The History of Psilocybin: How Magic Mushrooms Made Their Move To Modern Medicine

Psilocybin use might seem scary and intimidating, but what was once a recreational drug that dates back as far as ancient times is now an effective modern-day way to treat many conditions and disorders. 

With years of researching and studying the effects of magic mushrooms on the brain, psilocybin has made a name for itself in the traditional world. 

Learn the history of psilocybin, including its early uses, what it’s used for today, its many effects, and how to safely ingest psilocybin for medical purposes.

When Was Psilocybin First Discovered?

Studies have identified clusters of genes that produce psilocybin as far back as 65 million years ago, but more recent discoveries of psilocybin date to 1958, when Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman isolated psilocybin from the mushroom P. Mexicana.

Historically, psilocybin has been used safely for centuries in Indigenous communities, often in group settings, with an entire supportive community. Although the world has evolved, psilocybin is still used similarly today.

Clinical Cognitive Training is a psilocybin facilitator training program in Oregon that produces trained and knowledgeable psilocybin facilitators for those who wish to use psilocybin in a safe and controlled environment.

History of Psilocybin Mushrooms: Early Research

Much of what we know about the history of psilocybin comes from Albert Hoffman and his coworkers, who studied the hallucinogenic effects of psychedelic mushrooms. Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert also had a role in exploring the effects of psychedelic substances on the human mind beginning in 1960. 

However, in 1968, Congress implemented the Staggers-Dodd Bill that criminalized the possession of psychedelics. A few years later, in 1971, President Richard Nixon declared the “War on Drugs,” along with the Controlled Substances Act, where psilocybin was classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States.

Several scientists continued to attempt to study psilocybin over the next 30 years and in 2000, Johns Hopkins became the first U.S. institution to receive approval to research psychedelics. By 2019, Johns Hopkins formed the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, and by 2020, Oregon became one of the first states to decriminalize all drugs and legalize psilocybin for medical use.

Clinical Cognitive Training is located in Oregon, where it is legal to use psilocybin for medical purposes under the care of a trained facilitator. If you’re interested in learning more about how to become a facilitator, contact us today.

What Are Psilocybin Mushrooms Used for Today?

Psilocybin is used to help minimize the symptoms and effects of many addictions, anxiety and depression, PTSD, alcohol dependence, and more. 

Studies suggest that when someone ingests psilocybin, communication among regions of the brain is disrupted, reducing their focus on themselves and leading to a greater feeling of openness. Typically, people experience intense emotions that range from bliss to terror, and some physical side effects like an increased heart rate or nausea.

Some people choose to take psilocybin now and again to have a unique, enlightening, or spiritual experience, while others might microdose daily to help improve their mental state or productivity.

Today, several cities in select states have either deprioritized or decriminalized the status of psilocybin, including:

• California
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Oregon
• Washington

What Does Psilocybin Do to the Brain?

Research shows that psilocybin interacts with the brain’s serotonin receptors, temporarily disrupting the brain network that creates a person’s sense of self, distorting space and time, perception, mood, and cognition.

Although psilocybin may affect each individual differently, many experience:

• Vivid hallucinations
• Spiritual insights
• Introspective journeys 

Is Psilocybin Safe?

Psilocybin has a low level of toxicity, which means a low potential for causing fatal events like breathing problems or heart attacks. However, there are risks associated with it, especially when taken unsupervised.

It’s recommended to use psilocybin under the care of a trained therapist or facilitator who can manage the dosage and setting.

Experiences can be unpredictable based on the user’s:

• Dosage
• Personality
• Mood
• Expectations
• Surroundings
• Health
• Previous experiences with similar substances

Most commonly, people experience physical side effects like agitation, confusion, vomiting, or nausea.

Clinical Cognitive Training produces certified psilocybin facilitators who can support clients through their psilocybin journey in a safe setting. Contact us today to learn more.

Is Microdosing Psilocybin Effective?

Yes, many find microdosing (typically 0.1 to 0.3g dried psilocybin) beneficial in maintaining brain health and creating a positive perspective on life. 

Microdosing:

• Lowers inhibitions and reduces self-criticism, allowing more free thinking and a heightened sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences.
• Heightens focus, making it easier to engage in tasks, improve communication, and become more productive.
• Increases connectivity within the brain, allowing for greater emotional processing and reduced stress.

Clinical Psilocybin Use vs. Recreational Psilocybin Use

Psilocybin has been used without the guidance of a professional for many years, whether it was for recreational or clinical purposes. However, in November 2020, Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for supervised psilocybin-assisted therapy.

In a clinical setting, a predetermined dose is given under supervision after an involved process. The facilitator offers a precise dosage in a structured environment and monitors reactions. 

When psilocybin is taken recreationally, it’s difficult to know:

• How strong the dose is
• If other contaminants are involved from the environment
• How a person’s surroundings could affect their experience

The goal of clinical psilocybin use is to study the therapeutic potential of using psilocybin to treat specific conditions. Recreational psilocybin is primarily focused on experiencing the psychedelic effects of psilocybin for personal reasons.

Clinical Cognitive Training Offers First-Class Psilocybin Training by Knowledgeable Instructors

As the use of psilocybin has evolved over the years, so have the various supports to safely and effectively use psilocybin for medical reasons. 

Clinical Cognitive Training is among the first certified psilocybin facilitator training centers in the country, equipping psilocybin facilitators with the knowledge and skills needed to assist with psychedelic therapy in Oregon. 

We offer a comprehensive and science-backed approach, providing foundational education that respects the ancient cultures and traditions of psilocybin, while including psychological support methods. 

Let Clinical Cognitive Training teach you how to become a psilocybin facilitator and help people through their healing journeys. Contact us today.