any products containing psilocybin.
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