Psilocybin is a natural compound found in what are called magic mushrooms. For several years now, this psychedelic substance has been at the center of attention. Indeed, a lot of documentaries and scientific research reveal its action on neurotransmitters as serotonin. And it's potentially incredible!
Psilocybin could have possible effects on mental health. It could have a positive impact on depression, anxiety, PTSD, or alcoholism.
As a result, society is exploring how to offer psilocybin-assisted therapies. However, for the time being, the hallucinogenic molecule remains illegal in many countries.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy is an innovative psychological treatment approach. Psilocybin is used in conjunction with psychotherapy sessions. In a controlled clinical setting, patients are administered psilocybin under the supervision of trained health professionals. The goal is to achieve altered states of consciousness that can facilitate the exploration and resolution of deep psychological issues.
Under the effects of psilocybin, the patient will experience greater emotional depth and receptivity. Researchers believe that magic mushroom therapy promotes the effectiveness and speed of psychotherapy for two reasons. First, the psychedelic removes fear-related blockages. Secondly, the molecule increases neuroplasticity, which enhances the possibilities for change.
These therapies are generally available by medical prescription. They primarily target individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
Psilocybin retreats are an alternative to assisted therapy. Their success comes from the fact that they are more accessible. They are organized as structured stays where participants can experience the effects of magic truffles in a safe environment, often in a natural or spiritual setting. There, they experience their psychedelic journey during a symbolic ceremony.
These psychedelic retreats centers aim to offer a transformative trips with emotional and sometimes spiritual support, guided by facilitators or healers. Participants of a psychedelic retreat often seek personal healing, spiritual growth, or a better understanding of themselves.
You'll find people who are depressed or anxious, others in search of spiritual awakening, or those looking for a new challenge. After the stay, psychedelic retreats incorporate integration sessions to help participants process their emotions.
The research protocols on psilocybin are designed to study its effectiveness, mechanism of action, and safety as a therapeutic treatment.
These studies are generally conducted in clinical settings. They incorporate phases of preclinical testing followed by clinical trials.
Depending on the organization conducting the trial, the subject of study can vary. For example, there are studies on doses, administration methods, selection criteria, and outcome measures. In all cases, they study psilocybin as a medical treatment for certain psychiatric conditions. Research protocols must adhere to strict ethical and regulatory standards to ensure the safety of participants and the integrity of the results. As a result, it can sometimes be lengthy or complicated to integrate a protocol even in countries that offer them.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy is illegal in most countries. However, there are options to test its potential therapeutic effects legally.
The Netherlands has always been liberal towards psychoactive substances. In Europe, Dutch law stands out completely. In Amsterdam, magic truffles are legal. That's why the Netherlands is one of the only countries to allow legal psilocybin retreats.
Several organizations like Spinoza, Synthesis, or Tangerine Retreat offer stays open to everyone (except for medical contraindications). Their ease of access and supervision makes psilocybin retreats the least expensive option.
In the USA, the law depends on federal jurisdiction. In California and Oregon, it is possible to legaly participate in psilocybin-assisted therapies. This can only be done with a medical prescription. Since 2024, Psilocybin retreats are also allowed in Oregon by accredited organizations.
In all other states, magic mushrooms are considered drugs and are therefore prohibited.
The United Kingdom has a strict policy regarding hallucinogenic mushrooms. The law classifies them as narcotics in any form: dried mushrooms, sclerotia, or microdosing. They are therefore completely prohibited. That's why, there are no psilocybin retreats or therapies available in the UK
However, England allows several research protocols at Imperial College London. One can even find one of these in the documentary "Magic Medicine."
This site is provided for informational purposes only. Respect the drug laws in force in your country. Psilocybin truffles or psilocybin mushrooms does not replace regular medication treatment. Follow your doctor's recommendations before consuming psilocybin.
