Psilocybin is the active compound in "magic mushrooms" (genus Psilocybe), which are found in various parts of the world. Once consumed, the body metabolizes psilocybin into psilocin, which is responsible for its copyright effects. These effects can include:

• Hallucinations or altered perception of time, space, and reality.


• Euphoria or feelings of interconnectedness.


• Introspection, leading to self-reflection and insights.


• Changes in sensory perception, such as enhanced colors or distorted sounds.


 

The effects typically last between 4-6 hours, with the intensity of the experience depending on factors like dosage and individual sensitivity.


 

Psilocybin and Its Legal Status in the USA

Federal Law:

Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. This classification means that it is illegal to manufacture, possess, or distribute psilocybin under federal law. Schedule I substances are defined as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the U.S. This makes psilocybin illegal at the federal level for recreational use.

However, there are exceptions and ongoing changes at the local and state levels that are reshaping how psilocybin is viewed.

Decriminalization and Legalization:

Although psilocybin remains illegal federally, some states and cities have moved towards decriminalization or have approved it for medical use.

• Oregon: In 2020, Oregon became the first state to pass a law allowing the regulated medical use of psilocybin. The measure, known as Measure 109, allows licensed therapists to administer psilocybin to patients for therapeutic purposes in a controlled setting. Oregon also decriminalized the possession of small amounts of psilocybin under Measure 110, which was passed in the same election.


• Colorado: In 2022, Colorado passed Proposition 122, which decriminalized the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms for adults 21 and older. The measure also allows for the development of licensed psilocybin therapy centers where individuals can use the substance for therapeutic purposes.


• Cities and Municipalities: A number of cities across the U.S. have taken steps to decriminalize psilocybin, including Denver, Colorado (2019), Oakland and San Francisco, California (2019), Washington, D.C. (2020), and Seattle, Washington (2021). These cities have made psilocybin a low priority for law enforcement, meaning that individuals are less likely to be prosecuted for possessing or using psilocybin mushrooms.


 

Medical Research and Clinical Trials:

There has been growing interest in the medical potential of psilocybin. In recent years, clinical research has been conducted to explore the compound’s potential benefits for treating various mental health conditions.

• Major Depression: Psilocybin has shown promise in treating treatment-resistant depression. Clinical trials, including those conducted by institutions like Johns Hopkins University and NYU, have found that psilocybin, when administered under controlled conditions with therapeutic support, can lead to significant reductions in depressive symptoms and improve emotional well-being.


• Anxiety and PTSD: Psilocybin has also been studied for its effects on anxiety, especially in patients facing terminal illness, as well as for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have indicated that psilocybin may help patients confront deep-seated fears and trauma, promoting emotional healing and psychological growth.


• Addiction: Psilocybin is being explored as a potential treatment for addiction, particularly in relation to nicotine and alcohol dependence. Some studies suggest that a single session of psilocybin therapy can result in lasting reductions in cravings and consumption.


 

In 2020, the FDA granted "Breakthrough Therapy" status to psilocybin for depression, expediting research and the possibility of future approval for medical use