What Is Psilocybin: The Natural Psychedelic Compound

Psilocybin is a natural psychedelic compound made by over 200 types of fungi¹. It changes into psilocin in the body, causing effects like LSD and DMT¹. These effects include feeling happy, seeing things that aren’t there, and changing how you see things. You might also feel like time is moving differently or have deep spiritual feelings¹.

The effects of psilocybin can last from two to six hours¹. People have used these mushrooms in religious rituals for thousands of years¹.

Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist, first found psilocybin in 1958 from the mushroom Psilocybe mexicana¹. Sandoz then sold pure psilocybin to doctors all over the world for therapy¹. Early studies at Harvard University in the 1960s, led by Timothy Leary, showed psilocybin could be useful in psychiatry¹.

Introduction

Psilocybin is a special compound found in over 200 types of fungi. The Psilocybe genus has the strongest kinds². It quickly turns into psilocin in the body, causing effects like LSD, mescaline, and DMT². People might feel happy, see things that aren’t there, and have a changed view of time².

A Centuries-Old History

Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, with a rich history². Art and artifacts from Mesoamerica and Europe show they were important in spiritual and divination rituals². In the 16th century, Spanish writers noted how native groups in Mexico used them, like the Nahua and Zapotecs².

After the Spanish took over, using these mushrooms was banned. But, they became popular again in the 1960s and 1970s as an entheogen².

These mushrooms grow in places like meadows and woods, in warm and tropical areas². They can be found on every continent, mostly in humid forests².

“Psilocybin mushrooms have a history of use among the native peoples of Mesoamerica, particularly for religious communion, divination, and healing.”

Chemical Composition and Structure of Psilocybin

Psilocybin is a special tryptamine alkaloid with the chemical formula C12H17N2O4P³. It comes from the neurotransmitter serotonin³. Psilocybin doesn’t work on its own but turns into psilocin in the body, which is the active part³. Psilocin and psilocybin are like serotonin and have similar structures³.

Psilocybin is found in certain mushrooms like Psilocybe, Panaeolus, and Copelandia³. Over 50 species have this compound³. Psilocin works with serotonin receptors in the brain³.

Psilocin and psilocybin are banned substances under international law³⁴. They are seen as highly addictive and not used in medicine, so they’re very strictly controlled⁴.

Psilocybin’s unique makeup makes it very interesting to scientists and the public³⁵.

Research on psilocybin and psilocin shows how they affect the brain and could help with health issues⁵⁴.

How Psilocybin Works in the Brain

Psilocybin, a natural psychedelic, works by interacting with the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor in the brain⁶. After being taken, it quickly turns into psilocin. Psilocin then affects these serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A one⁷. This action changes how we see things, makes us see things that aren’t there, and changes our sense of time⁷.

Mechanism of Action

Psilocin, the active part of psilocybin, connects to and turns on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors in the brain⁸. This is what mainly causes the psychedelic effects, making the brain more active and improving how it works together⁶. Psilocybin also works with other brain chemicals like dopamine and glutamate, adding to its effects⁶.

Effects on Serotonin Receptors

Serotonin is a key brain chemical that helps control mood, how we see things, and think⁶. Psilocybin changes how serotonin works by affecting the 5-HT2A receptor. This leads to changes in brain waves, memory, and how we think⁶. Studies show that psilocybin can also lower serotonin receptors in the rat brain, changing how signals move through the brain and lasting for a while⁶.

Research and clinical trials are looking into how psilocybin can help with depression, anxiety, and addiction⁸. Its unique way of working in the brain and on serotonin makes it an exciting area for new treatments⁷⁶⁸.

Dosage and Effects of Psilocybin

The effects of psilocybin can change based on the mushroom type, how much you take, your body, and the setting⁹. You might take 1 to 5 grams of dried mushrooms, which can last 2 to 6 hours⁹. Psilocybin is not very toxic, but different mushrooms can be more or less potent⁹.

Dosing and Potency

There are over 200 types of magic mushrooms, and they start to work in 15-45 minutes⁹. Psilocybin is safe for studies, with doses of 8–25 mg by mouth and 1–2 mg through a vein¹⁰. Researchers have looked at how different doses affect healthy adults¹¹. They also studied how psilocybin affects the heart¹¹.

Short-term Effects

Eating magic mushrooms can make you feel more emotional and change how you see things⁹. You might also feel your heart race, get dry mouth, or feel weak⁹. Studies have shown that psilocybin changes brain activity in certain areas¹⁰.

Long-term Effects

We don’t know much about the long-term effects of psilocybin yet⁹. But, it seems it doesn’t lead to addiction, and it’s not harmful in the long run⁹. Researchers are looking into using it to help with depression¹¹. Studies show it can help people feel better and change their brain activity¹¹.

“Psilocybin, a key component of magic mushrooms, is being researched for potential therapeutic uses in treating mental health disorders.”

Health Canada has rules for using psilocybin for health reasons, like through clinical trials or special programs¹¹.

⁹¹⁰¹¹

What is psilocybin

Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in over 200 types of fungi, especially in the Psilocybe genus¹². It changes into psilocin in the body, causing effects like LSD and DMT, including feelings of joy, seeing things that aren’t there, and changing how you see things¹²¹³.

People have used psilocybin for spiritual and divinatory ceremonies for a long time, especially in Mesoamerica¹³. In 2019, 1.6% of Australians over 14 had tried psychedelics in the past year, and 61% of them tried psilocybin¹².

When eaten, magic mushrooms start to work in 30 minutes, or in 5–10 minutes if taken as a soup or tea¹². These effects can last about four to six hours¹². Using psilocybin a lot can make you less sensitive to its effects¹².

Risks and Precautions

Using magic mushrooms can lead to feelings of agitation, vomiting, and muscle weakness¹². Taking them with other drugs can make the effects even more unpredictable and dangerous¹².

There’s not much known about withdrawal from magic mushrooms, but eating poisonous mushrooms can be very dangerous¹². If you think you ate poisonous mushrooms, call the Victorian Poisons Information Centre right away¹².

Prevalence and Use

In 2021, 7.4 million Americans over 12 used hallucinogens like psilocybin¹³. Young adults aged 18–25 were most likely to use them¹³. Psilocybin mushrooms are often used by teens and young adults at parties, clubs, and college¹⁴.

These mushrooms have about 0.2 to 0.4 percent psilocybin and some psilocyn¹⁴. The University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Survey found 9.2 percent of high school seniors in the US tried hallucinogens at least once, and 2 percent used them in the past month¹⁴.

Legal Status

Legal Status and Regulations

Psilocybin, found in some mushrooms, has different legal status worldwide. It and its form psilocin are Schedule I substances under the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This means they are mostly illegal to make, sell, or have without permission in most places, including Canada¹⁵.

But, things are changing. Some places are looking into psilocybin’s health benefits and might make it legal for medical or research use. For instance, in 2020, Oregon made “magic mushrooms” legal for health treatment in certain settings¹⁵. Alberta, Canada, also plans to allow psilocybin and other drugs for medical therapy¹⁵.

Global Legal Status

Psilocybin and psilocin are Schedule I substances, but mushrooms with psilocybin aren’t mentioned in the UN Convention¹⁵. This makes their legal status unclear in many places. In some areas, like parts of Canada, these mushrooms are still targeted by the law, even with ongoing clinical trials¹⁶.

In 2022, Colorado made psilocybin mushrooms legal, following Oregon’s lead in 2020¹⁵. Australia also approved psilocybin and MDMA for treating PTSD and depression¹⁵.

Psilocybin and psilocin’s legal situation is complex, with varying rules and efforts around the world. As research on their health benefits grows, we can expect more changes in laws¹⁷.

Risks and Precautions

Using psilocybin mushrooms can lead to potential adverse effects like anxiety, panic attacks, and confusion¹⁸. High doses can cause “bad trips” and “flashbacks”¹⁹. People with mental health issues or heart problems might face more risks²⁰.

There’s not much research on how psilocybin interacts with other drugs or health conditions²⁰. But, those with mental health issues like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should be careful²⁰. Also, mixing psilocybin with other drugs like alcohol or amphetamines is not safe²⁰.

“Psilocybin can be a powerful and potentially transformative substance, but it is not without risks. It’s essential to approach its use with caution, respect, and under the guidance of qualified professionals.”

The risks of psilocybin include many negative effects on the mind and body¹⁹²⁰¹⁸. If you’re thinking about trying psilocybin, talk to a healthcare provider first. They can tell you about the psilocybin potential adverse effects and psilocybin contraindications¹⁹²⁰.

Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin

Psilocybin, found in certain mushrooms, is being studied for its healing uses. Studies show it might help with depression, anxiety, and more²¹. It could also help with substance use issues²¹.

A 2017 study showed psilocybin could be very helpful²¹. It has reduced depression and anxiety in people with serious illnesses²¹. It’s also shown promise in helping people quit smoking and drinking too much²¹.

Psilocybin might help with obsessive-compulsive disorder too²¹. A study found it quickly eased anxiety and depression in cancer patients²¹. It’s also being looked at for easing cancer-related stress²¹.

Some people with treatment-resistant depression have seen positive changes after psilocybin therapy²¹. It could also make people more connected to nature and less likely to hold extreme political views²¹.

Even though psilocybin looks promising, it’s not yet approved for medical use anywhere²¹. More research is needed to make sure it’s safe and works well²¹.

Clinical Trials and Research

Research on psilocybin has picked up again after a 25-year break²². The new studies are looking at its safety and how it helps with mental health²².

A review of old studies found most patients got better after using psychedelics for mood issues²². Another review from the 1950s and 1960s showed LSD could help with alcohol addiction²². A recent study found psilocybin made people feel better than a common drug²².

Several studies have shown psilocybin can quickly and lastingly reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients²². It has also helped with other conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder and alcohol addiction²². Psilocybin works differently than regular antidepressants, which is interesting²².

Psilocybin could be a new way to treat Alcohol Use Disorder²³. It can change brain chemistry and help people behave and think better²³. Researchers think it could be a good alternative to current treatments for addiction²³.

While psilocybin shows promise, it’s not yet approved for medical use. More studies are needed to understand how safe and effective it is.

Cultural and Spiritual Use

Psilocybin mushrooms have a deep history in spiritual and divination ceremonies, especially in Mesoamerican cultures²⁴. The Aztecs called them “teonanácatl,” meaning “divine mushroom.”²⁴ After the Spanish arrived, these mushrooms were banned from traditional rituals. Yet, they became popular again in the 1960s and 1970s for their spiritual benefits²⁴. Today, people still value their cultural and spiritual significance.

Entheogenic practices use psychoactive substances for spiritual growth, developed by indigenous tribes over centuries²⁵. In Gabon, the iboga plant is key to the Bwiti religion, offering deep spiritual experiences²⁵. Iboga can affect people for up to 48 hours, leading to vivid hallucinations²⁵. Ayahuasca ceremonies in South America last 4 to 6 hours, bringing intense healing and a mystical state²⁵. Kava, legal in the U.S. outside of religious use, is known for its calming effects²⁵. In Oaxaca, Mexico, psilocybin mushrooms are used for healing and community rituals, helping users see things from new angles²⁵.

Psilocybin mushrooms have a rich history in the spiritual and healing practices of indigenous communities worldwide²⁴²⁵. As we explore the psychedelic renaissance, there’s a chance for Indigenous peoples to teach us about using these plants wisely²⁶.

“Psilocybin is found in mushrooms such as the liberty cap (Psilocybe semilanceata) and about 186 other species.”²⁴

Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history in spiritual and healing practices across the globe. As we move forward, we can learn from Indigenous peoples about using these powerful plants responsibly.

Sourcing and Cultivation

Now, growing psilocybin-containing mushrooms is easier thanks to more info on how to do it²⁷. These mushrooms, like P. azurescens and P. cyanescens, make a lot of psilocybin and psilocin²⁷. But, making, selling, and having these mushrooms is illegal in most places, including Canada, unless Health Canada says it’s okay²⁸.

Choosing the right mushroom strain is key to growing them well. The strain affects things like how fast the mycelium grows, the color of the mushrooms, and how long they last²⁷. Some strains can even make your harvest three times bigger²⁷. For example, some cordyceps strains can give you 3.5 to 11.8 grams per jar, showing how important the strain is²⁷.

There are many ways to grow mushrooms, like using logs, straw, or coffee grounds²⁷. Sawdust or wood pellets are popular for growing mushrooms and need to be sterilized with steam²⁷. You can buy or make your own spawn to grow the mycelium, and agar is used for storing mushroom strains or cloning²⁷.

Even though growing psilocybin mushrooms is getting easier, knowing the laws about them is key²⁸. As of January 5th, 2022, Health Canada said it’s okay to use drugs like MDMA and magic mushrooms for health reasons²⁸. But, making, selling, and having these mushrooms is still illegal in most places unless Health Canada says it’s okay²⁸.

Ethical Considerations

There are big ethical questions about growing and using psilocybin mushrooms. On one side, they could help with mental health issues and are being studied a lot²⁹. But, the worry is that people might use them just for fun, which could be bad for everyone’s health²⁹.

As laws and rules about psilocybin mushrooms change, those growing and using them need to think about the right thing to do²⁸²⁹.

Ethical Considerations

Psilocybin and other psychedelics bring up big ethical considerations. They could help with health issues but are illegal in most places. This makes it hard to study them safely³⁰.

Researchers and those making laws need to think hard about the good and bad sides. They aim to make rules that keep people safe and allow safe studies on psilocybin³⁰.

Creating nonsubjective psychedelics is tricky. Some worry that the effects might not be needed for healing. They could even be bad for some people with past mental health issues³⁰.

1. A study showed psilocybin quickly helped reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients³¹.
2. Another study found psilocybin greatly lowered depression and anxiety in cancer patients³¹.
3. Psilocybin helped treat depression that didn’t respond to other treatments, a six-month study showed³¹.
4. A study found psilocybin could be a good option for treating depression that doesn’t get better³¹.

Money from the military and companies is going into making new psychedelics. This could lead to big scientific and medical wins³⁰.

Researchers want to know if psychedelics work because of the special states they cause. They’re testing this with anesthesia to learn more³⁰.

Studies will keep helping us understand how psychedelics work. This will help us decide if they’re really helpful. It’s important for talking about ethics in medicine³⁰.

“Certain mental health disorders with limited treatment options could benefit from psychedelic treatments, particularly underserved populations, emphasizing the need for diversity in clinical trials.”³²

The FDA has given guidance on how to approve psychedelic drugs. They point out the need for special rules because of these drugs’ unique nature³². The FDA also says it’s important to watch over people closely when they’re taking these drugs³².

We need to think carefully about using psilocybin and other psychedelics. We want to make sure they’re developed in a way that’s safe and fair for everyone³⁰³².

Conclusion

Psilocybin is a psychedelic found in over 200 types of fungi. It has a long history in spiritual and divination ceremonies³³. Despite being a Schedule I substance in many countries, including Canada, it shows promise for treating mental health issues³⁴.

But, psilocybin use comes with risks like bad psychological effects and interactions with other drugs³⁴. As research goes on, those in charge of policy and healthcare must think about the ethics of using psilocybin. They need to create rules that protect public health and safety while exploring its benefits³⁴.

Psilocybin is a complex substance with a deep history and a bright future in mental health care³³³⁵³⁴. Its legal status and rules are changing, but scientists are eager to learn more about it. They aim to use it to improve human health and happiness.

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