Disclaimer: The content below should not be construed as medical advice. Furthermore, Beckley Retreats does not condone the use of illegal substances, nor do we sell such substances. It is essential for individuals to do their own research to ensure a safe and legal experience. This information is shared in that spirit. What is Microdosing? Microdosing is the act of consuming a small, sub-perceptual dose of a psychedelic, such as psilocybin mushrooms (aka magic mushrooms). Unlike with higher doses, the act of microdosing psychedelics allows individuals to access the benefits of these substance ..read more

What is psilocybin? Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms & truffles, has been used for centuries in traditional spiritual practices. These powerful fungi first came to the attention of the West in 1957 after an American amateur mycologist took part in a traditional mushroom ceremony in Mexico. The chemical psilocybin was first isolated the following year by Albert Hofmann, the same scientist who discovered LSD. Ever since, science has been fascinated by the effects of this chemical on the brain. The promise of psilocybin In recent years, there has been a surge of interest i ..read more

Many kinds of retreats exist that use different psychedelic substances for different purposes, from Iboga for addiction to Bufo alvarius toad venom for enlightenment experiences. Among the most sought-after retreats are those using ayahuasca and psilocybin. Both offer profound experiences that can help individuals achieve personal growth goals and undergo inner transformation. These two kinds of retreats are not exactly the same, however. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between ayahuasca and psilocybin retreats. What’s the Difference? While ayahuasca and psilocybin both offer profo ..read more

The Importance of Preparation A psilocybin retreat can be a life-changing experience [1]. In order to get the most out of your retreat it is necessary to approach it in an intentional manner and to prepare as best you can. This includes reflecting on which retreats are aligned with your values and goals, cultivating practices that will help you navigate the experience itself, knowing what to expect while on the retreat, and anticipating the best ways to integrate the insights that arise during your retreat experience. We explore each of these areas below, providing tips and tricks to help you ..read more

A mushroom ceremony involves the intentional consumption of a psychedelic fungus. Intentions range from addressing emotional wounds and working on personal growth, to experiencing mystical connection and spiritual experience. Psychedelic mushrooms (also commonly called “magic mushrooms”) and their ceremonies are not a recent invention; they have a long and fascinating history. The History of Mushroom Ceremonies Many psychedelic compounds (DMT, LSD, Peyote) need to be processed to have psychoactive effects, but mushrooms can be eaten directly as they are found in nature. This led to their embra ..read more

Psychedelic wisdom has existed for millennia, largely in the oral traditions of Indigenous communities. Today, a wealth of literature that explores the history, science, and effects of psychedelic substances exists, where psychedelic wisdom has been recorded for posterity. From memoirs of personal experiences to psychedelic research, there are countless books on psychedelics available. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best books on psychedelics, covering a range of perspectives and topics. Whether you’re new to the subject or a seasoned psychonaut, these books offer valuable insights ..read more

As psychedelics become increasingly mainstream, there are more opportunities than ever to access these experiences. Clinics and retreats represent two of the most widespread and widely used avenues to experiencing psychedelics in a legal and supportive setting. What are the differences between psychedelic clinics and psychedelic retreats, and which is right for you? Read on to find out. Psychedelic Clinics Psychedelic clinics are medical centers where individuals can receive legal, medically-supervised psychedelic sessions. These clinics can be associated with universities, research institutio ..read more

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is provided for your information and is not intended or offered as medical or legal advice. If you have medical or legal questions, please consult a licensed medical or legal professional. With a growing body of clinical research highlighting its benefits, the legal landscape of psilocybin is beginning to evolve worldwide. Yet, knowing how or where to access psilocybin legally remains tricky. If you’re interested in trying psilocybin but unsure what your options are, read below as we explore psilocybin’s legality and potential routes to access it s ..read more

Introduction Does psilocybin improve cognitive function? This blog delves into the impact of psilocybin on cognition, exploring the brain networks and processes involved in this aspect of our minds and how psilocybin affects these networks, as well as the cognitive benefits that psilocybin may offer. These range from increased creativity, mental flexibility, and insight, to enhanced empathy, openness & mindfulness. Read on to discover the latest on the potential cognitive effects of psilocybin.  What is cognition? “Cognition” refers to the mental processes involved in acquiring, proce ..read more

Learn about the potential risks and benefits of psilocybin, and how to use it safely and responsibly. Long before psilocybin came to retreat centers and scientific studies, it sprouted from the lush green of the Caribbean and the hills of Mexico as naturally as flowers or ferns. But is psilocybin—the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms—actually safe? After all, poisonous mushrooms are as natural as the rain, too, and they can be paralyzing, nauseating, or deadly. What do we really know about psilocybin mushrooms? Emerging research on psilocybin For more than 50 years, the War on Drug ..read more