Published: November 2022
Origin: Australia
Psychedelic substances have long been seen as taboo.
Drugs that affect the brain are often approached with caution — and rightly so. Taking the wrong product or dosage of mind-altering substances can be very harmful.
However, there are a number of psychedelic substances that can be beneficial in various ways, provided they are consumed safely and as intended. Mushrooms are one of these substances.
Psychedelics have been in the news in Australia following the announcement by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) that the use of Psilocybin, along with MDMA, will be legalised for restricted medical use from July 2023 in the treatment of mental illness.
Following the rescheduling of these substances from Schedule 9 (Poisons Standard) to Schedule 8 (Controlled Substance), authorised psychiatrists will be able to prescribe psilocybin for patients with "treatment-resistant depression"— Mind Medicine Australia.
The TGA said in their announcement that, at present, there remain no approved products containing psilocybin or MDMA that the TGA has evaluated for quality, safety and efficacy, "However, this amendment will allow authorised psychiatrists to access and legally supply a specified ’unapproved’ medicine containing these substances to patients under their care for these specific uses".
Whether you’re a newcomer to the psychedelic space or you’re looking to expand your education in the space, you may be wondering what the difference is between the common Golden Teacher and Mazatec varieties.
These substances sit on different ends of the fungus spectrum in terms of size, colour, colonisation speed, and resistance to infection.
Here, we take a look at the Golden Teacher vs. Mazatapec, as Australia takes a small step closer to bringing psychedelic-assisted therapies to the mainstream.
The Golden Teacher vs Mazatapec
So, what’s the main difference between Mazatapec mushrooms and The Golden Teacher?
The Mazatapec mushroom strain is very easy to cultivate, but grows slower than other strains. This shroom can assist people seeking to tap into their more spiritual side, and aid practices such as solo meditation. They’re also purple and black when they mature and have long stems with bulbous caps.
The Golden Teacher strain is easy to grow due to its higher tolerance to a range of growing environments. It also grows fast and can carry a higher potency than the mazatapec.
Both mushroom strains are said to boost creativity and a sense of self-awareness.
What are the Effects of Golden Teacher Mushrooms?
As with any drug, effects may be physical, mental, visual, or a hybrid. The effects will depend on your individual body, as well as the type of drug, the quality and quantity of it, and how you’re using it.
The Golden Teacher is known for bringing on hallucinations and euphoria, but in some cases it can cause unfavourable side effects such as nausea and anxiety. The effects will differ from person to person.
Are Golden Teacher Mushrooms Legal?
Psilocybin and all strains of magic mushrooms remain in most countries, outside of the restricted authorised use outlined by the TGA from July 2023.
In the treatment of severe treatment-resistant depression, authorised psychiatrists will be able to prescribe the substances in an extremely limited capacity, and the supply chain will be tightly controlled, with medicines available only through licensed pharmacists.
The demand for these therapies is growing as there is a continued movement toward decriminalising around the world, and their rescheduling in Australia is a huge win for those campaigning for mental health sufferers.
On behalf of Mind Medicine Australia, Professor David Nutt, Head of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, commented: “I am delighted that Australia is continuing to lead the way in psychedelic treatment research after the earlier AMRC research grant initiative.
"This new scheduling decision gives hope to the many tens thousands of patients with depression and PTSD for whom current treatments fail. The data collection plan will provide Real World Evidence of the value of these treatments that is likely to change medical practice around the world."
While mind-altering strains of mushrooms remain highly restricted, there is still a range of other medicinal mushrooms that are not only legal, but proven to be beneficial your health and wellbeing in a multitude of ways.
Lion´s Mane is said to boost brain function and regulate the nervous system, while Cordyceps is used to enhance general health and wellbeing and aid recovery. Reishi supports immune function and promotes a healthy stress response, and Tremella is a potent hydration stimulator and supports healing.
