Psilocybin, often referred to informally as “magic mushrooms,” is gaining significant attention in the medical community. Increasing evidence and research illustrate its effectiveness at treating mental illness and optimizing cognitive function. This is driving a desire to understand the full extent of its curative characteristics.
Legislation is popping up around the US to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use, and two states (Oregon and Colorado) have already passed legislation. Practitioners and researchers are looking into the most effective ways to integrate psilocybin into existing health regimes.
One approach – microdosing – is generating substantial interest as a viable consumption method. But what exactly is psilocybin, how does it affect the human body and brain, and what is microdosing? In this quickstart guide to psilocybin and microdosing, we cover all that and more. Let’s get to it, starting with the basics.
What is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring molecular compound found in over 200 species of fungi worldwide, from New Zealand to Japan and South Africa to Alaska. It’s valued for having both mind-altering and healing properties.
Psilocybin is classified as a “classic psychedelic” – a group of substances that activate a particular serotonin receptor in your brain (more on that below). Classic psychedelics stand out for not causing dependency and generally having a low-risk profile (source).
Magic Mushrooms in Prehistory and Modern Times
Psilocybin is not a new discovery; cave paintings in Northern Africa and Spain depict its use as far back as 9,000 B.C. More recently, the Aztecs of Mesoamerica used these mushrooms in religious and healing rituals – they referred to it as teonanacatl, which means “god’s flesh” in their native Nahuatl language (source).
After being associated with the counterculture movement in the 1960s, psilocybin was made illegal in the United States and categorized as a Schedule 1 narcotic. However, recent years have seen renewed interest in psilocybin for its potential therapeutic benefits, including treatment for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Below, we’ll unpack much of this and provide a clearer picture of how “god’s flesh” works and its therapeutic potential. Understanding what psilocybin is and how it works can provide a foundation for appreciating its potential impacts and benefits while forcing us to rethink the perceived risk involved.
How Does Psilocybin Work?
Interestingly enough, psilocybin itself does not directly cause the mind-altering effects of psilocybin mushrooms. Once ingested, the human body converts psilocybin into something called psilocin. Psilocin then travels through your bloodstream to your brain, where it interacts with key brain receptors.
Psilocin, Serotonin, and Brain Receptors
Psilocin mainly affects receptors in the brain (most notably, the 5-HT2A receptor) that respond to serotonin. Serotonin is a natural mood booster – a feel-good chemical your body produces to help control feelings of anxiety, stress, fear, and well-being. So, it’s no surprise that low serotonin levels are linked to depression.
When you consume psilocybin, the resulting psilocin binds to the 5-HT2A receptor and changes how the brain processes information.
Research findings submitted to the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Molecular Psychiatry, in June 2024 revealed that this interaction leads to a decrease in the number of 5-HT2A receptors on the surface of brain cells, followed by an increase in a specific protein (BDNF) that promotes the growth and survival of neurons.
That’s all well and good. But what does that actually mean?
Think of it like this: psilocin is a key that fits into a special lock (the 5-HT2A receptor) in your brain. This key unlocks a chain reaction that changes how brain cells communicate with one another, and can even help them grow stronger. These changes could be why psilocybin can boost your mood and make your brain more agile.
How Psilocybin Alters the Mind
Above we mentioned microdosing and it’s important to note that the information provided in this section refers to the consumption of psilocybin in larger, “macro-doses”. Some of the effects outlined below occur with microdoses, but we’ll dig deeper into that in a moment.
Changing Perception
One of the most noticeable effects of psilocybin is the change in perception. Colors may appear more vibrant, patterns may become more intricate, and sounds may seem more profound. In short, it amplifies all five senses, which can be intense for those without prior experience. This intensity isn’t a concern with microdosing.
Altering Thought Patterns
Psilocybin can change the way you think. It can help you see connections between ideas that you might not normally notice, leading to new insights and understandings. This is why some people find it helps with problem-solving and creativity, as well as deep self-reflection and discovery..
Emotional Release
Psilocybin can help people release repressed emotions. This can be a powerful experience, leading to a sense of relief and emotional cleansing. It can also be a jarring experience, which is why it’s not advisable to take large doses without proper education on safe consumption practices
Microdosing Psilocybin
Now, what exactly is microdosing? As the name might indicate, it refers to the practice of taking very small doses of psilocybin. Unlike a full dose, a microdose is typically about one-tenth to one-twentieth of a standard dose. This small amount is not enough to cause the full psychedelic effects but can still offer many benefits.
Benefits of Microdosing
Many people who microdose psilocybin report improved mood, increased focus, and enhanced creativity without experiencing the intense mind-altering effects of a full dose.
This is why it’s recommended that first-time consumers start with a microdosing regime informed by an expert. Self-regulated doses are not advisable for beginners.
Among the many benefits that microdosing psilocybin has been reported to provide include:
Enhanced Mood
Psilocybin microdosing has been shown to improve mood and increase feelings of well-being. Many people report feeling happier, more content, and more connected to themselves, others, and nature.
Research evidence supports these claims. A study published in the scientific journal, Nature, found that people who microdose were observed feeling more positive and open-minded (source).
Improved Focus and Productivity
Microdosing can also enhance your cognition and concentration. People who microdose generally find they can focus better on tasks and experience improved problem-solving abilities
A team of academics conducted a systematic review of recent research on microdosing and mental health. The findings, published in January, 2024, provide compelling evidence that microdosing can enhance concentration and productivity. Users often find they can focus better on tasks and feel more positive and motivated throughout the day.
Increased Creativity
Many individuals who microdose with psilocybin also find that it enhances their creativity. They may have new ideas, see problems from different perspectives, and feel more open to creative solutions.
The same paper submitted to Molecular Psychiatry (referenced above) found that psilocin, the active part of psilocybin, can make the connections between brain cells stronger and more complex. Want that in English?
The psilocin key unlocks new pathways for brain activity, allowing for faster, easier transfer of information. It’s sort of like adding new roads and bridges to a city, making it easier for more people to move around with more agility. This likely explains why people often feel more creative and positive after microdosing with psilocybin.
Reduced Side Effects
One of the main advantages of microdosing is the significantly reduced potential for side effects. Because the dose is so small, the risk of experiencing negative effects such as anxiety or confusion is far lower compared to taking a full dose.
Distinctions Between Microdosing and Full Dosing
Microdosing is very different from taking a full dose of psilocybin. A full dose can lead to profound changes in perception and deep psychological and emotional experiences. These effects can be powerful and sometimes overwhelming. In contrast, microdosing aims to enhance daily functioning and well-being without these intense effects, making it much easier to try without fear of side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between psilocybin and psilocin?
Psilocybin is a compound found in certain species of fungi native to various parts of the world. Once psilocybin is ingested, the human body converts it into psilocin, which is the active compound that alters one’s mental and emotional state.
How long do the effects of psilocybin last?
The effects of a full dose of psilocybin typically last between 4 to 6 hours. Microdosing effects are more subtle and may last throughout the day without noticeable peaks.
Is psilocybin safe?
Psilocybin is generally considered safe when used responsibly. Plus, everything is relative – psilocybin is certainly safe when considered alongside some widely-used, legal substances.
To put things into perspective, around 400,000 people in the US pass away each year due to tobacco use. Roughly 170,000 die from alcohol use. The number of people who die from psilocybin each year? Zero.
That said, it is important to use it in a safe environment and to start with a low dose, especially if you are new to it. Your best bet is to start under the guidance of a medical professional and ensure the dosage and strain of psilocybin (there are many) is right for your body and level of preparedness.
Is microdosing safe?
One of the main advantages of microdosing is the significantly reduced potential for side effects. Because the dose is so small, the risk of experiencing negative effects such as anxiety or confusion is much lower compared to taking a full dose.
Can psilocybin help with mental health issues?
Research suggests that psilocybin can help with various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD (source). As published evidence increasingly supports the efficacy of psilocybin in treating these often intractable conditions, the pace of research into the potential of psilocybin for treating mental health conditions is rapidly increasing.
Are there any long-term effects of psilocybin use?
Current research suggests that psilocybin does not have significant long-term negative effects when used responsibly. In fact, a study conducted by New York University concluded that there may be long-lasting positive changes in mood and behavior (source). And this is precisely why the scientific community is eager to learn more.
Conclusion
Psilocybin is a powerful natural compound that can have profound effects on the mind and body. By interacting with certain brain receptors, it can enhance mood, creativity, and feelings of connectedness.
While it is important to use psilocybin safely, many people find it to be a valuable tool for personal growth and well-being. Microdosing offers a way to experience some of these benefits with minimal side effects. By understanding how psilocybin works and using it responsibly, you can enjoy its many benefits.
