The topic of discussion being explained is the process of phosphorylation by way of “Lemon Tekking”. The denotative meaning for phosphorylation defined by Merriam-Webster states that it is “the process of phosphorylating a chemical compound either by reaction with inorganic phosphate or by transfer of phosphate from another organic phosphate” (Merriam-Webster 1). Organically, “our bodies convert the psilocybin to psilocin” which can take “about two hours if you let your stomach and kidneys do all the work” but Lemon Tekking is a way to speed up this process and avoid the unwarranted digestive effects of ingesting psilocybin mushrooms (Troy 1).
In relation to the topic at hand, phosphorylation is transforming the current state of the psilocybin in the mushrooms to psilocin by using a citric acid base which is lemon juice in this case. Before ingesting, this is achieved by grinding the psilocybin mushrooms into a powder “which mimics chewing” and then soaking that powder in lemon juice for about 20 minutes to break down the chitin in the cell wall of the psilocybin mushrooms which is prominent in all cell walls of fungi (Rindskopf 1). For more clarity, chitin is a fibrous substance that functions as a sheath, covering the mushrooms like an exoskeleton.
When the process of phosphorylation is taken place outside of the body in lemon juice instead of stomach acid, the desired effect is enhanced tremendously. On average the desired effect would normally take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half whereas “Lemon Tekking” speeds this time up by ten to forty-five minutes for the desired effect to be felt. As told by Australian mycologist, the reason why this method has so much success is because the “antioxidant properties of Vitamin C protect the psilocin from oxidizing, so the juices can essentially release this crucial compound without using it up” (Rindskopf 1).
The lemon juice preemptively breaks down the chemical constituents of the psilocybin in to psilocin to increase potency as well as decrease the time needed to feel the desired effect and attenuate the adverse effects of digestive issues that come with ingesting psilocybin mushrooms. This is important to understand due to the fact that the psilocybin is the non-psychoactive compound in the mushrooms but psilocin is the true psychoactive compound once it is converted from psilocybin.
Contingent upon that lemon is not the desired citric acid to create a concentrated elixir from the psilocybin mushrooms, another fruit must be used that matches the pH level of either the lemon or the gastric acid in humans. As an example, pineapple “won’t work as well because their pH is in the 3.2 to 4.3 range” exceeding the normal levels of the human stomach which level out from 1.5 to 2 (Rindskopf 1). Lemons are more idealistic due to the fact that their pH levels range from 2 to 2.6.
As a disclaimer, fundamentally when you are aware of how something works, proactive measures can be taken to alleviate adverse effects from transpiring. Therefore, having that core comprehension of what is taking place promotes the proper dosage to take, a reduction in cross contamination if that factor is in play as well as the prevention of possibly concocting the components of the “Lemon Tek” in a faulty manner to where the desired effect is not met. The use of illegal drugs is neither encouraged nor endorsed but in the event, be sure to research thoroughly, take precautions and enjoy.
Sources
Rindskopf, Jeff. “11 Things You Should Know before Lemon Tekking Shrooms.” Third Wave, 2023 Third Wave, 12 Apr. 2023, https://thethirdwave.co/lemon-tekking-shrooms/.
Troy. “Lemon Tek: The Best Way to Consume Magic Mushrooms.” 420 VapeZone, 5 July 2022, https://420vapezone.com/lemon-tek-the-best-way-to-consume-magic-mushrooms/.
Webster, Merriam. “Phosphorylation Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, 10 Mar. 2023, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphorylation.