Psilocybin Fact Sheet

What is Psilocybin?

  • Chemical Class: Psychedelic compound

  • Source: Naturally occurring in certain species of mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms"

  • Chemical Formula: C12H17N2O4P

History and Development

  • Traditional Use: Used in religious and spiritual rituals by indigenous cultures for centuries

  • Scientific Discovery: Identified and isolated by Dr. Albert Hofmann in 1958

  • Current Status: Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in many countries, including the U.S.

Mechanism of Action

  • Primary Effects: Acts on serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor

  • Resulting Effects: Altered perception, mood, and cognition, leading to changes in thought patterns and sensory experiences

Therapeutic Uses

  • Mental Health: Emerging research supports the use of psilocybin in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction

  • Palliative Care: Shown to alleviate existential distress and improve quality of life in terminally ill patients

Administration

  • Forms: Typically ingested orally as dried mushrooms, capsules, or teas

  • Dosage: Varies widely; common therapeutic doses range from 10 to 30 mg of pure psilocybin or equivalent mushroom weight

Effects and Duration

  • Onset: 20 to 60 minutes after ingestion

  • Peak Effects: 1 to 2 hours

  • Total Duration: 4 to 6 hours

  • Aftereffects: Residual changes in mood and perception may last for days

Physical and Psychological Effects

  • Positive Effects:

    • Enhanced mood and emotional release

    • Increased introspection and self-awareness

    • Visual and auditory hallucinations

  • Negative Effects:

    • Nausea and vomiting

    • Anxiety and paranoia

    • Disorientation and confusion (especially at high doses)

Risks and Side Effects

  • Short-term Risks:

    • Psychological distress and "bad trips"

    • Accidental injury due to impaired judgment

    • Physical discomfort such as nausea

  • Long-term Risks:

    • Potential for persistent perceptual changes (e.g., Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder)

    • Exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions

Legal Status

  • U.S.: Schedule I controlled substance (illegal for non-research use)

  • International: Varies by country; generally restricted or banned, though some countries have decriminalized or allowed limited medical use

Harm Reduction Tips

  • Set and Setting: Ensure a safe, comfortable environment and be in a positive mental state; having a trusted guide or sitter is recommended

  • Dosage: Start with a low dose to gauge individual sensitivity

  • Integration: Plan for time after the experience to process and integrate insights

Current Research and Future Directions

  • Clinical Trials: Ongoing studies examining the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for various mental health conditions

  • Potential Approvals: Psilocybin therapy may receive regulatory approval for therapeutic use in the coming years, pending successful trial outcomes

Resources

  • Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): www.maps.org

  • Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research: hopkinspsychedelic.org

  • Usona Institute: www.usonainstitute.org

    This fact sheet offers a comprehensive overview of psilocybin, including its effects, potential therapeutic uses, and associated risks. For more detailed information, please refer to the resources listed above. Note that this information is intended for research purposes only.