What is Psilocybin and How Can You Invest?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound that is found in a specific species of mushrooms called psilocybin mushrooms, or ‘magic mushrooms.’ Historically, people have consumed psilocybin for recreational purposes, to treat depression, cure addiction, and treat various other ailments.

When psilocybin is consumed, it is converted into psilocin which gives the feeling of euphoria, changes in perception, distorted sense of time, spiritual experiences, and visual and mental hallucinations. Nausea and panic attacks can also occur as a downside effect with larger doses.

There are about 200 species of psychedelic mushrooms which are distributed around the world. These species have different names and are often classified according to their biological genera. Psilocybin, gymnopilus, panaeolus, and copelandia are among the most common genera found throughout the world.

Mexico has the most types of psychedelic mushrooms (53), while more species are spread out in Canada and the US (22), Europe (16), Asia (15), Africa (4), and Australia and surrounding islands (19).

In general, psychedelic mushrooms are dark-spored, gilled mushrooms which grow in meadows and woods of the subtropics and tropic regions, where the soil is usually rich in humus and plant debris.

After consumption, psilocybin converts to psilocin which then binds with different receptors in the brain, increasing and/or decreasing the effects one feels about their surroundings. As a result, the psilocin can easily alter one’s mood as levels of dopamine and/or serotonin (among many other natural chemicals of the human body) are increased.

Additionally, because of the new connections between the brain’s receptors, the way that things are perceived and the way the brain organizes thoughts are completely different. This explains why many users claim that they see the world through a different point of view.

Studies have been done all over the world, with findings that psilocybin can bring a variety of both positive and sometimes negative effects. However these effects entirely depend on the individual, dosage, and purpose for consuming. Some of these effects include:

Research conducted by scientists shows that when you introduce small amounts of psilocybin into the body, it can actually enhance and stimulate creative thoughts. By bridging new gaps in the brain’s receptors, once can be introduced to new ideas and solve problems. This is the reason why people who use psilocybin in small doses have been found to have that ability to find solutions for complex challenges that they were previously unable to figure out. Psilocybin is believed to change the sensory perception of people, which can also explain for the new perspectives one has when approaching a problem.

There are various studies that have been conducted to ascertain if the use of psilocybin can really treat depression. Recently there have been overwhelmingly good results from test patients who have experienced traumatic events in their past, which have lead to chronic depression.

According to users who use psilocybin for recreation, they claim that it makes them feel happy. Psilocybin produces this effect by acting within the neural highway of the brain that uses the neurotransmitter serotonin. By raising certain natural chemical levels within the brain, different emotions are felt.

It has been discovered that if psilocybin is used uncontrollably (abused), it can lead to some users engaging in reckless behavior. This might be caused by the hallucination effect psilocybin causes, which is amplified when large doses are consumed. Just like anything, moderation is the key.

This effect depends on the people that are using psilocybin and how their body processes the compound. Most users experience minor perception changes, but can easily control their actions. However, some will experience changes in the way they view things, resulting in changes in their lifestyle and their social interactions with other people.

Overall, there is no conclusive research that has been done to prove the positive effect that comes with the use of psilocybin. For that reason (among several other politically motived reasons) it has not yet legalized for medical purposes.

However, that all may be changing very soon, as there are multiple different studies being conducted right now by both private and government backed organizations. Furthermore, there are a variety of different efforts taking place around the world to pass legislation to legalize the possession and consumption of psilocybin.