We acknowledges Sacred Mushrooms is a pathway to establish a connection with the divine or spiritual realm, as sacred allies. Something more powerful than just a chemical reaction.
While these truths are honored, we recognize that some people may appreciate some of the science behind Psilocybin and this is what is offered below.
- Psilocybin is a tryptamine alkaloid found in some species of mushrooms, such a Psilocybe Cubensis, the mushrooms used in Oregon’s legal facilitation. The State of Oregon requires a lab to test for the quantity of Psilocybin and is measured in milligrams.
- In the body, Psilocybin converts to Psilocin which can cross the blood-brain barrier and is responsible for the psychoactive effects
- Most studies done use synthetic psilocybin (e.g., 25mg), not whole mushrooms. Service Centers use either whole or homogenized mushrooms (i.e., ground whole mushrooms)
- Psilocybin modulates serotonergic, dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems and is a high-affinity agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (postsynaptic)
- Higher glutamate spikes in the prefrontal cortex have been linked to acute, negatively-experienced ego dissolution or short-term anxiety during the journey. Decreases in the hippocampus are linked to positive aspects (unity and spiritual).
- Evidence that Psilocybin:
o Disrupts the Default Mode Network (DMN)
o Acts an anti-inflammatory agent
o Promotes neuroplasticity
- Due to the disruption of the DMN, trauma or neglect can have a powerful and unpredictable impact during a journey. Sacred Mushrooms can amplify nervous system truths through things like shaking or involuntary movement.