What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain species of mushrooms found on nearly every continent. These mushrooms (aka magic mushrooms) are typically consumed in dried or powdered form to elicit a psychedelic experience. Mushroom use has been recorded back to prehistoric rituals in indigenous cultures.

More recently, synthetic versions of psilocybin have been developed, with several used as the investigational compound in clinical trials today.

Since psilocybin and all psychedelics are illegal, how can any of this be scientifically proven?

While psilocybin and other psychedelics are considered Schedule 1 drugs by the United States government, that have slowly become more available and accepted through relaxation of local and state regulations, as well as through clinical research trials exploring their potential benefits for people facing a variety of diseases.

A lingering stigma suggests that psychedelic research lacks scientific rigor, despite a growing body of well-conducted, peer-reviewed research demonstrating its potential therapeutic benefits.

Learn more about psilocybin and the trials.

Psychedelics are drugs. Do they have habit-forming or addiction danger?

Psilocybin and other psychedelics face a common misconception that they are addictive, whereas most of these compounds have a low potential for addiction. Granted, almost any substance can be abused (alcohol? social media?). But, the risk of addiction is very low in the case of psilocybin.

Learn more about psilocybin.

In addition, we advocate their use only under the guidance of a qualified and trained professional, under a vetted protocol for psychedelic-assisted therapy.

If psilocybin and psychedelics are illegal in the US, how can I get access to these new therapies?

While psilocybin and other psychedelics are still considered Schedule I compounds by the federal government, there are several ways to pursue this course of treatment.

The safest and most trusted options would be to enroll in the ongoing clinical trials for psilocybin and cancer, or to seek treatment through a licensed center in a state or jurisdiction where psychedelics are legal and regulated (Oregon state, Colorado state, local jurisdictions and townships, etc.).

Learn more about getting access.

Will psilocybin do anything for the physical symptoms of cancer?

While there have been some anecdotal reports about decreased pain and other positive physical symptoms, psilocybin is not meant to cure the physical aspects of cancer.

Psilocybin, when used as part of a psychedelic assisted therapy regimen, is currently being researched as a new method for psychotherapy, supplemental to traditional oncology treatment.

Learn more about the trials for psilocybin.

Does someone need an end stage/stage IV cancer diagnosis to be eligible for psilocybin assisted therapy?

No! Several of the current trials are open to patients with stage III or lower diagnoses.

From our experience, the emotional and mental benefits of psychedelic assisted therapy could be applicable and help any patient facing cancer, whether they are currently in remission, in chemotherapy, or in hospice care. We especially believe that for those cancer patients who have battled cancer and are currently in remission, they  face profound existential questions that could be addressed with psychedelics.

And, we also believe that the supporters and caretakers for cancer patients could also benefit from the experience. Several of our team have been in that support role, and we understand the emotional and mental struggle involved with caring for someone facing this disease.

Psilocybin has always been described as “fun." Is psychedelic-assisted therapy supposed to be fun and pleasant as well?

There's an assumption that psychedelic experiences are uniformly positive or euphoric when, in fact, challenging experiences are common and can be part of the therapeutic process.

At Sachi, we believe that the psychedelic experience, when facilitated by a trained and certified guide, can be transformative because of the intensity of the dosing experience.

Read about what to expect.

Will this fix my mental and emotional issues immediately?

We hope so, but it is likely going to be a long process. Some believe that a single psychedelic-assisted therapy session can provide immediate and permanent solutions to complex psychological issues, overlooking the importance of integration and ongoing therapeutic work.

We often refer to protocols from the landmark clinical trials for cancer, which include several sessions of talk therapy both before (preparation) and after (integration) the actual psychedelic dosing session.

Learn about the stages of PAT.

Wouldn’t psilocybin and psychedelic-assisted therapy undermine or ruin my traditional therapy?

Not at all! Some view psychedelic-assisted therapy as a replacement for traditional psychotherapies, but we consider it a complementary approach that integrates with conventional methods.

At Sachi, we believe that the current array of antidepressant and psychotherapy medications only mask and dull the symptoms of underlying trauma, without doing anything to help the individual resolve these issues.