Psilocybin aka “Magic Mushrooms”

Psilocybin occurs naturally in over 200 species of fungi. When consumed, the human body responds by rapidly metabolizing psilocybin into psilocin which activates serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors which can lead to profound changes in consciousness for 3-6 hours.

Indications Under Study

  • Major Depressive Disorder

  • Treatment-resistant depression

  • Anxiety and depression in cancer patients

  • Depression in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Type 2 Bipolar Disorder

  • Nicotine Dependence

  • Alcohol Use Disorder

  • Substance Use Disorders (cocaine, opioid)

  • Co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorder

  • Cluster, migraine, and post traumatic headache disorders

  • Anorexia nervosa

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder

  • Demoralization in AIDS/HIV survivors

Characteristics

Psilocybin is a classic psychedelic meaning any of the following can occur after consumption:

  • Visual Distortions / Colorful Visions

  • Heightened sensations of the body

  • Altered Auditory Perceptions

  • Strong Emotions

  • Hallucinations

  • Spatial and Cognitive Shifts in relation to space and time

Effects

Positive Effects

  • Visual Distortions

  • Vivid imagery with eyes open or closed

  • Auditory and visual hallucinations

  • Sensory synthesia

  • Feelings of expansiveness

  • Feelings of oneness and connection with others and the Universe

  • Heightened emotions

  • Transcendence of space and time

  • Ego dissolution

  • Mystical experiences

  • Altered cognition

  • Introspection and insightfulness

Negative Effects

  • Panic attacks, anxiety, or confusion

  • Paranoia

  • Dysphoria

  • Irrational and reckless behavior

  • Impaired Concentration and focus, disordered thinking

  • Dizziness

  • Disorientation

  • Restlessness

  • Muscle Weakness

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Light sensitivity

  • Pupil dilation

  • Flashbacks

Legal Status

Psilocybin is currently considered a Schedule 1 substance according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) making it illegal in most states to use, grow or consume. Oregon and Colorado are paving the way for this to change!

Colorado: In Denver Colorado, it is legal to possess, use, grow or share/gift certain psychedelic substances to anyone 21 years of age and older.

Oregon: In the state of OR, it is ONLY legal to consume psilocybin in one of the approved Psilocybin Service Centers under the direction of licensed facilitators.

Other Countries: Jamaica and the Netherlands have legal operating psychedelic retreat centers

Other cities that have decriminalized psilocybin: Oakland, Santa Cruz, Ann Arbor, and Washington DC.

Doses of Psilocybin

Common doses of psilocybin:

  • Microdose : 0.1-0.5 grams

  • Low Dose : 0.5 - 2 grams

  • Moderate Dose : 2 -4 grams

  • High Dose : >4 grams

***Doses of psilocybin listed are of dried or fresh mushrooms consumed orally. Potency varies amongst different mushroom species***

Microdosing Education

Scientific research lacks evidence regarding the efficacy of microdosing psilocybin, but given the state of the world and the mental health crisis that appears to only be growing with time, people are turning away from ineffective standards of treatment and reaching for psychedelic substances. In survey analyses, many report that following a schedule and microdosing with intention helped them manage the symptoms of their condition(s), with specific improvements noted in mood, anxiety, meditative practice, exercise, eating habits, and sleep. Respondents from the study also indicated that they experienced a reduction in use of any of the following substances: caffeine, alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, psychiatric prescription medications, and illicit substances.

Anderson, T., Petranker, R., Christopher, A. et al. Psychedelic microdosing benefits and challenges: an empirical codebook. Harm Reduct J 16, 43 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-019-0308-4

To learn more about Microdosing Psilocybin, please click on the button to take you to the Microdosing Page