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Psilocybin

THE ULTIMATE
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Psilocybin mushrooms are fungi containing psilocybin, a natural psychedelic compound known for inducing intense hallucinations and mystical experiences. Commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," they are found in over 180 species worldwide and have a rich history in Mesoamerican spiritual practices. Beyond recreational use, they are widely utilized in therapeutic contexts to address conditions such as cluster headaches, OCD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction. Despite being decriminalized in a few North American cities, they remain illegal at the federal level in the U.S. as a Schedule I substance. Recent FDA recognition of psilocybin as a "breakthrough therapy" for depression suggests potential accelerated development for medical applications through controlled studies.

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Benefits of Microdosing

Across various historical cultures, psychedelic mushrooms have long been revered for their profound capacity to facilitate healing and transformation. Beyond their cultural significance, contemporary research is shedding light on their potential therapeutic benefits on a significant scale. Studies conducted both in the United States and internationally are demonstrating that psychoactive mushrooms can catalyze profound personal growth. For instance, a recent study highlighted in the Journal of Psychopharmacology revealed that a single dose of psilocybin led to substantial and enduring reductions in depressed mood and anxiety, accompanied by improvements in overall quality of life.

Moreover, the mystical experiences associated with psilocybin, which gained attention during the 1960s psychedelic movement in America, are now the subject of rigorous scientific exploration. Emerging evidence strongly suggests that psilocybin holds promise as a potent healer. Specifically, ongoing clinical trials are examining the effects of high-dose psilocybin experiences on patients with life-threatening cancer diagnoses. These trials aim to assess how psilocybin, administered in therapeutic settings, can alleviate the psychological distress and anxiety often associated with such diagnoses. Initial findings under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions indicate that a single high dose of psilocybin can significantly reduce symptoms of psychological distress in terminal patients, with lasting effects.

Furthermore, research indicates that psilocybin's efficacy may be linked to its ability to influence neuroplasticity—the brain's capacity to adapt, grow, and change. This growing body of research underscores the potential of psilocybin mushrooms not only as a therapeutic tool but also as a catalyst for profound psychological and spiritual transformation.

THERAPUTIC USES

Research into psilocybin as early as the 1960s and 1970s indicated its potential for treating various disorders such as cluster headaches, mood disorders, and addiction.[5] However, its reclassification as a Schedule I drug by the federal government in the 1970s severely curtailed therapeutic research. The resurgence of interest in psychedelics in recent years, known as the third wave, has reignited scientific inquiry. Anecdotal reports of psilocybin's therapeutic benefits have garnered attention from medical professionals, regulators, and the general public. Today, numerous organizations including MAPS, The Beckley Foundation, and The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research are funding and conducting research. Initial findings echo earlier studies, suggesting that psilocybin holds significant promise for therapeutic applications.

Psilocybin in the Treatment of Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Anecdotal reports have long suggested the effectiveness of psilocybin and other psychedelics in treating mood disorders like depression and anxiety. In the current era of psychedelic research, this remains a prominent focus, prompting the federal government to permit small, tightly controlled studies on psilocybin's therapeutic potential for mood disorders. For instance, a pilot study conducted in 2011 explored psilocybin's impact on depression and end-of-life anxiety in terminal cancer patients. Results showed significant improvements in depression and anxiety measures lasting up to six months post-treatment, leading to FDA Phase II approval for further investigation.

Similarly, a study by a prominent London research group indicated psilocybin could effectively treat major depression. Twelve patients received two doses of psilocybin supplemented with psychological support, resulting in substantial reductions in depression scores within one week after the second dose. By three months, five patients remained depression-free, while most others experienced a reduction from severe to mild or moderate depression levels.

Furthermore, a small study demonstrated psilocybin's efficacy in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among individuals who had not responded to traditional serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) therapy. All participants experienced varying degrees of improvement in OCD symptoms, ranging from 23% to complete alleviation.

OTHER POTENTIAL TREATMENTS INCLUDE:

Psilocybin in the Treatment of Addiction

In the 1950s and 1960s, "classic psychedelics" were explored in preliminary trials for treating addiction, showing promising outcomes. However, with the criminalization of many psychedelics in the U.S. and Europe, research into their therapeutic potential halted. Recent years have witnessed a renewed interest in studying psilocybin and other psychedelics as effective treatments for addiction.

For instance, a 2015 study demonstrated the efficacy of psilocybin in treating alcoholism within a structured treatment regimen. Participants reported significant reductions in alcohol consumption and increased periods of abstinence following psilocybin administration as part of their therapy.

Psilocybin has also shown promise in aiding tobacco cessation efforts. In a recent trial, 15 smokers participated in two to three psilocybin sessions integrated into a broader cognitive-behavioral therapy program for smoking cessation. Remarkably, 80% of the participants successfully quit smoking. This success rate contrasts starkly with conventional methods such as gum, patches, or cold turkey, which typically yield about a 35% success rate.

Psilocybin in the Treatment of Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches, more intense but briefer than migraines, are often described as the most agonizing and disruptive type of headache, significantly impacting daily life.

While no systematic studies have yet been published on psilocybin's potential to treat cluster headaches, anecdotal reports suggesting its efficacy have piqued medical interest. In the mid-2000s, medical professionals began to consider psilocybin and LSD as potential treatments for cluster headaches after some patients reported experiencing remission following recreational psychedelic use and subsequent self-medication.[11]

A recent survey indicated that psilocybin may offer more effective relief for cluster headaches compared to current medications, with nearly half of sufferers reporting it as completely effective.[12] Multiple clinical studies exploring this application are currently underway, promising further insights in the near future.[13][14]

RISKS OF MICRODOSING

Psilocybin is widely regarded as one of the safest psychoactive substances available. According to the 2017 Global Drug Survey, psilocybin is ranked as the safest recreational drug, with only 0.2% of users requiring emergency medical treatment in 2016—five times lower than MDMA, LSD, and cocaine. It is also non-addictive, and there is no known lethal dose, meaning the risk of overdose, even during a challenging experience, is minimal.

However, like any substance, psilocybin carries potential risks. Users may experience physical side effects such as nausea, sweating, numbness, and tremors, along with psychological effects including anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and mood swings, as reported in a survey published in Substance Abuse and Misuse. Up to 33% of mushroom users surveyed experienced paranoia and anxiety during their trip. Long-term physical and psychological effects are rare, and when present, they are often linked to pre-existing psychological conditions rather than the mushrooms themselves.

A unique phenomenon associated with psychedelics is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), commonly referred to as "flashbacks." Unlike PTSD-related flashbacks, HPPD involves perceptual changes that can persist for weeks or months after psilocybin use. Although the prevalence of HPPD remains uncertain, it is considered rare and is not associated with physical or neurological damage.

CREATING A SCHEDULE

Once you have your mushrooms prepped in doses and decide on your regimen, it’s time to take your mushroom microdose. Just like many steps in the mushroom-taking process, you have several options for how to consume.

Microdosing experts suggest different microdosing regimens, but our microdosing course follows Dr. James Fadiman’s system. Fadiman recommends taking a microdose once every three days:

You take a microdose on Day 1.
Then, do not take a microdose on Day 2 or Day 3.
On Day 4, take another microdose.

You can continue this process for one to two months before taking a break from microdosing for two to four weeks.

Morning is the best time for microdosing, since the beneficial effects will last throughout the day without interfering with sleep. It’s also helpful to take daily notes in a journal to observe the effects throughout this process and adjust accordingly—or just notice the positive changes.

It’s also important to follow your usual routine while microdosing mushrooms. The purpose is to enhance your day-to-day existence by integrating microdoses into your routine, so don’t change what you usually do. However, when you try microdosing for the first time, take a day off from work and social commitments. This will allow you to notice any unusual effects before microdosing in a more public situation.

While it may seem like you would only feel the microdose effects on the days you take it, try to observe the effect on the two days between the doses as well. Many people perceive increased feelings of flow, creativity, and energy the day after they microdose, in addition to the day of microdosing.

PERSONAL GROWTH

One of the most promising aspects of intentional and responsible psilocybin use is its potential to catalyze profound personal growth. Early trials administering psychedelics to healthy adults in supportive settings yielded reports of enduring positive changes in personality traits, behaviors, values, and attitudes. Recent studies have reaffirmed these initial findings, with approximately 40% of participants in laboratory studies reporting lasting enhancements in their aesthetic appreciation and connection to nature.

Anecdotal accounts have consistently supported these scientific observations. Following a psilocybin experience, individuals frequently describe heightened appreciation for music, art, and nature, increased tolerance for others, and enhanced creativity and imagination.

A pivotal 2011 study found that more than a year after a single psilocybin session, participants maintained significantly elevated measures of openness, attributed by researchers to the profound and often ineffable "mystical experience" induced by psilocybin. This experience typically involves feelings of unity, interconnectedness with all existence, a sense of sacredness, peace, joy, and a transcendence of normal temporal and spatial boundaries. Remarkably, the profundity of these experiences does not necessarily correlate with religious beliefs—atheists have reported equally transformative effects.

Furthermore, research suggests that the intensity of the mystical experience correlates with the degree of positive, long-term changes observed. These subjective effects, such as feelings of interconnectedness, are thought to arise from psilocybin's ability to temporarily disrupt the brain's default mode network, facilitating increased communication between normally segregated brain regions. This state of "unconstrained cognition" fosters flexible thinking and a breakdown of habitual cognitive patterns, similar to observations during states of deep meditation.

Recent studies have also explored psilocybin's potential to enhance spiritual practices. In a study involving 75 participants engaged in a six-month spiritual course that included meditation and self-reflection, those administered a high dose of psilocybin showed significantly greater improvements in measures of spirituality, such as interpersonal closeness, life meaning, death transcendence, and forgiveness.

With these findings in mind, many proponents believe that psilocybin and other psychedelics could serve as powerful tools for self-improvement and self-optimization. By facilitating experiences of profound connection with the universe and prompting deep introspection, psilocybin may empower individuals to pursue personal growth and realize their fullest potential.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is microdosing mushrooms illegal?

Microdosing is not necessarily illegal. Several countries allow the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms, the purchase of psilocybin truffles, or the purchase of LSD analogues. We do not condone microdosing where it is against the law, as penalties can be severe. Make sure you know your local laws before purchasing psilocybin mushrooms to microdose. If you live somewhere that allows the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms for personal use, consider growing your psilocybin mushrooms and storing them for future use with one of these top-vetted mushroom growing kits. If you live in Europe, you may purchase psilocybin truffles, which are legal in the Netherlands. Remember, these are less potent than psilocybin mushrooms, and an ideal starter dose is 0.5g of dried truffle powder.
Can psilocybin be detected in a drug test?

Psilocybin and its metabolites are not included in most standard drug screens; however they are sometimes included in extended drug screens.
Can microdosing build up a tolerance to mushrooms?

The short answer is yes, microdosing mushrooms can affect your tolerance for psilocybin. Paul Stamets recommends a slightly different microdosing protocol than that discussed above. He suggests taking a microdose every day for four days, then taking three days off to avoid building up a tolerance. He also suggests making psilocybin a central part of a stack including lion’s mane and niacin, to help with neuroplasticity and general well-being.
Where can I get psilocybin mushrooms?

There are a few options for sourcing mushrooms. You can learn to hunt and pick them yourself (though this could be dangerous), grow them yourself (see below), buy them in countries where they are legal, or purchase them from the Medicinal Mushroom Dispensary, which is an online mail-order dispensary for microdoses of psilocybin mushrooms.
Where can I get psilocybin mushrooms?

There are a few options for sourcing mushrooms. You can learn to hunt and pick them yourself (though this could be dangerous), grow them yourself (see below), buy them in countries where they are legal, or purchase them from the Medicinal Mushroom Dispensary, which is an online mail-order dispensary for microdoses of psilocybin mushrooms.
How can I grow my own mushrooms?

Growing your own psilocybin mushrooms is a good alternative to the potentially dangerous practice of collecting them. As well as providing a reliable, year-round supply, home cultivation eliminates the risk of misidentifying mushrooms in the wild. For many growers, it’s also a fun, low-cost hobby. While there are ready-made mushroom kits available online, some people prefer to start from scratch. The kits do contain a living mycelium substrate (the material underlying mushroom growth), which you need to grow your own mushrooms. But making your own substrate is typically more consistent, and less prone to contamination. For more information on how to start your own psilocybin grow, check out our guide here.
Is microdosing safe?

The riskiest thing about microdosing is its potentially illegal nature. Always be aware of your local laws and don’t undertake any unlawful activities. The first-ever controlled, double-blind study of microdosing LSD and psilocybin suggests that the practice is more effective than a placebo and safe. Still unknown, however, are the effects that frequent microdosing could have on the body. This is why we recommend microdosing for no longer than a few months. However, as you can see in the graph below, psilocybin is one of the safest substances you can find, both biochemically and socially. It’s much safer than alcohol. One thing is for certain – with microdosing, there is no risk of having a “bad trip” or experiencing intense psychedelic effects. Taking a microdose is the ideal way to be introduced to psychedelics safely and comfortably.

Learn

WHAT IS MICRODOSING

Psilocybin

THE ULTIMATE
GUIDE TO MICRODOSING

Explore

ALL ABOUT MICRODOSING

Benefits of Microdosing

THERAPUTIC USES

Psilocybin in the Treatment of Mood and Anxiety Disorders

OTHER POTENTIAL TREATMENTS INCLUDE:

Psilocybin in the Treatment of Addiction

Psilocybin in the Treatment of Cluster Headaches

RISKS OF MICRODOSING

CREATING A SCHEDULE

PERSONAL GROWTH

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Mission

Information

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Learn

WHAT IS MICRODOSING

Psilocybin

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MICRODOSING

Explore

ALL ABOUT MICRODOSING

Benefits of Microdosing

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

THE ULTIMATE
GUIDE TO MICRODOSING