Psilocin
Psilocin is a naturally occurring tryptamine psychedelic found in approximately 190 species of mushrooms across every continent.12 While psilocybin is the more commonly referenced compound, psilocin is the pharmacologically active substance responsible for the hallucinogenic effects—psilocybin serves as its prodrug, converting to psilocin in the liver.1 Psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocin have been used since prehistoric times, with evidence in cave art and documented ceremonial use by Mesoamerican peoples.12
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Duration
Subjective Effects
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
The physical effects of psilocin can be broken down into several components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. These are described below and generally include:
Cognitive
The cognitive effects of psilocin are described by many as extremely relaxing, profound and stoning in style when compared to other commonly used psychedelics such as LSD or 2C-B which tend to be energetic and stimulating. It contains a large number of psychedelic typical and unique cognitive effects. The most prominent of these typical effects generally include:
Visual
Distortions
As for visual distortions and alterations, the effects experienced are detailed below:
Enhancements
Psilocin presents a full and complete array of possible visual enhancements which generally includes:
Geometry
The visual geometry that is present throughout this trip can be described as more similar in appearance to that of 4-AcO-DMT, Ayahuasca and 2C-E than LSD or 2C-B. It can be comprehensively described through its variations as intricate in complexity, abstract in form, organic in feel, structured in organization, brightly lit and multicoloured in scheme, glossy in shading, soft in its edges, large in size, slow in speed, smooth in motion, rounded in its corners, non-immersive in depth and consistent in intensity. They have a very "natural" feel to them and at higher dosages are significantly more likely to result in states of Level 8B visual geometry over Level 8A.
Hallucinatory States
Psilocin and its various other forms produce a full range of high level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is more consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used psychedelics. These effects generally include:
Auditory
The auditory effects of psilocin are common in their occurrence and exhibit a full range of effects which commonly includes:
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Psilocin acts as a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist, with its hallucinogenic effects attributed specifically to activation of the 5-HT2A receptor in the prefrontal cortex, where psychedelic effects correlate directly with receptor occupancy. It also activates 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors, which may contribute to its overall effects, and displays pronounced biased agonism at the 5-HT2C receptor. Psilocin exhibits functional selectivity at 5-HT2A, activating phospholipase A2 rather than phospholipase C as serotonin does. It has no significant effect on dopamine receptors and only affects the noradrenergic system at very high doses. Psilocin has been reported to act as a positive allosteric modulator of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), though subsequent studies failed to reproduce this finding.
Pharmacokinetics
Psilocin is the pharmacologically active compound produced by rapid dephosphorylation of its prodrug psilocybin in the body. Its elimination half-life ranges from 1 to 3 hours.3
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Mescaline, LSD, Other serotonergic psychedelics
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Toxicity
There has been no direct lethality associated with psilocin.
History & Culture
Traditional Use
Psilocin is a naturally occurring tryptamine psychedelic found within approximately 190 separate species of mushroom, growing on every continent across the planet.2 Psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocin and its prodrug psilocybin have been in use since before recorded
Legality
International
UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 (Schedule I)11
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- (July 2022). Psilocybin in neuropsychiatry: a review of its pharmacology, safety, and efficacy. CNS Spectr, 28(4), 416–426. https://doi.org/10.1017/s109285292200088812345
- Dominique Strauss, Soumya Ghosh, Zurika Murray, & Marieka Gryzenhout. (2022). Psilocybin containing mushrooms: a rapidly developing biotechnology industry in the psychiatry, biomedical and nutraceutical fields. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-022-03355-41234
- MacCallum CA, Lo LA, Pistawka CA, & Deol JK. (2022). Therapeutic use of psilocybin: Practical considerations for dosing and administration. Frontiers in Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.97510631
- (September 2011). Multiple receptors contribute to the behavioral effects of indoleamine hallucinogens. Neuropharmacology, 61(3), 364–381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.01.0171
- Anne K Schlag, Jacob Aday, Iram Salam, Jo C Neill, & David J Nutt. (2022). Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881121106910012
- (2018). R. Gordon Wasson and the Publicity Campaign to Introduce Magic Mushrooms to Mid-Century America. Revue française d'études américaines. https://shs.cairn.info/revue-francaise-d-etudes-americaines-2018-3-page-91?lang=en12
- A. Hofmann, R. Heim, A. Brack, & H. Kobel. (1958-03-15). Psilocybin, a psychotropic substance from the Mexican mushroom Psilocybe mexicana Heim. Experientia, 14(3), 107-109. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02159243123
- UNODC. (n.d.). Details for Tryptamines - Schedule I of the 1971 Convention. https://www.unodc.org/LSS/SubstanceGroup/Details/68c027b6-0ed9-4c07-a139-7f1ca7ffce841
- Therapeutic Goods Administration. (2023). Change to classification of psilocybin and MDMA to enable prescribing by authorised psychiatrists. Australian Government. https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/change-classification-psilocybin-and-mdma-enable-prescribing-authorised-psychiatrists1
- (2024). The development of psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression: an update. Frontiers in Psychiatry. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10801413/1
- (n.d.). INCB Green List — Psychotropic Substances Under International Control (1971 Convention, Schedule I). International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). https://www.incb.org/incb/en/psychotropics/green-list.html1
- (n.d.). Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule III (Psilocin, Psilocybin). Government of Canada / Justice Laws Website. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-38.8/section-sched95602-20031211.html?wbdisable=true1
- (2008-11-27). Staatsblad 2008, 486 — Opium Act Amendment (Magic Mushrooms, List II). Officiële bekendmakingen (Netherlands Government). https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stb-2008-486.html1
- (2005). State v. Pratt, 2005-NMCA-070 (N.M. Ct. App. 2005). New Mexico Court of Appeals. https://law.justia.com/cases/new-mexico/court-of-appeals/2005/f580-1c753-1d386.html12
- (n.d.). 21 CFR § 1308.11 — Schedule I Controlled Substances (Psilocybin §1308.11(d)(29), Psilocyn §1308.11(d)(30)). Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School) / DEA. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/1308.1112
- (n.d.). Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Schedule 2 Part I (Class A) — Psilocin. legislation.gov.uk (UK Government). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/schedule/21
- (n.d.). Drugs Act 2005, Section 21 — Fungus containing psilocin (Class A extension). legislation.gov.uk (UK Government). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/17/section/211
- (n.d.). 21 U.S. Code § 812 — Schedules of Controlled Substances, Schedule I(c)(15)-(16). Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School). https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/8121
Further Reading
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