In the past decades, both psychedelic mushrooms and cannabis occupied the same corner of the public eye – synonymous with counterculture and illegal recreational drug use. Today, fortunately, cannabis is now legal in most provinces and is recommended as treatment. However, psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms online, are still considered taboo and is still emerging as an alternative method for healing. Psilocybin is now being explored as a treatment for a whole host of mental health conditions. This provides hope to those that are struggling with these conditions where conventional methods have not helped.
The Growing Interest in Psychedelics and Their Place in Medicine
Research for psilocybin and other hallucinogens have taken place since the 1950s and 60s. Unfortunately, it was halted due to political backlash and the War on Drugs. Now decades later, various experts are stating that we are now entering a “psychedelic revitalization period”.
Famous institutions such as John Hopkins University, UCLA, and Imperial College London, are leading the research that explores how psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, can be used to treat mental health conditions. The conditions in question are PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, and even palliative care for terminally ill patients.
John Hopkins launched its Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research in 2018. Since launching, there have been various studies and clinical trials showcasing that one or two doses of psilocybin along side with guided therapy, had dramatic and long-lasting positive effects and improvements for their patients. It is noted that numerous of the patients experienced a positive boost in their mental health.
The Science Behind How It Works
Psilocybin is classified as a classic psychedelic that primarily affects serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. When psilocybin is ingested, it is then converted into psilocin. Psilocin alters brain activity in ways that disrupt rigid thought patterns and promotes emotional breakthroughs. Research has shown that it even has the ability to create new neural connections.
Functional MRI scans have shown that psilocybin reduces activity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN)—a region associated with self-referential thoughts and rumination.
Overactivity in this region has been linked to anxiety and depression. With psilocybin’s ability to calm this network, it enables users to break free from these destructive mental loops. The most important part of all of this is what happens afterwards. Numerous participants reported feeling a lasting sense of perspective, connection, and inner peace. Lasting as long as months after treatment.
A Natural Progression? Psilocybin vs Cannabis
In recent years, it appears that the public’s perception of psilocybin and their abilities are mirroring what happened with cannabis a decade earlier. Once considered a dangerous gateway drug, cannabis is now widely recognized for its therapeutic properties. From pain management, to anxiety, to sleep disorders, and even epilepsy, cannabis is now at the forefront for their powerful effects. Canada and over 40 states in the United States have legalized medical marijuana. The number of provinces and states are not as high in comparison, but it appears to be following suit with cannabis legal history.
Cannabis was legalized in Canada for both recreational and medicinal purposes on October 17, 2018, under the Cannabis Act. Canada became the first industrialized country to provide legal and regulated access to cannabis for non-medical purposes. Unfortunately, psilocybin is still considered illegal across Canada. Oregon was the first U.S. state to legalize psilocybin therapy in 2020, and several cities followed suit in 2022. As research and the public’s opinion continues to evolve, it is clear that psilocybin is on a similar path to cannabis – gaining legal footing and medical and public acceptance.
Psilocybin as Treatment for Mental Health Conditions
Treatment-Resistant Depression
One of the most significant breakthroughs has been in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), especially cases that are resistant to traditional therapies. In 2021, a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine compared psilocybin to escitalopram (Lexapro), a leading antidepressant. Results showed psilocybin was at least as effective—with faster onset and fewer side effects.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
While more research needs to be done, early evidence shows that psilocybin assisted therapy has helped patients process traumatic experiences in a constructive and safer manner. Psilocybin allowed patients to open more and made engaging in therapy and confront painful memories much easier.
Addiction
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, have shown promise in treating substance use disorders. A 2014 Johns Hopkins study found that 80% of participants that partook in a psilocybin-assisted therapy session quit smoking. This high percentage is far superior to traditional methods and showcases the powerful effects of what psilocybin is capable of.
End-of-Life Anxiety / Palliative Care
Existential distress, overwhelming anxiety, and fear of death are the most common things terminally ill patients face. Psilocybin has helped various patients come to terms with their mortality. Many have reported experiencing spiritual journeys that instilled acceptance and peace in them. These effects are often long-lasting after one or two doses of psilocybin with the benefits persisting for months after.
The Ever-Evolving Microdosing Movement
Most clinical trials focus on moderate to high doses of psilocybin in controlled settings. Microdosing is gaining traction among the psychedelic world as a daily enhancement. But what is microdosing? Microdosing is the practice of taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics. Numerous people report that it helps boost their mood, creativity, and focus without inducing a full psychedelic trip. Various studies are being conducted for their potential benefits in managing depression, ADHD, and general mental performance. Although research and clinical trials are in the early stages, the results thus far are promising and give renewed hope to those that are struggling.
Considerations and Risks
Despite all the potential that psilocybin holds and the positive effects that most people feel, as with any psychedelic substance, taking psilocybin is not without risks. Acute psychological distress can occur if psilocybin is abused or used in unsupervised or inappropriate settings. Individuals with a family or personal history of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are strongly advised against using psychedelics as they can trigger latent symptoms.
Set and setting play crucial roles in determining whether the experience will play out positively or negatively. Set refers to an individual’s mindset before ingesting any substance. It is highly suggested to avoid any psychedelic substance when you are under distress as this can exacerbate your feelings and produce a bad trip. Setting refers to a user’s physical environment where they will be taking their psychedelic substance. It is highly advised to always have a trusted and sober trip sitter with you for the duration of your trip. They can assist you if you become distressed or require medical assistance. Using these substances in a calm and relaxing environment is key in having an enjoyable experience.
Cultural and Spiritual Roots
It is important to note that psilocybin is not considered a new medicine. It has been around for centuries amongst various cultures. Indigenous cultures have used psychedelic mushrooms for spiritual and ceremonial purpose for thousands of years. Among the Mazatec people of Mexico, psilocybin mushrooms have been long revered as sacred tools for medicine and healing. Modern medicine is playing catch up to what traditional cultures have known for centuries and generations – that psilocybin has the power to open doors to healing and understanding.
What Does the Future Look Like for Psilocybin?
As of 2025, psilocybin is undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials in the U.S., and many experts believe FDA approval for certain mental health conditions could arrive within the next few years. If this happens, psilocybin-assisted therapy would likely be administered under strict protocols, like how ketamine clinics currently operate. Meanwhile, the psilocybin movement is continuing to push for accessibility for the masses and decriminalization across Canada and the US.
Ending Notes
We hope this article has given you further insight into what psilocybin can potentially do for you and for the mental health community. As studies and a growing body of scientific research supporting the use of psilocybin for various mental health conditions, psilocybin appears to be following the footsteps of cannabis as compelling tool for healing. Though more research and various legal challenges remain, the results thus far are incredibly promising and exciting. The mental health crisis has shifted society’s views of how psychedelic substances can help heal and help us grow as individuals and as a society.
