John Miller
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain psilocybin, have been the subject of clinical research for their potential therapeutic benefits. While the use of psilocybin is illegal in most jurisdictions, it has been studied for its potential to treat various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Clinical trials have shown promising results, but there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can cause distorted sights and sounds, altered perception, mood changes, and physical side effects such as increased heart rate and nausea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health Benefits | Cancer prevention, brain health, reducing anxiety and depression, strengthening bones and teeth, boosting the immune system, reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, improving heart health, preventing Type 2 diabetes, promoting healthy growth in babies and children |
| Vitamins | Vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 (folate), D |
| Minerals | Selenium, potassium, zinc |
| Other Nutrients | Calcium, fibre, protein |
| Medicinal Use | Treatment of alcoholism or substance abuse, palliative care, psychotherapy |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are not physically addictive and have anti-addictive properties
- Clinical trials with psilocybin have shown promising results for treating mental illnesses
- Microdosing is taking a sub-perceptual dose of mushrooms, typically 0.1-0.3g
- Psilocybin is converted to psilocin in the body, which affects the brain and can alter perception
- The use of magic mushrooms outside of clinical settings can lead to poor mental health outcomes
Magic mushrooms are not physically addictive and have anti-addictive properties
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are not physically addictive. While they can be psychologically addictive, they do not exhibit the same addictive properties as commonly abused substances like opioids or stimulants. There is no significant physiological dependence associated with the drug, and therefore no physical withdrawal symptoms. This means that recovery can begin as soon as an individual is ready, without the need for a physical detox.
Magic mushrooms have been used for centuries by indigenous populations for religious and social rites. They contain psilocybin, a chemical compound that causes hallucinations. Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that interacts with the brain's serotonergic neurotransmitter system, impacting the production of hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. This interaction underlies the various physiological and hallucinogenic effects associated with the drug.
While magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, they can still be dangerous and lead to problematic, compulsive patterns of use. People who abuse mushrooms may experience negative side effects such as sleeplessness, lethargy, gastrointestinal problems, and headaches. They may also engage in riskier behaviors that can lead to bodily harm. Additionally, magic mushrooms can have negative interactions with other substances, and there is a potential link between their use and the triggering or worsening of certain mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, manic episodes, or depression.
Despite the risks, there is growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms. The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is exploring innovative treatments using psilocybin, which has shown promising results in controlled settings under the supervision of mental health professionals. Some studies suggest that psilocybin may be effective in treating issues of mental health and substance abuse, including alcohol use disorder.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, and factors such as mental health history, environmental stress, and biological vitals play a role in the development of addiction. Treatment options for mushroom addiction are available, including inpatient and outpatient programs that address the underlying causes of substance use.
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Clinical trials with psilocybin have shown promising results for treating mental illnesses
Psilocybin, the active compound in hallucinogenic "magic mushrooms", has been the subject of numerous clinical trials exploring its potential therapeutic benefits for mental illnesses. The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is at the forefront of investigating innovative treatments using psilocybin.
One notable study conducted by Johns Hopkins researchers found that a single large dose of psilocybin provided significant relief from cancer-related anxiety and depression for up to six months. This adds to the growing evidence supporting the exploration of psilocybin-assisted treatment for mental health conditions associated with cancer.
In another small-scale study, adults with major depression experienced rapid and substantial reductions in depressive symptoms after receiving two doses of psilocybin alongside supportive psychotherapy. The researchers observed that the majority of participants showed improvement, and half achieved remission during the four-week follow-up period.
Additionally, psilocybin has shown promising results in helping individuals overcome addictions. A carefully controlled study found that longtime smokers who had struggled to quit were able to successfully stop smoking after using psilocybin in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Furthermore, an online survey of over 300 individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder indicated that many reported reducing or abstaining from alcohol after taking psilocybin or other psychedelic substances.
While these findings are encouraging, it is important to approach them with caution. Researchers emphasize that psilocybin-assisted therapy requires a structured and supportive framework led by trained professionals. Further clinical trials are necessary to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using psilocybin to treat mental illnesses. Nonetheless, the current body of research suggests that psilocybin may hold significant promise in the field of mental healthcare.
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Microdosing is taking a sub-perceptual dose of mushrooms, typically 0.1-0.3g
Microdosing is the act of taking a sub-perceptual dose of mushrooms, typically 0.1-0.3g. This practice has gained popularity in recent years, with people reporting a range of benefits. However, it is important to note that the research on microdosing is still fairly new and limited, and it is derived from ''magic mushrooms,', which are classified as a Schedule I drug.
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has a molecular structure that allows it to penetrate the central nervous system. This unique property has sparked interest in the scientific and medical communities, who are only just beginning to understand its effects on the brain and its potential therapeutic applications for mental illnesses.
Microdosing involves taking a sub-hallucinogenic dose of psilocybin, aiming to obtain benefits without experiencing significant cognitive and perceptual distortion. While there is limited research on the efficacy of microdosing, some studies have investigated its effects on acute and short-term subjective experience, behaviour, creativity, perception, cognition, and brain activity.
One such study, conducted by Isabella A Savides and Kim Outhoff in 2024, was a semi-structured review that aimed to identify and highlight research gaps in the field of psilocybin microdosing for future research. Their work identified 40 studies and 8 unique websites, which were categorized into non-clinical, clinical, and other groups.
Another study, a double-blind placebo-controlled experiment, recruited 34 participants to investigate the effects of 0.5g of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. This study found that the psilocybin mushroom microdose resulted in decreased power in the theta range (4 to 8 Hz) and eyes closed theta band power decreased under the active dose compared to the placebo.
While the potential benefits of microdosing are intriguing, it is important to approach this practice with caution and awareness of the limitations in the current research.
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Psilocybin is converted to psilocin in the body, which affects the brain and can alter perception
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in 'magic mushrooms'. It is metabolized in the intestines, liver, kidneys, blood, and other tissues and bodily fluids. When psilocybin is consumed, it is dephosphorylated into its active form, psilocin, in the body. This conversion occurs in the acidic environment of the stomach or through the actions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and non-specific esterases in tissues and fluids.
Psilocin, being more lipophilic, can cross the blood-brain barrier and exert central actions. It acts as an agonist at 5HT2A-R, inducing the activation of glutamatergic Layer 5 PYR neurons and thalamo-cortical afferents. This leads to an increase in PFC glutamate release, which is believed to cause the altered perception often associated with psilocybin consumption.
The effects of psilocybin vary widely between individuals. Factors such as mental state, personality, and the immediate environment can influence the response to psilocybin. Common effects include altered perception of time and space, intense changes in mood and feeling, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. It is important to note that psilocybin may cause persistent, distressing alterations in perception, such as visual flashbacks or traumatic recalls of upsetting experiences.
Research suggests that psilocybin has therapeutic potential for treating depression and other brain disorders. It may help regulate the brain's reward system and alter consciousness and self-perception. However, it is essential to approach psilocybin with caution as it can lead to adverse effects, including psychological distress, extreme anxiety, and short-term psychosis.
While psilocybin has shown promising therapeutic benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the brain and any potential risks associated with its use.
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The use of magic mushrooms outside of clinical settings can lead to poor mental health outcomes
The use of magic mushrooms has been gaining traction in the medical field, with researchers exploring their potential to treat various mental health disorders. Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a compound that interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, inducing psychedelic effects. While studies have shown promising results in relieving symptoms of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety, particularly in individuals with terminal cancer, the use of magic mushrooms outside of clinical settings can pose risks.
Psilocybin mushrooms, when consumed in controlled and supported conditions, can induce self-described "spiritual" experiences, leading to positive changes in attitude, mood, and behavior. They are believed to elevate a personality trait known as "openness," which includes sensitivity, imagination, and an appreciation for diverse values and viewpoints. Additionally, psilocybin's ability to increase neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to form new connections, is thought to contribute to these positive mental health outcomes.
However, the risks associated with taking psilocybin outside of clinical settings cannot be overstated. The potential dangers include experiencing extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia due to its hallucinogenic effects, commonly known as a "bad trip." The risk of adverse mental health outcomes, such as psychosis or suicidality, is significantly higher outside of supervised clinical settings. Furthermore, there is a possibility of misidentifying mushrooms and accidentally consuming toxic varieties, which can lead to severe illness or even death.
The consumption of magic mushrooms in unsupervised environments can also lead to physical harm. Individuals under the influence of psilocybin may engage in risky behaviors, such as driving dangerously or walking into traffic, due to impaired judgment and reduced awareness of their physical surroundings. Additionally, the stigma surrounding the recreational use of magic mushrooms presents regulatory challenges and may hinder their path to potential therapeutic use.
While magic mushrooms show promising results in clinical settings, it is crucial to emphasize that their use outside of these controlled environments can lead to detrimental mental and physical health outcomes. Further research and clinical studies are necessary to fully understand the effects of psilocybin and to develop therapeutic applications that maximize its benefits while mitigating potential risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some doctors, therapists, nurses, and other health professionals in Canada have received permission to use magic mushrooms for palliative care and end-of-life psychotherapy. However, they are not allowed to prescribe or provide mushrooms containing psilocybin to another person. In the United States, the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is exploring innovative treatments using psilocybin.
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, vitamin D, selenium, potassium, and zinc. They are also rich in protein and fiber. Research suggests that mushrooms may help lower the risk of cancer, improve brain health, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The type of mushrooms used in clinics or for medicinal purposes are typically magic mushrooms, which contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin. These mushrooms are not currently authorized to be prescribed or provided to patients by health professionals in Canada. However, they are being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in the United States.
