The Rise of Super Shrooms

In a news cycle filled with election updates and climate crises, it’s refreshing to see mushrooms taking center stage—or should we say…. getting the ‘Lion’s Mane share of attention? 😉

Wired Magazine recently published an article by Mattha Busby (one of our favorite writers) titled “Psychedelic Mushrooms Are Getting Much, Much Stronger.” The article quickly shot to the #1 trending spot on the platform, and it’s no surprise—conversations around psilocybin mushrooms have been heating up.

A few years ago, strains like ‘Golden Teachers’ and ‘B+’ were the go-to magic mushrooms—mild, beginner-friendly, and lower in psilocybin. But as interest in psychedelics has surged, so has the demand for stronger, more novel varieties, much like the way cannabis has become more potent over the years.

Now, with cutting-edge lab techniques like ‘Heterosis’ (cross-breeding mushroom strains for specific traits), we’re on the verge of seeing ‘super strength’ mushrooms with unprecedented potency. 

But breeding stronger mushrooms isn’t just about intensifying psychedelic effects—higher potency means you can consume less to get the same results. This could help reduce digestive discomfort, a common side effect of psilocybin mushrooms, since smaller doses may be easier on the stomach.

So, what do you think? Do you prefer traditional mushrooms, or are you excited about these stronger hybrids? Reply to this issue and let us know whats on your mind!

DEA Drama: Scientists Are Battling to Keep Brain-Boosting Research Alive

Not everyone is as jazzed about psychedelics as we are - though the naysayers appear to be in the minority if recent polling has anything to say about it. 

The notorious DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is stirring up a strong reaction among psychedelic research advocates by attempting to ban two psychedelic substances that have decades of laboratory data behind them and over 900 peer-reviewed papers documenting their safety profile and importance to psychedelic research.

DOI and DOC are the de facto drugs that scientists are studying to understand serotonin receptors in the brain. Their current legal availability is helping researchers develop better treatment protocols for pain management, addiction, anxiety, and depression - so why is the DEA attempting to ban their use with no scientific or logical justification? 

The advocacy organization Students For Sensible Drug Policy is taking the DEA to court on November 12th, an important opportunity for the public to mount pressure against this type of government overreach. The DEA is even going so far as attempting to ban several experts from testifying in support of keeping DOI and DOC legal. 

SSDP needs your help to ensure the right voices are heard! Your participation is crucial, whether you are a media member, can serve as an expert witness, would like to contribute to educational outreach, or can assist with organizing press conferences.

Sign up with SSDP here to get involved and help protect critical psychedelic research.​

Observed In The Wild

From Twitter this week, positive indications from recent research continue to highlight the transformative potential of psychedelics in mental health care.

Studies like this one mentioned by Nicholas Fabiano, MD, demonstrate that psilocybin, even in a single high dose, can create enduring improvements in cognitive flexibility and overall well-being, particularly in depressed individuals.

These findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that psychedelics could revolutionize treatments for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

The long, strange trip continues, and we’re thankful to have you along for the ride. Please consider sharing this with a friend or providing feedback so we can continue adapting this newsletter to serve you.