The effects of mushrooms on the brain
Psilocybin is an active component of “magic” mushrooms that, when metabolized, becomes psilocin. Psilocin shares traits with serotonin, which regulates moods, stress, and sleep cycles. Psilocin activates the same receptors as serotonin, impacting things beyond mood and stress levels such as imagination, learning and perception.
According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins University, psilocybin treatment was found to improve symptoms of major depression for up to a year for most patients.
In order to explore this idea further, Knowles began with Tippet, who specializes in trauma, addiction and self-actualization. Her research heavily focuses on addressing these things with the use of psychedelic treatment.
Tippett shared that while research on microdosing itself doesn't exist yet, there have been studies done on the effect of therapeutic doses (3+ grams) that cause a “trip.” Research shows that mushrooms can extend the level of neuroplasticity in the brain, allowing for more flexibility and connectivity than usual. She says that on psilocybin, the brain “lights up” much more, meaning that on an MRI, psychedelics appear to engage much more of the brain than is usually uses, allowing the brain to “talk to itself” in new ways.
As far as how this applies to issues like post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, Tippett later explained, “Psychedelics help shift the experience, rather than create space from it.” Psychedelics can allow for people to pull out of the “fight or flight” mode many people with PTSD are stuck in, and engage the parts of the brain that allow for more calm and less reactivity.
The spiritual effects of psilocybin
When asked why she chooses microdosing as opposed to antidepressants, Tracey Tee of Moms on Mushrooms first clarified that she had tried Wellbutrin, a common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI, in the past in order to support her transition through a full hysterectomy, then surgical menopause.
While Wellbutrin helped her through that particular chapter Tee said, “For me, it didn’t seem like a sustainable solution and I didn’t find any intrinsic change in my behaviors and patterns.” Tee continued by saying, “Microdosing really felt like a great alternative, understanding the medicinal and spiritual aspects.”
“Almost immediately, I felt this softening around my edges,” she said. Tee explained that it helped her become less reactive, more thoughtful and greatly deepened her spiritual practices.
Sovereign Oshumare of SPORE and ALKEMI Consulting spoke further on the spiritual aspect.
Oshumare shared that the most noticeable change was that the deeper they connected with themselves, the more connected they felt to nature.
“The solutions to the worlds problems can be found in nature. The answers to solidarity can be found in a tree. The elements of a tree have the elements of what is needed for solidarity.”
Oshumare said that microdosing allowed for them to take a deeper dive into what they believe, enhancing their relationship to their self, their body and the earth.
Including Indigenous communities in the conversation
In their recent story with Rocky Mountain PBS, Oshumare emphasized the need to include Indigenous communities in conversations around psychedelic practices. They said it’s important to acknowledge the history of these practices and mindfully engaging with said history in community.
“The people I’ve been in community with have been so gracious and open, and wanting to share wisdom,” Oshumare explained about their connections to those part of the Indigenous community.
Oshumare said that engaging the Indigenous roots of the practices first means acknowledging the presence of Indigenous wisdom and the intention to have a meaningful relationship with it.
Next, Oshumare said to find opportunities to engage with Indigenous guidance in the community. They recommend doing so by researching groups and events in the area and developing authentic relationships. “Be curious, be respectful, and be humble,” they advised.
Psychedelics in community
Tippett then shared some ways in which psychedelics can be integrated with therapy. She said that while the definition of “psychedelic integrated therapy” is approached in many ways, that overall it means a therapist is willing to help you process the effects of psilocybin without judgment.
She continued by saying that a macrodosing “trip” can be a complicated experience for some, and it’s important to have someone to process the thoughts and emotions with.
Tee emphasized Tippett’s point by sharing some ways she found community around psychedelics. One of her biggest teachers, an “underground medicine woman,” was a therapist for Tee and her family after a traumatic car accident. After getting to know her better, Tee learned her therapist also utilized psilocybin practices, allowing her to gain access to the medicine while having guidance through the process.
Oshumare added that microdosing isn’t for everyone, and it won’t fix every problem. In order to utilize the mushrooms to the full effect, it’s important to work alongside others through therapy and community to do the harder work of processing personal issues. In doing so, Oshumare says they’re reminded that “transformation is possible.”
“Right now, psychedelics are being used as a catalyst for capitalism. But what does it look like for psychedelics to be used for a catalyst for transformation?” wondered Oshumare. “For social and racial healing; for the generations of trauma that we all as being humans on this planet and enduring the system are put through.”
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Elle Naef is a digital media producer at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach her at ellenaef@rmpbs.org.
