John W. Allen - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Books by John W. Allen

Research paper thumbnail of The Occurrence, Recreational Use, Cultivation, and Chemistry of Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, a new Bluing Species (Agaricales) from Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia

Cultivation and analysis of Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, a new bluing species from Ohio and Betha... more Cultivation and analysis of Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, a new bluing species from Ohio
and Bethany West Virginia is presented. Cultivation of this species was demonstrated on
hardwood substrate. Analysis of both caps and stems revealed the presence of
psilocybin, in most cases psilocin and always low concentrations of baeocystin.
Psilocybin, psilocin and baeocystin levels varied in the bluing caps and stems of this new
species. The highest concentrations of these alkaloids were found in both naturally grown
and cultivated fruiting bodies of Psilocybe ovideocystidiata which, at the present moment
is an indigenous species found in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.. The relative
alkaloidal content of psilocybin, psilocin and baeocystin found in Psilocybe
ovoideocystidiata from Ohio was similar to that measured in Psilocybe caerulipes by
Leung et al. Recent comparative chemical analysis of both species was unable to be
performed due to a denial of specimens through the University of Michigan’s herbarium.

KEYWORDS: Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, Psilocybe caerulipes, cultivation, psilocine,
psilocybine, baeocystine, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania.

Papers by John W. Allen

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnomycology, biochemistry, and cultivation of Psilocybe samuiensis Guzman, Bandala and Allen, a new psychoactive fungus from Koh Samui, Thailand

Journal of ethnopharmacology, 1994

Research paper thumbnail of Close Encounters of the Panaeolus Kind

An inquiry into the field identification of a psychoactive Agaric commonly referred to as the &qu... more An inquiry into the field identification of a psychoactive Agaric commonly referred to as the "Weed Mushroom" Panaeolus subbalteatus [syn.=Panaeolus cinctulus].

Research paper thumbnail of A worldwide geographical distribution of the neurotropic fungi, an analysis and discussion

Annali dei Museo civico— …, 2000

Abstract-GASTÓN GUZMÁN, JOHN W. ALLEN & JOCHEN GARTZ-A worldwide geographical distribution of the... more Abstract-GASTÓN GUZMÁN, JOHN W. ALLEN & JOCHEN GARTZ-A worldwide geographical distribution of the neurotropic fungi, an analysis and discussion. In this paper, the world distribution of 216 known species of neurotropic fungi is discussed. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Review of Andy Letcher’s book, Shrooms, A Cultural History

As the author of the oldest selling field guide on magic mushrooms, “Magic Mushrooms of the Pacif... more As the author of the oldest selling field guide on magic mushrooms, “Magic Mushrooms of the Pacific northwest,” published in 1976, and having sold over 100,000 copies, I am appalled that Mr. Letcher failed to note this fact in his book, “Shrooms.” I have just a short point of view on this and some issues here should be noted in my review. I remember that Mr. Letcher once wrote me an email asking about use of photographs and data but I never heard from him again.. Two major points: First off. He completely made no mention of my book, “Magic Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest" in his book. This is the oldest and longest selling field guide to magic mushrooms in the world, published in July of 1976, and it is now just a few months short of 31 –years of sales and over 100,000 copies sold. It has outsold both of Paul Stamet’s two high quality field guides in the past 31-years (“Psilocybe Mushrooms and their Allies,” and “Psilocybine Mushrooms of the World” (I also want to mention to...

Research paper thumbnail of Species identification and chemical analysis of psychoactive fungi in the Hawaiian islands

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1993

Research paper thumbnail of A new sesquiterpenoid metabolite from Psilocybe samuiensis

Journal of Asian Natural Products Research, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of A Chemical Referral and Reference Guide to the Known Species of Psilocin and/or Psilocybin-containing Mushrooms and their Published Analysis and Bluing …

... Panaeolina foenisecii (Fr.) Maire*. (See Allen and Merlin, 1993). (See Discussion). Bolbitiac... more ... Panaeolina foenisecii (Fr.) Maire*. (See Allen and Merlin, 1993). (See Discussion). Bolbitiaceae Agrocybe Species 22. ... 58. P. caribaea Guzmán, Baroni & Tapia, sp. nov. (Guzmán, Tapia, Ramírez-Guillén, Baroni, Lodge, Cantrell and Nieves-Rivera. 2003). •59. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Distribution of the Hallucinogenic Mushroom Psilocybe antioquensis Guzmán et al. (Agaricomycetideae) in Colombia, Mexico, and Cambodia

International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 2006

Two new records from Mexico and one from Cambodia of the hallucinogenic mushroom Psilocybe antioq... more Two new records from Mexico and one from Cambodia of the hallucinogenic mushroom Psilocybe antioquensis, originally known only from Colombia, are discussed. This fungus grows on soil in subtropical meadows, and it is defined by its subumbonate pileus, long pseudorhiza, ovate-subrhomboid thick-walled spores, and for their pleuro-and cheilocystidia. It belongs to the section Mexicanae in genus Psilocybe.

Research paper thumbnail of An Ethnomycological Review of Psychoactive Agarics in Australia and New Zealand

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1991

Research paper thumbnail of A Private Inquiry Into the Circumstances Surrounding the 1972 Death of John Gomilla, Jr., Who Died After Allegedly Consuming Ten Hallucinogenic Mushrooms While Residing in Hawaii

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1988

Research paper thumbnail of Psychoactive mushroom use in Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan, Thailand

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1992

This paper presents the results of recent ethnomycological exploration in southern Thailand. Fiel... more This paper presents the results of recent ethnomycological exploration in southern Thailand. Field observations, interviews and collection of fungi specimens were carried out primarily on two islands, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan, situated in the western region of the Gulf of Siam. Some fieldwork was also conducted in the northern Thai province of Chiang Dao and in the southern Thai province of Surat Thani. During five separate excursions (1989-90), observations were made of occurrence, harvesting, use, and marketing of psychoactive fungi by local Thai natives (males and females, adults and children), foreign tourists, and German immigrants. The first records of psychoactive Psilocybe subcubensis and Copelandia dung fungi in Thailand are presented in this paper. These fungi exhibited intense bluing reactions when handled, indicating the presence of psilocybin and/or psilocin. Seven collections of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer and/or Psilocybe subcubensis Guzman and four collections of Copelandia sp. were harvested and sun-dried for herbarium deposit. These fungi are cultivated or occur spontaneously, often appearing in the decomposed manure of domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and at least three different species of cattle (Bos indicus, B. guarus, and B. sundaicus). The psychoactive fungi are cultivated in clandestine plots, both indoors and outdoors, in the uplands and villages on Koh Samui by both Thai natives and some foreigners. The sale of psychoactive fungi directly to tourists and to resort restaurants for use in edible food items such as omelettes and soups is discussed in detail. The preparation and sale of mushroom omelettes adulterated with artificial hallucinogens in some restaurants is also discussed. In addition, the marketing of items such as hand painted T-shirts, post cards, and posters bearing mushroom related motifs in Thailand is described.

Research paper thumbnail of A Dysphoric Reaction to Psilocybe cyanescens

On New Years eve of 1998-1999, a young female (age 34) experienced a most dysphoric reaction brou... more On New Years eve of 1998-1999, a young female (age 34) experienced a most dysphoric reaction brought on by the consumption of the hallucinogenic mushroom Psilocybe cyanescens. This is the first reported case of a dysphoric reaction due in part to the consumption of Psilocybe cyanescens.

Research paper thumbnail of Magic Mushrooms In Some Third World Countries

Special attention is focused on the transition from the traditional use of the sacred mushrooms b... more Special attention is focused on the transition from the traditional use of the sacred mushrooms by indigenous peoples residing in México to the popular and widespread illicit use by tourists in some third world countries.

Research paper thumbnail of A Chemical Referral and Reference Guide to the Known Species of Psilocin and/or Psilocybin-containing Mushrooms and their Published Analysis and Bluing Reactions: An Updated and Revised

Numerous species were removed from previous published lists by Allen, Gartz et Guzmán (1992) and ... more Numerous species were removed from previous published lists by Allen, Gartz et Guzmán (1992) and Guzmán, Allen et Gartz (2000). These earlier compilations included several species based on false positives, doubtful relationships, and/or no bluing present whatsoever. This current list is restricted to those species that were chemically analyzed (indicated with bold-face numbers). Referenced papers include: chemical analysis of baeocystine, norbaeocystine, psilocine, psilocybine and aeruginascins, plus other related tryptamine alkaloids). Those species known to exhibit a bluing or greening reaction in specimens when damaged by human handling or natural causes are marked by a •. Those with an *asterisk indicate false positives which are noted at the end of this update.

Additionally, a novel second 2, 3,-secoaromadendrane-type sesquiterpenoids, named psilosamuiensis A, was isolated from the broth of Psilocybe samuiensis (Pornpakakul et al., 2009). Also, see, Borovička, Rockefeller et Werner (2012) for taxonomy of new species #32 in this reference list.

Furthermore, the author has also listed numerous errors from various field guides regarding regarding regarding psilocybian fungi misidentified or falsely labeled as toxic.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychoactive Mushroom Use in Koh Samui and Koh-Pha-Ngan, Thailand.

This paper presents the results of recent ethnomycological exploration in southern Thailand. Fiel... more This paper presents the results of recent ethnomycological exploration in southern Thailand. Field observations, interviews and collection of fungi specimens were carried out primarily on two islands, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan, situated in the western region of the Gulf of Siam. Some fieldwork was also conducted in the northern Thai province of Chiang Dao and in the southern Thai province of Surat Thani. During five separate excursions (1989-90), observations were made of occurrence, harvesting, use, and marketing of psychoactive fungi by local Thai natives (males and females, adults and children), foreign tourists, and German immigrants. The first records of psychoactive Psilocybe subcubensis and Copelandia dung fungi in Thailand are presented in this paper. These fungi exhibited intense bluing reactions when handled, indicating the presence of psilocybine and/or psilocine. Seven collections of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer and/or Psilocybe subcubensis Guzmán and four collections of Copelandia species were harvested and sun-dried for herbarium deposit. These fungi are cultivated or occur spontaneously, often appearing in the decomposed manure of domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and at least three different species of cattle (Bos indicus, B. Quarus, and B. sundaicus). The psychoactive fungi are cultivated in clandestine plots, both indoors and outdoors, in the uplands and villages on Koh Samui by both Thai natives and some foreigners. The sale of psychoactive fungi directly to tourists and to resort restaurants for use in edible food items such as omelettes and soups is discussed in detail. The preparation and sale of mushroom omelettes adulterated with artificial hallucinogens in some restaurants is also discussed. In addition, the marketing of items such as hand painted T-shirts, post cards, and posters bearing mushroom related motifs in Thailand is described.

Research paper thumbnail of Commercial Activities Related to Psychoactive Fungi in Thailand

Mushrooms have been portrayed in various art forms throughout the ages, notably in paintings, chi... more Mushrooms have been portrayed in various art forms throughout the ages, notably in paintings, children's books, and on postcards. Since the recent (1952-1953) rediscovery by R. Gordon Wasson of an hallucinogenic mushroom cult in Mexico, the proliferation and sale of "magic mushrooms; and items with mushroom motifs have been incorporated by many groups of indigenous native crafts-peoples in several developing countries (Mexico, Bali, Peru, India, and Southeast Asia, etc.).

Research paper thumbnail of The Occurrence, Recreational Use, Cultivation, and Chemistry of Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, a new Bluing Species (Agaricales) from Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia

Cultivation and analysis of Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, a new bluing species from Ohio and Betha... more Cultivation and analysis of Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, a new bluing species from Ohio
and Bethany West Virginia is presented. Cultivation of this species was demonstrated on
hardwood substrate. Analysis of both caps and stems revealed the presence of
psilocybin, in most cases psilocin and always low concentrations of baeocystin.
Psilocybin, psilocin and baeocystin levels varied in the bluing caps and stems of this new
species. The highest concentrations of these alkaloids were found in both naturally grown
and cultivated fruiting bodies of Psilocybe ovideocystidiata which, at the present moment
is an indigenous species found in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.. The relative
alkaloidal content of psilocybin, psilocin and baeocystin found in Psilocybe
ovoideocystidiata from Ohio was similar to that measured in Psilocybe caerulipes by
Leung et al. Recent comparative chemical analysis of both species was unable to be
performed due to a denial of specimens through the University of Michigan’s herbarium.

KEYWORDS: Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, Psilocybe caerulipes, cultivation, psilocine,
psilocybine, baeocystine, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania.

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnomycology, biochemistry, and cultivation of Psilocybe samuiensis Guzman, Bandala and Allen, a new psychoactive fungus from Koh Samui, Thailand

Journal of ethnopharmacology, 1994

Research paper thumbnail of Close Encounters of the Panaeolus Kind

An inquiry into the field identification of a psychoactive Agaric commonly referred to as the &qu... more An inquiry into the field identification of a psychoactive Agaric commonly referred to as the "Weed Mushroom" Panaeolus subbalteatus [syn.=Panaeolus cinctulus].

Research paper thumbnail of A worldwide geographical distribution of the neurotropic fungi, an analysis and discussion

Annali dei Museo civico— …, 2000

Abstract-GASTÓN GUZMÁN, JOHN W. ALLEN & JOCHEN GARTZ-A worldwide geographical distribution of the... more Abstract-GASTÓN GUZMÁN, JOHN W. ALLEN & JOCHEN GARTZ-A worldwide geographical distribution of the neurotropic fungi, an analysis and discussion. In this paper, the world distribution of 216 known species of neurotropic fungi is discussed. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Review of Andy Letcher’s book, Shrooms, A Cultural History

As the author of the oldest selling field guide on magic mushrooms, “Magic Mushrooms of the Pacif... more As the author of the oldest selling field guide on magic mushrooms, “Magic Mushrooms of the Pacific northwest,” published in 1976, and having sold over 100,000 copies, I am appalled that Mr. Letcher failed to note this fact in his book, “Shrooms.” I have just a short point of view on this and some issues here should be noted in my review. I remember that Mr. Letcher once wrote me an email asking about use of photographs and data but I never heard from him again.. Two major points: First off. He completely made no mention of my book, “Magic Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest" in his book. This is the oldest and longest selling field guide to magic mushrooms in the world, published in July of 1976, and it is now just a few months short of 31 –years of sales and over 100,000 copies sold. It has outsold both of Paul Stamet’s two high quality field guides in the past 31-years (“Psilocybe Mushrooms and their Allies,” and “Psilocybine Mushrooms of the World” (I also want to mention to...

Research paper thumbnail of Species identification and chemical analysis of psychoactive fungi in the Hawaiian islands

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1993

Research paper thumbnail of A new sesquiterpenoid metabolite from Psilocybe samuiensis

Journal of Asian Natural Products Research, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of A Chemical Referral and Reference Guide to the Known Species of Psilocin and/or Psilocybin-containing Mushrooms and their Published Analysis and Bluing …

... Panaeolina foenisecii (Fr.) Maire*. (See Allen and Merlin, 1993). (See Discussion). Bolbitiac... more ... Panaeolina foenisecii (Fr.) Maire*. (See Allen and Merlin, 1993). (See Discussion). Bolbitiaceae Agrocybe Species 22. ... 58. P. caribaea Guzmán, Baroni & Tapia, sp. nov. (Guzmán, Tapia, Ramírez-Guillén, Baroni, Lodge, Cantrell and Nieves-Rivera. 2003). •59. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Distribution of the Hallucinogenic Mushroom Psilocybe antioquensis Guzmán et al. (Agaricomycetideae) in Colombia, Mexico, and Cambodia

International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 2006

Two new records from Mexico and one from Cambodia of the hallucinogenic mushroom Psilocybe antioq... more Two new records from Mexico and one from Cambodia of the hallucinogenic mushroom Psilocybe antioquensis, originally known only from Colombia, are discussed. This fungus grows on soil in subtropical meadows, and it is defined by its subumbonate pileus, long pseudorhiza, ovate-subrhomboid thick-walled spores, and for their pleuro-and cheilocystidia. It belongs to the section Mexicanae in genus Psilocybe.

Research paper thumbnail of An Ethnomycological Review of Psychoactive Agarics in Australia and New Zealand

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1991

Research paper thumbnail of A Private Inquiry Into the Circumstances Surrounding the 1972 Death of John Gomilla, Jr., Who Died After Allegedly Consuming Ten Hallucinogenic Mushrooms While Residing in Hawaii

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1988

Research paper thumbnail of Psychoactive mushroom use in Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan, Thailand

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1992

This paper presents the results of recent ethnomycological exploration in southern Thailand. Fiel... more This paper presents the results of recent ethnomycological exploration in southern Thailand. Field observations, interviews and collection of fungi specimens were carried out primarily on two islands, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan, situated in the western region of the Gulf of Siam. Some fieldwork was also conducted in the northern Thai province of Chiang Dao and in the southern Thai province of Surat Thani. During five separate excursions (1989-90), observations were made of occurrence, harvesting, use, and marketing of psychoactive fungi by local Thai natives (males and females, adults and children), foreign tourists, and German immigrants. The first records of psychoactive Psilocybe subcubensis and Copelandia dung fungi in Thailand are presented in this paper. These fungi exhibited intense bluing reactions when handled, indicating the presence of psilocybin and/or psilocin. Seven collections of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer and/or Psilocybe subcubensis Guzman and four collections of Copelandia sp. were harvested and sun-dried for herbarium deposit. These fungi are cultivated or occur spontaneously, often appearing in the decomposed manure of domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and at least three different species of cattle (Bos indicus, B. guarus, and B. sundaicus). The psychoactive fungi are cultivated in clandestine plots, both indoors and outdoors, in the uplands and villages on Koh Samui by both Thai natives and some foreigners. The sale of psychoactive fungi directly to tourists and to resort restaurants for use in edible food items such as omelettes and soups is discussed in detail. The preparation and sale of mushroom omelettes adulterated with artificial hallucinogens in some restaurants is also discussed. In addition, the marketing of items such as hand painted T-shirts, post cards, and posters bearing mushroom related motifs in Thailand is described.

Research paper thumbnail of A Dysphoric Reaction to Psilocybe cyanescens

On New Years eve of 1998-1999, a young female (age 34) experienced a most dysphoric reaction brou... more On New Years eve of 1998-1999, a young female (age 34) experienced a most dysphoric reaction brought on by the consumption of the hallucinogenic mushroom Psilocybe cyanescens. This is the first reported case of a dysphoric reaction due in part to the consumption of Psilocybe cyanescens.

Research paper thumbnail of Magic Mushrooms In Some Third World Countries

Special attention is focused on the transition from the traditional use of the sacred mushrooms b... more Special attention is focused on the transition from the traditional use of the sacred mushrooms by indigenous peoples residing in México to the popular and widespread illicit use by tourists in some third world countries.

Research paper thumbnail of A Chemical Referral and Reference Guide to the Known Species of Psilocin and/or Psilocybin-containing Mushrooms and their Published Analysis and Bluing Reactions: An Updated and Revised

Numerous species were removed from previous published lists by Allen, Gartz et Guzmán (1992) and ... more Numerous species were removed from previous published lists by Allen, Gartz et Guzmán (1992) and Guzmán, Allen et Gartz (2000). These earlier compilations included several species based on false positives, doubtful relationships, and/or no bluing present whatsoever. This current list is restricted to those species that were chemically analyzed (indicated with bold-face numbers). Referenced papers include: chemical analysis of baeocystine, norbaeocystine, psilocine, psilocybine and aeruginascins, plus other related tryptamine alkaloids). Those species known to exhibit a bluing or greening reaction in specimens when damaged by human handling or natural causes are marked by a •. Those with an *asterisk indicate false positives which are noted at the end of this update.

Additionally, a novel second 2, 3,-secoaromadendrane-type sesquiterpenoids, named psilosamuiensis A, was isolated from the broth of Psilocybe samuiensis (Pornpakakul et al., 2009). Also, see, Borovička, Rockefeller et Werner (2012) for taxonomy of new species #32 in this reference list.

Furthermore, the author has also listed numerous errors from various field guides regarding regarding regarding psilocybian fungi misidentified or falsely labeled as toxic.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychoactive Mushroom Use in Koh Samui and Koh-Pha-Ngan, Thailand.

This paper presents the results of recent ethnomycological exploration in southern Thailand. Fiel... more This paper presents the results of recent ethnomycological exploration in southern Thailand. Field observations, interviews and collection of fungi specimens were carried out primarily on two islands, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan, situated in the western region of the Gulf of Siam. Some fieldwork was also conducted in the northern Thai province of Chiang Dao and in the southern Thai province of Surat Thani. During five separate excursions (1989-90), observations were made of occurrence, harvesting, use, and marketing of psychoactive fungi by local Thai natives (males and females, adults and children), foreign tourists, and German immigrants. The first records of psychoactive Psilocybe subcubensis and Copelandia dung fungi in Thailand are presented in this paper. These fungi exhibited intense bluing reactions when handled, indicating the presence of psilocybine and/or psilocine. Seven collections of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer and/or Psilocybe subcubensis Guzmán and four collections of Copelandia species were harvested and sun-dried for herbarium deposit. These fungi are cultivated or occur spontaneously, often appearing in the decomposed manure of domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and at least three different species of cattle (Bos indicus, B. Quarus, and B. sundaicus). The psychoactive fungi are cultivated in clandestine plots, both indoors and outdoors, in the uplands and villages on Koh Samui by both Thai natives and some foreigners. The sale of psychoactive fungi directly to tourists and to resort restaurants for use in edible food items such as omelettes and soups is discussed in detail. The preparation and sale of mushroom omelettes adulterated with artificial hallucinogens in some restaurants is also discussed. In addition, the marketing of items such as hand painted T-shirts, post cards, and posters bearing mushroom related motifs in Thailand is described.

Research paper thumbnail of Commercial Activities Related to Psychoactive Fungi in Thailand

Mushrooms have been portrayed in various art forms throughout the ages, notably in paintings, chi... more Mushrooms have been portrayed in various art forms throughout the ages, notably in paintings, children's books, and on postcards. Since the recent (1952-1953) rediscovery by R. Gordon Wasson of an hallucinogenic mushroom cult in Mexico, the proliferation and sale of "magic mushrooms; and items with mushroom motifs have been incorporated by many groups of indigenous native crafts-peoples in several developing countries (Mexico, Bali, Peru, India, and Southeast Asia, etc.).