Santa Cruz, CA (WFN) -- Recent hurricanes like Charley, Ivan, Frances and Jeanne have been bad for homeowners but they could be a real trip for hippies.

According to ethnobotanist Clark Heinrich, psychedelic -- or "magic" -- mushrooms commonly crop up when areas receive more rain than usual.

Heinrich says the 'shroom boom is most likely to be in areas with a lot of landscaping bark -- and that includes the grounds near government buildings and industrial parks. In fact, he predicts thousands of psilocybin mushrooms are popping up near police stations but says the authorities have no clue.

Although Heinrich says magic mushrooms can help a person "learn more about the universe," he stresses that it's important not to take ANY wild mushrooms without having them analyzed by an expert beforehand.

Also, have someone who's sober nearby throughout the trip in case something goes wrong.

Heinrich is the author of "Magic Mushrooms In Religion And Alchemy" (Park Street Press).

The classic way to spell word game fun is now the ultimate way to spell fast fun for the entire family. Create and manage your own successful farm with John Deere American Farmer. Grow your future in America's Heartland!

More Weird News From 2004-09-22 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • Trio Of Hurricanes Plants Bumper Crop Of Magic Mushrooms • Flash Lites: Rip 'N' Read Pop Culture Recap • Chewing Food Might Have Spared Clinton From Bypass Surgery • 'Hustle' Star Touches All Bases • Hairstyles At The Emmys Get Hairdos And Ahs From Stylist • Cigar Rolling Class Offered At Jamaican Hotel • Medical Experts Investigate The Red Baron's True Cause Of Death • Book Inspires Political Party • America's First Dude Ranch Celebrates 125th Anniversary • Carson Kressley: No Queer Eye On Straight Guys • Around The Weird: Bizarre News Briefs   « Current Weird News Stories