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January 29, 2018

Can Smelling This Magic Mushroom Really Make You Orgasm?

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Mushrooms are a superfood. With high levels of vitamin D, selenium, and micronutrients, the fungus among us is said to have powerful health properties, including boosting the immune system and warding off depression and anxiety. But they’ve been recently hyped for a whole different kind of superpower: Mind-blowing orgasms. According to a studypublished in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms (where else?), a rare Hawaiian mushroom can instantly give women an orgasm-just from a single whiff.

After hearing rumors from locals, researchers asked a handful of male and female volunteers to inhale the musky scent of the unnamed bright orange mushroom found growing on recent lava flows. The men said it was vile. But the women? “Nearly half experienced spontaneous orgasm” and were immediately transported to the heights of ecstasy. (The other half said it made their hearts race.) The scientists chalked it up to “hormone-like compounds” in the fungi spores that may stimulate the same part of the brain turned on by sex. But is this magic mushroom legit? Or was everyone just trippin’?

“We would’ve figured it out a long time ago if women’s desire was as simple as smelling a fungus,” laughs Holly Richmond, Ph.D., a somatic psychologist and certified sex therapist. “We can’t even create a women’s version of Viagra-as shown by the recent Addyi debacle-so I doubt this mushroom will do it.”

The thing many people don’t understand, Richmond says, is that women’s and men’s orgasms are totally different biological processes. “For men it’s relatively simple-you’re increasing blood flow to get an erection,” she explains. “For women, it’s a combination of arousal and desire. Arousal is what’s happening physiologically. But a crucial component of an orgasm from women is desire, the wanting and yearning. This begs the question: If you’re carrying around this fungus, what does it make you desire? Is it sex with partner? Anonymous sex? Sex with yourself?”

That’s not to say, however, that the mushroom-sniffing ladies were necessarily faking it. Rather, Richmond thinks it may be an example of a thought-induced orgasm. “As any woman who’s had a ‘wet dream’ can tell you, women can have an orgasm without any direct physical stimulation,” she says. “The biggest sex organ is the brain; if a woman can open it up to fantasy then absolutely, orgasm is possible just from thinking about it.”

If mushrooms are what gets you off, we’re not judging your kink. But know there are ways to make sure you have a great orgasm that don’t require hiking lava flows and harvesting flora. “The key to orgasming is to know yourself,” Richmond says. “Spend time being sexually experimental with yourself. Know what you like. Know what it takes to bring yourself to orgasm. Spend time with self-pleasure.” She also recommends learning how to stay present and focused on pleasure during sex and how to speak to your partner about what you like and want.

Bottom line? The real magic here is the amazing female brain.

October 1, 2017

Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)

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Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)

 

Common or street names: Magic Mushrooms, Mushrooms, Sacred Mushroom, Shrooms, Little Smoke, Purple Passion

What is Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)?

Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) and psilocin are chemical compounds obtained from certain types of dried or fresh hallucinogenic mushrooms found in Mexico, South America and the southern and northwest regions of the United States. Psilocybin is classified as an indole-alkylamine (tryptamine). These compounds have similar structure to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and are abused for their hallucinogenic and euphoric effects to produce a “trip”. Hallucinogenic (psychedelic) effects are probably due to action on central nervous system serotonin (5-HT) receptors.

There are over 180 species of mushrooms that contain the chemicals psilocybin or psilocin. Like the peyote (mescaline), hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used in native or religious rites for centuries. Both psilocybin and psilocin can also be produced synthetically in the lab. There have been reports that psilocybin bought on the streets can actually be other species of mushrooms laced with LSD.

Methods of Psilocybin Use

“Magic Mushrooms” have long, slender stems which may appear white or greyish topped by caps with dark gills on the underside. Dried mushrooms are usually a reddish rust brown color with isolated areas of off-white. Mushrooms are ingested orally and may be made into a tea or mixed into other foods. The mushrooms may be used as fresh or dried product. Psilocybin has a bitter, unpalatable taste.

A “bad trip”, or a unpleasant or even terrifying experience, may occur with any dose of psilocybin. In general, dried mushrooms contain about 0.2% to 0.4% psilocybin and only trace amounts of psilocin. The typical dose of psilocybin used for recreational purposes varies, with peak effects occurring in 1 to 2 hours, and lasting for about six hours.

Dose and effects can vary considerably depending upon mushroom type, method of preparation, and tolerance of the individual. It can be difficult to determine the exact species of mushroom or how much hallucinogen each mushroom contains. Initial smaller doses and a longer period of time to determine the effects may be a safer option if you choose to use psilocybin for recreational purposes.

Effects of ‘Magic Mushroom’ Use

Psilocybin effects are similar to those of other hallucinogens, such as mescaline from peyote or LSD. The psychological reaction to psilocybin use include visual and auditory hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis also may occur, particularly if large doses of psilocybin are ingested.

Hallucinogens that interfere with the action of the brain chemical serotonin may alter:

  • mood
  • sensory perception
  • sleep
  • hunger
  • body temperature
  • sexual behavior
  • muscle control

Physical effects of psychedelic mushrooms may include a feeling of nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, and a lack of coordination. Combined use with other substances, such as alcohol and marijuana can heighten, or worsen all of these effects.

Other effects of hallucinogenic drugs can include:

  • intensified feelings and sensory experiences
  • changes in sense of time (for example, time passing by slowly)
  • increased blood pressure, breathing rate, or body temperature
  • loss of appetite
  • dry mouth
  • sleep problems
  • mixed senses (such as “seeing” sounds or “hearing” colors)
  • spiritual experiences
  • feelings of relaxation or detachment from self/environment
  • uncoordinated movements
  • lowered inhibition
  • excessive sweating
  • panic
  • paranoia – extreme and unreasonable distrust of others
  • psychosis – disordered thinking detached from reality

Larger psilocybin doses, including an overdose, can lead to intense hallucinogenic effects over a longer period of time. An intense “trip” episode may occur, which may involve panic, paranoia, psychosis, frightful visualizations (“bad trip”), and very rarely death. Memory of a “bad trip” can last a lifetime.

Abuse of psilocybin mushrooms could also lead to toxicity or death if a poisonous mushroom is incorrectly thought to be a “magic” mushroom and ingested. If vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps begin several hours after consuming the mushrooms, the possibility of poisoning with toxic mushrooms should be considered, and emergency medical care should be sought immediately.

Tolerance to the use of psilocybin has been reported, which means a person needs an increasing larger dose to get the same hallucinogenic effect. “Flashbacks”, similar to those occur in some people after using LSD, have also been reported with mushrooms. It is reported that people who use LSD or mescaline can build a cross-tolerance to psilocybin, as well.

How Long Do Mushrooms Stay in Your System?

Common hallucinogens, with the possible exception of phencyclidine (PCP), are not usually tested for on standard workplace drug screens. However, if desired by legal authorities, medical personnel, or an employer, it is possible to perform laboratory assays that can detect any drug or metabolite, including psilocybin, via advanced techniques.

When tested via urine, the psilocybin mushroom metabolite psilocin can stay in your system for up to 3 days. However, metabolic rate, age, weight, age, medical conditions, drug tolerance, other drugs or medications used, and urine pH of each individual may affect actual detection periods.

Extent of Hallucinogenic Mushroom Use

Based on a 2018 survey from SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 5.6 million people aged 12 or older reported using hallucinogens (which may include psilocybin mushrooms) in the year prior to the survey. In 2017, that number was roughly 5.1 million. In the survey, hallucinogens include not only psilocybin from mushrooms, but also other psychedelic drugs like LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly), and peyote (mescaline). In comparison, 43.5 million people used marijuana in the year prior to the 2018 survey.

In 2018, there were 1.1 million people aged 12 and older who had used hallucinogens for the first timewithin the past year. In particular, college students, and people ages 18 to 25, may choose mushrooms as a drug of abuse.

Are Mushrooms Legal in the U.S.?

Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance under the DEA’s Controlled Substances Act, which means that it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S., and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. There are no commercial uses for psilocybin.

Currently, psilocybin is not available to doctors in the clinical setting because it is listed as a Schedule I drug by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Researchers may only be able to get access to the illegal compound for the study through special waivers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other drugs found in Schedule I include marijuana, LSD, and heroin. In order for psilocybin to be prescribed for patients, it would have to be reclassified as a Schedule II medication, meaning it has a currently accepted medical use, but with severe restrictions due to addiction potential.

Medical Uses and Clinical Studies for Psilocybin

Although psilocybin has been used for centuries in rituals, modern medicine has recently reported clinical studies, as well. A report was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology detailing two small studies that noted the ingredient in “magic mushrooms” – psilocybin – can reverse the feeling of “existential distress” that patients often feel after being treated for cancer. Reportedly, cancer can leave patients with this type of psychiatric disorder, feeling that life has no meaning. Typical treatments such as antidepressants may not be effective. However, use of a single dose of synthetic psilocybin reversed the distress felt by the patients and was a long-term effect. Some advanced cancer patients described the effect from the drug as if “the cloud of doom seemed to lift.”

Two additional studies using psilocybin were completed: one at New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center in New York City and one at Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore. For both studies, trained monitors were with patients as they experienced the effects of the drug, which can lead to hallucinations.

  • In the NYU study, 29 patients with advanced cancer were given either a single dose of psilocybin or the B vitamin known as niacin, both in conjunction with psychotherapy. After seven weeks, the patients switched treatments (a cross-over study). In 60% to 80% of the patients receiving psilocybin, a relief from distress occurred rapidly and lasted over six months. The long-term effect was evaluated by researchers looking at test scores for depression and anxiety.
  • In the Johns Hopkins study, researchers treated 51 adults with advanced cancer with a small dose of psilocybin followed five weeks later with a higher dose, with a 6-month follow-up. As with the NYU study, about 80% of participants experienced clinically significant relief from their anxiety and depression that lasted up to six months.

At the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, researchers are focusing on how psychedelics affect behavior, mood, cognition, brain function, and biological markers of health. This research group was the first to obtain U.S. regulatory approval to continue research with psychedelics in healthy volunteers.

Additional studies with psilocybin are expected, and one is comparing the chemical against a leading traditional antidepressant.

As reported by Johns Hopkins, upcoming studies will evaluate the use of psilocybin as a new therapy for opioid addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (formerly known as chronic Lyme disease), anorexia nervosa and alcohol use in people with major depression. A focus on precision medicine tailored to the individual patient is expected.

In November 2019, the FDA designated psilocybin therapy as a “breakthrough therapy” for depression to the Usona Institute, an action the agency uses to speed up development and review of investigational drugs. Breakthrough therapies are expected to provide a major improvement over currently available agents for an unmet medical need.

Usona’s PSIL201 psilocybin U.S. clinical trial is a Phase 2 study evaluating psilocybin as a treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This research will use a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design to measure the antidepressant effects of a single dose of psilocybin in 80 patients between 21 to 65 years of age with MDD. According to the manufacturer, “psilocybin potentially offers a novel paradigm in which a short-acting compound imparts profound alterations in consciousness and could enable long-term remission of depressive symptoms.”

If FDA-approved, psilocybin would have to be reclassified by the DEA for it to be available for patients; it is currently classified as a Schedule I drug.

October 1, 2017

potential risks of taking ‘magic’ mushrooms

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Magic mushrooms are categorized as hallucinogenics.
  • Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic fungi containing a compound called psilocybin that can trigger hallucinations, a sense of euphoria, and changes in your perception of space and time.
  • Because magic mushrooms are illegal and not monitored, there’s a risk you could ingest a fake mushroom or the wrong kind.  
  • It’s possible to have a “bad trip” or experience hallucinogen-induced persisting perception disorder, or HPPD.
  • Because studies done on magic mushrooms are done in controlled environments, it’s hard to know all the risks of recreationally using the drug.

Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that have long been used by some cultures as a spiritual aid and have grown in popularity as a recreational drug.

Magic mushrooms contain a compound called psilocybin that, when ingested, becomes psilocin. This chemical activates serotonin receptors in your brain, triggering vivid hallucinations, a sense of euphoria, and changes in your perception of space and time.

Because they can be found growing in the wild, magic mushrooms are sometimes thought of as a safe alternative to harder drugs. There are, however, still potential risks associated with tripping on these psychedelic fungi.

Further, it’s important to note that the limited studies done on magic mushrooms, or psychedelics in general, are done in a controlled environment with a controlled dosage and those using the drugs recreationally likely will have different outcomes.

INSIDER consulted with two drug and addiction experts to learn more about the risks of taking magic mushrooms recreationally.

You might have a “bad trip” or get physically sick.

magic mushrooms shrooms psychedelic psilocybin
You may experience psychological distress.
Flickr/Frerk Meyer

The most commonly reported negative side effect of taking magic mushrooms is having a bad trip. This might involve unpleasant physical symptoms such as nausea, chills, vomiting, or headaches. The user might also experience negative psychological effects such as paranoia, anxiety, or even extreme terror.

“Psychological distress is the most common adverse effect reported after use of psilocybin. This can range from a ‘bad trip’ to disturbing hallucinations that can last for days,” Dr. Lawrence Weinstein, chief medical officer of American Addiction Centers, told INSIDER.

Under normal circumstances, the mind-altering effects of psilocybin-containing mushrooms usually last from six to eight hours depending on dosage, preparation method, and personal metabolism. The first three to four hours of this period are usually the most intense. However, the effects can seem to last much longer to the user because of psilocybin’s ability to alter time perception, according to Dr. Weinstein.

The way you feel while under the effects of magic mushrooms can be affected by a number of things, including the dose, your environment, who you are with, and what your mood or mental state was like before taking mushrooms. Being in a fearful or gloomy state of mind before taking psilocybin mushrooms may intensify any negative feelings you already have, leading to a bad trip.

If you have anxiety or bipolar disorder, magic mushrooms might make you experience worsened anxiety at the time of tripping.

depression anxiety mental health
Keep in mind the status of your mental health.
Shutterstock

Anyone dealing with psychological problems or mood disorders should think twice before taking magic mushrooms. Because of the way psilocybin works on the brain, taking mushrooms might have negative consequences for someone whose mental health is already compromised.

“The interaction of psilocin with serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex can alter brain chemistry and can make conditions such as panic disorder, bipolar disorder or anxiety worse,” said Dr. Weinstein.

Even people without preexisting mental health problems might experience increased panic attacks after taking magic mushrooms.

“When the mushrooms interact with your system, you are subjecting your body to the possibility of severe anxiety or panic attacks, including dizziness and lightheadedness,” Dr. Cali Estes, Ph.D., addiction specialist and founder of The Addictions Academy, told INSIDER.

Some research, however, claims magic mushrooms given under the supervision of a professional can help with anxiety, though more research is likely needed.

Some drugs sold as magic mushrooms are actually fake.

magic mushrooms
It’s hard to know if what you’re getting is real as the drug is illegal in most places. For example, in the early 2000’s, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry announced it will ban selling and possessing so-called ”magic mushrooms,” which have been used as a ”legal drug” in Japan, especially popular among young people.
Yamaguchi Haruyoshi / Contributor/GettyImages

Because magic mushrooms are illegal in most countries and not regulated like other pharmaceuticals, there is no way to tell what you’re getting when you buy a batch of mushrooms.

“Some drugs sold as ‘magic mushrooms’ have turned out to be store-bought mushrooms laced with another hallucinogen such as PCP or LSD, or a different drug entirely,” warned Dr. Weinstein.

This means that purchasing magic mushrooms carries the risk of ingesting a range of other drugs, some of which may carry the very real risk of a fatal overdose or bad reaction. If you’re worried about the authenticity of a psilocybin mushroom, it’s better to not risk ingesting it.

Taking the wrong kind of mushroom is a serious risk.

raw mushrooms
It’s hard to know what mushroom you’re getting.
Sean Gallup/ Getty Images

When it comes to taking magic mushrooms, one of the worst-case scenarios is accidentally ingesting a poisonous mushroom instead of one containing psilocybin.

Dr. Weinstein warned that users who try to harvest their own mushrooms in the wild are especially at risk of accidental poisoning from toxic species since it can be easy to mistake a harmful fungus for a hallucinogenic mushroom.

The symptoms of mushroom poisoning — including muscle weakness, confusion, gastrointestinal issues, and delirium – can sometimes be mistaken for those of a bad trip, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately if ingestion of a toxic mushroom is suspected.

Yes, it is possible to overdose on magic mushrooms.

shrooms magic mushrooms psilocybin
Overdoses do not, however, directly lead to death.
Shutterstock

There’s a common misconception that taking magic mushrooms carries no risk of overdose. However, that’s actually not the case.

“Overdosing on mushrooms is entirely possible, but it is rare. Some signs of mushroom overdose include panic attacks, paranoia, psychosis, vomiting, agitation, and seizures,” said Dr. Weinstein.

“Effects of taking ‘too many mushrooms’ lasts between six and eight hours, but some of the effects can take days to subside,” added Dr. Weinstein.

If you do accidentally ingest more psilocybin than intended and start to exhibit negative side effects, seeking medical attention is always the best call.

Taking magic mushrooms might permanently change your brain.

magic mushrooms
Studies have been done on the effects of psychedelics on your brain.
Daniel Berehulak / Staff/GettyImages

It might be possible that taking psychedelic substances such as magic mushrooms can induce psychosis, though recent studiesdone in controlled environments say the drugs and the development of psychosis aren’t associated.

“The use of psychedelic drugs can trigger psychosis brought on by psilocybin, which is very similar to schizophrenia. Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders are at risk of experiencing a psychotic episode,” said Dr. Weinstein.

A person is more at risk of experiencing this serious side effect if they have taken a large amount of psilocybin or mushrooms.

“Depending on the amount and frequency of mushroom intake, you can cause permanent brain damage as a result of magic mushrooms,” cautioned Dr. Estes.

Studies have confirmed that taking magic mushrooms canpermanently alter your brain, though this isn’t necessarily said to always be negative.

You might experience hallucinations or flashbacks years after taking mushrooms.

addict hug sad
HPPD causes an individual to have flashbacks of their experiences.
Natalia Lebedinskaia / Shutterstock

Another rare but serious potential side effect of tanking psychedelic mushrooms is the possibility of developing something called hallucinogen-induced persisting perception disorder, or HPPD.

“This disorder causes an individual to have flashbacks of their experiences under the influence of a hallucinogen days, months or years after their last use, even if they no longer take the drug. This disorder can lead the individual to suffer severe distress and experience frightening hallucinations,” warned Dr. Weinstein.

Risk factors for developing this disorder include having other mental health issues or regularly using a hallucinogen over a long period of time. Unfortunately, there is no formal treatment for this disorder.

Psychedelic mushrooms can impair your judgment potentially putting you in danger.

Magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms will likely impair your judgment.
AP Photo/Chiaki Tsukumo

Users of magic mushrooms typically welcome the hallucinations and sense of altered reality that the fungi can bring. However, this altered perception of the world can potentially lead individuals to take unusual risks or unknowingly placing themselves in dangerous situations.

Mushrooms can increase your risk of injury by impairing your judgment, as well as causing confusion, drowsiness, and loss of motor coordination.

No research, however, has been done on the correlation of recreational mushroom use and risky behaviors.

 

Though psilocybin isn’t chemically addictive, taking mushrooms frequently can have negative consequences.

Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are not considered addictive.
AP Photo/Peter Dejong

There isn’t anything in magic mushrooms that can lead to a chemical addition, as can happen with drugs like nicotine or heroin. Despite this fact, mushrooms do have the potential to disrupt your life if using them frequently causes you to neglect or ignore other hobbies and responsibilities.

“The signs of addiction are someone who is spending more time obsessing or thinking about them, missing work to get high, or overusing or misusing mushrooms on a daily basis,” said Dr. Estes.

However, Dr. Weinstein pointed out that there has been no research-based evidence that mushrooms, or other psychedelic drugs, are considered to be addictive physically or psychologically.

Using magic mushrooms might make you less sensitive to other drugs.

LSD
Use of magic mushrooms produces tolerance to other drugs in their class, including LSD.
Wikimedia Commons

If you take magic mushrooms regularly, you might become less sensitive to other mind-alternating recreational substances.

“Individuals may develop a cross-tolerance from continued use of mushrooms, meaning they will have a high tolerance to similar substances such as LSD or marijuana,” said Dr. Weinstein.

As it can be difficult to know the strength of unregulated substances like marijuana or LSD, developing a cross-tolerance can put you at risk of accidentally taking too much of another psychoactive drug in an effort to its full effect.

October 1, 2017

Psychedelics and Women’s Health

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The bourgeoning interest surrounding the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs to treat mental conditions is still a new field of exploration. It’s an ideal time for discussing the unique health and mental health needs of women and how psychedelics may be able to help. Sharp students of the finer points of psychedelic research may ask if the entourage effect is different in women than in men (and maybe pre- and postmenopausal, too). Keeping this focus will help prevent women from being neglected in psychedelic research.

Historically, the unique needs (and physiology) of women have been underrepresented, ignored, or purposely excluded from drug development and clinical trials.1,2 Also, few female scientists have been involved in drug research, including psychedelic research. Fortunately, it’s not too late to shift this paradigm as psychedelic research steams ahead.

Matthew Johnson, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins says of his psychedelic research,3

We are seeing a demographic shift, particularly among women. We’ve had more females in our studies.

The Health Needs of Women

The mental health needs and everyday challenges of women are many, unique, and the statistics are somewhat frightening.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, every year, one in five women in the US has a mental health problem such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or an eating disorder.4 Depression is the most common mental health issue for women, and twice as many women experience depression in their lifetime than men. Also, women are twice as likely to experience anxiety and PTSD than men. Of people suffering from anorexia or bulimia, 85%-95% are women and women account for 65% of those with binge eating disorders.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says these statistics hold true for women worldwide.5Depression, anxiety, psychological stress, domestic and sexual violence, and escalating rates of substance abuse are affecting women more than men on a global basis. The WHO estimates that 80% of the 50 million people around the world affected by civil wars, violent conflicts, disasters, and displacement are women and children. At least one in five women worldwide will be the victim of rape or attempted rape in their lifetime, leading to a variety of mental conditions, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

And it’s not just women’s mental health. Women’s overall health also includes pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, post-partum depression, perimenopause, menopause, and coping with miscarriage, stillbirth, and the death of a child, to name a few. This article is not suggesting that women should use psychedelics during pregnancy and breastfeeding, although women are curious and asking questions about it.6 The point is that ideally, it may be beneficial to treat the overall health needs of women as a separate entity in psychedelic research and give it equal (if not a higher) priority.

Magic Mushrooms and Women’s Health

A July 2019 article in Marie Claire called attention to the growing trend of women self-treating their mental health issues by microdosing psilocybin mushrooms (aka magic mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms).7 They microdose to treat their PTSD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), among other conditions. The women say traditional pharmaceuticals did not work for them or made it feel like they were just walling off the issue, and still not feeling better. Microdosing magic mushrooms made the women feel they could face and deal with the issues that were causing their symptoms. The women weren’t cured, but as a microdosing photographer put it,

When I do have bad days, I’m able to separate myself from a feeling of worthlessness and stop telling myself the story that I shouldn’t try to connect, shouldn’t be curious, shouldn’t create. Microdosing helps me recognize that I’m still whole.

Another woman said,

I processed my emotions and let them go in a few hours.

Psilocybin, the most famous compound in magic mushrooms, is effective for relieving the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and is currently in phase 2 clinical trials.8 Of course, there are women participating in this study, and the data may show some differences in the results between men and women. However, research looking exclusively at women and magic mushrooms or pure psilocybin is lacking.

Cannabis and Women’s Health

A 2017 survey conducted by the Cannabis Consumers Coalition received 15% more women respondents than men. Also, the data showed that more women (53%) than men (42%) smoked pot, dramatically different results from surveys that usually find men dominating cannabis consumption. In spite of its popularity with women, a survey of 1,530 women found about 70% believe there is a stigma associated with cannabis consumption and about 66% hide the fact that they use it.9

The research and development of cannabis products has opened a whole new world for women searching for effective ways to improve their health and treat their health issues. According to a 2017 survey by BDS Analytics, the top reasons women give for cannabis self-care are menstruation, menopause, and enhancement of their sexual experience.10 Last year, Forbes reported on “How Self-Care and Women’s Health are Shaping the Cannabis Industry.” 11 Anna Duckworth, a co-founder of Miss Grass magazine, told Forbes,

The industry is starting to recognize that women consumers need high-quality products that seamlessly fit into their lives in a way that can replace a bad habit like drinking too much alcohol to unwind or taking a pill to go to sleep.

Currently, the literature does not indicate much research interest in the effectiveness of marijuana or the compounds in it for treating mental health or other conditions from a woman’s perspective. Cannabis has been shown to alleviate symptoms that overlap with the physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), but studies evaluating the effects of cannabis or its components on PMS and PMDD specifically are lacking.12 There is one study in progress at Harvard University where researchers are evaluating the effects of broad-spectrum CBD (cannabidiol) on menstrual pain.13

MDMA and Women’s Health

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxyemethamphetamine) presents an excellent example of why women should be considered separately in psychedelic research. The 2016 US Global Drug Survey found that female British clubbers were 2-3 times more likely to seek emergency treatment than men after using MDMA (ecstasy). There was also a 4-fold increase in the last three years in emergency room visits for women who had used MDMA.14 Researchers theorize that the cause may be related to women’s unique body chemistry. A 2001 study found the psychoactive effects of MDMA in women were more intense than those of men, possibly due to women being more susceptible to the serotonin-releasing effects of MDMA.15 The effects reported included perceptual changes, thought disturbances, and the fear of loss of body control. The dose of MDMA was positively correlated with the intensity of the effects. Women also had more adverse effects and outcomes from MDMA than men.

The Future of Psychedelics for Women

There is an unmet need for research to discover and understand the unique effects of psychedelic compounds in women and to create formulations with precise amounts of specific ingredients. The research going on now is groundbreaking and critical for the overall understanding of psychedelic therapy. But, consider these questions when it comes to women’s health and psychedelics. Are there are formulations with certain combinations of magic mushroom compounds that would be more effective for treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD in women (i.e., Is the entourage effect different in women than men)? Is microdosing different for women? How? Are specific set, settings, and music more effective for women undergoing psychedelic therapy?

The growing popularity of women self-treating with psychedelics and finding relief is a trend that should not be ignored. At the same time, the uniqueness of female physiology calls for specialized research to provide the best possible therapies.

October 1, 2017

5 Women in Psychedelics You Should Know About

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Badass women making waves in the psychedelic movement, from research to drug policy reform

Michelle Janikian // Dec. 2, 2019

Women have always played an integral role in psychedelic healing and research, even if they haven’t always been highlighted as mavericks in the field. But as the “Psychedelic Renaissance” goes mainstream, it’s time to start recognizing groundbreaking women in psychedelic science and activism. The five women we’ve chosen to feature are all actively changing the landscape of psychedelics, from developing leading theories in how they work, to advocating for fair access for all. These women, among many other women and gender non-conforming folk, are shifting the way society and science view these substances and bringing forth a new generation of doctors, researchers, and policymakers, with psychedelics at the core.

Ann Shulgin

DoubleBlind: Ann Shulgin

Born in 1931, Ann Shulgin is often seen as a matriarch of the psychedelic movement. Before MDMA was classified as a Schedule I substance in 1985, and then 2C-B in 1995, Shulgin provided psychedelic-assisted therapy with these substances for many in the Bay Area using her expertise in Jungian psychology. She is the widow of the renowned chemist, Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin, who had a license from the DEA to essentially invent new psychedelic compounds and test them on himself, synthesizing over 230 new psychoactive compounds in the process, including 2C-B. Together, they co-wrote two classic psychedelic books,PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story and TIHKAL: The Continuation, detailing those substances, including their own rating scale to judge the personal effects. Ann Shulgin is also the Founder of Transform Press, has contributed to many other books and publications on the subject, including Ecstasy: The Complete Guide andThe Secret Chief Revealed, and continues to write and speak on psychedelic issues.

Monnica Williams

DoubleBlind: Monnica Williams

Monnica Williams, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, researcher and professor who’s dedicated to expanding psychedelic-assisted therapy access to minorities and people of color (POC). She’s a trained MDMA-assisted therapist and has worked on Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) PTSD trials, including the only site exclusively available to POC. As an expert in race-based trauma, Williams is working with MAPS on making MDMA-assisted therapy more inviting and inclusive to marginalized communities by training more therapists of color and tweaking certain aspects of the protocol, like the language and music used. Williams is also the Clinical Director of the Behavioral Wellness Clinic in Connecticut as well as the Associate Director of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, a publication and organization that bridges the divide between sacred entheogenic traditions and current psychedelic science. To bring light to racial disparities and cultural differences in treating anxiety disorders, Williams has authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers as well as articles and book chapters in her field.

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Rosalind “Ros” Watts

DoubleBlind: Ros Watts

Rosalind Watts, Ph.D. is the clinical lead of groundbreaking trials on psilocybin for depression at Imperial College London. Through her experience guiding many psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions in her work at Imperial, she has written several key scientific papers on the subjective psilocybin experience and psychological mechanisms of post-trip changes. Themes she explores in her work, like psilocybin’s ability to connect people with themselves, others, and the world, and to help people move from “avoidance to acceptance” of difficult emotions, is shaping how the psychedelic and scientific communities explain how mushrooms work for relieving mental health conditions. Based on this work, Watts has recently developed the ACE Model (Accept, Connect, Embody) to provide psychedelic therapists with a framework on how to work with a depressed population.

Bia Labate

DoubleBlind: Bia Labate of Chacruna

Bia Labate, Ph.D., is an anthropologist from Brazil with a focus on psychoactive substances, drug policies, shamanism, and religion. She is involved in the psychedelic movement as the Executive Director of Chacruna, and organizes and speaks at many events in the community. Labate is also the Public Education and Culture Specialist at MAPS, adjunct professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), visiting professor at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, and author of over 20 books and several peer-reviewed papers. She is a huge proponent of including more diverse voices in the psychedelic community, especially of queer, women/non-binary, Latinx, and indigenous folks in these important and societal-shifting conversations.

Natalie Ginsberg

DoubleBlind: Natalie Ginsberg of MAPS

Natalie Lyla Ginsberg, M.S.W., is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at MAPSwhere she lobbies in support of cannabis and psychedelic research and policy change. She is dedicated to building and organizing the psychedelic community as well as pushing these issues to the front of social change. Ginsberg originally got involved in advocacy work after her experience as a social worker in low-income neighborhoods in New York City where she became frustrated with systemic failures making it impossible for her clients to succeed. Before joining MAPS in 2014, she worked as a policy fellow with the Drug Policy Alliance and helped to bring medical cannabis to New York state in an attempt to end racist marijuana arrests. Now, in coordination with MAPS and Imperial College London, she is co-developing a psychedelic peace-building strategy between Israelis and Palestinians, inspired by the potential of these substances to heal systemic, intergenerational trauma and build community.

Michelle Janikian is a journalist focused on drug policy, trends and education. She’s the author of the upcoming book, “Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion: An Informative, Easy-to-Use Guide to Understanding Magic Mushrooms”, writes a column for Playboy about psychedelics and cannabis and has also contributed to High Times, Herb, Rolling Stone and Teen Vogue.

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Magic Mushrooms Europe
October 1, 2017

Is microdosing mushrooms going mainstream?

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Before the school run, or commuting to work, increasing numbers are taking tiny doses of psychedelic drugs in the UK. Why?

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Lindsay Jordan: ‘It was as if a whole new world opened up for me.’ Photograph: Richard Saker/The Guardian
September 25, 2017

Psilocybin mushrooms “Magic Mushrooms”

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This sheet talks about using psilocybin mushrooms (“Magic Mushrooms”) in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider.

What are Psilocybin mushrooms (“magic mushrooms”)?

The term magic mushrooms refer to mushrooms with hallucinogenic properties (causing changes in your reality) that are taken as an illegal drug. Psilocin and psilocybin are the hallucinogenic components found in certain types of mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms are sometimes called other names such as caps, shrooms, and buttons. Magic mushrooms are usually eaten fresh or dried but may be brewed in a tea or added to food.

I take magic mushrooms. Can it make it harder for me to become pregnant?

Studies have not been done to see if using magic mushrooms could make it harder for a woman to get pregnant.

Does taking magic mushrooms increase the chance for miscarriage?

Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy. Users of magic mushrooms also report using other drugs such as cocaine, Ecstasy, LSD, and non-prescribed prescription drugs which may add more chance for miscarriage. Another concern is mistaking poisonous mushrooms for magic mushrooms which could lead to a medical emergency. Since users of magic mushrooms generally use other substances as well, it is unknown if using magic mushrooms increases the chance for miscarriage.

Does taking magic mushrooms increase the chance of birth defects?

In every pregnancy, a woman starts with a 3-5% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. This is called her background risk. Studies on women have not been done to see if using magic mushrooms increases the chance of birth defects. A single animal study showed no increased chance of physical birth defects.

Could taking magic mushrooms cause other pregnancy complications or long-term problems in behavior or learning for the baby?

There are no published studies on the long term effects of using magic mushrooms during pregnancy. It’s unknown if magic mushrooms can increase the chance for pregnancy complications or affect a baby’s brain or development.

Can I breastfeed while taking magic mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms have not been studied for use during breastfeeding. If you are taking magic mushrooms while breastfeeding and you suspect that the baby has unusual symptoms, contact the child’s healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.

If a man takes magic mushrooms, could it affect his fertility (ability to get partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects?

There are no studies looking at male fertility or possible risks to a pregnancy when the father takes magic mushrooms. In general, exposures that fathers have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact- sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/pdf/.

Selected References:

  • Hallock RM, et al. 2013.A survey of hallucinogenic mushroom use, factors related to usage, and perceptions of use among college students. Drug Alcohol Depend. 130(1-3):245-8.
  • Rolsten C, 1997. Effects of chlorpromazine and psilocin on pregnancy of C57BL/10 mice and their offspring at birth. Anat Rec 157:311.
  • Timar L, Czeizal AE. 1997, Birth weight and congenital anomalies following poisonous mushroom intoxication during pregnancy. Reprod Toxicol 11: 861