Meet the Mushrooms
How Psilocybin WorksEvidence-Based Healing
A New Treatment?
Newsweek recently ran a cover story about psilocybin mushrooms, heralding them as “A New Treatment for Depression.” While it’s true that the medical community is now more seriously considering the therapeutic value of mushrooms, they are by no means new.
Archaeological evidence dating as far back as 5,000 BCE – that’s 5,000 years before Jesus was born – demonstrates that psychoactive mushrooms have been safely used for medicinal and spiritual purposes for a very long time.
Let’s take a closer look at what we know about “magic mushrooms” and how they work:
Psilocybin Mushrooms 101
Psilocybin Mushrooms 101
What is psilocybin? Is it natural?
Psilocybin (sill-OH-sy-bin) is a natural compound found in over 200 different species of fungi (mushrooms and truffles). These so-called “magic mushrooms” grow on every continent of the planet except for Antarctica.
Archaeological evidence tells us that psilocybin has been used by humans for spiritual and medical purposes worldwide since at least 5,000 BCE (BC).
That means that nobody owns psilocybin, and nobody invented it – though many indigenous cultures across the globe have our respect and gratitude for helping us understand how to safely interact with these powerful fungi.
Psilocybin is not physiologically addictive. It is also virtually non-toxic. (To reach the toxic dose of psilocybin, one would have to eat several cartons of magic mushrooms.)
Do red mushrooms with white dots contain psilocybin?
Note: Mushrooms with a red cap and white dots are commonly depicted in psychedelic artwork.
These mushrooms are Amanita muscaria, a species that does not contain psilocybin. Amanita muscaria works through a different mechanism than psilocybin-containing mushrooms, and it is quite toxic (and even lethal) if incorrectly prepared.
How does psilocybin work?
Research has helped us to better understand how psilocybin works in the brain and in the body. While entire books could be written on the topic, we will focus on a few key components:
Cross Talk.
Parts of the brain send communication signals to other parts of the brain. There are always “conversations” happening within the brain. Under the effects of psilocybin, more “conversations” happen – and they happen between parts of the brain that do not normally talk to one another. Brain scans have also shown us that more regions of the brain consume more oxygen while under the effects of psilocybin.
This essentially allows the experiencer to literally use more of their brain, giving them the ability to examine topics from angles they might not have been able to consider before. This phenomenon is called “cross talk.” Cross talk may also explain why sometimes people experience vivid imagery when they close their eyes on psilocybin: more regions of the brain can communicate with the visual cortex while on the drug.
The Default Mode Network.
While many parts of the brain become more active during a psilocybin experience, other regions get less active. Specifically, the parts of the brain collectively known as the Default Mode Network (or DMN), get quieter. The DMN is responsible for our automatic, ego-centered thinking. It is thought that in certain disorders like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that the person has a hyper-active DMN. Letting the DMN take a little break during the psilocybin experience allows the user to reconsider their story about themselves. It also disrupts the patterns of harmful thinking that may be keeping them stuck in their illness.
Renegotiating formulas.
As we grow up, our brains become more efficient. Rather than taking in every sound, smell, and image as a brand-new adventure (the way young children do), we start filtering information. We also look for patterns and then apply rules to situations: “If A and B are true, then C must be so as well.” This process is largely mediated by the DMN. While this allows our brains to conserve energy, it can also create some trouble: Our formulas aren’t always right. Nevertheless, as we encounter evidence that challenges our formulas, our brains dismiss away that evidence, instead favoring data that supports our theories. Under the effects of psilocybin, the brain becomes less defensive of its formulas, allowing us to consider which ones may in fact need some updating.
For example, somebody who was abused in childhood may have created the “formula” that all people are harmful and not to be trusted. Through the psilocybin experience, they may experience a newfound appreciation for others. Somebody who was taught as a child that love was contingent upon accomplishment might renegotiate that belief, and understand that they are worthy of love exactly as they are. Other participants have found that they created stories about having to suffer, in order to “properly” honor their ancestors. Psilocybin work helped them find other, healthier ways of honoring their ancestors.
The snowfall analogy.
Michael Pollan has a lovely analogy to explain the effects of psilocybin. Imagine that every day, a person goes sledding down a snowy hillside. After a while, tracks will be made in the snow, and the person may find themselves taking the same track down the hill day after day. Each time the sled slides down that track, it gets reinforced. Taking psilocybin is like having there be a snowfall of fresh snow. That fresh snow fills in the old tracks, allowing a person to choose a different route – a healthier path – down the hill.
Are there any studies showing psilocybin's safety and efficacy?
Here is a list of just some of the studies examining the benefits of psilocybin in treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders:
Raison CL, Sanacora G, Woolley J, et al. Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2023;330(11):1085-1095. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.16619.
JAMA Network
Goodwin GM, Aaronson ST, Alvarez O, et al. Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(18):1637-1648. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206443.
New England Journal of Medicine
Carhart-Harris R, Giribaldi B, Watts R, et al. Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(15):1402-1411. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032994.
Davis AK, Barrett FS, May DG, et al. Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2021;78(5):481-489. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.3285.
Griffiths RR, Johnson MW, Carducci MA, et al. Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(12):1181-1197. doi:10.1177/0269881116675513.
Ross S, Bossis A, Guss J, et al. Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(12):1165-1180. doi:10.1177/0269881116675512.
Carhart-Harris RL, Bolstridge M, Rucker J, et al. Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018;235(2):399-408. doi:10.1007/s00213-017-4771-x.
Carhart-Harris RL, Bolstridge M, Rucker J, et al. Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. Lancet Psychiatry. 2016;3(7):619-627. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30065-7.
Grob CS, Danforth AL, Chopra GS, et al. Pilot study of psilocybin treatment for anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011;68(1):71-78. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2010.116.
Moreno FA, Wiegand CB, Taitano EK, Delgado PL. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of psilocybin in 9 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;67(11):1735-1740. doi:10.4088/jcp.v67n1110.
Why is support recommended when taking psilocybin?
Renegotiating Reality
When a person re-examines their formulas, things can get emotional. They may reinforce and celebrate the formulas that are true (I am a good person! I do love my spouse!), and grieve the ones that have caused them pain (Wow, that really was an abuse of power, what my teacher did to me). It can also be painful to open one’s eyes to things.
For example, one guest who was able to understand that his fear of intimacy made him treat many of his former partners terribly. Once he realized this, he was quite upset with himself for hurting those caring individuals – and he was upset with himself for denying himself their love. With our gentle support and encouragment, he was able to turn that regret into a plan of action for his life moving forward.
Our staff are all skilled in supporting people in psychedelic states, through both the blissful and the challenging parts.
Reorganizing the Nervous System
Part of how psilocybin mushrooms work are by temporarily “disorganizing” the nervous system so that old, harmful patterns can be disrupted and healthy, new attitudes can be created.
The process isn’t always quick or easy, and of psilocybin explorers may feel lost, fearful, or even broken in the process. Our secure container, held by trained professionals, is specifically designed to make sure your psilocybin experiences are safe and productive, so that you can get the most out of the transformation.
Sometimes people also experience delusions, paranoia, or mania while on the mushrooms. This can be normal and does not mean that psychiatric intervention is needed, especially if handled appropriately. We’re here to make sure you don’t call your boss and quit your job while you’re tripping, cut off all of your hair, or run naked through a public beach. Our job is to protect your body while your soul does its own healing.
Are there any medical contraindications?
We recommend that everyone consult their healthcare provider before consuming psilocybin mushrooms.
People with the following conditions may not be good candidates for using psilocybin, and thus require additional screening support:
Cardiovascular Issues: Psilocybin can cause transient, mild increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
Certain Mental Health Disorders: People with schizophrenia, psychosis, severe anxiety, or bipolar disorder may experience exacerbated symptoms or adverse psychological reactions, including hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The effects of psilocybin on a developing fetus or nursing infant are not well understood. While indigenous women regularly consume psilocybin mushrooms during both pregnancy and lactation, there are no clinical studies proving the safety of this practice.
Liver Conditions: Psilocybin is metabolized in the liver, so individuals with severe liver disease (like cirrhosis) or impaired liver function may experience heightened adverse effects or toxicity.
Kidney Disease: After psilocybin is metabolized by the liver, it is then flushed out of the body by the kidneys and urinary system. Those who use dialysis or have other severe kidney impairment may thus be at risk of toxicity from using psilocybin.
Medication Interactions: Psilocybin can interact with various medications. Talk with your prescribing doctor for details.
Seizure Disorders: Individuals with epilepsy or other seizure disorders may be at increased risk of seizures due to the psychoactive effects of psilocybin.
Is it safe to eat mushrooms if I take medication for depression?
Many of our former and current clients have safely continued taking their antidepressant medication during psilocybin healing sessions. While data is limited, and special care is warranted, our team is prepared to work with clients who are on certain medications. Please be transparent with us about your medication usage on your medical history form, so we can be sure to provide you with the safest, most healing experience possible.
Free Webinar
Check out this free webinar replay, presented by Dr. Erica Zelfand. In this video, Dr. Erica explains what we know – and don’t – about combining psilocybin with SSRI medications:
Podcast Interview
Dr. Erica Zelfand speaks frankly about the theme of “pill shaming” in the psychedelics field, challenging the party line about who can and cannot heal with psilocybin.
LISTEN NOW – The Psychedelic Medicine Association Podcast
LISTEN NOW – The Psychedelic Coach Podcast
Note:
Not all psychedelic substances can be safely used with psilocybin, and certain drug-drug interactions can cause permanent injury or even death. Always check with an expert!
Studies
Here are some key studies from PubMed and other reputable sources examining the interactions between psilocybin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as escitalopram:
Carhart-Harris R, Giribaldi B, Watts R, et al. Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(15):1402-1411. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032994.
New England Journal of Medicine
This randomized, double-blind trial compared the efficacy of psilocybin with escitalopram in patients with major depressive disorder. The study found no significant difference in antidepressant effects between the two treatments.
Mertens LJ, Wallisch I, von Rotz R, et al. Acute Effects of Psilocybin After Escitalopram or Placebo Pretreatment in Healthy Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2022;112(1):178-186. doi:10.1002/cpt.2525.
PubMed Central
This study investigated the acute effects of psilocybin following pretreatment with escitalopram or placebo in healthy individuals. Results indicated that escitalopram pretreatment did not significantly alter the subjective effects of psilocybin but reduced certain physiological responses, such as blood pressure elevations.
Liechti ME, Dolder PC, Schmid Y. Alterations in Consciousness and Mystical-Type Experiences After Acute LSD in Humans. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2017;234(9-10):1499-1510. doi:10.1007/s00213-016-4453-0.
While focusing on LSD, this study provides insights into the interactions between serotonergic psychedelics and SSRIs, suggesting potential considerations for psilocybin and escitalopram interactions.
Goodwin GM, Aaronson ST, Alvarez O, et al. Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(18):1637-1648. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206443.
This study assessed the efficacy of a single dose of psilocybin in patients with treatment-resistant depression, many of whom had prior exposure to SSRIs. The findings support the potential of psilocybin as an alternative treatment for depression.
Carhart-Harris RL, Bolstridge M, Rucker J, et al. Psilocybin with Psychological Support for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Six-Month Follow-Up. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018;235(2):399-408. doi:10.1007/s00213-017-4771-x.
This follow-up study examined the long-term effects of psilocybin in patients with treatment-resistant depression, noting sustained improvements in mood and well-being. The study also discusses the implications for patients transitioning from SSRIs to psilocybin therapy.
These studies provide valuable insights into the comparative efficacy, safety, and physiological interactions between psilocybin and SSRIs like escitalopram in the treatment of mood disorders.
How are the mushrooms harvested?
We work with local medicine carriers and reputable cultivators to source the medicine.
To respect our local community, we do not serve freshly harvested mushrooms, instead leaving them for our neighbors to use and enjoy. (Furthermore, the strains that grow locally lose their potency once they are dried, and thus are not psychoactive outside of the one time of year in which they are harvested.)
Are mushrooms legal in Mexico?
Yes, our ceremonies are legal per Mexican law.
Article 195 bis of the Federal Penal Code respects the use of hikuri and psilocybin for traditional spiritual practices or ceremonies, and we work closely with authorized indigenous medicine carriers.
Why are magic mushrooms still illegal in some places?
Despite their centuries-long history of worldwide use, psilocybin mushrooms were villified by the American government in the late 1960’s. Richard Nixon, who was president at the time, associated psychedelic drug use with the anti-war “hippie” movement that he was all too eager to suppress.
John Ehrlichman, White House Counsel and Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs under Richard Nixon, admitted to the press that the Nixon administration couldn’t make it illegal for citizens to protest the Vietnam War – but it could heavily criminalize the drugs they used. In doing so, “…we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news.”
Due to this political strategy, scientific research into the risks and benefits of psilocybin was shut down in the early 1970’s. Our ability to medically understand psilocybin and other psychedelics was further choked by the policies of President Ronald Regan in the 1980’s, who responded to the very real and serious epidemic of crack cocaine use by coming down hard on all drugs. These decades in American history have been described as the “psychedelic dark ages,” in which research all but stopped.
Thankfully, attitudes have shifted, allowing scientists to return to the laboratory and clinic to better research age-old medicines like psilocybin mushrooms. We now find ourselves in the “Psychedelic Renaissance.” Research from the late 1990’s to now has indeed contributed significantly to our understanding of how psilocybin and other medicines like it work on the brain and in the body – and that research has helped lawmakers see that it’s time to loosen the restrictions on these powerful substances.
Why do we pay separately for the medicine?
To stay within legal requirements, our event fees do not include the substance itself.
The medicine is transported, handled, and administered by a local curandero or Marakame. This is required by Mexican law.
Credit card processing companies also cannot by law process payments for these substances.
Therefore, we ask that you bring cash (in USD or pesos) and plan to make a separate donation for the substance itself. Nobody will be turned away for inability to pay.
Why heal in a group?
It’s simple: there are layers of healing that can’t be accessed in isolation or through one-on-one therapy. As social creatures, many of our wounds have to do with relationship, tribe, and our sense of belonging. It is often only through relationship that we can fully heal.
Throughout history, psilocybin mushrooms have been consumed in group settings. Although we create privacy for each guest, we also encourage participants to bear witness to one another’s healing, and to likewise let themselves be witnessed by others.
You don’t have to do this alone. It’s okay if it gets messy. We’ve got you.
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