What The Funghi is Psilocybin?
It’s a question we’re asked all the time at Fungirl HQ. While we boost our raw, vegan chocolate with medicinal mushrooms (shout-out to our homegirl, Lion’s Mane), we’re plant nerds at heart. Naturally, we want to know the ins and the outs of all kinds of psychedelics!
Psilocybin (sill-o-sigh-bin) is the active compound found in magic mushrooms. Over 100 species of mushies have been found to contain psilocybin, which is metabolised by the body into the bioavailable element psilocin. Psilocin is presumed to have an active effect on our central nervous systems – i.e. the centre of our thoughts and interpreter of our external world. Pretty cool, huh?
But just because you heard about psilocybin on the Joe Rogan podcast, doesn’t mean it’s brand new information. The organic compound has been used for centuries in indigenous cultures, helping individuals explore spiritual realms in sacramental contexts, connecting to something deeper than their day-to-day lived experience. In recent history, these compounds were used in psychiatry to probe brain function and experimental theories in the early 1900s. Unfortunately, they were disregarded by science in the 60s as they became associated with all kinds of ‘counter culture’ – we like to call this the Woodstock Effect.
Lucky for us deep thinkers and recreational trippers, psilocybin is having its Saturn Return. A new wave of clinical studies have emerged, linking small doses of psilocybin to the reduction of stress, anxiety and depressive thoughts. They’ve been used to help alleviate addictive patterns from those suffering tobacco and alcohol addiction as well as in the treatment of headaches, migraines and PMS. Huge win for plant nerds!
Aside from its medicinal benefits, we’re most interested in the trend of micro-dosing i.e. the practice of taking a tenth to a twentieth of the full recreational dose of LSD or magic mushrooms. When administered in small doses (micro-dosing), these drugs don’t have their standard trippy effect. Instead, they reportedly boost concentration and focus, reduce anxiety and even treat chronic pain. Other anecdotal evidence suggests they increase creativity, wisdom and one’s perception of time in a positive way.
Those who micro-dose swear by its mind-bending benefits. Some take 0.1 grams of mushrooms in the morning, others dilute LSD into 10-microgram doses. The name of the game is to hit the right balance of neural rerouting, without tripping out. It takes time and experimentation to find the right dose for you, so if you’re diving deep, be patient. Our friends at The Cut have a super Fun guide to microdosing here.
While we’re always down for new experiences (and more Fun), we’re all about professional guidance and advice. Psilocybin is a potent psychedelic that shouldn’t be misused or administered without expert support. In other words, don’t try this at home, kids. Stick to our brain-boosting, organic chocolate instead. Shop now.
Written by Sarah Frish