The penetration of the topic into mainstream culture, for example, through movies on Netflix (“How to Change Your Mind,” “Have a Good Trip”) has caused more and more people to take these substances without medical supervision. In 2020, during the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in the US, an estimated 1.4 million Americans had their first taste of psilocybin mushrooms, such as Golden Teacher. They have become the subject of increasing interest from researchers. Studies indicate potential therapeutic benefits associated with psilocybin, the active ingredient in these mushrooms. However, at the same time, there are risks associated with misuse, which requires special attention.
Benefits of psilocybin in mental health treatment
Research over the past few years suggests that psilocybin contained in psilocybin mushrooms may have beneficial effects on mental health. This includes various problems such as depression, end-of-life anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) and smoking addiction. Undoubtedly, the most significant benefits come from the treatment of depression, where psilocybin appears to have revolutionary potential. One of the key research centers in this field is the Psychedelic Research Center at Imperial College London. Research conducted there focuses on the role of psilocybin as a potential treatment for anorexia. This novel approach to a health problem opens up new perspectives and questions about the effectiveness of substances in treating eating disorders.
Quality of psilocybin sensation vs. therapeutic benefits
A key element of the benefits associated with the psilocybin contained min in Golden Teacher is the quality of the psilocybin sensation. Mystical experiences, emotional connection and emotional breakthroughs are all elements that influence therapeutic effects. As a result, research on psychedelic experience is becoming a key area of interest.
Note: improper use of Golden Teacher psilocybin mushrooms
It is important to note that the benefits associated with psilocybin mushrooms are only possible in a properly supervised environment. Using them outside the clinical setting, without a guide and in the wrong mindset, can lead to undesirable consequences and mental health risks. Research indicates that the environment in which psilocybin mushrooms such as Golden Teacher are consumed has a significant impact on the experiment. A supervised environment, with appropriate support, increases the chances of a positive and therapeutic experience. The use of these substances in uncontrolled and unsafe areas should therefore be avoided.
Advertising
Guide versus safety during the experience
Introducing a guide (tripsitter) when consuming psilocybin mushrooms is a key aspect of safety, and we wrote about this in a separate article on Set & Setting. The person in charge of leading the experience acts as mental support and prevents uncontrolled situations. This is important, especially for those who are undertaking a psychedelic journey for the first time.
The dangers of the Golden Teacher
Despite the potential therapeutic benefits, there are also risks associated with the use of psilocybin mushrooms such as Golden Teacher. Inadequate dosage, improper preparation or lack of awareness of side effects can lead to serious health consequences. Although psychedelics, including psilocybin mushrooms, or LSD, are the lowest ranked drugs by harm – the experts recommend consuming psilocybin, or ketamine, only in clinical settings. The risk of death in case of overdose is negligible, and the possibility of addiction is almost nonexistent, but this does not mean that consuming psychedelics is safe-especially for people with mental instability.
Side effects and health risks
Consumption of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to various side effects, such as nausea, dizziness and disorientation. These symptoms are not very pleasant, but they are short-lived. BUT, the effects can be much worse. Psilocybin mushrooms have gained a fair amount of public acceptance, which is also confirmed by studies on their health-promoting properties. Public acquiescence in the states of Oregon, Colorado, or countries where the medical use of psilocybin is allowed has caused people to not only start taking psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, but more and more people are reaching for them purely for recreational purposes. And that carries a lot of risk.
Long-term symptoms
For some people, especially those with a predisposition to mental illness, psychedelic experiences can trigger psychotic or manic episodes or exacerbate existing mental disorders. Still, we are unable to prove the safety of using psychedelics. One study of 1,000 people found no correlation between the onset of psychosis and their consumption. On the other hand, very often when conducting clinical trials on a group of people, it is very common to exclude applicants who have a history of mental illnesses or illnesses ran in their family. These are mainly schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder. It is assumed that they can become active (although not necessarily) during the experience.
Research on the harmfulness of psychedelics
Supporting this thesis was to be found in one study that was conducted on people with bipolar disorder. One-third of those surveyed said their condition worsened after using psychedelics, and 3% of those taking part in the study had to seek medical help. It should be added, however, that these were not clinical trials, and the subjects were mostly recreational users of psychoactive substances. To summarize we quote Dr. Bryan Roth of the University of North Carolina – “Anyone suffering from a serious mental disorder – such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder – should not take psychedelics.”
Legal risks
In many jurisdictions, possession, cultivation and consumption of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal. The criminal risks associated with their use are a significant risk that must be taken into account before deciding to consume these substances. Owning a growkit in Poland is allowed, but allowing mushrooms to bear fruit from it is no longer! Remember that the products in our store are designed for mycological testing.
Sources:
https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.22010073
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/10/well/mind/psychedelics-therapy-ketamine-mushrooms-risks.html
https://podyplomie.pl/psychiatria/38177,zagrozenia-i-nadzieje-w-leczeniu-depresji-psylocybina
