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Why magic mushroom ‘therapy’ may soon be legal
You’ve probably heard of “magic mushrooms.” It’s a term that makes you think of the psychedelic days of the ’60s and early ’70s and engenders visions of hallucinogenic trips and mind-altering spiritual quests.
But, those visions are only a small part of the truth behind magic mushrooms, a truth that has put them up front on the voting ballots and could make them the next legalization trend, like cannabis, in the United States.
Here’s what you should know…
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Cannabis leads the way
Scientists across the world have been studying psilocybin, the substance found in over 200 species of magic mushrooms, to determine its health benefits.
And, thanks to these studies and clinical trials, both the state of Oregon and the city of Denver in Colorado plan to vote on whether to legalize magic mushrooms before the end of the year.
Currently, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug, just like cannabis, heroin, peyote, and MDMA (street-name Molly or Ecstasy). Unfortunately, being dumped into this category corresponds with a low level of acceptable medical use and a high likelihood of abuse.
But, while I don’t think any of us would argue that categorization for heroin and MDMA, studies of cannabis have made it clear that that “low level of acceptable medical use” just no longer applies.
After all, cannabis has been shown in study after study to be helpful in multiple conditions ranging from Crohn’s, colitis and chronic pain to Lyme disease and even cancer and unlike heroin or MDMA, it’s a natural substance that works with our body’s own endocannabinoid system.
And, of course, unlike heroin or MDMA, medical marijuana is now legal in 33 states. Psilocybin could be next, and here’s why…
Therapeutic benefits
Mushrooms have been found in scientific studies to have numerous health benefits from reducing depression and anxiety to helping to overcome addiction and assisting those battling cancer. They’re even showing promise when it comes to beating the epidemic of autism in our country.
In fact, according to a January 2019 study, autism (including Asperger’s), depression and anxiety have common issues which psilocybin can overcome.
As study author, Natasha Mason puts it, “Both creative, flexible thinking and empathy deficits have been found in stress-related psychopathologies like depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
These are the specific hallmarks you find in autism with people suffering from repetitive and rigid patterns of negative or compulsive thoughts and compounded by a reduced ability to express empathy — things according to Mason that the magic mushroom compound was able to combat.
Related: A simple solution to lighten depression for women
“We wanted to assess whether psilocybin enhanced these processes, and if so, how long effects lasted …We found that psilocybin, when taken in a naturalistic setting, increased aspects of creativity and empathy the morning after, and 7 days after use. Furthermore, psilocybin also enhanced subjective well-being. Interestingly, changes in well-being correlated with changes in empathy after psilocybin use.”
And, hers isn’t the only study to prove the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin…
A 2011 study found that six months after taking the compound, participants still had a significant reduction in depression and three months after treatment they continued to benefit from reduced anxiety.
And, a study reported in the Waking Times found that after just two doses of psilocybin a week apart, scans of patient’s brains showed “pronounced, decreased blood flow to the areas of the brain implicated in depression.”
The final verdict
It’s clear thanks to these studies that, like cannabis, psilocybin from magic mushrooms could provide benefits to people who may otherwise be left to suffer.
However, until it winds its way through the legal system, we will all have to wait and see where and how they will be allowed to safely experience its benefits.
Sources:
- Psilocybin and Magic Mushrooms: Next Health & Legalization Trend After Cannabis? — The Freedom Articles
- Smoking Cannabis May Be Effective Treatment For Those With Chronic Pain — Easy Health Options®
- What cannabis can do for Crohn’s and colitis — Easy Health Options®
- Why cannabis could be the answer to blocking colon cancer — Easy Health Options®
- How cannabis can ease the pain of Lyme disease — Easy Health Options®
- Psilocybin for Anxiety and Depression in Cancer — Psychology Today
- Psilocybin Appears to ‘Reset’ Brain Activity of Depressed Patients – Stunning Results — Waking Times
By Dr. Adria Schmedthorst
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