Ultimate Guide to Psilocybin

What are Psilocybin Mushrooms

Effects on the Brain

Your brain is part of your central nervous system, including cranial nerves and the spinal cord. Psilocybin acts upon these systems, and can bring an altered state of mind and being. The psilocybin compound mainly affects the serotoninergic systems in your brain, especially the 5-HT 2A subtype receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter made in the body that relays messages between nerve cells to maintain physical and psychological health through regulating homeostatic functions like mood, sleep digestion and more. It is worth noting that some antidepressants, like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) also act on the 5-HT receptors.

The brain is an intricate system often operating in complex environments, so in order for us to quickly and efficiently process everything, it develops shortcuts. The Default Mode Network refers to this–a group of brain regions that host introspective functions like self-reflection and self-criticism. Our brains get comfortable in the same mental habits, whether or not they are healthy and serve us well. It becomes our “default” way of interacting with the world and gives us our unique perspective on the world.

Psilocybin can help shake up the Default Mode Network, and this is particularly useful when it comes to changing negative thought patterns. Psilocybin reduces activity in the Default Mode Network and gives other neurons a chance to build connectivities, often ones that can help counteract the negativity of the Default Mode Network that is typically associated with mental illnesses, addictions and traumas.

Psychological Effects

When you’re “on a trip,” the psychoactive effects of psilocybin can make emotions feel more intense, increase introspection and give you some distance to observe and analyze your thoughts and thought patterns. Brain scanning studies have shown that when taking mushrooms, your brain can enter a state that is similar to dreaming, where connections are made, time and thoughts are more fluid and feelings are more expansive and all-encompassing.

Notable changes in your perception, and some of the most easily recognizable effects, are hallucinations and synaesthesia. Hallucinations are often visual and can involve displays of colors and distortions, but you can also experience auditory hallucinations that can be voices, music or strange sounds. Synaestheisas can occur with frequency and is the experience of blended perceptions like tasting colours or hearing music and seeing shapes.

Though there are chances of adverse events happening, like feeling fearful, confused, agitated or reliving traumatic events, recent studies have shown that when participants take 10mg and 25mg doses and have psychological support available, the experiences are tolerated well with no negative effects on cognitive and emotional systems that required intervention or withdrawal from the study.

PTSD Treatment

Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs after a traumatic event and can cause debilitating anxiety that interferes with daily living. Doctors currently treat PTSD through therapy and antidepressants that aim to shift cognition so that the traumatic event isn’t colouring all aspects of life and medicine helps to counteract the effects that stress has on the brain and its memory center, the hippocampus. Evidence from animal studies shows that psilocybin works to promote nerve cell growth in the hippocampus. In mice, psilocybin helped them get past fear conditioning better than the mice that had a placebo. (13)

Dr Stephen Ross treated terminal cancer patients with psilocybin, and saw that one dose quickly relieved distress that had been plaguing patients for over 6 months. Patients reported their quality of life improving–they noticed having more energy, being more engaging, having improved relationships and better work performance. The results suggest that if psilocybin treatment works for groups as radically affected by illness as terminal cancer, it could work for groups with similar or lesser conditions that cause distress.

One caveat to keep in mind is that there is always the potential for a bad trip, usually if the person is feeling unsafe or uncomfortable. A bad trip can be triggering and mentally scarring. Effects can be more variable than other drugs, and feeling fearful is more dependent on the user rather than the dose of psilocybin. With PTSD, psilocybin may make a person more vulnerable to anxiety and re-experiencing traumatic memories. Other psychedelic drugs, like MDMA, seem to have more promise in treating PTSD.

Healing and Purge

In traditional and spiritual circles, purging is an aspect of healing. Higher doses of magic mushrooms can cause nausea and vomiting, as well as the release of other bodily sensations like crying, screaming, sweating and shaking, due to the tough-to-digest cell walls that make up the supportive structure of the fungi. From a Western perspective, these are negative effects that impact a positive trip badly and there have been trends of minimizing these effects, through brewing the mushrooms as a tea or “lemon tekking,” where lemon juice (or other citric acids) is added to reduce nausea but also shortens and intensifies the trip.

This is likely not an unfamiliar scenario of Western medicine and other concepts of splitting the positive from the negative. However, spiritual and traditional practice is to accept the experience as a whole, without trying to remove parts or ease the trip. The theory is that the discomfort and toll that these medicines take on the body is part of what provides the cathartic healing–physically, emotionally and psychologically.

These “side effects” are seen as unwanted parts of a trip in the Western world, but are considered to be part of the journey. Purging is seen as a release of negative energy and trauma, and is separate from illness, though they can look and feel the same. The mind-body connection, something that is beginning to be accepted in Western science, may be related to the physical release of pain and trauma aiding in mental elimination.

Treating Addiction

Addiction is often hand in hand with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, and is not necessarily separate. People who use substances are self-medicating to treat internal psychological or emotional issues. Problems arise when they are no longer in control of their usage and it’s started to impact their daily lives.

As early as the 1950s, research was being done on how psychedelics can assist in the journey to sobriety for those addicted to alcohol. LSD was associated with decreases in alcohol misuse in a meta-analysis of six studies. For psilocybin, research on how it impacts sobriety from addictions is still in the early stages. Most studies are addressing the safety and efficacy of using magic mushrooms to lay the groundwork for studies that will test how psilocybin works to treat addiction. (16) 

In another study, the effects of psilocybin on smoking cessation were tested. Both participants and researchers were aware of the methods, such as who was getting what drug dose, so results may not be as accurate as double-blind studies. However, researchers measured the success of the psilocybin treatment at 6 months, and 12 months and found that most (80% and 67%, respectively) had quit. Even 2.5 years after the study, 75% of participants were no longer smoking. The results show that those who scored higher on “mystical-type experience” while taking psilocybin were more successful in quitting, and experienced fewer cravings. Similar studies on alcohol reflect the same findings, with decreased alcohol use after treatment with psilocybin that resulted in mystical experiences. (16)

Types of Doses: Microdose and Minidose

How much is used in one dose can dramatically alter the experience with magic mushrooms.

A microdose is around 0.1 to 0.3 grams, but can vary from person to person. It is meant to be just beyond the ability to notice it. This kind of dose is usually done weekly, or on a frequent and regular schedule and the aim is to boost creativity, energy, and focus while decreasing stress and anxiety and other symptoms of mental illness. Feeling more mindful, more motivated, having better memory and an easier time meditating are likely results.

A minidose is around 0.35 to 0.75 grams. This dose is able to be felt, but only just. One will likely experience mood effects, like mild euphoria and mindfulness. It can relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. Thinking is clearer and there is typically more enjoyment in physical activities and tasks. There usually aren’t visuals at this level, but if there are, they will be very mild. There may be some difficulty focusing and socializing, and some restlessness.

On these two doses, do not expect to have a full trip. Though perception may be slightly affected, it is usually not to an extreme where there is a hard time being grounded in reality. These doses seem to enhance everyday life, but do not make a vast difference in functioning.

Trip Doses: Museum, Moderate and Megadose

These doses give more of the effects of psilocybin and can come with visuals, mood effects and perceptual changes.

A moderate dose ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 grams. There are likely some moderate visuals, like an environment that seems to “flow” or “breathe.” Increased empathy, senses, creativity and appreciation for art are commonly reported changes. Time might seem to pass slower or quicker than normal. Pupils may dilate and have increased sensitivity to light. Mood will likely be amplified in its current direction, positive or negative. Introspection and flow states are increased. However, there may also be difficulty focusing and socializing, as well as some frustration at the dosage.

A high dose is between 2 to 3.5 grams. At this dose, a full trip is likely. This includes visual hallucinations like patterns and fractals. Time will have a distortion, and even depth perception will be affected. The ability to understand your surroundings is not lost, though they will be significantly affected. A reasonable expectation is life-impacting insights, piqued interest in the mundane, magnified emotions, visuals whether eyes are open or closed and possible synesthesia. There may be feelings of disorientation, some anxiety, a lot of yawning, some dizziness and nausea and difficulty with cognitive tasks. There is also a clear sense of the trip, including the come-up, peak and come-down. Synesthesia (blending of senses) can occur at this dose and higher.

A megadose is usually 5 or more grams. This is an intense trip where there is high chance of disconnection with reality. Intense hallucinations, ego death, feelings of wonder or mysticism and strong introspection are what can be expected from this dosage level. A sense of time is gone, distortion is present, and motor abilities can be compromised . Cognitive tasks are very difficult, and nausea and dizziness usually accompany this dose. Visuals are strong and ego death is likely.

A regular dose can vary, but ranges from 1 gram, which produces some effects but usually not hallucinations, to 5 grams, which is considered the “heroic” dosage to get the absolute fullest experience. The most typical dose ranges between 1.5-3.5 grams to get the hallucinogenic effects, strong euphoria and even synethesia at the higher end of the scale.

A microdose often ranges from 0.1 grams to 0.5 grams, and won’t create a “high” but can still have long-term beneficial effects. Everyone has a different physiology, so it’s important to start with low dosages and go up from there. A higher metabolism can limit hallucinations, while some people may feel a different reality from a microdose.

In a study funded by the University of Toronto in 2019, the most often self-reported improvements when microdosing was improved mood (12.8%), improved focus (10%), creativity (9.4%) and improved energy (7.6%). Less reported, but still with some regularity, were benefits in sociability, cognition and self-efficacy. From these results, we can inference how it is possible that psilocybin, even at microdose levels, can have significant improvements in disorders of depression, anxiety, PTSD, addicitions and other clinical diagnoses.

There are a few challenges associated with magic mushrooms. One of the most strongly endorsed issues, with almost 30% of respondents citing it was the illegality of psilocybin and the related problems of substances being unregulated (ending up taking too much or too little), unpredictable availability, costs set by the black market and social stigma.

Other issues that came up from self-reports were physiological discomfort (18%) that included disrupted senses from visual hallucinations, temperature dysregulation, tingling, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, reduced appetite and increased headaches.

Fewer reports conflict with the benefits that others have endorsed, citing impaired focus (8.8%), increased anxiety (6.7%), impaired energy (7.2%) and other contrary symptoms. This conflicting evidence suggests individual differences, perhaps in physiology, dose, substance or other factors, play a not insignificant role in moderating these effects.

Risks and Side Effects 

Through its mixed history of being a Schedule I drug and recent research providing evidence that magic mushrooms have a low abuse likelihood and higher therapeutic benefits, there are still some risks associated with psilocybin use. However, limited research and self-reported data don’t necessarily illustrate the clearest picture of the risks. Keep this in mind as you read the risks and side effects.

In a study that excluded people with mental health diagnoses, side effects that were observed were short-lived, associated with higher doses of the drug and weren’t plentiful. There were no long-term negative effects, 8 to 16 months after initial dosages. In a review from the Netherlands, they found that dependence potential and acute and chronic toxicity were low. A different article states that in high doses, there is a larger potential for fear (31%) and paranoia (17%). (21)  

The relationship between psilocybin use and psychological distress like suicidal thinking, planning and attempts was also examined through a study by Hendricks at al., showing that groups that used psilocybin only (as opposed to a combination of other drugs or nonpsilocybin psychedelics) had reduced suicidality and improved mood. (21)

Some physical side effects that are short-term are: numbness (typically in the face), faster heart rate and higher blood pressure, dry mouth (sometimes preceding nausea and vomiting), muscle weakness and twitching, exaggerated reflexes, higher or lower body temperature, drowsiness, yawning, and loss of urinary control. However, though longer-term research is limited, the studies that have been done do not suggest that there are long-term negative effects.

Mental side effects include a distorted sense of reality, euphoria, hallucinations, introspection, panic, psychosis and dissociation. Not every person will experience the same set of side effects, and even a person having multiple trips can have different side effects from trip to trip. The mental side effects like distortion, euphoria, introspection and hallucinations are often the desirable sensations that a person seeks out when taking psilocybin.

Finally, there are some reported psilocybin mushroom-related deaths. Psychedelics are not toxic at standard doses, but can become harmful at very large doses. Psilocybin-only related deaths are fewer than psilocybin and other drugs. The few (less than 10) reported deaths are from jumping off high buildings, becoming too cold, and overdose of mushrooms.

Legality

Though psilocybin mushrooms are showing promising results for the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders through scientific research, they are not legal everywhere and there are limitations on uses. It is still considered a Schedule I drug in the Controlled Substances Act and illegal to sell.

Where are psilocybin mushrooms legal?

Some states, or even just cities, have decriminalized magic mushrooms so that you’re able to possess and cultivate, but not sell. Oregon set this in motion in November 2020 and Maine followed in March 2021. The cities of Santa Cruz, Oakland in California; and Cambridge, Northampton; Denver, Colorado; and Somverville in Massachusetts have also decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms as well.

In 2020 and the time that followed, other states and cities have more simply decided to makearrestst or investigations of people possessing mushrooms their lowest priority. Ann Arbor, Arcata, Detroit, Seattle, Port Townsend, Washtenaw County and the District of Columbia are in this category, so while it is still considered illegal, it isn’t being pursued with the fervour that it would have been prior.

Texas and Connecticut have delayed making decisions about legality, but have paved the way for research to happen by specially-selected groups, hoping that this research can lead to alternative therapies for treating mental disorders. (26)

In February 2021, Oregon and California made it legal to possess, transport, cultivate and sell in the treatment of mental health where the user can be in a supervised setting.

Psilocybin mushrooms are legal in several countries, including Brazil, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Jamaica, The Netherlands, Nepal, and Samoa. Many more countries have blurry legality around possession, sale and cultivation of mushrooms, often decriminalizing it, or making enforcement of laws less of a priority.

What are the current movements and expectations on legislation?

As more research is being conducted and studies are coming out to highly suggest beneficial uses of magic mushrooms in treatment for mental health, the status of psilocybin mushrooms as illegal is being called into question through scientific findings and social attitude.

Oregon, in particular, is leading the movement in supporting systems that allow for legalizing therapeutic magic mushroom use. The state has a scientific advisory board that is tasked with designing regulations for how service centres would use psilocybin, including what species to use and how to prepare and use them. This seems encouraging in trying to break down barriers that keep this potential treatment from populations who could benefit in life-changing ways.

Other organizations, like the International Therapeutic Psilocybin Rescheduling Initiative, are seeking to have the World Health Organization review the scientific literature on the beneficial uses of magic mushrooms in hopes of having the drug reclassified. A Schedule I drug has a high potential for misuse or abuse and no medicinal value, which studies are repeatedly proving is not the case for magic mushrooms. 

Pharmacology

The active ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which produces perceptual effects due to its interaction with brain chemical neurotransmitter, serotonin. Serotonin is naturally produced in the human body from foods that we eat, and is a crucial chemical in regulating essential body functions like mood, sleep and wake cycles, digestion and more physical health aspects. When serotonin is low, mood tends to get dysregulated and can be a significant factor in depression.

Psilocybin, once ingested, is changed into a structure called psilocin. While both psilocybin and psilocin are chemically similar to serotonin, psilocin has an even stronger resemblance to our naturally-occuring brain chemical. The molecular formula for psilocybin is C₁₂H₁₇N₂O₄P, psilocin is C₁₂H₁₆N₂O while serotonin is C₁₀H₁₂N₂O. In the brain, serotonin receptors are able to take up psilocin in a comparable way because of the molecules’ similarity. (28)

Drug interactions

A lot of antidepressants work on the serotonergic brain systems, and can have interactions with psilocybin mushrooms. One possible interaction is serotonin syndrome, when there is too much serotonin in the body that can cause reactions like hyperthermia, hypertension, fast or irregular heart rate, agitation, confusion, tremors, stiff muscles and other symptoms. Serotonin syndrome is usually rare, but caution is still advised.

Though research is still sparse on drug interactions with psilocybin mushrooms, some effects have been noted. Tricyclic antidepressants and lithium can magnify psychedelic effects while antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) can lessen the effects to the point where the psilocybin has little to no therapeutic benefits.

Further, over-the-counter supplements, and specifically ones that affect the serotonin system can create additional risks when taking psilocybin mushrooms. These effects are not clearly known.

Receptor interactions

The brain has several serotonin receptors and subtypes, and psilocin typically interacts with subtypes 5-HT₁A, 5-HT₂A, and 5-HT₂C. They have a strong tendency to attach to 5-HT₂ type, which is where the hallucinations are suggested to originate from. Research hasn’t been able to pinpoint what subtype actually produces the hallucinogenic effects. Unlike other psychedelics, like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms act only on the serotonin system and not others, like the dopamine system.

FAQ

Is Psilocybin Safe?

Magic Mushrooms have a low abuse likelihood and higher therapeutic benefits, there are still some risks associated with psilocybin use.

Some physical side effects that are short-term are: numbness (typically in the face), faster heart rate and higher blood pressure, dry mouth (sometimes preceding nausea and vomiting), muscle weakness and twitching, exaggerated reflexes, higher or lower body temperature, drowsiness, yawning, and loss of urinary control. However, though longer-term research is limited, the studies that have been done do not suggest that there are long-term negative effects.

Mental side effects include a distorted sense of reality, euphoria, hallucinations, introspection, panic, psychosis and dissociation.

How to Take Magic Mushrooms?

There are multiple ways to consume Psilocybin mushrooms. Most common way is to chew and swallow. it’s crucial to chew them properly so that all the juices can release. Your saliva will begin to combine with your blood, allowing the hallucinogenic substance released from the mushroom to enter every cell of your body. Another choice is to boil dried mushrooms in hot water for a short while to produce tea. This technique enables more precise dosing and may also be useful for hiding the earthy flavor of the mushrooms. Some other ways include making a Shroom Smoothie, The Lemon Tek method & Edibles.

You can read on different ways and recipes here.

Can I Mix Psilocybin Mushrooms With Other Drugs?

A lot of antidepressants work on the serotonergic brain systems, and can have interactions with psilocybin mushrooms. One possible interaction is serotonin syndrome, when there is too much serotonin in the body that can cause reactions like hyperthermia, hypertension, fast or irregular heart rate, agitation, confusion, tremors, stiff muscles and other symptoms. Serotonin syndrome is usually rare, but caution is still advised. It is also not advised to mix psilocybin with cannabis, amphetamines, or cocaine.

How Do I Microdose With Psilocybin Mushrooms?

A microdose is around 0.1 to 0.3 grams, but can vary from person to person. It is meant to be just beyond the ability to notice it. This kind of dose is usually done every 4 days, or on a frequent and regular schedule and the aim is to boost creativity, energy, and focus while decreasing stress and anxiety. Here is 5 Reasons to start microdosing.

How to Store Magic Mushrooms?

If stored in a cold, dark, dry environment, dried psilocybin mushrooms are potent for two to three years. They’ll last forever if frozen. For long-term storage, dry the mushrooms first. Drying mushrooms is a great way to extend their shelf life without compromising their taste or nutritional value and only slightly sacrificing their texture.

Can Magic Mushrooms be Detected in a Drug Test?

Psilocybin won’t show up on most routine drug tests, however some extended drug tests may include Psilocybin.

✍🏼 About the author

Kristin Bissessar is a writer who has produced a variety of content from small business copy, to medical ads, to blogs for a range of brands. She is passionate about advocating for better mental health solutions, both as someone with lived mental health issues and experience as a crisis mental health worker.

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