New scientific review on psychedelics & epilepsy published

Hi there 🍄 

This week’s highlights include the Mushroom Houses of Michigan 🏡 and a New York Times report on law enforcement and psychedelics.

Psychedelics & epilepsy

New research emerges 🔎 In the ever-evolving landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapy, a new scientific review sheds light on the safety profile of psychedelics for individuals grappling with epilepsy. Researchers determined 11 papers that met the inclusion criteria and from there, meticulously analyzed any data regarding the type of psychedelic used, the context of their use, and the outcomes related to seizure activity.

• The scientific review 🗒️ Researchers reviewed a variety of substances, from classical psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, known for their serotonergic system effects, to atypical ones such as MDMA and ketamine, offering insights into their potential impacts on seizure susceptibility.

• The results ✅ The review found that these substances are there is no direct link between psychedelic use and the induction of seizures, suggesting that psychedelics may be safe for individuals with epilepsy when used under medical supervision.

• Quotable 💬 “It should be noted, however, that in all reports of psychedelic use while under clinical supervision, such as Argento et al. (2023) and Serafetinides (1965), no significant serious adverse events were reported in the individuals who have epilepsy.” 👉️ Read more.

The mushrooms on the lake

Natural wonderland 🏡 Meet the enchanting Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix, Michigan on Lake Michigan. This collection of 28 storybook homes was designed by the self-taught architect, Earl Young. Now, visitors flock to take in the cedar shake roofs, wavy eaves, and stone walls crafted from Lake Michigan boulders.

• Hobbits on the lake 🧙‍♂️ Rumor has it that these homes, with their unique windows and funky doors inspired the build of the hobbit homes in Lord of the Rings.

• Collected with love 🪨 Young was inspired by the lake and collected the boulders from it to build the homes, much like his contemporary Frank Lloyd Wright.

• The Mushroom House Tours 🚗 is run by Edith Pair, a proud born-and-raised Charlevoix Guru. Their tour group has collected the most extensive information about these incredible beauties through historical archives and interviews with the homeowners. You can also rent the homes for vacation. 👉️ Read more.

Around the web 🌏️ 

• 🚨 Seizures of psilocybin-containing mushrooms by law enforcement have surged by 273 percent from 2017 to 2022, reflecting a more permissive attitude towards their use and a growing public interest spurred by their potential therapeutic benefits for depression and other conditions. The New York Times found that this uptick was due to increased consumption rather than a shift in law enforcement focus.

• 🍅 Wisconsin scientists are using a fungus from the genus Trichoderma in a space experiment to help tomato plants grow without gravity. They expect the plant will initially resist but eventually form a symbiotic relationship because the fungi reduces plant stress. This innovative approach, part of the TASTIE (Trichoderma Associated Space Tomato Inoculation Experiment), is exploring plant growth in space.

• 🧀 Scientists are making blue cheeses in rainbow colors. This new process creates blue cheese in different colors like yellow-pink or green by altering the growth medium of the Penicillium roqueforti mold.

Featured artist: AnnaCanArt

Anna is an independent ceramic artist based in Santa Cruz, California, whose work is full of gorgeous and whimsical woodland vibes. Her craftsmanship blends the natural stone of ceramic with colorful glazes that pop. She creates the typical mushroom shape, but what I’m so taken with are her Turkey Tail faces mugs, and her little mushroom spoons that will be out this month. Her collection drops always have a spot on my calendar. Follow her on Instagram.