If you’re not super hip on psilocybin research, you might think shrooms are just a trippy drug for happy hippies. While this is partially true, magic mushrooms have a sacred and important relationship with almost every culture. Growing all over the world, people have used it to heal, expand their minds, and experience euphoria for many years. Research is still new and developing, but scientists are now discovering they might have more benefits besides a fun trip. Keep reading to learn how you can use psilocybin, the main component in magic mushrooms, to enhance your life and reach ultimate mental clarity.
What is Psilocybin and How Does It Work?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms. These magical shrooms can be wild or cultivated, and grow in various places such as Europe, Mexico, and the United States. Its long history connects it with spiritual growth and self-discovery among many. It’s one of the well-known psychedelics in the world, and its popularity is growing as it starts to become legal in some areas of the world.
Although research shows plenty of potential benefits, psilocybin is still classified as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it is believed that it can easily be misused. We know that cultures have been using shrooms for hallucinogenic purposes long before house parties and music festivals, but over time, it became known for its recreational use. It’s still believed to be somewhat of a “party drug” by some people. As more research is conducted on the possible benefits of shrooms, scientists are discovering they might have the potential for more medical use in the future.
So, how do shrooms work, exactly? Without getting too sciency on you, psilocybin activates your brain’s serotonin receptors, most often the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of your brain that affects your mood, cognition, and perception. Hence, the trippy visuals and elation that tend to come with taking magic mushrooms. The effects and intensity of your trip will depend on the species of mushroom, growing conditions, harvest period, and how you choose to consume them.
Some people prefer to eat fresh mushrooms straight from the roots. However, dried ones are actually about ten times higher in psilocybin. Most people like to prepare their shrooms with food, such as chocolate, or a peanut butter sandwich, to mask the rather bitter taste. Others like to ingest their psilocybin via a nice, hot tea.
Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin
Users of psilocybin may be able to gain more from their consumption than just the temporary high it induces. Research shows it has the potential to increase openness in peoples’ minds, meaning a shift in attitude towards experiences and a boost in imagination, creativity, and aesthetic appreciation. Humans are born open and full of love and are eager to learn, connect, and grow as the incredible beings we are. Sour experiences in life, like nasty breakups, frustrating jobs, and let’s be frank, just turning on the news some days, can cause us to be less optimistic about the future. Psilocybin might be able to help people with a variety of different life issues:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Addiction
Psilocybin and Anxiety
You might think a drug that alters your perception and induces hallucinations might induce anxiety more than it relieves it. Yes, bad trips can happen sometimes, but psilocybin may be able to provide long-lasting benefits to people who suffer from anxiety. According to a 2019 study, both micro-doses and full doses of psilocybin were effective in helping people with anxiety. Among the 410 people they questioned, most agreed a microdose was less effective than a full dose, yet still more effective than prescription medication.
Magic mushrooms and psilocybin capsules act on your body’s serotonergic system, so they could potentially restore the balance of serotonin within your body. The practice of micro-dosing shrooms has gotten increasingly popular over the past few years. But, what are the benefits beyond feeling like a super trendy hipster influencer? Sizing of micro-doses can vary, but they do not cause as many changes in perception as a full dose would. Micro-dosing may still help improve your mood, boost creativity, heighten concentration, and increase energy. We don’t recommend microdosing before your morning shift at the office, but it has the potential for more “functional” use than an hours-long trip. If you deal with anxiety, it might be helpful to look into micro-dosing.
Battling Depression with Shrooms
We know that more research needs to be done before we can safely and confidently swap all our over-the-counter meds for magic mushrooms, but depression is among the most researched indications of psilocybin therapy. This form of psychoactive therapy was given “breakthrough therapy” designation by the FDA for the treatment of depression. New research shows that in some cases, one dose may be enough to alleviate symptoms long-term or permanently. Some users even say you’ll never be the same after one experience; reporting more feelings of happiness, awareness, and peace. One study observed psilocybin’s ability to reduce depression symptoms without dulling emotions. The results showed that it may be helpful in treating depression with psychological support.
Psilocybin and Overcoming Addiction
Addiction can be a difficult obstacle to work through, but psychedelics may be able to help people heal these unhealthy patterns in their life. Shrooms have been shown to help treat addiction to habit-forming drugs like cocaine and nicotine. In a small study from John Hopkins University, researchers found that psilocybin therapy helped people abstain from smoking over a 12 month follow-up period. Another study on psilocybin and alcohol dependence concluded that following treatment, peoples’ drinking had declined. Eating some magic mushrooms or taking a psilocybin capsule, in addition to seeking professional help, can guide you back toward a healthy lifestyle if you’re suffering from addiction.
Psilocybin in Canada Today
Now that you know some of their incredible potential benefits, how can you get some psilocybin on your hands? There are a few ways to acquire shrooms in Canada, including finding psilocybin mushrooms online. You can also visit one of the few dispensaries, like Vancouver’s Coca Leaf Cafe and Mushroom Dispensary. If you don’t have a dispensary nearby, or simply don’t want to leave the comfort of your bed, consider checking out My Green Solution’s collection of euphoria-inducing goods.
Some of the most common types of Canadian magic mushrooms are found in dried form, like our Golden Teacher or Great White Shark. Different types of mushrooms have different effects, similar to different strains of weed. People who don’t love the bitter taste shrooms offer can choose to ingest their psilocybin in capsule form. The use of shrooms for healing purposes is starting to rise in Canada as more research is conducted.
If you suffer from anxiety, depression, addiction, or just want to improve your overall quality of life, psilocybin might assist you on your journey. It’s always important to stay safe, so before you consider purchasing magic mushrooms, call your trip-sitter, find a safe space, and make sure you’re mentally prepared for the experience. If you’re new to shrooms, maybe go with a micro-dose first before fully diving in. Don’t forget to check out MGS’s collection of shrooms and weed for discreet mail order and all the good vibes.