Psilocybin: The Mechanisms Behind the Magic
Pam Conboy In Part 2 of this series, I will be diving into the neurobiological mechanisms of psilocybin, or more accurately, its active metabolite: psilocin. We will explore how psilocybin is converted to psilocin in the body and how that active ingredient, along with a host of other biologically active molecules, serves to induce neuroplasticity, […]
A Psychedelic Renaissance You Say?
Pam Conboy Welcome to this 5-part series exploring our present psychedelic revival, focused on psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Although we will be covering the mechanisms, research, and therapeutic potential of psilocybin and its active metabolite, psilocin, in future articles, today I’ll be setting the foundation. Here, I delve into the long history of indigenous use in ceremony, […]
How do Psychedelics Work?
Razi Berry Perhaps no region of the brain is more fittingly named than the claustrum, taken from the Latin word for “hidden or shut away.” The claustrum is an extremely thin sheet of neurons deep within the cortex, yet it reaches out to every other region of the brain. Its true purpose remains “hidden away” […]
Psilocybin from Yeast?
Razi Berry Psilocybin mushrooms have been found to have minimal harmful effects and could potentially benefit those with depression. But they remain illegal even though they offer a groundbreaking alternative to several under-treated psychological conditions. Psilocybin remains illegal despite offering a groundbreaking alternative to several under-treated psychological conditions Nevertheless, psychedelics are currently riding a wave […]
Mindfulness Meditation Combined with Psilocybin May Have Better Effects
Razi Berry Recent years have seen a renewed interest in the clinical application of classic psychedelics in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Researchers of the University of Zurich have now shown that mindfulness meditation can enhance the positive long-term effects of a single dose of psilocybin, which is found in certain mushrooms. Hallucinogens […]
Legislation to Decriminalize Psilocybin Mushrooms on the Table in Denver
Razi Berry Advocates for the use of psychedelic mushrooms were given the okay to put an initiative before Denver voters to decriminalize magic mushrooms in the city. The Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Decriminalization Initiative The Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Decriminalization Initiative is meant to ask voters in Denver to approve a city ordinance that could make the […]
Reclassification Recommendations for Psilocybin From Schedule I to Schedule IV
Razi Berry If phase III clinical trials are successful, researchers suggest categorizing the drug as schedule IV In an evaluation of the safety and abuse research on the drug in hallucinogenic mushrooms, Johns Hopkins researchers suggest that if it clears phase III clinical trials, psilocybin should be re-categorized from a schedule I drug—one with no […]
Connecting Depressed Patients to Their Emotions Using Psychedelics
Node Smith, ND Two New Studies Using Psilocybin in the Treatment of Depression Two new studies add to the growing body of research supporting the use of psychedelic substances in mental health. Both studies are from the Imperial College London and are specific to using psilocybin in the treatment of depression.1,2 The studies suggest that […]