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History and effects of a very special substance

Decades after magic mushrooms were rendered illegal, the potential of psilocybin is now gaining increased interest by the scientific community, supported by practitioners who have maintained their connection to its holistic use in the exploration of consciousness, connection to nature and deep self inquiry.

The Netherlands never banned the fungi in sclerotium form (truffles), making a legal retreat that combines traditional ceremonial practice with contemporary scientific knowledge of psychedelics and current methods of healing now possible.

  The Neuroscience of Psychedelics

The science of what happens in the brain when a person takes psychedelics and how one substance is able to create diverse, deeply awe-filled and often life-changing effects is still relatively new, however several discoveries that might begin to explain these effects have already been made.

Cognition, perception, and consciousness are generated by the constant communication of the neurons in our brains. Through their connection and intercommunication, the sensory stimuli that are entering our brain are processed and build our perception of reality. What we perceive as normal reality is actually a very specific point of view, shaped by evolution and experience, heavily influenced by our evolutionary need to survive.

Potential

Following the prohibition of psychedelics in the 1970s, clinical research and development of therapeutic possibilities was made impossible. It was only in recent years, that governments slowly started to allow administering psychedelic substances in research trials. Although the body of research is growing quickly, it is still relatively small and consists mainly of early-stage trials. Nevertheless, many impressive insights have already been made that build on the experiences and seminal work of western psychedelic practitioners of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the ancestral knowledge of indigenous practitioners.

Current studies show promising effects of psilocybin for a wider range of mental health benefits. One example that has been researched recently was humans with terminal cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. Psilocybin sessions significantly reduced anxiety and depression regarding the coming death. Patients with major depression also showed great improvement in their symptoms after one or two sessions in pilot studies.

Studies with participants not currently in treatment for mental health issues showed positive effects as well. Participants reported having mystical or spiritual experiences with deep personal meaning with psilocybin, that lead to increased positive effects in mood, attitude, and behavior even 14 months after the experience.

Regarding addiction (Bill Willson - Belladonna), a pilot study found impressive results on treating tobacco addiction with administered psilocybin sessions. Respondents of survey studies also showed a significant lower risk of opioid or alcohol addiction while also taking psychedelics. Most alcohol users reported that during a session on a moderate or high dose of LSD or psilocybin their experience lead to a significant decrease of alcohol use. These results are in line with a large body of research of the 1950s and 60s on the effects of LSD on alcoholism with similar results on the effectiveness of psychedelics as a form of treatment.

Risks and safety

Another important aspect of the current research is not only regarding the positive effects of the psilocybin mushrooms but also its safety. Since the research is done with a drug that is currently illegal in most parts of the world, researchers need to demonstrate the substance’s lack of harm along with its effectiveness. While physical side-effects are limited to reports of nausea and headaches during the experience, psychological side-effects could be possible.

The chance of negative side-effects is dramatically reduced (and the positive effects enhanced) in safe, professionally supported settings where specialists and facilitators are present. As participants are more open to spiritual and self-revealing breakthroughs during the experience, they can also be more vulnerable to negative influences or challenging thoughts and feelings. As a result, Kiyumi strongly recommends that psychedelics are only consumed in a safe, curated environment.