A mushroom expert has revealed why so many Australians are taking magic mushrooms after a mother-of-two died from suspected poisoning at an alternative health clinic.
Rachael Dixon, 53, became seriously ill and later died of a suspected heart attack after allegedly drinking a mushroom tonic at Soul Barn in Clunes, near Ballarat, in western Victoria, about 12am on Saturday morning. evening.
Investigations continue into the death of the Melbourne mother-of-two, who was also a health professional.
Natalie Barr asked Dr Alistair McTaggart from Symbiotika Lab why people were so interested in having magic mushrooms.
“I think because of the commotion around [reported] improvements to [people’s] mental health,” the mycologist told Sunrise on Thursday.
Rachael Dixon, 53, became seriously ill and later died of a suspected heart attack after allegedly drinking a mushroom tonic at Soul Barn in Clunes, near Ballarat.
Natalie Barr asked Symbiotika Lab’s Dr Alistair McTaggart (right) why people were so desperate for magic mushrooms.
He said magic mushrooms actually contain an evolutionary form of slug poison, which is made up of a number of psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin.
“When people and celebrities take mushrooms, instead of being like a slug and poisoning ourselves, we get these amazing benefits,” he explained.
“So maybe we have a revelation, or we increase our empathy, or maybe we see a problem we’ve been living with with a new perspective.”
‘Psilocybin has been classified as a breakthrough therapy for the treatment of mental health disorders, anxiety, addiction, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
“People are very interested in trying magic mushrooms to see what it’s all about.”
But he stressed that magic mushrooms are illegal in Australia and are classified as a Schedule 9 prohibited drug in Australia, at the same legal level as heroin.
“Because of its possession, quite draconian laws can be applied,” he said.
‘The TGA announced that psilocybin would be downgraded to category 8 for treatment-resistant depression.
‘But [magic mushrooms] It is still illegal to have them in your possession.
The mycologist said that despite this, there is still a “large community” that consumes magic mushrooms recreationally.
Investigations continue into the death of the mother-of-two, who was a healthcare professional raising two children in Melbourne (pictured, Soul Barn).
“As a community, we have to recognize that there are a growing number of people interested in magic mushrooms, who are unlikely to be accommodated in a clinical and therapeutic space,” he said.
Michelle Mullins, owner of alternative health clinic Soul Barn, revealed that a private event was taking place at the clinic when Ms Dixon fell ill and died.
“There are no words to express the deep pain and shock we feel here at Soul following the tragic incident that occurred on April 13,” their statement read.
‘Soul Barn rents workshop space to companies and external facilitators.
‘The event that took place on April 13 was a private event and those who facilitated it do not work for or represent Soul Barn in any way. None of our usual therapists, staff or facilitators were present at any time during this event.’
Dixon’s heartbroken son Matthew wrote on Sunday: “To the most loving and caring person I have ever met, I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for me and all the support you gave me.”
“There are no words to describe how much I will miss you, I wish I could give you one last hug.”
Dixon’s sister, Penny Muller-Dixon, added: “Words cannot express the anguish we are all feeling” in a statement on social media.
‘Matthew, your New Zealand family loves you, see you soon. “Life is so damn short, please hug and love those around you,” she wrote.
Ms Dixon and two other Soul Barn clients were rushed from the wellness center to hospital after the possible poisoning (pictured, Soul Barn in Ballarat)
Ms Dixon and two other Soul Barn clients were rushed from the wellness center to hospital after the possible poisoning.
The other two patients were discharged on Tuesday.
One line of inquiry police will investigate is whether the trio consumed a magic mushroom drink.
It is currently mushroom season in South Australia and Clunes, located about 30 kilometers north of Ballarat, is surrounded by forest.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman told WhatsNew2Day Australia that detectives from its Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit were investigating the death.
“It is believed that a woman was at a retreat on Fraser Street when she became ill after having a drink at around 12pm,” he said in a statement.
“Investigations are continuing and police will prepare a report for the coroner.”