Psilocybin
Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
4-6 hours
20-60 minutes
classic psychedelic
Found naturally in over 200 species of mushrooms worldwide, …
- ⚡Visual distortions and geometric patterns — especially vivid with eyes closed
- ⚡Deep euphoria and sense of wonder
- ⚡Profound spiritual and mystical insights
- ⚡Ego dissolution at higher doses
- ⚡Enhanced introspection and emotional processing
- ⚡Color enhancement and synesthesia
- ⚡Increased emotional sensitivity and openness
- ⚠️Anxiety and paranoia possible, especially in unfamiliar settings
- ⚠️Rare risk of triggering psychosis in those predisposed
- ⚠️Nausea common during onset (first 30-60 min)
- ⚠️Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- ⚠️Set and setting are crucial — mindset and environment shape the experience profoundly
- ⚠️Avoid mixing with lithium (seizure risk) or SSRIs (reduced effects or serotonin syndrome risk)
Used ceremonially for thousands of years by Mesoamerican indigenous cultures. The Mazatec people of Oaxaca, Mexico have the most documented tradition — shamanic healers called curanderos use them in all-night healing ceremonies called veladas. Spanish colonizers called them 'teonanácatl' (flesh of the gods). R. Gordon Wasson's 1957 Life magazine article introduced psilocybin mushrooms to the Western world.
The most clinically researched psychedelic. Phase 3 trials for treatment-resistant depression. FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for both TRD and MDD. Studies at Johns Hopkins, NYU, Imperial College London, and over 60 institutions worldwide.
Schedule I federally in the US, but decriminalized in Oregon, Colorado, and several cities. Legal for therapeutic use in Oregon (Measure 109) and Colorado. Truffles legal in Netherlands. Legal in Jamaica and Brazil.