A FEW WORDS OF CAUTION

1. Under the provision of Public Law 91.513, psilocybine and psilocine are registered and designated as controlled substances (#7437 and 7438) subject to a fine and/or imprisonment. However, exempting California, Idaho and Georgia, spores for the propagation of psilocybian mushrooms are not illegal to possess in the United States. But it is illegal to post and sell growing instructions with the spores for growing the mushrooms. 2. The purpose of this guide is to enable mushroom lovers toward a better understanding of what to pick or what not to pick. The author does not condone or condemn people seeking altered states of consciousness by hunting for "magic mushrooms." However, I do want people to enjoy what they are searching for and not end up on a slab at the local coroners morgue. Study this guide and be sure you are right then proceed with confidence. Recently, someone in California has been selling small silver-colored toxic mushrooms to young adults. Several individuals are having major destruction of their liver and kidney. 3. Remember to always ask permission to trespass onto private property. This will prevent a number of complications which may arise if neglected. Do not take dogs into fields or litter a field and do not damage a farmers fence or leave the gates open. 4. Possession of "magic mushrooms" is one level of illegality and sales are quite another. Do not destroy a beautiful free ecstatic experience through dealing. The Indians of Mesoamerica treasure the sanctity of the sacred mushrooms and their shamans do not sell them. 5. A few words of caution are necessary for the novice mushroom hunter and forager of both wild edible and entheogenic mushrooms who just might happen to be reading this guide. Please remember, it is very important that one must never ingest any variety of wild mushroom without first having had said mushroom identified by a trained qualified mycologist (one who studies mushrooms). Also, never offer any wild mushrooms which one might pick to another person unless one is absolutely sure that the mushrooms in question are not of a toxic or poisonous nature. 6. Most major cities with large populations have mycological societies. These organizations are composed of friendly individuals who usually meet together at least once a month for the sole purpose of sharing and discussing their common interest in mushrooms and the love they share together in foraging for them. These groups of individuals would be more than delighted to examine and identify any wild mushrooms when approached to do so. Most mycological societies usually charge a ten to twenty dollar annual fee and hold monthly meetings and forays. They provide a fun place to hang and learn from. 7. Also, most major cities have many colleges and universities with both botany and mycology departments. Teachers and students who are studying in this field have a noble sense of willingness for examining and identifying any fresh mushroom specimens which might be brought to their attention. Remember, it is very easy to make a mistake, so be careful in your endeavor of auto-experimentation. Remember, If you are good to the mushrooms then the mushrooms will be good for you. Karma is what it is all about. Good luck and good hunting.