Smart Seeds

When we think of psychedelics, LSD, magic mushrooms or DMT come to mind, but the world of natural psychedelics is so much more diverse and has a lot more of mind-altering substances to offer. It's these substances that the ancient cultures and tribes used for spiritual ceremonies or profound insights into existence. Nowadays, these powerful plants aren't hard to come by anymore, in fact, it was never so easy to find them and grow them at your home.

Zamnesia offers a wide and ever-expanding range of so-called smart seeds. Whether you want to grow and use a specific cactus, cultivate your own tobacco or some kind of natural aphrodisiac - you can browse our shop and find something that suits your needs. Mighty seeds of Mother Nature are at your hands to grow at home. Check out our variety of smart seeds once in a while to see what is available.

In this article, we dive deeper into different smart seeds and educate about their origins, their use and effects. We also inform you about how to grow these seeds for the best results. Let's have a look!

CACTUS SEEDS

BOLIVIAN TORCH

Bolivian Torch (Echinopsis lageniformis) is a psychedelic cactus from Bolivia, South America. It is very similar to the San Pedro cactus in its appearance but has fewer and wider ribs. Just like the San Pedro cactus, the Bolivian Torch contains a multitude of psychoactive alkaloids, like the strong psychedelic compound mescaline.

In its natural environment in the hot and humid climate of Bolivia, the Bolivian Torch can reach heights of up to 4.5 meters. With our fresh seeds, you can now grow this holy cactus easily at home. Once the seeds germinate, they only need very little water, only watering it when the soil has dried out. For optimal results, you should keep the conditions of growth moist and well ventilated. You will achieve the best outcome with cactus potting and soil mixes that are commonly available in gardening stores. The Bolivian Torch will grow into a green, columnar cactus with beautiful and fragrant flowers.

This cactus is considered as holy and therefore plays an important role in shamanistic rituals. It has a long history in such religious and spiritual rituals in South America. The contained psychoactive compounds, especially mescaline, alter the mind and bring the user powerful visions.

PERUVIAN TORCH

The Peruvian Torch (Echinopsis peruviana) is another hallucinogenic cactus that has its origins in South America. It also contains mescaline.

It is a fast-growing cactus that grows on the western hillsides of the Andes in Peru. You can find it there in altitudes between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. With our fresh seeds, you can watch the cactus grow into an impressive and columnar plant. The Peruvian Torch will normally germinate after 10-14 days. Once sprouted, you need to keep the conditions of growth warm and dry. Be sure to give it as much direct sunlight as possible. For the best results, we recommend a commonly available, slightly acidic, cactus potting mix.

Like the other holy cacti of South America, the Peruvian Torch contains numerous alkaloids, including the psychoactive mescaline. You will get a strong, mind-bending experience with hallucinations. This lets the cactus play an important part in shamanistic and religious rituals.

PEYOTE

It is a fascinating hobby to watch a Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) cactus grow. Peyote is native to Mexico and the South of America, so it prefers a very dry climate with plenty of sun. It grows best in a mineral-rich soil. For this special type of cactus, it has proven best to use a soil mix that consists of 50% sand, 25% grit or bims and 25% normal potting soil. Your Peyote will thrive in a minimum temperature of 10°C and a lot of direct sunlight. At the end, you will gaze at a pale green cactus with pink and white flowers. What's best, we provide you with a detailed and easy instruction of how to grow your own Peyote that comes together with the seeds.

Peyote contains more than 50 alkaloids, including the strong psychoactive compound mescaline. The intake of the cactus can induce effects similar to LSD or psilocybin that last up to 10 or 12 hours. It can trigger deep, metaphysical and spiritual introspection and insight. During the trip you will further see rich visuals or experience auditory effects.

SAN PEDRO

San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) is another cactus that for centuries played an important in the shamanistic cultures of Bolivia, South America. Like the above-mentioned cacti, it is considered as holy.

The cactus is really easy to grow with our fresh seeds. It loves a peat-based special soil for cacti and succulents that you can find in any well-sorted gardening store. San Pedro needs very high humidity for the best germination results. After the seeds sprout, ensure a good air circulation and ventilation to prevent mould. The growing environment should be warm and shaded. It is really important to keep the soil moist during germination and early growth. In the end, San Pedro will be a columnar, green cactus with white flowers.

Like with all the South American sacred cacti, San Pedro contains psychoactive substances, notably mescaline. It is widely popular as a ceremonial plant.

TOBACCO SEEDS

AZTEC TOBACCO, AKA MAPACHO

Aztec Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) is also known as Mapacho. It is a wild tobacco plant from the south of Mexico and the Yucatan peninsula. It sets itself apart from other tobacco plant with its strength.

Mapacho is a great, aromatic plant to grow. Although it likes a hot, subtropical climate, you can grow it in colder climates without problems. The plant grows fast and easily and can reach heights of 2 meters. It will develop nice yellow flowers. It is recommended to plant your seeds in a sandy and nuturious soil and use deep pots. This way, the Aztec Tobacco will grow long roots that lead to optimal results. If your climate is warm enough, you can also plant the seeds directly into the soil. The soil has to be kept moist, and the plant needs plenty of sunlight. Our fresh seeds ensure a quick germination and the best growth.

Before you can use the tobacco, you have to cure it after harvest. This is done by hanging the leaves to dry in the sun or use a closed room with indirect heat for several weeks.

The Mapacho is so strong that it contains up to twenty times more nicotine than normal tobacco. It is very aromatic and can be used to roll your own cigarettes or cigars.The dried tobacco leaves can be ground and used as a snuff, too. In some parts of South America, the leaves are soaked in water and then sniffed which is called "singado".

TOBACCO

When Christopher Columbus discovered America, he discovered a plant the natives called Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). The peoples of the New World had the habit of smoking it and blow the tobacco smoke out of their noses while having a good time. Today, tobacco is consumed all over the globe.

Tobacco loves warm and average temperatures around 20-30°C. It is best planted in soil that doesn't have high levels of nitrogen. Our fresh seeds ensure a good germination rate and optimal growth.

Tobacco is smoked for its relaxing and energising effect on the body it can have. Nevertheless, it can also make a wonderful ornamental plant with its big, fleshy leaves and pink flowers.

OTHER SEEDS

MA HUANG

Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) grows in parts of north-eastern China, Russia and Mongolia. The indigenous peoples from these regions use the plant since 5000 years for therapeutic uses.

To grow Ma Huang is not very difficult and you don't need any special expertise. You can germinate the seeds indoors or outdoors in moderate temperatures. But the plant likes it on the warmer side with lots of sun. It is best to grow Ma Huang indoors if you live in countries with colder climates like the UK. Our fresh seeds will make for a troubleless grow.

The dried leaves of Ma Huang are a natural stimulant and energizer. They also have appetite-suppressing properties. The effect it induces has lately become very popular in the West where people use it to reduce their appetite or as a natural way to keep them energised. You can easily make a tea with the dried leaves of Ma Huang.

KHAT

Khat (Catha edulis) or "Flower of Paradise" is very popular all across the Arabian Peninsula and in some parts of Africa. It is an evergreen shrub.

Regardless of some saying, Khat is not too difficult to cultivate. Our fresh seeds ensure an optimal germination rate and success with growing Khat. If you consider some key elements when growing Khat, then you will be rewarded with a helpful plant. You can plant the seeds in a cactus soil mix, vermiculite, perlite or a mix of these. As long as the potting mix is well drained, then you are on the safe side. This is important because the seedlings are pretty sensitive to mould. Khat prefers a rather warm and sunny place but don't put it in direct sunlight. Only water the plant when the soil is dry. The seeds will sprout within a week, and once the seedlings gain a height of 5-10cm, you can repot them.