Peculiar plants and fantastic fungi: An ethnobotanical study of the use of hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms in Slovenia
PLoS ONE January 7, 2021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245022 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAmong 68 users of hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms in Slovenia, curiosity was the main reason for starting, typically in their 20s. Psilocybe spp. were the most used, mentioned by about 91% of participants, and half used no other natural hallucinogens. Many plants or mushrooms were used only a few times. The internet often introduced users to these substances. Dosing, methods of use, and settings varied widely, as did knowledge of dangers and natural occurrence. Contrary to public opinion linking use to partying or problematic drug use, most users sought interesting effects, personal growth, and overcoming personal difficulties.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 68 |
| Population | Users of hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms in Slovenia |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Ethnobotany Hallucinogen Curiosity Psychology |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key finding | Curiosity drove initial use of hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms, with Psilocybe spp. used by 91% of participants, and most users sought personal growth rather than recreational or problematic use. |
Abstract
The present study examined the patterns of use among a sample of 68 users of hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms in Slovenia. In compiling the lists of all the participants, 26 different plants/mushrooms, mixtures, or products were found to have been used. The main reason for beginning to use these substances was curiosity, and most people began using them in their 20s. The most used were Psilocybe spp., being mentioned by approximately 91% of the participants; 50% of the respondents in the study had made use of no other natural hallucinogens besides these. Many of the plants or mushrooms were used only a small number of times. No matter what items had been used, the internet often played a role in first hearing about them. Dosing and the means of using the various hallucinogens were often quite varied, as were the settings where they were taken. Knowledge of the dangers of these hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms as well as their occurrence in nature were likewise vastly varied. Though public opinion often associates the use of mind-altering substances with problematic drug use and partying, the majority of the individuals interviewed seemed to present a greater desire to experience the interesting effects, to overcome personal difficulties, and for individual and spiritual growth.