News

Cleaning oil spills with mushrooms

September 3, 2010 - On April 20 2010, a large explosion took place on BP-owned drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico. For days on end, thousands of litres of oil are pouring into the ocean, killing birds, fish and sea turtles across the gulf. It took BP almost three months to reduce the size of the spill, but the damage was already done and will remain visible over the past years, if not decades. In an...
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Psychedelics show promise as anti-depressants

August 25, 2010 - After a pause of nearly 40 years in research into the therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs, recent studies are showing promising results. Psychedelics like LSD, ketamine or magic mushrooms could be combined with psychotherapy to treat people suffering from psychiatric disorders such as depression or compulsive disorders, Swiss scientists suggested. The researchers said recent...
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Dazzling images from space

August 8, 2010 - Many of the images captured by famous NASA telescope Hubble are no less than absolutely stunning and pure eye candy. A spectacular new image shows the colliding of two galaxies, which began approximately 100 milion years ago. These galaxies are named Anntennae , after their long, antenna-like ‘arms’ that can be observed in wide angle views of the system. During these collisions, the...
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Mind Altering Science: a conference on psychedelic research

August 4, 2010 - On October 23 and 24, Dutch consciousness-pioneering organization Stichting Open is organizing a conference on psychedelic research. The conference is hosted by the University of Amsterdam. With researchers and therapists from a wide variety of academic disciplines, this event will be dedicated to the exploration of a broad range of subjects. From addiction treatment to psychotherapy with...
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Mushrooms are the latest environment friendly packing material

July 28, 2010 - A new packing material that grows itself was recently introduced and is already being used by several US-based companies. This revolutionary type of packing material is composed of inedible agricultural waste and mushroom roots and is called Mycobond. Its manufacture requires just one eighth the energy and one tenth the carbon dioxide of traditional foam packing material. And unlike most...
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Ecstasy may help PTSD patients

July 23, 2010 - Preliminary research has shown that MDMA (or Ecstacy) may play a role in treating severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when used in conjunction with intensive therapy in a very controlled setting. When used in this manner, MDMA was so effective that 80% of all participants had resolution of their PTSD symptoms after the end of the trial. Before its classification as a schedule 1 drug...
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Oh no! Kids getting high on MP3s!

July 16, 2010 - There’s a new drug on the streets and it is taking the lives of our children! It is completely legal, too! We’re seeing more and more newspaper and television stories that warn parents about ‘digital drugs’. Although I-Doser has been around for years, every now and then a US news station uses it in an attempt to stir up a moral panic. I-Doser is a program that uses binaural sounds...
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Azarius goes Italian!

July 13, 2010 - To accommodate our Italian customers, we recently translated our website into Italian . We are now able to serve you in no less than 7 different languages! Our customer service staff are able to answer you in different languages as well, however if you wish to receive an answer as quick as possible, we suggest you write us in English.
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Therapist fined for giving patients psychedelics

July 9, 2010 - A court in Switzerland gave a suspended sentence on Monday to a psychotherapist who treated her high-society patients with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ecstasy and mescaline saying the illegal drugs "expanded the consciousness." The Zurich court gave the 62-year-old therapist a 16-month suspended sentence and a €1500 fine for supplying the drugs during weekend therapy sessions between...
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Buy a San Pedro cutting and receive a potted San Pedro for free!

July 8, 2010 - Some time ago we received a batch of beautiful San Pedro Cristata cacti. The Cristata variety is a mutant of Trichocereus pachanoi ( San Pedro ), and displays unique crest-shaped growth. These potted Cristata San Pedro’s are aching for a) a nice spot in the sun, and b) some love and care. Two things that we - unfortunately - cannot give them at this time. Why not, you might ask? Well, most...
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World Cup 2010 News

July 7, 2010 - After 32 years, the team of the Netherlands has reached the World Cup final! The city of Amsterdam literally exploded in celebration when ‘Oranje’ secured its place in the finals of the World Cup football in South Africa. After tonight we know who’ll be playing in the finals: Spain or Germany. Many Dutch fans would prefer the latter, as we have some unfinished business, dating back from 1974...
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New laws in Ireland aim to put head shops out of business

June 22, 2010 - Controversial new laws in Ireland are aimed at putting smart- and headshops out of business. The Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill 2010 will make the sale and supply of psychoactive substances which mimic illegal drugs a criminal offence. The Bill also prohibits import or export psychoactive substances for human consumption. The offence includes knowing, or being reckless as to...
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Nuns busted for growing weed

June 11, 2010 - Two Ugandan nuns, Sisters Nanteza and Rita, were arrested this week for growing weed on the grounds of their convent, which they told police was used for treatment of farm animals, particularly pigs. A Ugandan newspaper, The New Vision, spoke with Masaka district Police commander Titus Byaruhanga, who said his officers entered the convent on a tip-off. The BBC reports that an entire...
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Delays in order fulfillment

June 8, 2010 - Due to the tedious task of inventory counting, we will not be shipping or fulfilling orders on Thursday 10 and Friday 11th of June. Orders placed before and around these days will likely encounter some delay. Once we are done counting we'll work as hard as we can to send out all existing orders. Apologies for the inconvenience!
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Website offers voting advice for Dutch cannabis lovers

June 2, 2010 - As election day is coming closer in the Netherlands, many (floating) voters who can’t make up their mind turn to websites that offer questionnaires to determine which party best represents the voters views. The latest in these advice-offering websites is the Dutch ‘ Cannabis Kieswijzer ’. This website gives Dutch stoners an instant overview of parties that favor legalization and the parties...
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Azarius again at the OPEN Festival, June 11

May 21, 2010 - Last year Azarius had an information booth at the festival organized by Stichting OPEN , a Dutch initiative that tries to promote academic interest in psychedelic research, somewhat comparable to MAPS, the Multidisciplinarian Association for Psychedelic Studies . We had a great time, so decided to go again this year. The festival will be organized in the squatted church at Ruigoord , a...
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New article about Alexander Shulgin

May 21, 2010 - Two weeks ago we discussed the new documentary about the renowned chemist and psychonaut Alexander Shulgin. This week Vice Magazine features a lengthy and very personal article about editor Hammilton Morris' encounter with Alexander. Although the article is titled The Last Interview with Alexander Shulgin , it isn't really an interview, but it sure contains a lot of interesting information,...
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US drug czar acknowledges futility of Drug War

May 16, 2010 - It took 40 years, more than one trillion (1000000000000) US dollar, and hundreds of thousands of lives. The result? An increase in violence and more widespread problems. U.S. drug czar Gil Kerlikowske admits the failure of the drug war: "In the grand scheme, it has not been successful. Forty years later, the concern about drugs and drug problems is, if anything, magnified, intensified." ...
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The Bulldog vs Red Bull

May 14, 2010 - A lengthy juridical battle (dare we say bullfight?) between energy drink manufacturer Red Bull and Dutch Coffeeshop The Bulldog has led to the latter being forced to cease the sale and production of its energy drink. All remaining stock has been destroyed. In 2003, Red Bull summons The Bulldog to cease the sales of their products containing the ‘bull’ element. In 2007 the court decides...
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The Shulgin documentary (Dirty Pictures)

May 6, 2010 - Dirty Pictures follows underground hero and chemist Sasha and his wife, Ann Shulgin , as they travel to festivals and conferences to discuss the psychological qualities of MDMA, or better known as Ecstasy. Sasha, who went to Harvard at the age of 15, has spent his life trying to figure out all of the different aspects of Ecstasy and just how it can affect the human psyche. In an interview...
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Dutch Public Holidays

May 4, 2010 - After Queen's Day (April 30) and Liberation Day (May 5), there is another national holiday coming up, meaning that Azarius will be closed on that day. On May 13 we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus . In Dutch we call it 'Hemelvaartsdag'. Contrary to Queen's Day and Liberation Day, no crazy street raves and free music festivals on this day. But it is a day off, so I guess we can't complain....
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‘New Zealand grow shop busts good news for gangs’

April 28, 2010 - New Zealand Police have charged more than 250 people after a massive crackdown on the sale of cannabis gardening equipment. The result of the two-year undercover Operation Lime, officers swooped on 35 businesses and numerous homes across the country - including executing search warrants at all 16 branches and the distribution centre of a national supplier of indoor growing supplies. ...
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Psychedelic research in the news

April 21, 2010 - Although much scientific research on psychedelics was conducted during the 60’s, the subject became a taboo when the Controlled Substances Act was introduced in the early 70’s. Now, using strict protocols and safeguards, more and more studies on psychedelics are being approved and carried out. The media seem to be catching on, too. A brief summary of recently published articles and events:...
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Lightning Fuels Mushroom Growth

April 20, 2010 - New research has revealed that mushrooms and some vegetables multiply rapidly when struck by lightning. For generations, Japanese farmers have welcomed storms over their fields based on the belief that lightning strikes provoke plentiful harvests of mushrooms, which are staples of Japanese cuisine. Currently, mushroom demand is so high that dealers are increasingly turning to foreign...
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'Hemperor' Jack Herer Passes Away

April 16, 2010 - This morning, the sad news reached us that Jack Herer, well known American cannabis activist and author of the books like Grass and The Emperor Wears No Clothes passed away in Eugene, Oregon. He was 70 years of age. In his book, Herer borrowed from Hans Christian Andersen’s tale The Emperor’s New Clothes to explain his belief that government has conspired to mislead the public about the...
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Simon Posford about Ineffable Mysteries From Shpongleland

April 14, 2010 - Jambands.com published an in-depth interview with Simon Posford, half of the electronic duo Shpongle. Shpongle are known for their pioneering, psychedelic blend of sounds and amazing live performances. Their latest album - Ineffable Mysteries From Shpongleland - was received well amongst fans worldwide. In the interview, Simon Posford talks about previous and current projects he is involved...
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Sting: Let's end the War on Drugs

April 6, 2010 - Internationally renowned musician and activist Sting has joined the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) to call for an end to the failed War on Drugs. The musician has written a passionate letter spelling out the devastating consequences of the Drug War, and is urging people to support the DPA in advocating saner drug policies. An excerpt from his letter: “The War on Drugs has failed – but it's...
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Afghanistan now also world's top hashish producer

March 31, 2010 - Afghanistan, the world’s biggest producer of opium, has also become a major source for cannabis, overtaking Morocco as the top producer of hashish, the UN's Office on Drugs and Crime said Wednesday. In 2008 the UN already noticed a surge in Afgan hashish production and predicted the country would soon take the world’s top spot for cannabis resin supply. It is estimated that 10,000...
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The healing power of ayahuasca

March 25, 2010 - Dr. Charles Grob, professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the UCLA School of Medicine and his team are investigating the pharmaceutical potential of ayahuasca . It is the first time in history such extensive research is being conducted on the ‘jungle brew’. The active ingredients in the brew are DMT, a naturally occurring brain chemical similar to serotonin, and a natural antidepressant....
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The Azarius crew peaking in Austria

March 19, 2010 - Although part of our crew stayed behind in Amsterdam to keep shipping your orders and answer emails, most of us left for Austria yesterday. We're going to spend a couple of days of snowboarding and skiing in the beautiful Alps of Tirol. We're enjoying some excellent Gluhwein right now and the weather is great. Good times! Greetings from Austria! ~ the Azarius crew
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