Wood Lover Paralysis

In a new EGA article, Symon Beck recounts his friend Swim’s harrowing experience with wood-lovers' paralysis (WLP) after consuming Psilocybe subaeruginosa mushrooms.

Initially experiencing moderate psychoactive effects, the situation took a terrifying turn. Weakness spread from Swim’s mouth to his entire body, rendering him paralyzed and struggling for breath. Despite these alarming symptoms, the author chose not to seek immediate medical help, largely due to the complex legal context of psilocybin mushrooms.

Intrigued by the lack of academic exploration, the author collaborated on a citizen science project, conducting a survey that garnered over 400 responses. The survey, hosted by the Australian Psychedelic Society, revealed the prevalence of WLP and provided valuable insights into its symptoms and potential risk factors. With limited interest from mainstream toxicologists, this situations underscores the challenges and stigma surrounding research in the field of psychoactive substances.