What is psilocybin? It’s a chemical compound found in certain types of mushrooms mainly from Mexico, Central America, and the US (though they grow on almost every continent). When you digest it, psilocybin turns into psilocin, the psychoactive substance. In this article, we look at it more closely. Read on to find out more!
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Key Takeaways
- Psilocybin is a compound found in magic mushrooms. When you consume it, it’s converted into psilocin (in your stomach), which causes the psychedelic effects. Techniques like “lemon tekking” can accelerate this transformation.
- What is psilocybin used for? Historically, people took shrooms in spiritual rituals. Nowadays, psilocybin is gaining recognition for therapeutic applications, especially in treating depression, and is occasionally used recreationally (though often illegally).
- Psilocybin can be macro- or micro-dosed. Microdosing enhances mental clarity and creativity with minimal perceptual effects, while macrodosing involves deeper psychological exploration and should be guided by a trained facilitator.
What Is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is the substance found in magic mushrooms responsible for their hallucinogenic effects. While many people believe that it causes these effects, it’s not entirely true; the high is caused by psilocin, an active form of this compound. So, how do mushrooms have these psychedelic effects? Psilocybin is broken down into the psychoactive psilocin in an acidic environment like… your digestive juices. This is why it takes some time for mushrooms to kick in. Your body needs to turn psilocybin into psilocin first. You could also stimulate this effect by putting the mushrooms into an acidic environment before consumption. Lemon tekking is a great example of this—you add lemon juice (which is acidic) to the shrooms, so when you eat them, some psilocybin has already transformed into psilocin.
What Is Psilocybin Used for?
There are many ways in which people use psilocybin. After all, it is predicted that the first people who used psychedelic mushrooms lived… over 6,000 years ago. That’s why you can find it being used for:
Spiritual Rituals
The first recorded uses of psychedelic mushrooms (and psilocybin) are believed to date back 6,000 years. A prehistoric art from that period was found in Spain, suggesting that Psilocybe Hispanica was used in religious rituals back then. Naturally, many other religions and cults also used psilocybin (and other psychoactive substances), including:
- Aztecs,
- Mayans,
- modern neo-shaman movements.
Therapy
You may also use psilocybin for their therapeutic benefits. In this case, there is a lot of research around psychedelics for depression and anxiety, even in cases where these conditions have been treatment-resistant.. However, taking them on your own can be risky. Psilocybin and its psychedelic effects may be beneficial as long as you select the right dose and use them intentionally, safely, and with the right support.. Being guided by a professional who knows how to navigate psychedelic experiences can certainly optimize the experience and mitigate any risks. Additionally, choosing between microdosing and macrodosing is a key part of setting yourself up for the best results. Is psilocybin effective for therapeutic uses? Let’s see what our clients say:
“As a first time psilocybin user I went into this journey with so much anxiety and trepidation since I had no previous experience using psychedelics at all. … I knew I had some serious issues to face since I’ve been struggling with pretty bad depression/anxiety, and I knew I needed to do something different because therapy had never helped ‘release the trauma’ that I so often hear needs to be done. … The medicine, along with the facilitator’s guidance helped me release many feelings, maybe for the first time, I’ve either self medicated into suppression or kept busy to avoid feeling.”
“During the actual experience of the trip, my facilitator’s presence was invaluable, and helped me feel safe and secure the whole time! There was no rush, no pressure, just compassion and holding space. I’m grateful and lucky to have them and the service for my first experience. If you feel at an impasse with regular therapy and are serious about doing the work of healing, I recommend doing this, and especially recommend Psychedelic Passage to guide the process.”
You can read and watch all our testimonials here: Psychedelic Passage—Testimonials
Recreational Use
Finally, some people take magic mushrooms for recreational use. However, this is illegal in most countries, so we don’t advise you to do so, especially since having an experienced facilitator can help ensure you’re safe and feel good during your trip.
What Is a Macrodose and a Microdose of Psilocybin?
There are two ways in which you can take psilocybin: microdosing and macrodosing. Both have their own pros and cons and might work better in your situation. How do they differ? Take a look below.
What Is a Psilocybin Microdose?
A microdose of psilocybin will help you amplify your mental clarity, emotional balance, and creativity by consuming a dose so small that it’s below the threshold of perception. We recommend it mostly for beginners and those who want to test the water before committing to macrodose psilocybin therapy.
What Is a Psilocybin Macrodose?
A macrodose of psilocybin has more potent effects, setting you on an immersive journey inside your psyche. It involves shifts in perception and perspective, as well as a deep dive into your emotions. This type of therapy is more safely done in the presence of a trained facilitator, who will ensure your safety and tend to your needs. You can learn more about microdosing and macrodosing in our article: Should I Microdose or Macrodose for My Psychedelic Experience?
The Bottom Line
What is psilocybin? It’s a substance found in magic mushrooms that gives them their psychedelic effects. Psilocybin is broken down into psilocin, which can improve your mental clarity in small doses and a trip in macrodoses. It is thus used in some religions and cults, as well as for recreation and therapy. At Psychedelic Passage, we believe that psilocybin is excellent for therapies; thus, we can provide you with our trained facilitators and help you achieve a better state of mind! You might also read: How Does a Guided Psychedelic Journey Work: Step-by-Step Guide?
Get Matched with a Trusted Psychedelic Facilitator Near You
We hope this article was informative and useful. For more research-based education, psychedelic news, and practical guides, visit our resources page. If you’re ready to be connected with a psychedelic facilitator, book a free consultation with our experienced team today. This consultation will help us understand your needs, answer your questions, and match you with a trusted local facilitator from our vetted network. You can learn more about guided macrodosing or microdosing services and hear our client testimonials who’ve walked this path before you. Your healing journey is unique, and we’re here to support you at every step.
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