Introduction to psilocybin
Whether you are well-versed in psychedelic medicine, or you just watched your first documentary (How To Change Your Mind on Netflix is fantastic!), science has been advancing knowledge about psilocybin and psychedelics for decades.
What are psychedelics? Psilocybin? Psychedelics are powerful psychoactive substances that alter perception and mood and affect numerous cognitive processes. They are generally considered physiologically safe and do not lead to dependence or addiction. Their origin predates written history, and they were employed by early cultures in many sociocultural and ritual contexts. Introduction of a 2016 Pharmacology Reviews articlePsychedelics are a class of drugs that produce changes in mood, perception, and cognitive processes. There is a growing body of research showing that psychedelics, often when combined with therapy, can help to treat challenging mental health conditions. Our friends at NuminusPsilocybin is a compound in psychedelic fungi, which are also known as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms.” Studies have shown that psilocybin-assisted therapy can be an effective treatment for conditions including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Psilocybin is illegal in most U.S. jurisdictions, but has been decriminalized in 15 cities and states. The use of psilocybin by indigenous cultures has been documented dating back 6,000 years. Our friends at Lucid News
Sachi's take Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) entered the mainstream narrative in the 1960s. Yes, this is the same molecule from pop culture books, movies, and TV shows. Starting in the 1950s, researchers have explored its potential medical benefits. Psilocybin and other psychedelics were heavily researched through the 1970s, with promising results. Unfortunately, research was restricted during the Nixon Administration’s War on Drugs, when they were classified as a Schedule I substance. Thankfully, research slowly resumed, and in the last 30 years has produced amazing evidence about the benefits of psilocybin across many disease states. These positive results have ushered in a new era of awareness and advocacy, with several FDA psychedelic approvals expected in the next few years. We are in the middle of the psychedelic renaissance. Learn more about the rich history of scientific research with psilocybin.
Psilocybin is becoming more accessible across the US. While the US government classifies psilocybin and other psychedelics as Schedule 1 drugs, there has been a gradual easing of restrictions based on individual state interpretation. 
  • Oregon (2020) and Colorado (2022) were the first US states to legalize the use of psilocybin.
  • As of April 2023, 23 states were investigating legislative options for access to psychedelics for mental health, including California, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
For a great visual tracker of psychedelic policy and reform across the US, check out Psychedelic Alpha’s tracker. Psilocybin research has accelerated and launched a new wave of discovery. Based on the research of the 1950s and 60s, research has restarted into the clinical and medical benefits of psychedelics for many medical specialties. Research is underway to evaluate the use of psychedelics for diseases including: post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, end of life distress, addiction, trauma, chronic pain, and migraine headaches. Psilocybin research and clinical trials are paving the way for legal and regulatory acceptance. Based on growing scientific proof, industry experts believe we are in a “psychedelic renaissance”. There is optimism that psychedelics will receive FDA clearance for specific indications in the next few years for:
  • Psilocybin for the psychological distress of cancer
  • Psilocybin for PTSD
  • Psilocybin for Major Depressive Disorder
  • MDMA for PTSD
What does psilocybin do? How does it affect us? Psilocybin is a well researched and understood compound, with use dating back to ancient civilizations. Its effects have been studied at the biological level, with modern science helping us understand its short and long term effects. Learn more about its effects.

Continue learning from Sachi

Introduction to psychedelic-assisted therapy
Clinical trials for psilocybin and other research in cancer
Recommended reading

2023 TIME magazine article about two different psychedelics (MDMA and psilocybin) and their potential upcoming approvals
A great overview article from 2021 about psilocybin regulation and move toward decriminalization (note: heavy legal language included)
In 2021, the most read and discussed JAMA article highlighted the benefits of psilocybin for patients with Major Depressive Disorder. This Johns Hopkins-led study showed immediate benefit and benefit to 4 weeks for psilocybin as part of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Recommended listening

Sam Harris’ podcast intro about psychedelics
Dr. Andrew Huberman’s podcast episode about psilocybin—very in-depth with a neurobiology focus
Additional resources

Tim Ferriss has a great introduction to psychedelics on his Psychedelic 101 website.
From clinicaltrials.gov, in April 2024, there were 182 listed trials involving Psilocybin, with 14 trials focused on cancer.
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) offers a great psychedelic fundamentals course (note there is a small one-time cost).
For clinicians or health practitioners, there are many education resources available—our friends at the Psychedelic Medical Association have some great free resources to get you started on their psilocybin page.
The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Psychedelics may or may not be legal in your jurisdiction. Consult a lawyer if you have questions about the law, and consult your care team before making any decisions about your health. Legal notice.
Note: There are several psychedelics under investigation for treatment of the mental and emotional symptoms of cancer. While we focus almost exclusively on psilocybin, we will include breaking information from trusted sources about others (MDMA, Ketamine, etc.).