Trisha’s Comments (group member since Apr 23, 2021)

Trisha’s comments from the Hippie Club group.

I took psychedelics at a young age and I personally don't regret it because it definitely helped me grow as a person and become more open-minded, but there are also negative affects of taking it so young. I've have friends who have gotten dependent on it (not addicted because it is an ant-addictive drug) and taken it to often, resulting in bad trips, reduced serotonin, possible brain damage like HPPD or even psychosis, and depression. I think that taking it at a very young age like 12 or 13 and maybe even 14 is a bad idea (though I can't talk because I first took LSD at 14) and you might want to wait until you're older. Also, Michael Pollan said that you spend your youth figuring out what you want from life and then in adulthood (like a mid-life crisis) you are trying to figure out who you are and psychedelics are good for that point in life. You are right in saying that taking it at a young age can negatively affect your brain development.

Now that I've warned you of the negatives I feel comfortable telling you about the positives. If you think you are prepared for the intense experience and have a safe environment to do it in, I absolutely support whatever decision you make! Psychedelics are an amazing way to learn about yourself and your connection to the world (nature/society/etc.). They decrease activity in your Default Mode Network (DMN), the connections of your brain that give you perception of your ego (your sense of self and your place in the world). The destruction of this allows you to form new connections. I can't describe to you exactly what a trip is like, but it is a very shocking experience, traumatizing if done wrong, enlightening if done right. But it helps you grow as a person and I believe it permanently changes your way of thinking. This can help with mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
Mushrooms are a very strong medicine and shouldn't be taken just "for fun", they should be taken with care so stay safe and good luck on your journey.

Me too! It's nice to find like-minded people and I enjoy talking to you!

Oh, that sounds super cool! I definitely need to look into it!

No I haven't. What is that?

Do you use any herbs for medicinal purposes? If so, which ones have you benefitted from the most?

Are there any books on medicinal herbs you would recommend?

Yes definitely, I wish I understood it completely.

Not many, I want to major in neuroscience so I'm focusing on colleges with that. I'll probably have to do most of my mushroom studies outside of the classroom, but that's what Youtube is for!

Oo that sounds nice, are those tinctures. I make tinctures sometimes too but I don't put them in my tea I should try that.

Yah I'm super passionate about the topic!

That's so interesting! I didn't know that! it probably also has something to do with the Earth's position on its ellipse around the sun during winter.

I usually dry it and make a tea that I mix with bay leaf. It tastes so good!

Do you mean mycologist? If so that's super cool! I'm applying for college now and I'm trying to find one that has a mycology program. I want to study neuroscience so I can eventually research psilocybin mushrooms as treatment for mental disorders like depression and alcoholism.

I have taken an astronomy class, but unfortunately I still don't know much except the phases of the moon. I want to study them more.

I'm so jealous that you found Lion's mane! That's so cool! I also hunt mushrooms occasionally, though I only harvest Turkey tail because it is hard to mistake for anything toxic. That's cool that your dad used to grow psilocybin mushrooms, my dad used to pick them in huge trash bags when he went to college in Oregon.

I don’t know enough to have a favorite mushroom yet, but I am interested in psychedelic mushrooms and how they can be used as medicine.

Do you have Co-Star?

Hahahah, yah it makes sense. I like music that I can dance to and I chose Hippie Club cause I want to meet likeminded people.

Thank you! That’s the best compliment ever cause I feel like the books I like are a part of me. My pfp is some mushrooms I found on a hike to the beach.

I can’t pick just one, but Fahrenheit 451 will always hold a special place in my heart. I just finished Born To Run and now it’s definitely one of my favorite books. I also really like Slaughterhouse 5, Fight Club, Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Rubyfruit Jungle. The ending of Rubyfruit Jungle is sooo good!

I mostly play the guitar, but I can play a little of many other instruments, though I’m at a loss when it comes to brass.