Snorkeler Kiki shared her unique encounter with the Enigma mushroom strain. A 2023 article titled “Do Psychedelics Improve Athletic Performance?” featured Kiki among several athletes who shared their experiences with various psychedelics.
Kiki described how psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, provided her with the courage to overcome a challenging situation. She said that without the courage instilled by psilocybin, she may have drowned or lost a limb.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Psilocybin can reduce fear and anxiety.
- Higher doses tend to produce more pronounced effects on fear extinction.
- Enigma mushroom has a 1.67% total tryptamines, a higher potency than other P. cubensis.
How Enigma Mushroom Strain Saved Kiki’s Life During Snorkelling
Kiki, a 34-year-old Dadaist Sommelier from Florida, shared a tale of her snorkelling adventure with the experience of consuming psilocybin mushrooms. Growing up on the water, Kiki’s childhood was steeped in aquatic activities, thanks to her father’s profession as a charter captain.
The underwater world had always captivated her, and she sought to improve this experience through the lens of psychedelics. She had heard stories about how magic mushrooms could alter perception and heighten sensory experiences.
The Underwater Encounter
One time, while lobster diving in an area about 16 feet deep, she dove down to check out a rock about 14 feet below. As she started heading back to the surface for air, she looked up and saw a massive bull shark gliding just above her. It was swimming in the exact direction she needed to go—toward the boat.
In that moment of panic, she surprisingly felt a strange sense of calm, thanks to the psilocybin. Her first thought was, “I can hold my breath forever. I’m a fish now. I probably even have gills.”
Thanks to the mushrooms, she was able to tap into some deeper part of herself and felt no urge for air. She just stayed frozen, clinging to the rock like a barnacle while the 9-foot shark slowly made its way past. Eventually, it moved on, and she was able to surface safely.
Her psychedelic transformative experience allowed her to transcend fear. “Had I not been on mushrooms,” she mused, “I likely would have panicked and inhaled water.” Instead, she remained serene as the shark passed by, ultimately allowing her to surface safely.
Getting To Know Enigma Mushroom Strain
Enigma mushrooms, or Psilocybe cubensis Enigma, are a unique mutation of the well-known Psilocybe cubensis species. This enigma strain has an unusual growth pattern that resembles blob-like clusters and evokes images of coral formations or brain structures.
This fungus’ distinctive morphology arises from a genetic mutation that disrupts the regular development of the fruiting body. This strain requires a longer cultivation period, up to a month or more, before harvest.
One of the most notable features of this shroom is its inability to produce spores, so it is a single-generation variety. This sterility results from the blob-like formations consuming its spores, which impairs natural reproduction. These strains grow through cloning, a technique popular among mushroom cultivators since the 1990s.
Psychoactive Properties
These shrooms exhibit potent psychoactive effects attributed primarily to their high content:
- 0.76% psilocybin
- 0.07% psilocin
- 1.67% total tryptamines (dry weight)
Users report experiencing intense visual hallucinations, euphoria, and profound emotional insights.
The intensity of these experiences depends on the physiological and psychological state at the time of consumption.
A Quick Comparison with Other Psilocybe Cubensis
| Feature | Enigma Mushroom | Psilocybe cubensis (e.g., Golden Teacher) | Penis Envy |
| Appearance | Blob-like clusters | Traditional caps with gills | Distinctive phallic shape |
| Potency | Above average (up to 1.67% total tryptamines) | Moderate (varies by strain) | High (considered one of the strongest) |
| Cultivation Difficulty | Difficult | Moderate to easy | Difficult |
| Reproductive Method | Cloning (sterile) | Spore-producing | Spore-producing |
| Effects | Intense visuals, euphoria | Insightful experiences | Strong visuals and euphoria |
Psilocybin and Fear Reduction
Psilocybin works by interacting with serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor. This receptor is responsible for mood control and cognitive adaptability. The body transforms it into psilocin, which shares structural similarities with serotonin. Activating serotonin receptors promotes the release of neurotrophic factors, such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)—supports neuronal growth and resilience against stress.
Scientific Insights on Anxiolytic Effects
Numerous studies have explored psilocybin’s ability to facilitate fear extinction—the process by which conditioned terror responses diminish over time. In controlled experiments with mice, researchers found that it improved fear extinction.
One notable study involved administering a single dose before fear extinction training. Results showed that the drug amplified immediate terror extinction and promoted long-term changes in brain structure associated with neuroplasticity.
The hippocampus, a region integral to memory and learning, displayed increased dendritic complexity and synaptic growth following the administration. The changes suggest that the compound facilitates immediate and long-term alterations in how fear is processed.
Findings also indicate that the effectiveness of the compound in reducing anxiety may depend on dosage and context. Higher doses tend to produce effective and pronounced outcomes on terror extinction compared to lower doses.
How To Use It Efficiently During Snorkelling
- Choose the Right Environment: To minimize anxiety and guarantee safety, select a spot that you are familiar with. Opt for locations with calm waters and good visibility. Avoid busy areas with strong currents or waves that could increase risk.
- Prepare for Your Experience: Consume the strain about an hour before entering the water. This allows time for the effects to kick in while still being manageable.
- Safety Precautions: Always snorkel with a sober companion who can assist you. Use flotation devices or snorkel jackets to help maintain buoyancy and safety while you explore underwater.
- Smartly Improve Trip: Practice deep breathing or meditation before snorkelling to ground yourself and initiate your connection with nature.
- Know What to Expect: Understand that experiences can vary widely; while some may feel euphoric and connected, others might experience anxiety or panic. Recognizing this can help you manage expectations.
Eliminate Panic By Altering Consciousness with Enigma Mushroom Strain
Just like Kiki, you can overcome your fears with the help of mushrooms. The psychoactive compound alters neural connections in your brain so you can approach fear. Instead of succumbing to panic in challenging situations, you can think more clearly and make better decisions.
Zoomies Canada is the premier online shroom dispensary with a diverse selection of psilocybin products. You can enjoy discreet delivery across Canada, excellent customer service, and enticing first-time discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m ready to snorkel while using Enigma mushrooms?
Assess your previous experiences with both snorkelling and psychedelics. If you understand how the shroom affects you and feel comfortable in the water, you may be ready. If you are inexperienced with either, it’s best to gain more experience separately before combining them.
Can I maintain fearlessness even after the effects of a shroom trip wear off?
Yes, it’s possible. Once psilocybin alters the brain’s connectivity, those changes can have a lasting impact. Even after the effects wear off, when you face a fear-inducing situation, you’ll remember the calm confidence you experienced during your trip. This memory can serve as a reminder that, even without the mushrooms, you can face challenges with a clear and courageous mind.
How much milligrams is appropriate to consume before snorkelling?
You can choose a dosage anywhere from a microdose to a moderate dose. High doses, however, can cause imbalance. It’s best to use a dose that doesn’t impair your movement or coordination. Always have a trip sitter with you for safety and support during the experience.
