As some of you may have observed, this blog is meant to explore the nature of reality and our position within it. In an attempt to do so, various philosophies have been pontificated to attempt to explain the purpose of our nature.
In our attempt to understand ourselves, there is one tool that allows us to shine a light on our existence: consciousness. Consciousness is the ever-elusive, yet all present beam of focus for interpreting, perceiving and engaging with reality. It is, presumably, what allows us, at least in part, to construct our model of reality. You see, you do not live in reality. Your phenomenological experience of life is actually based on data that your brain has simulated into a predictable facsimile to help you engage in the world. The majority of sensory data is actually ignored by your brain as to avoid analysis-paralysis, with these details being "filled" to avoid a chasm of perception. Much like a computer, your sense organs send the "coded" sensory information to your brain, which, based on internal function of the brain, as well as previously held experience, simulates reality to create a "qualia" of experience.
Much like a computer, there are several things that can disrupt the function the brain, and thus, alter the generated epiphenomena accordingly; be it injury, disease or substances. One of these substances, which interestingly has many benefits, is psilocybin. Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-NN-dimethyltryptamine) is a tryptamine alkaloid found in over two-hundred species of mushrooms. While I plan to cover hallucinogens in general, as well as the phenomenology of their subjective effects, including psilocybin, this post will serve as a brief, albeit incomplete introduction to this remarkable molecule.
Psilocybin
As stated, psilocybin is found within hallucinogenic mushrooms, most potent of which are found within the genus psilocybe. Psilocybin, when ingested, is rapidly converted to psilocin (4-HO-DMT), via dephosphorylation mediated by alkaline phosphatase enzymes, making it the prodrug to psilocin. Both of these drugs are structural analogues to serotonin and are both organic tryptamine compounds.
Though psilocybin is usually referenced as the important drug in question, it is psilocin that causes the effects. It is not currently known how said subjective effects are induced, however, it seems to be a non-selective partial agonist of all but the 5-HT3 receptor within the serotonin system. Psychedelic effects in particular are mediated by the 5-HT2a receptor, with activation of said receptors in layer V of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and its consequent glutamate release being especially implicated in the role of subjective effects in general. Though this is the central mechanism of action, the molecule also has agonistic effects on the 5-HT2b and 5-HT2c receptors. Implications of this are not yet known.
Subjective Effects
Psilocybin contains a wide variety of physical, cognitive, visual, auditory, multisensory and transpersonal effects. A list of specific effects can be found here. Several of these effects will be covered in a future post. Effects experienced may vary greatly between people. Set (internal state of mind) and setting (physical environment) play a significant role in subjective experience. Intensity of effects vary depending on the dosage. Though experienced differently for all consumers, the intensity of effects can generally be classified via 4 levels: microdose, threshold dose, psychoactive dose and the heroic dose. General effects to be expected include visual geometry, hallucinatory states, time distortion, euphoria, ego loss, enhanced introspection and critical thinking.
The phenomenology of the psilocybin trip has been described as "earthy", "dream-like" and "sedative" as opposed to psychedelics such as LSD and 2C-B which are said to be "bright" "cerebral" and "stimulating".
Adverse & Long-Term Effects
Though psilocybin is physiologically very gentle on the body and is considered the least dangerous of all recreational drugs, adverse effects are always possible. The most common are panic reactions, especially if the molecule was consumed accidentally. Violence, suicidality, psychosis and convulsions are rare, but possible. Occasionally, psilocybin can induce depersonalization/derealization disorder; a dissociative disorder characterized by feelings of unreality, detachment from or unfamiliarity with one's sense of self/the environment, though this is also a rare reaction.
Of particular concern are consumers with a predisposition or diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other mental illness leaving a vulnerability to psychosis. These mental illnesses are an exclusion factor for individuals that wish to participate in psilocybin assisted therapy. It is also recommended that individuals with these predispositions abstain from consuming psilocybin. Should the individual wish to continue, consultation with a medical professional is a necessity.
If one consumes a dose they are not psychologically prepared for, traumatic recall of a negative experience, or "bad trips" are a possibility. Furthermore, hallucinogenic flashbacks, or hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is an extremely rare side effect.
If one desires to consume psilocybin, it is highly advised to use harm reduction practices before and when using this substances. Furthermore, one should verify the legal status of psilocybin within there country or state, as it is illegalized in the majority of countries.
Potency
The potency of psilocybin mushrooms depends on a variety of factors, including:
Species
Growth conditions
Harvesting period
Origin
Consumed fresh or dried
Note: One should not search for wild psilocybin mushrooms, unless possessing an advanced understanding of mycology. Toxic species can be virtually identical to the untrained eye, leading to illness or death if consumed. Gain your mushrooms from a trusted source, and always test your substance!
Benefits
Psilocybin has been used for over 8000 as an entheogen (natural medicine) in the majority of human cultures. Evidence dates back to over 6000 years ago via cave paintings found within Algeria and Spain.
Current research has found promising results for psilocybin in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression, end-of-life depression and existential anxiety. A study of 24 participants with severe depression revealed 17 experienced significant reduction in symptoms, with 13 of those experiencing complete remission after 4 weeks. Another study examined 29 subjects suffering from end-of-life anxiety due to terminal illness, with 58% experiencing immediate remission after a psilocybin trip, with this number increasing to 60-80% on a 6.5-month follow up. This is in contrast to only 14% experiencing remission with placebo.
Psilocybin may also have a benefit in reduction of addiction. A study examined 15 problematic users of tobacco, with 12 of these (80%) experiencing a remission of addictive behavior after a 6 month follow up.
While evidence is more limited, user reports suggest psilocybin may assist in treating other medical conditions, such as cluster headaches, and other mental illnesses including PTSD and OCD. While more research is needed, research demonstrates moderate success with such illnesses.
It's worth noting that these benefits seem to emerge in combination with assisted therapy, which works to create an objective for why the individual wishes to consume psilocybin, what to expect during the trip and how to incorporate the experience into everyday life. As such, these benefits should be viewed in the context of this medically assisted therapy. Consuming psilocybin mushrooms recreationally at home will likely not produce such benefits. Though benefits have been reported recreationally, an individual should consume this substance responsibly and follow established guidelines on safety, set and setting. It seems psilocybin can be a powerful medicine, but it must be used in the correct context and right intention to gain benefits. Be aware of the laws of your area, and follow harm reduction guidelines should you wish to continue.
Pharmacology
Upon entering the body, the prodrug psilocybin is rapidly converted to the unstable psilocin via dephosphorylation initiated by alkaline phosphatase and non-specific esterase in the intestinal mucosa. Psilocin has the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier and bind nonspecifically to serotonin receptors.
Psychedelic experiences via tryptamine alkaloids, including psilocin, are thought to be mediated via agonism of the 5-HT2a/c and 5-HT1a receptors, with the 5-HT2a receptors believed to be involved with the generation of hallucinogenic experiences induced via psychedelic hallucinogens.
Conclusion
This was merely a brief, and not at all just overview of a fascinating molecule within a family of equally intriguing substances. I plan to cover the phenomenology of psilocybin's effects, as well as the effects of, and analysis of other hallucinogenic substances. While the molecule itself is fascinating, the internal experiences generated via these substances are nothing short of incredible, and I plan to explore more about this topic in detail.
Finally, this post is not an encouragement to consume psilocybin, or any other substances. This post is merely for educational and entertainment purposes only. Follow your states laws and do your research should you wish to consume any substance.
