CANNABIS CULTURE – A Compendium of History, Pharmacology, Mythology and Exploration
Fall is finally here. The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are turning colors, and mushrooms
of all varieties are beginning to pop! Thousands will be venturing to their local cow pastures and
other favorite haunts this autumn in search of psychedelic psilocybe mushrooms. Stunningly,
however, many of these same mushroom seekers will walk right past the majestic red-and-white
capped Fly Agaric, perhaps the most iconic mushroom in the world, and one that is incredibly
psychoactive. Despite its captivating appearance and its deep association with the otherworldly –
through its depiction in countless fairytales – most believe the Fly Agaric to be poisonous, and
many believe that it is deadly. Old rumors die hard, and those surrounding the Fly Agaric are no
exception.
It was with these rumors in mind that the idea of assembling a vast tome on the Fly Agaric was
borne. With the assistance of more than two dozen authors, scholars, and photographers this
vision was brought to life in the form of a 500-page book with color photographs, covering
topics ranging from pharmacology, mushroom identification, Soma, Santa Claus, the Viking
Berserkers, and medicinal use among others. As a result, “Fly Agaric: A Compendium of History,
Pharmacology, Mythology, and Exploration” is undoubtedly the most comprehensive book on
the iconic red and white-spotted mushroom ever assembled.
Through the illustrated pages of this book the reader will learn how to identify more than a dozen
types of psychoactive Amanita mushrooms that can be found in North America, including
several varieties of the Fly Agaric, which tends to sport a different color of cap (red, orange,
peach, yellow, brown, and white) depending on the specific region where it occurs.
The reader will learn how the effects of these mushrooms differ from the effects of psilocybes and learn how preparation is key to reducing the unpleasant effects which continue to contribute to beliefs that
the mushroom is poisonous. The reader will learn how the mushroom can be prepared as a
medicine and applied either topically or used internally to treat a variety of conditions, including
pain, inflammation, insomnia, and anxiety. And, strangely, the mushroom can also be prepared
for the dinner table and several recipes for delectable treats are included.
While a lot can be covered in 500-pages, addressing every intriguing aspect of this singular
fungus in one book would be impossible. Nevertheless, the 29-chapters
contained within will
take the amateur mushroomer and mushroom enthusiast on an unforgettable journey through
history, folklore, and the magical landscapes experienced under the influence of the Fly Agaric
(and its many close relatives). So, this Fall, keep your eyes peeled
and watch your step; you
might miss something spectacular!
Original Article
