Psilocybin
Psilocybin (drug, psychedelic) | |
---|---|
Interest of | R. Gordon Wasson |
A naturally occurring psychedelic with effects similar to LSD. |
Psilocybin is a drug which is naturally produced in over 200 different species of mushrooms.
Contents
Effects
The drug produces a psychedelic intoxication similar to those of LSD, lasting for a number of hours. It has minimal physical effects on the body.
Therapeutic value
The drug has been found to have beneficial effects on mental health.[1] Researchers from investigators at the University of Alabama at Birmingham published research in 2017 that suggested that psilocybin use was associated with a decreased likelihood of antisocial criminal behavior.[2]
Treatment for depression
In 2018, the FDA approved a trial about the anti-depressant potential of psilocybin.[3] "A 2016 Johns Hopkins University study of 51 patients with life-threatening cancer showed high doses of psilocybin significantly reduced end-of-life depression and anxiety for six months in 80% of cases, and helped patients accept death."[4]
Exposure
In 1953, Gordon Wasson, a New York banker, experienced a "mushroom velada" — a psychoactive ritual in Oaxaca, Mexico. This lead to a 1957 article on the ceremony in Life magazine. Albert Hoffman analysed samples taken by Wasson and in 1958 isolated psilocybin.[5]
Legal status
The legal status of mushrooms containing psilocybin varies. In 2019, Denver legalised them after a narrow referendum.[6] Oakland followed suit in June 2019.[4]
References
- ↑ http://naturalnews.com/2016-12-13-medical-scientists-stunned-as-magic-mushroom-treatment-found-to-heal-mental-illness-yet-it-remains-illegal.html
- ↑ http://www.uab.edu/news/innovation/item/8802-study-suggests-psychedelic-drugs-could-reduce-criminal-behavior
- ↑ https://www.newsweek.com/fda-approves-psychedelic-magic-mushrooms-ingredient-psilocybin-depression-1086759
- ↑ a b https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jun/10/magic-mushrooms-treatment-depression-aztecs-psilocybin-mental-health-medicine
- ↑ https://greencamp.com/magic-mushrooms
- ↑ https://therooster.com/blog/mushroom-denver-decriminalized