Magic Nanaimo

Lanmaoa asiatica is a wild mushroom from Yunnan, China that reliably causes hallucinations of tiny people called xiao ren ren, or "little people" in 69-91% of people who eat it undercooked.

Nobody knows what's causing it. Researchers have ruled out psilocybin and muscimol as the active compound. Twenty compounds have been identified in the mushrooms so far, four entirely new to science.

But the stranger finding is the pattern beyond this single species. Tiny beings (elves, pixies, dwarves, soldiers) appear across DMT, ayahuasca, pe**te, and other psychedelics too.

Professor David Luke of the University of Greenwich has spent decades documenting this. The data suggests it's far too consistent to ignore.

Whatever L. asiatica is doing, it's tapping into something the human nervous system seems primed to generate.

The fungal kingdom has been synthesising neuroactive compounds longer than we've been studying them.

This mushroom is a reminder of how much of the map is still blank.

Tripping in Nature: Stay Safe, Go Deep

**Why Nature Works So Well**

Psychedelics dissolve the felt sense of separation between self and world, and nature supercharges that effect. Colors get more dimensional, sounds feel layered, and there's a deep sense of being part of something larger. Research backs this up — people who trip outdoors are more likely to report feeling connected to the world than those who stay inside. Some even feel like they can communicate with plants and wildlife, and during difficult moments, birdsong and the scent of trees can genuinely calm things down.

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**Preparation — Don't Wing It**
Decide you're going outside *before* you dose, never during. Set a simple intention through journaling or meditation, but keep it light — heavy trauma work is better left to professional settings. Choose somewhere familiar, map your route home in advance, and if you're camping, consider waiting until day two when you know the terrain.

Download your playlist ahead of time in case there's no signal, charge your phone, and bring an external battery. A journal is great for integration later.

**Pack:** water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, a jacket, hat, first aid kit, headlamp, and a chair.

**Safety — The Honest Part**

*Dosage:* If you're actually hiking, microdose only (under 0.3g mushrooms / under 20mcg L*D). For stationary trips, keep it at threshold or lower. No hero doses in unpredictable environments. Start small — you can always take more. Skip stimulants like M**A or 2C-B outdoors, where heat and hydration are harder to manage.

*Terrain:* Avoid cliffs, strong currents, and complicated routes. Stick to well-worn paths, choose somewhere that requires minimal navigation, and steer clear of busy spots where unexpected crowds can kill the vibe.

*Effort:* Everything is roughly three times harder while tripping. Don't set ambitious hiking goals — some of the best experiences happen sitting still and just taking it all in.

*Trip sitter:* Genuinely worth it, especially if you're newer to psychedelics or the outdoors. They're not there to guide the experience — just to keep things physically and emotionally grounded. At minimum, tell a sober friend where you're going and when you'll be back.

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**If Things Go Sideways**
Remind yourself it's temporary. Use nature to self-regulate — feel the ground, listen to water, watch the plants. If you get lost or frightened, you can call the **Fireside Project at 623-473-7433**.

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**Integration**
Insights from outdoor trips can fade fast, like dreams. Journal as soon as you're home, and debrief with a therapist or trusted friend in the days after to make the most of what came up.

Adapted from Double Blind Magazine