A Detailed Experience of a Psychedelic Journey


Table of Contents


  1. Introduction
  2. 5:05 PM - T + 2:20: Peak Ending, Effects Dwindling But Still Active
    • 2.1 Visual and Cognitive Changes
    • 2.2 Physical Sensations and Euphoria
    • 2.3 The Feeling of Mindfulness and Time Distortion
  3. 6:45 PM - T + 4:00: Trip Coming to an End, A Final Cannabis Session
    • 3.1 Returning to "Normal" and Cannabis Use
    • 3.2 Nostalgia and Rejuvenation
  4. 7:30 PM - T + 4:45: Afterglow
  5. Effects Analysis
    • 5.1 Physical Effects
    • 5.2 Cognitive Effects
    • 5.3 Visual Effects
  6. Conclusion



1. Introduction


This is a detailed recounting of a psychedelic experience that unfolded over the course of several hours, highlighting the interplay of visual, cognitive, and physical effects. The narrative captures the transition from peak effects into the afterglow, illustrating how time distortion, mindfulness, and moments of nostalgia contributed to the overall experience. The consumption of cannabis toward the end brought additional layers to the journey, enhancing the sense of novelty and rejuvenation.



2. 5:05 PM - T + 2:20: Peak Ending, Effects Dwindling But Still Active


2.1 Visual and Cognitive Changes


At this point in the trip, the peak had passed, and the intense visuals that had dominated earlier were rapidly fading. Although the colorful, vivid hallucinations were gone, milder visual effects like tracers and afterimages persisted. These were still noticeable, but far more subdued and easy to ignore.


Despite the decline in visual intensity, the trip was far from over. Cognitive effects, such as a feeling of euphoria and mental clarity, continued. The body tingling or "glow" added a unique dimension to the experience. There was a sense of regaining energy after feeling sluggish and heavy, almost as if a physical weight had been lifted. The subject described this newfound vitality as transforming them from a "heavy, old log" into someone prancing energetically around their backyard.


2.2 Physical Sensations and Euphoria


The physical effects were not limited to just energy. The euphoria, described as a glow, permeated the body, making the subject feel invigorated and light. They moved around with a playful, almost childlike sense of joy. Simple actions like pacing around the backyard, picking up objects, and putting them back down became amusing. This behavior was noted as comical and odd, suggesting that while they felt more in control, there was still an underlying giddiness and lightheartedness.


2.3 The Feeling of Mindfulness and Time Distortion


Interestingly, during this phase, the subject experienced a state of mindfulness. The chatter in their mind quieted, and instead of focusing on internal thoughts, they became deeply engaged in the present moment and their surroundings. Despite being physically active and moving around, they became less verbal, no longer talking to themselves as they had earlier in the trip.


Time distortion was particularly pronounced. What felt like hours of activity was actually only a short span. Thirty minutes felt like hours, which added to the surreal nature of the experience.



3. 6:45 PM - T + 4:00: Trip Coming to an End, A Final Cannabis Session


3.1 Returning to "Normal" and Cannabis Use


As the trip began to wind down, the sense of time distortion remained strong. Upon checking the clock, the subject was shocked to discover that it was only 6:45 PM, realizing that what felt like an entire day had actually been just four hours since the mushrooms were ingested. This moment marked the realization that the cognitive and physical effects of the trip were largely over. The euphoric body sensations and mental clarity had dissipated, and the subject was left wondering whether they had fully returned to baseline.


The curiosity of "Am I still tripping?" prompted them to reflect on their thoughts, which had returned after a period of silence. With this return of mental activity came the decision to smoke a small amount of cannabis, 0.2 grams, similar to an earlier session.


3.2 Nostalgia and Rejuvenation


Unlike the earlier cannabis experience, this time the high was distinctly different. Instead of intensifying the psychedelic effects, it seemed to enhance the cannabis itself, possibly due to the lingering psilocin in the system. The high was reminiscent of the early days of cannabis use, triggering intense nostalgia for simpler times. It was described as an almost "forgotten" cannabis high, something the subject had not experienced since their youth. Alongside this nostalgia came a sense of rejuvenation, as though the experience had breathed new life into them.



4. 7:30 PM - T + 4:45: Afterglow


By 7:30 PM, the subject was in a state of deep calm and relaxation. The energy from earlier had faded, replaced by a peaceful afterglow. This tranquility lasted throughout the evening, and the subject reported a great night's sleep, waking up the next day in an unusually good mood. While the trip did not lead to profound insights, it was a journey into nostalgia, novelty, and the appreciation of simple things often taken for granted.



5. Effects Analysis


5.1 Physical Effects


  • Physical euphoria: A heightened sense of physical pleasure and contentment throughout the body.
  • Spontaneous bodily sensations: Unusual tingling or glowing sensations experienced during the trip.
  • Perception of bodily heaviness: Initially feeling weighed down, like a heavy log, before regaining energy.
  • Sedation: A calm and restful feeling, particularly in the afterglow phase.


5.2 Cognitive Effects


  • Cognitive euphoria: Mental clarity and an overwhelming sense of happiness.
  • Language suppression: A lack of verbal communication, even with oneself, despite earlier dialogue.
  • Novelty enhancement: A renewed sense of excitement and curiosity, especially when handling objects or exploring the environment.
  • Thought deceleration: A slowing down of thoughts, contributing to mindfulness and being present in the moment.
  • Rejuvenation: A sense of revitalization and youthful energy.
  • Mindfulness: A focus on the present, rather than internal thoughts or external worries.
  • Increased music appreciation: Heightened sensitivity to music, making it more enjoyable.
  • Increased sense of humor: A lighthearted and comical perspective on events.
  • Anxiety suppression: A notable absence of stress or anxiety throughout the trip.
  • Disinhibition: A willingness to act freely and uninhibited, moving about without concern for normal social behavior.


5.3 Visual Effects


  • Colour enhancement: Colors appeared more vivid and bright.
  • Brightness alteration: Light sources appeared more intense and glowing.
  • Drifting: Subtle shifting or flowing of visual elements.
  • Acuity enhancement: A sharper, more defined view of objects.
  • Tracers: Objects left a visual trail behind them when moving.
  • After images: Visuals lingered briefly after looking away from objects.
  • Environmental patterning: Patterns seemed to emerge in the environment, even where there were none.
  • Perspective distortion: A sensation that spaces or objects were larger or smaller than they were in reality.
  • Visual haze: A slight blurring or softening of vision, especially toward the end of the trip.



6. Conclusion


This journey into altered states of consciousness demonstrated the profound impact of psilocybin and cannabis on perception, cognition, and physical sensation. While lacking deep insights, the experience was rich in nostalgia, novelty, and a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. From the peak to the afterglow, the effects fluctuated between intense and gentle, leaving the subject rejuvenated and at peace.