Psilocybin
The use of psilocybin mushrooms and other psychedelic compounds dates back thousands of years used by many cultures for medicinal and religious purposes. In 1971 after a major resurgence in western culture the United Nations classified psilocybin and other classical psychedelics mescaline, LSD and DMT as schedule 1 substances, meaning they had the highest potential for abuse and no medical value. This was a mistake. The prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms has recently come under criticism, from the general public and from researchers who see therapeutic potential with regard to drug addictions and other mental instabilities, such as PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Addiction
Some astonishing results have come from various clinical studies focusing on psilocybin’s ability to help treat people struggling with addiction. Participants across multiple studies shared common experiences, noting their guided psychedelic journeys often involved a dissolution of ego in conjunction with an overarching feeling of connectedness, whether it be to other people, nature or the universe. In addition, many participants said their experience involved viewing their lives from new perspectives and oftentimes commented that the issues they once perceived to be overwhelming, including their addiction, now appeared manageable.
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Depression
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects more than 264 million people globally and is a primary cause of disability worldwide. This common mental health disorder is frequently treated using Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), however many still suffer from treatment-resistant depression universally. Although researchers have just recently begun to test psilocybin’s effectiveness towards treatment-resistant depression, they are already witnessing remarkable results.
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Microdosing for Cognitive enhancement
Microdosing psilocybin involves taking a small a dose, approximately one tenth of the dosage that would typically induce a “psychedelic trip”. A low dose (0.1g-0.5g) is said to sharpen the mind.
Microdosing psilocybin for cognitive enhancement has emerged in recent years and is being referred to as a “Limitless pill” in the Silicon valley. It is said to make it easier to generate creative ideas and innovative answers to problems. It’s being used as a competitive advantage in coding and programming as well as an intuitive application for those looking for an uplifting nootropic edge. This practice is endorsed by prominent mycologist Paul Stamets who has his own recipe adding lions mane mushroom powder and niacin (vitamin B3) to psilocybin mushroom powder calling it the “stacking formula for epigenetic neurogenesis” (the process where new neurons are formed in the brain).