Psylocybin is a psychedelic substance that occurs naturally in certain species of mushrooms, known as psilocybin mushrooms. For centuries it has been used by various cultures as a tool for spiritual and medicinal use. In recent years, thanks to scientific research, it has become increasingly popular for its therapeutic potential in treating mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and addiction. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what psilocybin is, how it affects the brain, its effects, its potential medical applications and its potential health risks.
How does psilocybin affect the brain?
After taking psilocybin, people experience intense psychedelic effects, such as hallucinations, altered perceptions and intense emotions.
In recent years, research into psilocybin and its potential medical applications has been on the rise. Studies suggest that psilocybin may be effective in treating depressive, anxiety and addiction disorders, especially in cases where other therapies have been ineffective.
Although there are still many issues related to psilocybin’s safety and therapeutic efficacy that require further research, many people believe in its potential as a tool for spiritual growth and therapy.
Psilocybin versus psilocin – what’s the difference
Psylocybin and psilocin are two chemical compounds found in psilocybin mushrooms, such as Golden Teacher. Although both substances produce similar psychedelic effects, there are some differences between them.
Psylocybin is a pro-drug, meaning it is converted to psilocin in the human body. This means that psilocybin is more stable than psilocin and can be stored more easily and has a longer duration.
Psilocin, on the other hand, is an active substance that acts directly on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor in the brain. As a result, the psychedelic effects induced by psilocin are faster and stronger than those of psilocybin.
Does psilocybin cure depression?
In recent years, psilocybin, a psychedelic substance present in psilocybin mushrooms, has become a focus of interest in depression treatment research. Studies have shown that the substance can have a positive effect on the mental state of people suffering from depression.
In one study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, people with clinical depression were given a single dose of psilocybin to test whether the substance could help reduce depressive symptoms. The results of the study showed that after a single dose of psilocybin, depressive symptoms in study participants were reduced by 50% compared to the placebo group. What’s more, these effects persisted even after 5 weeks.
Similar results were also obtained in other studies. These studies suggest that psilocybin may have therapeutic properties and may be considered safe for treating depression, opening the door for therapies using the substance.
It is worth noting, however, that despite the findings, there is still some controversy surrounding psilocybin therapy. In some countries, such therapy is still illegal, and its long-term effects have not been fully studied. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor or therapist before starting therapy with psilocybin.
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Is psilocybin legal?
One of the most important questions about psilocybin is whether its use is legal. We have already written a separate post about where psilocybin mushrooms are legal. Many countries around the world treat psilocybin as an illegal substance, and its possession, trafficking and consumption are punishable.
In the United States, psilocybin is on Schedule I as defined by federal drug law, meaning it is considered a substance with high addictive potential and no medical use. In Europe, many countries treat psilocybin as an illegal substance, but some countries, such as the Netherlands, have a more liberal approach to the substance and allow consumption of psilocybin in specially designated areas.
In Poland, psilocybin is considered a dangerous and banned substance. Possession, trafficking and consumption are punishable under the Anti-Drug Addiction Law.
Although such golden teacher mushrooms are one of the most popular varieties of mushrooms containing psilocybin, its legality remains questionable. The use of this substance is banned in most areas of the world, and their purchase, possession or consumption is considered a crime. Nevertheless, there are groups in many countries, including Poland, that are working to legalize psilocybin and are conducting research into its potential medical uses.
How is psilocybin dosed?
Dosage of psilocybin is a complex process, depending on a number of factors, such as. The patient’s weight, health status, age, and tolerance level. Clinical trials conducted with psilocybin typically use doses in the range of 10 to 30 mg per kg of patient weight.
When dosing psilocybin mushrooms, the usual approach is to use what is known as a “psilocybin mushroom. “light” doses, which range from 0.25 to 1 gram of dried mushrooms. For people who have no experience with psychoactive substances, it is recommended to start with lower doses to avoid unwanted side effects such as vomiting or nervous disorders.
It is also important not to exceed the recommended dose, as too high a dose of psilocybin can lead to dangerous and unpleasant sensations, such as psychosis, loss of body control or hallucinations.
It is worth remembering that each person reacts differently to psilocybin, so it is important to choose each dose individually and always follow the recommendations of a specialist.
Use of psilocybin in industry 4.0
One example is the growing trend of microdosing psilocybin among entrepreneurs and creatives. Microdosing is the technique of using a very low dose of a psychoactive substance to improve productivity and creativity. That’s why more and more people in the creative and innovative industries are starting to use psilocybin microdosing to boost their productivity and creativity.
Another application is the possibility of using psilocybin in artificial intelligence research. Psylocybin can influence the brain in such a way that it allows the discovery of new connections and patterns. Such an impact of substance may find application in the development of machine learning algorithms, so that we can create increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence systems.
Psylocybin can also be used in the design and product development process, as it affects perception and creative thinking. In this way, we can increase the innovation of designed products and services, which is very important in today’s competitive business world.
Why you should consult psilocybin intake with your doctor and therapist
Ingestion of psilocybin, like other psychoactive substances, can have unpredictable and sometimes dangerous side effects. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or therapist before taking psilocybin.
The doctor can help assess the patient’s overall health and point out any medical contraindications to taking psilocybin. The therapist, in turn, can help prepare the patient for the psychedelic experience and provide appropriate conditions and support during the experience.
Consultation with a doctor and therapist is especially important for people with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety or psychosis. In such cases, the use of psilocybin may be dangerous and inappropriate.
It is worth remembering that taking psilocybin alone is not therapy, but only a tool to assist the therapeutic process. That’s why it’s so important that psilocybin consumption be done under the care of an experienced therapist.
The conclusion is simple – before taking psilocybin, consult a doctor and therapist who can help assess our medical and psychological situation and provide support during the psychedelic experience.
When consumption of psilocybin is not recommended
The consumption of psilocybin, like any other psychoactive substance, is not recommended for all people and in all situations. There are certain circumstances in which the consumption of psilocybin is particularly dangerous or inappropriate. Below are some examples.
People with mental illnesses
Consumption of psilocybin is usually discouraged for people with mental illnesses such as psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychotic depression. In such cases, psilocybin consumption can worsen the symptoms of the disease and cause serious damage to mental health.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Consumption of psilocybin during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended, as there are insufficient studies to prove that the substance is safe for the fetus and newborn.
People with cardiovascular disease
People with cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmia and congestive heart failure, should avoid consuming psilocybin, as the substance can increase the risk of serious cardiac complications.
People with anxiety disorders
People with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, should avoid consuming psilocybin, as the substance can increase anxiety and worsen the symptoms of these disorders.
If you have any doubts about ingesting psilocybin, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor or therapist.
A few words about Psylocybin at the end
In summary, psilocybin, contained in psilocybin mushrooms, is a hallucinogenic alkaloid that acts on the nervous system, especially on serotonin receptors. Clinical studies show that it can help treat depression, anxiety and addiction. However, because of its psychoactive effects, psilocybin mushrooms are banned in most countries around the world. Therefore, the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms, such as“golden teacher,” the use and possession of them is illegal. On the other hand, more and more studies are showing the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, leading to legitimate clinical trials and increased acceptance of psychedelics as a therapeutic tool. However, caution should always be exercised and proper testing procedures followed.
