Ik heb trouwens onlangs een informatie brochure geschreven voor onze klanten (ik werk in een nieuwe smartshop in Amsterdam) waarvan de meesten touristen zijn. Ik heb geprobeerd op een luchtige manier bepaalde waarschuwingen en richtlijnen te geven, waarbij ik me heb proberen te verplaatsen in hun situatie en verwachtingen. Ik heb net de eerste exemplaren uitgeprint. Suggesties en verbeteringen zijn welkom.
Philosopher's stones
Also known as truffles, these small stones (sclerotia) contain the same ingredients as magic mushrooms, namely psilocin and psilocybin. These compounds generate a psychedelic state of mind that lasts between four and six hours, with some mild after-effects lasting another two hours. Because psychedelics give rise to philosophical thoughts, the stone-like sclerotia are sometimes referred to as Philosopher's stones.
Dosage
A regular dose is approximately 10 grams of fresh truffles. If it's your first time, start with 5 to 7 grams. Much more important than the dosage however is the set and setting, or the circumstances under which the truffles are taken (see below).
Don't eat anything for a couple of hours before eating the truffles. This will make the effects come up more rapidly (within 30 minutes), and helps to prevent nausea. Chew the truffles well, and wash them down with a little fruit juice, tea or soda.
Set & Setting
Truffles strongly amplify feelings and perceptions, so make sure you take them in a place where you feel comfortable and with people you trust. If it's your first time, it's advisable to take them in the presence of an experienced user who stays sober. Because you perceive the world (including yourself) in a brand new way, you may at times feel restless or burst into uncontrollable laughter about it all. Do not resist any of the feelings you're experiencing, whether it be uncertainty or euphoria. The less you resist the new feelings and sensations, the more useful and pleasurable the trip will be.
Many people enjoy the effects in a natural environment, for example in a park. If that is not an option, find yourself a place that is warm and quiet, and listen to some soothing music. The visual effects of psilocybin are best experienced with eyes closed or in a dark room. Especially for the first time it's best to avoid bright lights and noisy surroundings.
Effects
Though the experience may be fun and hilarious, you may also have deeply personal, philosophical or even religious thoughts. Psychedelics are known to bring suppressed feelings and memories to the surface.
When you close your eyes, especially in a dark room, you'll see swirling patterns in very bright colors. Sometimes these patterns form elaborate visions that are so captivating that you'll have no desire to do anything but sit and watch. Remember that what you see are symbolic representations of what is already present in your mind. Psychedelics simply make visible, in symbolic imagery, what is already there.
Remember that no matter how intense the visions may be, they can not do you any harm. Moreover, they are always morphing: unpleasant visions quickly turn into pleasant ones. Don't resist any of them.
Combining with other substances
Do not combine truffles with alcohol, amphetamines or other drugs. Even the combination with cannabis isn't always appreciated by everyone, at least not during the first hours of the trip.
Precautions
Make sure you don't have to go anywhere for the duration of the experience and the hours following it. Wait a few hours after the effects have ceased before participating in traffic. If possible, don't plan anything for the next day.
If you feel restless or overwhelmed by the visual and mental effects, find yourself a place that is warm and quiet, and try to keep your eyes closed. The person who takes care of you should encourage you to focus on the effects rather than distract you from them. Listening to good music is usually very enjoyable and comforting. Though you'll probably not feel like eating anything, make sure you regularly drink some water or fruit juice. Avoid the use of alcohol or other drugs until the experience is over.
Do not take truffles if you're feeling anxious or depressed, or if your time is limited. People who have a latent psychosis or schizophrenia should not use truffles.
If you have the time, go to
http://www.youtube.com/user/mapsmdma and watch the video titled “Psychedelic crisis