Research in the field of psychedelics has been going on for many years. The Heffter Research Institute and Multidisciplinary Associate for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) are two organizations that have focused some research on psilocybin, studying the spiritual and medicinal value of the mushroom.
According to the National Institute of Health, who reviewed various studies on psilocybin, there is potential for psilocybin to help those struggling with mental health disorders like depression, PTSD, alcohol dependence, anxiety, and more. They also report that psilocybin does not have addictive potential, even though it’s been classified as a Schedule I drug in the US. [1]
Psilocybin Opening The Heart
Most personality trait experts assert that once you reach the age of 30, it’s tough to change your traits. Longitudinal studies have shown that people over 30 just aren’t apt to be able to change their personality easily.
However, psilocybin tends to make it easier for adults to make personality trait changes. Research indicates that those who use psilocybin as a spiritual tool tend to have a mystical experience that results in them opening up their hearts more. In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, five personality traits were assessed after a psilocybin session: Neuroticism, Extroversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness.
They found that participants experienced a rather large increase in Openness after their session. This openness meant that they felt more open to give and receive love, and when followed up a year later, the participants still reported feeling more open. Openness is also correlated to creativity, sensitivity, and self-awareness.
Psilocybin And Cancer Patients
Johns Hopkin’s University completed a study in November 2016, comprised of 29 patients who were diagnosed with cancer and were having anxiety and/or depression. The study lasted seven weeks, with each patient receiving psychotherapy sessions and either one dose of 0.3mg psilocybin or vitamin B each week. The results found that those who received the psilocybin reported that their level of anxiety or depression reduced almost immediately. They also felt less existential angst, and more hopeful and spiritual. A follow up 6.5 months later found that they’re symptoms were still largely diminished. [2]
In other research, the London-based for-profit organization, Compass, has cranked out 250 gram batches of psilocybin that they’ve designated to go toward clinical trials to see how it can treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD). [3]
There’s no doubt that studies are showing that psilocybin can produce a mystical type of experience. Combine that with spiritual practices like meditation and the positive changes that can occur psychosocially and spiritually are quite promising.
Another double-blind study gave psilocybin to those who agreed to combine meditation or spiritual practice along with it. There were three randomized groups of participants. Group 1 received a low dose of psilocybin and standard spiritual practice support. Group 2 received a high dose of psilocybin, with just standard support. Group 3 received a high dose of psilocybin with high spiritual support.
Psilocybin was administered one and two months after the participants began their spiritual practice. At six months after the psilocybin session, all the participants reported that they were still experiencing positive results. Those that received the high dose of psilocybin, with or without spiritual support, reported even greater results in terms of feeling that life was more meaningful, openness, faith, coping skills, and interpersonal closeness.
Essentially, the study found that high doses of psilocybin and spiritual support or meditation practices can increase prosocial attitudes and behaviors, and aid in psychological functioning.
Toxology and Risk
Regarding toxology and risk, in 2007, the Coordination Point Assessment and Monitoring New Drugs (CAM) studied the risk of psilocybin mushrooms. They found that there was a low chance of someone becoming psychologically or physical dependent on it, and that it had low toxicity. Psilocybin mushrooms have been found to be relatively safe, with only minor negative effects like panic attacks or flash backs reported.
An analysis of information from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that the use of psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin is associated with significantly less psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. However, those with schizophrenia or other acute psychotic states are not recommended to use psilocybin.
Results for Healthy volunteers
In 2011, a study was done on 110 healthy participants who received one to four oral doses of psilocybin at different doses, totaling 227 psilocybin administrations.[4]
The participants were screened very well prior to the study. If they had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, they were not able to participate. Only those who were considered healthy emotionally and mentally were included in the study.
The results reported very few adverse reactions and those that were noted resolved fast. Follow up included checking up on participants 8 to 16 months later, and no negative long-term effects were noted.