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Call for questions: Psilocybin/Mycopsychopharmacology (Patreon)

Published:
2024-06-05 23:38:23
Edited:
2024-06-05 23:48:36
Imported:
2026-06

Content

Oooooh, y'all ready? I'M NOT. I'm too excited. I've been wanting to talk to Dr. Charles Grob for 4 years and the time is finally here. Leave your questions about hallucinogenic therapy below and let's see where this takes us, shall we?

Flipping/tripping out,

Ol' A.W.

Comments

Gemma

how are hallucinations different across cultures?

Ess

At a mushroom retreat they told me that psilocybin can cause a glutamate cascade in the brain, and elevated levels of glutamate may be associated with OCD (as I learned from one of your previous episodes.) Is it true that psilocybin causes this “glutamate cascade”, what does this mean, and what are the implications for people with OCD who have mushroom trips? Can mushrooms be a possible treatment for OCD?

Sam

Why does the brain see different colors? Do people really leave changed forever?

Kate Oldham

So glad you’re doing this topic!! I’ve heard that there’s some interesting research on psilocybin and MS, any thoughts on that from the person I expect to be my next favorite ologist?

RJ Doidge

For the lay person who wants to forage, is there an easier way to distinguish a “yum-yum mushroom” vs. a “I can hear colors and taste sound” mushroom?

Natalie Rousseau

How do you feel about the idea that hallucinogenic medicines allow us to perceive more? When I have taken ketamine and magic mushrooms, I always felt like I was seeing things as they truly were and my brain just can’t regularly comprehend it. But I’m also not one of those people who are seeing Jesus tap dancing in a corner.

Rayna

Hi!! Can you ask them what happens during a bad trip? Ive heard shrooms operate on a spectrum from permanently messing you up to allowing you to make peace with yourself and accept the truths of life and death. How bad/good can shrooms really be? Does the benefit outweigh the risk?

Jordan Irons

Is there information on the most common hallucinations with mushrooms/lsd? What do a lot of people see?

Carley Cross

What is in the mushrooms that makes you trip? Is it found in anything else that grows wild?

Christopher Blubaugh

How are the amount of the microdoses determined for each person? Is there a BMI adjustment or anything?

Alyssa Hoff

Bust or confirm this myth please! Can the spores live in your stomachs for years and then randomly burst one day and cause you to trip out?

remi

oh i’m so excited for this i’ll have to think about my questions and come back but also on this subject you should check out hamilton morris, i loved the show he made called hamilton’s pharmacopeia!

Sara in Montana

First time question asker! I’ve been waiting for this episode! Are hallucinogenic therapies safe for people with health issues like diabetes? Or are there any particular health conditions that should specifically avoid hallucinogenic therapies?

Julia Lorraine

I am so excited for this! Okay can you ask the ologist about the incidence of psychosis induced by psilocybin and also if there are ways to prevent it? Also, I have read that individuals who use psilocybin sometimes will experience a revulsion to THC, is there a scientific reasoning behind this? Thank you!!

Kevin Kwast

Is microdosing effective or do intense macrodose sessions produce a better therapeutic benefit?

Rayna

This is such a good question. I also wonder how SSRIs can affect the experience of taking shrooms especially since so many of us in the US are on antidepressants

Ashley Bower

*First time question asker* Can you develop a dependency from micro dosing used for treatment of depression? Are there any negative side effects from using as a long term treatment?

Angellica Stanley

Where can a person go in the US or Canada to receive psilocybin therapy by a licensed therapist? I’ve head some wonderful stories about healing past trauma and the anxiety that comes with it. As someone who has tried regular therapy for years with little to no improvement I’ve been very interested in trying this.

Natalie Rousseau

This is such a cool question since we see commonalities in delusional content by culture as well.

Miranda Ramirez

First time question asker, my MD has recommended using medicinal mushrooms for helping with my anxiety/ depression. Is there a lot of research as far as it helping for both short and long term?

Alie Ward

excellent question! Thanks for bringing up the glutamate piece!

Chrysalis Ashton

You’ve been open about your experience (THANK YOU), how long are the effects expected to last? Would you need to do it again in the future?

Cheryl W

How do hallucinogenic mushrooms interact with NDRI antidepressants such as Bupropion?

Joyclyn Vincent

I’m so excited about the possibilities for treatment, especially given the lack of addiction risks. But there must be other risks we’re still leaning about. What are the main risks and how do we deal with them?

Frankie Sellitto

What are the biggest challenges you think psilocybin assisted therapies must overcome to become nationally available?

Gemma

how does ketamine help with bipolar disorder?

Aurora Cullen

What conditions would cause someone to have a "bad" trip vs a good one?

Jordan Irons

Do you think hallucinogenic drugs, even microdoses, will ever be widely available for therapeutic use, like how we can go to the pharmacy and get Tylenol. Right now it seems that things like ketamine treatments are only available to wealthy people.

Siri Gossman

Why isn't microdosing much more widely accepted and used? What are the barriers to implementation? Microdosing psilocybin has been life-changing for me this year, and I wish there was easier ways for doctors to prescribe them.

Cass

How does culture effect hallucinations? Is it all context dependent, or does the content of hallucinations follow different patterns in different cultures?

Alie Ward

That'd be so weird if my mean grandma visited everyone who tripped; just like popped in to check it out

Adam T. Berns

FTQA: I have considered psilocybin/mycopsychopharmacology therapy because I've heard it helps with creativity, which I feel I don't have very much of. Is that a viable treatment option, or not so much? Also what, if any, are the legal protections for people undergoing this (or any form of government-sanctioned psychopharmacological therapy) from random drug testing by employers?

Maureen Flood

How long until we reach the point of being able to prescribe these for patients? How do we find local studies for patients to join? I have several who would benefit but no idea where to send my patients to participate in trials?

Chandler Witherington

I was recently in Tarapoto, Peru which is a hot spot for ayahuasca. I did not partake myself but two of the guides I had said they had taken it and both said it was “muy tranquilo” (very chill). Is that a typical reaction??? If so, adding to my list for my next trip there 😏

Alli B

Has ketamine or psilocybin been studied for anxiety - depression - addiction in individuals with ADHD?

Kathleen Carlson

What kinds of risks, like drug interactions or long term concerns, are there to microdosing? Or do we even know?

ConnieConnieBoBonnie

I’ve heard that a lack of regulations around the therapeutic use of hallucinogens has led to some practitioners operating unethically, manipulating their clients, taking advantage or even abusing them. How do you see this field evolving to better protect clients and support ethical use of hallucinogens in therapy? What do you think is the most importantly safe guard that should be put in place?

Vanessa Adams

If someone is on medications for other mental health conditions (ie anxiety, depression), how could that affect one’s reaction to psilocybin?

Jonny Clark

Is there a path for hallucinogenic therapy to be part of mainstream healthcare? Assuming more studies will be approved widespread decriminalization occurs

Juliana

We hear a lot about it helping people with terminal illnesses- do we have any evidence for hallucinogens (in a therapeutic setting) helping with grief or loss?

Jahshj

100% not true

Rachael Lemont

Is it true that stress or other substances can cause you to start tripping again months or years later ?

Jahshj

Nope, learning ID is the only way

Jahshj

What do you think the cause of the “wood lovers paralysis” phenomena is? It seems particularly intense in Psilocybe weraroa and Psilocybe azurescens.

Kelly Dooling

Are there federal laws regulating psilocybin/mycopsychopharmacology? Or is it mostly up to state laws?

KateB

I've seen some research that found micro dosing is not any better than getting out for some exercise. Is that the current understanding? What's the deal? Walks or microdose (or probably both) for the win?

Laura Wood

Is there any scientific evidence showing that hallucinogens cause schizophrenia? Or any correlation? This is a claim I have heard from multiple people who were in their 20s in the ‘70s.

Taylor campbell

What does the Psychopharmacology industry need more of, from someone who wants to work in the field?

ConnieConnieBoBonnie

What is the ideal setting for a safe and beneficial trip? Can recreational trips (like with a friend in the woods) be therapeutic and safe? What kinds of settings are therapeutic trips offered? It’s hard to imagine being in a clinical setting…

Peregrine

Yay, looking forward to the episode! As an autistic person myself: I think I’ve heard that hallucinogens can be beneficial for autistic people struggling to cope with life (I personally haven’t tried them yet). I know there’s evidence that hallucinogens can help ease depression, anxiety, etc., but I’m curious if you know about any specific data regarding hallucinogens and autism 🧐? Thank you, sending love!

Laurel Sindewald

How does one micro dose psilocybin properly to treat depression and anxiety?

Laurel Sindewald

Are certain strains of psilocybin mushrooms better for treating certain disorders?

Maria Jouravleva

In a lot of circles who do psychedelics, there is talk about Ego Death. Is that all imaginary or is it a real thing?

Nina Giacobbe

Oh boy oh boy oh boy I am so pumped for this interview! 1. I've read that the affects (effects? Someone correct me please) of psilocybin are somewhat blunted in people who use SSRI medications. Can you explain why that is? Does this just mean that SSRI users could take a slightly higher dose (say, 1.5 gram) to feel the same as a non- SSRI user who takes 1 gram? 2. (This one is from my husband) What is the biochemical process that makes a second dose of psilocybin almost ineffective? Like, why can't ya trip two days in a row? What's happening in your brain that makes it go "nah we did this already buckaroo, give it a week”? Last name pronounced ”juh-KOH-bee"

Laurel Sindewald

Do you have preferred methods for cultivating mushrooms at home? Psilocybin mushrooms are legal to grow in Colorado, just not to sell.

Maria Jouravleva

Also, does the stoned ape theory have any truth to it?

EDM

I had an uncle who had mushroom-induced psychosis and was changed cognitively forever. What happens chemically to change a brain permanently

mish the fish

can you talk about psilocybin mushrooms as a route for treatment resistant depression? how does it work? how far off is it in the future?

Luke LaFemina

Will it actually make me un sad?

Madison Welke

Is there any research about psilocybin being beneficial for brain disorders or injuries such as long COVID, concussions, etc.?

Eridani Mulder

Follower from day dot, first time question asker: do these types of substances produce physical changes in brain structure? As an autistic person I'm fascinated by how physical differences in the brain structure (such as reduced neural pruning) manifest in how brains function so I'm curious to know if those brain differences produce different effects ('trips') and if they can produce permanent changes in brain morphology, either through micro- or macro-dosing. This one is so exciting DadWard!!

Brie

*first time question asker* if i find what im 99.99% sure is a liberty cap in the wild, can I eat it or will I die

Isabelle Sena

Hi! On June 4th, the FDA voted against MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD due to safety concerns and ethical issues with the study design. Reportedly, there were concerns that therapist pushed patients to report good results and ignored adverse events such as a worsening of symptoms. I’ve also heard concerns about drug-induced psychosis. My question: can you address what studies are actually finding about the risk vs. benefits of mycopsychopharmacology? Are researchers identifying risk factors that might increase the chances of someone having an adverse experience that can help inform their decision on whether to try this kind of therapy? Long question, alie, sorry!

Zach Garry

FTQA: Holy shit. At what point would you think someone with anxiety or depression would benefit from hallucinogenic therapy? Is it seen as a last resort after trying antidepressants or talk therapy? Or is it a case-by-case situation?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

Why do some mushrooms cause a trip but others don’t? What’s the difference? Is there a way to visually identify them? What are the categories of mushrooms? Is it like 1) edible with no trip, 2) edible with trip, 3) poisonous and you will die??

Ess

I’m not a doctor and not giving medical advice but research shows that SSRIs and SNRIs can inhibit the effects of psilocybin for up to 6 months after cessation of those medications. I was off personally off my SNRI for about 4 months when I went to a psilocybin retreat. I tapered off slowly and with support from my medical team, please don’t randomly decide to stop taking your meds!

Ess

Thanks Alie! That episode is what led me to realize that I may have OCD and bring it up with my doctors. I really appreciate it.

Emma Scott

*first time question asker* What does the timeline for insurance companies covering psychedelic treatment look like? Or how likely is this to ever happen? I live in Oregon where it can now be legally practiced, but sadly my insurance does not cover treatment.

James Nance

Star Trek Discovery's mycelial network: completely ridiculous or theoretically possible?

Cate Muenker

Would like to know about microdosing psilocybin while also taking Lithium for bipolar disorder. Is it safe? Is it also safe to do at home or do you need medical assistance?

James Nance

I guess this is more of a mushroom question, not psilocybin...

Saracha

How do you see hallucinogenics psilocybin based becoming more mainstream/legal on recreational levels benefiting society as a whole?

Erin Everton

How were psychedelics used in the days of yore? Were they any different to modern times?

Joni Wildman

Big fungi fan here- please can you discuss the use of psilocybin to help with autism and neurodivergent stuff? I am autistic and recently participated in a trial to test the different psilocybin has on the autistic brain but havent heard much about if it could be used to help with some of the negatives of autism etc (melt downs, obsessive routine etc). Also just want to say your mycology episode with the great Tom Volk inspired me to switch from studying physics at Cambridge to doing a PhD in mycology and I am loving it so so much thank you xxx

Julia

Why does psylliocybin make me feel like I am constantly about to pee myself???

Alex Taylor

I second this one! If it works, will it work forever?

Cait Gomez

*FTQA* what’s actually happening in your brain when the shrooms ~take hold~ like how can I be mentally in an Egyptian pyramid type trip out while my body is just chillin with an eye mask in a spare bedroom with nice music going?

Rube

Is psilocybin therapy helpful for autistic people? ADHD? OCD? How does it compare to ketamine therapy? Why does psychedelic therapy help with death anxiety? Is microdosing safe for your brain?

Jazmine alexandra

I echo every question about depression treatments and if there’s current literature around what is most effective/how might you find a provider that is qualified in guiding you through that therapy? Additionally: is daily microdosing effective against depression? What are the long term side effects?

Madelyn Dunkle

Ok I watched the fantastic fungi doc on Netflix and towards then end they discuss mushrooms in psychiatric treatment. Will mushrooms save the whole world?!?!?

Jadine Lannon

Came here to ask the first question!!

Marco Santoro

I just started using shrooms for helping my depression. I have been figuring some sort of 10 mg once every 2 days. I think I should increase them a bit to boost my mood. So in your experience should this be matched with a "trip" experience to help with it? What do you suggest as routine for helping depression?

Jadine Lannon

What is psychedelic-induced "ego death" and are there any lasting long term effects, whether negative or positive?

Samuel Pate

Can a person take micro doses of psilocybin and daily Ketamine of 50mg at the same time?

Rebecca Morrison

FTQA: How can we support more studies about the use of or legislation and the use of psilocybin for therapy?

Madison Armand

Is there significant evidence to support the idea that microdosing helps PTSD?

Marco Santoro

I also am curious if there have been any studies if it depletes ones serotonin levels and then you might need some time to build them up again? Which happens with some psychedelics and party drugs

Eating dog hair for a living

HOW does this help AD/HD, depression and the like. Can it help someone like my sister who's schizophrenic? What happens during the experience?

Rachel Guthrie

Can using hallucinogens regularly (therapeutic or not) cause physical changes to your brain?

Brennan Hicks

I know a lot of companies, like Mindmedicine, are exploring psilocybin as formal treatment. Just this week, the FDA ruled against MDMA for treatment of PTSD. Do you think this ruling will affect the outcome of similar studies for shrooms? (FTQA)

Storm

What do chemicals like psilocybin actually do to the brain? I know it’s a hallucinogen but how does that work and what’s the best way to consume it?

Kiki’s Delivery Service

I'm so curious if these kinds of trips cross any of the same wires as weird, lucid dreams. Is there any crossover there, neurologically?

Storm

How were the psychoactive properties of mushrooms discovered?

Storm

Is it true that psilocybin can open up the brain and almost cure mental illnesses? If so how does that work!

Caitlin Tyndale

Any time I take shrooms, whether microdosing or for a full trip, I get severe bloating and discomfort. I tried to make a tea instead and it helped a little, but are there any other good strategies? Help from someone who wants to microdose comfortably 😭

Storm

I want to be a mycologist after my studies. How did you get where you are and do you have any recommendations?!

Mr. Weevil

Is there a known connection between how fungi can allow for communication between trees and the affect they have on animals?

Christine Wenzel

There have been several documentaries coming out in recent years focusing on the promising results of therapy using hallucinogens, is there anything that important that the public should know that often gets left out of these hot pieces of media?

Charlotte Parkinson

How effective is micro dosing and what form of micro dosing would you say is the most effective say between, shrooms and lsd

Sol Bermudez

How can us mere mortals (not academic/scholars/doctors) support and help in using psilocybin to heal people who struggle with mental health. I fantasize with opening a private practice for psilocybin therapy ideally with licensed therapists who know about these things. How would one start something like that, would that be possible?

Christian Krupp

What are good strategies for someone on antidepressants to experiment with psilocybin treatment? I had a low dose (about 5mg) but felt absolutely no change bc certain SNRIs and SSRIs can block the effects.

Erin White

Do they always have to grow on cow poop, or is there a way to 'hold the patties'? And if they have to, can you get any cow diseases from this?

Nick worth

As a depressed person looking for solutions, I am fascinated by the potential of shrooms, but I really hate feeling out of control of my body/thoughts and generally have a bad relationship with mind altering substances. Should I stay away?

Felipe Jimenez

Orange juice to rescue from a bad trip, true or false????

Erin Wohlgemuth

How do the effects and potential consequences compare to other drugs?

Greg Walloch

What is their preferred grain spawn and substrate? And favorite methodology, monotub vs bag? Do they really require a period of darkness or is that flim flam? Should you boop them on the snoot? 🙂

Ang

I fascinated by the potential benefits of shrooms for depression and other mental illnesses. I suffer from depression myself. I have a family history of bipolar disorder, and have heard potential harm coming from hallucinogens with bpd history/family history . Would be interested in knowing more, especially as it becomes more talked about/available to try.

Madeline DLC

What does being under the influence of magic mushrooms feel like? What can influence a good or bad trip?

Lau

Do you have to stop taking treatment for depression/anxiety in order to receive treatment with psilocybin? Where can you find a trained Medical doctor or clinical trial to join for depression treatment with psilocybin?

Greg Walloch

Would you consider mushrooms a ceremonial plant medicine like ayahuasca, an entheogen versus a hallucinogen? Can you talk about the difference?

Lehua Johnson

Where is the line drawn between mind-altering (i.e. psilocybin) and mind-enhancing (i.e. lion's mane/cordyceps) mushrooms? Who determines that and how has that line moved in recent years?

Eric Masterton

Are there any medicinal benefits from psilocybin or mushrooms in general to treat uveal metastatic cancer?

Brooklyn Baron

Oooooh I’m excited!! What is the research saying about microdosing? Does it seem to be an effective modality for depression/anxiety/mental health or are we better off doing a big trip every once in a while? And if microdosing is supported by research, what seem to be the most effective methods? I feel like there is a) not a ton of information available, and b) it’s all hella conflicting. I’ve been waiting for this day!! Thanks/Love you DadWard!

Felix

What's the deal with microdosing on psilocybin? Is there any evidence to suggest it has health benefits, or is it a heap of baloney?

Em Sediyo

First time question asker here! So so excited to learn on this topic :) Can you explain the science behind the lasting effects of taking mushrooms? Do we know why we feel good for days after or why certain things stick with us? It seems like such a unique property compared to other substances.

Voxothoth

Do we know more about how these psychedelic compounds affect the gut microbiome? I'm always hyper aware of my rumbling insides when I take these entheogens.

KirjoM

What species of mushrooms help with depression?

Joe Porfido

Not asking for a friend, but the nausea... I will sometimes consume with food and I think it helps. Any other tips?

Chrysalis Ashton

Haha I guess I meant the positive effects to mental health

Brent Cross

Can different substrates affect the potency of mushrooms? Is there a way to grow them similarly to aquaponics, where the mycelium could flourish? If so, and the hyphae could be collected, would it have any medicinal value?

Mason Hart

How long have people been using psylocibin to see gods in the swaying of trees and the faces of rocks?

Josie Chase

What kind of lasting effects does it have on the brain if you just use it casually? Can occasional or just one use have therapeutic effects ?

David

How clear are which benefits for what conditions?

Kass C.

Is there such a thing as "micro shrooms" with higher potency?

Abagael

I’ve heard a lot about the clinical evidence for psilocybin in treating addiction and depression/anxiety. What do we know (and not know!) about psilocybin and brain injuries like concussion? Could it be clinically helpful? Very bad? Neutral? This twice concussed science nerd is curious!

Abby

How do they work??? What determines what kind of trip someone gets (e.g. does anxiety mean you'll have a super paranoid trip)? And does a bad first trip mean you're doomed to never have a good trip?

Dylan V

Should I try it?

Tom Boodry

If someone was interested in using them clinically for treatment, what could be done to ensure a safe experience?

Libby Tomko

Do the stalks vs the caps really have a difference in potency? I have heard the caps are significantly stronger.

Megan Morgan

Do we know how it treats different issues of the brain? How did we figure out the at this treatment can help people? What makes this work for some people but not others? Can you control the “trip” you have? Is it a treatment that will be more broadly used in the future? I.e. marijuana Have tribes of native people (i.e. southAmerica) been studied as to how and why they use these mushrooms? How many types of mushrooms can be used for a “trip”? Will these mushrooms impact the brain permanently? And if so, how? How are doses determined? Can you overdose? Or is it in a different way th an other drugs? Do we know the full effects of mushrooms on the body? Not just the brain Are there different potencies based on how they are grown? Or the species used?

SuchaHotMetz

Where did these magical myahrooms come from? Who ate the first one and went, "Wowsers! I feel funny?" What is your professional opinions about legalization? Are there certain medical or behavioral health conditions that do bot mix well with mushrooms? Do people constantly twll you about "that onw weekend in college when I took mushrooms and...." stories? Do you have one of those yourself?

Kellie McCain

I am curious about the effects on autistics too!

Elie Zwiebel

Flashbacks: Is that a thing, for real? If so, how?

Katie Murray

I’m a nurse and love when folks look in unlikely places for therapeutic treatment of any kind of illness/disability etc. What kind of unique benefits have we seen with psilocybin therapy? How might the amount administered be measured objectively to determine effectiveness? Are there any medications that have potentially harmful interactions with psilocybin?

Katie Murray

And in what form has it been administered to patients? Capsule, inhalation, topical..?

KirkDCO

I have 3 questions: 1) Can psilocybin mushrooms be taken while also taking an SSRI antidepressant? 2) What is the addiction potential for psilocybin? 3) If I microdose with psilocybin while learning something new (and potentially difficult), can my learning and comprehension be improved?

Kellie McCain

Why is it called micro dosing when I am seeing people say 5mg and such? When I hear micro dosing I think someone has been smearing the magic on little tabs and we let them melt on our tongues. Oh wait...

Trevor Ogborn

So many questions: Legality and acquisition--it's decriminalized in some places but what does that actually mean and how does someone find or cultivate the safe ones responsibly? Also, what's up with the mucus. Runny nose, teary eyes, watery mouth, gotta pee? Its like all the faucets come on when the mushrooms "come on." Allegedly 😉. Is there a clear line between feeling "boosted" and full "lift off?" What's the brain doing when it crosses that threshold? I've heard that psylocibin can help build neural pathways / promote brain plasticity. What do we know about that and how could we expect it to impact studying/memory retention, either before, during, or after use?

Annabelle

Do mushrooms trips just open us up to other dimensions? What even is objective reality 🙃

Caro Young

Do we know how psilocybin affects the brain, ie what’s the mechanism of action?

Caro Young

Why could it be potentially beneficial for conditions such as PTSD and Trauma?

Caro Young

Are the effects of psilocybin potentially the same that happens in people with near death experiences?

Trevor Ogborn

Also, thank you for pulling in a new (to me, at least) voice on the subject! I feel like it's always "Stamets this" or "Stamets that," so it'll be great to hear from another expert in this space!

Caro Young

Is microdosing the way forward with these therapies?

Renee Wanger

First time questioner: Is there a "shelf life" - what happens if they "go bad"? Do different methods of ingestion change the way they affect a person (ie. Tea, eating, etc)? what are the different ways to ingest? why does it make things appear as though they are breathing with you? what are (if any) similarities with these and other drugs in the way they interact with the brain?

Waylo

Is it safe to self-administer? And is it safe to do on your own - no one else around? Can it help with mild cases of anxiety / apprehension?

Chelsea Wilck

Why do we cry cathartic happy tears when listening to certain music while on shrooms? Like...it's as if through digging into deeper emotions you're able to connect with songs you've heard a million times on a completely different level, like it's a new song. Do I sound like a hippie? Probably but it's just TRUE

Chelsea Wilck

Do you think we will ever get to a point in society where microdosing becomes as common as smoking weed or even taking antidepressants/anti anxiety meds to cope with mental health?

Carissa Perry

I’ve heard that microdosing can be a great help with alcoholism. Thoughts?

Brooklyn Baron

Also, do psychedelics change brain structure/chemistry in a meaningful way over the long(ish) term? Like, if you microdose regularly or trip periodically are there measurable differences in neurotransmitter levels, structures, etc?

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

Are hallucinations mainly based in the nuts and bolts of your brain getting discombobulated or do your thoughts/memories/feelings impact the experience?

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

Do mushrooms function similarly to SSRIs and other mental health drugs? Or are they a totally different enchilada?

Valerie N

I know of its use in mental health therapies but is there any evidence that these mushrooms can help other brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s? Also, are the shrooms addictive?

Jasmine Tsai

My lovely fiancé wants to know: does psilocybin work in a similar way to hypno therapy in terms of rewiring/changing brain chemistry?

Nathan Wilgeroth

What’s the deal with SSRIs? Do they disrupt shrooms’ hallucinogenic effects in some way? Is it a nocebo? Why is my Zoloft harshing the vibe?

Between Dumplings

I worry about practitioners who are holding themselves out as experts in trip guidance etc. But they may just be some guy who got tired of working at Starbucks. Who is training and certifying the "experts" ? Anyone? Anyone? Haven't read Negin Farsad's story yet. Should I read first then listen?

Pavka34

Are there any efforts to make it legal?

Ry_ofthetiger

If I eat the infected Massospora cicada butts, will I have a fun time?

Ry_ofthetiger

Psilocybin seems like an especially abundant psychedelic (e.g. cicada butts, so many species of mushrooms). Are there other sources of psilocybin in nature that are less well known? And are there other substances like psilocybin that occur this commonly in nature?

Ry_ofthetiger

Is psilocybin unique in its ability to dampen the default mode network in our brains, or are there other substances or behavioral techniques we can employ to achieve the same result?

Ry_ofthetiger

I’ve heard of people taking ultra-heroic doses—40 grams or more of dried mushrooms. Is this physiologically dangerous or is the risk primarily psychological?

Miranda Panda

So excited for this episode! How has legality (lack thereof) affected research, and how much catching up do researchers have now that Oregon and Colorado have legalized their use for therapy?

Kim C

Ditto to all the asks about how it treats PTSD/depression/anxiety/Borderline. But also, does it seem as though it'll end up going the same way as weed in terms of decriminalization, usage, etc? In the last year there've been people trying to open stores in an attempt to skirt the rules, knowing there's a market, and I think a certain amount that's legal to possess, while still being illegal to sell. They are getting shut down currently, but they've been willing to risk opening out in public in the first place (FYI - in Canada).

Pavka34

I read that drugs like psilocybin leave you conscious but strip your sense of self. Is there truth to this?

Pavka34

I’ve also read that you cannot OD on LSD. Once you’ve hit the limit of what your receptors can take the rest basically washes out. Is this true? Is it true for psilocybin as well?

Gina Ahn

How difficult is it to research? Is it allowed, is it so regulated it’s difficult to research, are other countries doing studies?

Jadine Lannon

How does psilocybin compare to LSD?

Jae Steinbacher

Piggy backing off this—For individuals who take SSRIs, is there a safe recommendation on reaching a 'heroic' dose?

Jae Steinbacher

What do you recommend patients focus on during a therapeutic trip? And a friend who is a trauma therapist wants to know: how can psilocybin be used to help heal complex trauma, especially through the lens of IFS?

Organic Free-Range Lily

What's your opinion on legalizing all hallucinogenic mushrooms? (I.e., not just by prescription.)

Una T

What does Psilocybin actually do to the brain and how does this compare to other substances like alcohol, THC, opiates, etc.? What are the risks associated with those effects on the brain?

Dave Miller, PhD

How much of the “trip” is actual mental separation (sorry I’m not saying that well) versus projection of what you *think* the experience will be?

Eva Haisova

Does it help with managing ADHD? How does it impact autistic people? When I was talking ADHD medication my autism got super intense! Does it help with dealing with trauma? Do you know where to safely (under medical supervision) access it in the UK? Thank you!

Jessica Morgan

In this respect, for kids on SSRIs when do alternatives like mushrooms become safe?

Jessica Morgan

Are there studies to support use of mushrooms to treat PTSD? (Can't find the original post of it asks this sorry). Further to that, how does it actually help PTSD? Reset neuropathways?

Sirspence

What are the long term impacts of repeated use? Is there more than one “active” chemical at work? Anywhere else these chemicals are found? What’s the deal with microdosing (and why does it seem like a lot of tech bros are into it)?

Lisa N

What happens to the brain on psilocybin?

Leah Anderson

Some people in recovery understand it to be dependent upon abstinence from all mind changing substances. How do you explain/justify getting high to avoid getting high to people who feel this way? Or maybe that’s not a discussion worth having?

Roi Dimor

What causes the feeling of losing one’s sense of self (ego dissolution) often reported during psilocybin experiences?

Kevin Wildermuth

How do you see the future of treatment in the form of set and setting (clinical “modern” vs the more ceremonial “traditional”)? Who should be facilitating, strictly psychologists or other healthcare professionals as well? (Also, Hi Dad, finally worked up the nerve to ask a question.)

Kai Kishimoto

I have a friend who had terrible cluster migraines unresponsive to all other types of treatment, but microdosing on psilocybin about four times a year drastically reduced the frequency of migraines. How does this work?? And how does such a small amount of psilocybin have such a lasting effect?

AJ Groth

How long do you have to wait after you stop an SSRI before you can feel the effects of psilocybin again?

AJ Groth

How do psilocybin and ketamine interact?

Cassandra J Wattenburger

How dangerous is it to take shrooms while on antidepressant/anti-anxiety meds? Seems like a sad catch-22 that psilocybin can help with depression but can be dangerous when taken with the meds for depression.

April Carter

I used to work in community mental health, and I heard stories from other case managers about patients with schizophrenia who "took a trip and never came back." Can hallucinogen use trigger psychotic episodes or the onset of schizophrenia in people who are predisposed to developing those disorders, or is it just a coincidence?

Matt Ceccato

Do these shrooms have to be grown in the wild and harvested or can they be "farmed," as such?

Daniel Opdahl

Why do these drugs seem to give people a different view on life after taking them?

Kelly King

I'm curious as to what kind of scientific testing is being done at this time? Is testing done on animals, humans, or both? How much testing is necessary in order to "prove" to the government and insurance companies that mushrooms should be legal and covered by insurance for psychiatric purposes?

Hazel

First question is this the fungi that Tom Volk talked about the one that reindeer eat. Secondly are there other types of hallucinogenic fungi?

Devon Naples

I have been microdosing psilocybin for about 4 years with spectacular benefits (anxiety relief, newfound fascination with and appreciation for nature). Recently read about the theoretical heart valve damage associated with the seratonin receptors activated by psilocybin? Know anything about that/should I be worried?

norma Vazquez

Psilocin has shown to affect the neurological pathways since it is chemically similar to serotonin and some studies have shown it can help people with depression, PTSD, and other mental illnesses. If synthesized correctly with possible minor changes to its chemical structure, would there be a possibility for it to replace SSRIs with less complications or side effects? Would the pharmaceutical version of this active drug be more or less effective than the conventional way of taking psilocybin or any psychoactive drug?

Christina Johnson

What is the history behind these drugs?? How far back in human history do these these drugs go?

Christina Johnson

Such a cool topic! What does research say about the long-term effect in using? And what are the last ing impacts on anxiety, depression, etc

Mimz

My husband is so excited about this subject! He wants to know all about its uses for treating depression and how, how does it help? And how did someone realize this and how much research is going on and when can people try it??? When? But when?

Darrah

How is psylicibin synthesised for clinical settings? Or is it somehow extracted? Mushrooms seem to be highly variable by weight in psylicibin content so just wondering how you are sure of the amount of psylicibin being administered.

Han the Bee

What causes a "good trip" versus a "bad trip" and how can people create circumstances where they have positive experience when using psilocybin? My husband had one terrible experience when using it in college but I know it has been wildly successful in many clinical trials.

theWhollyGhost

Dear Dr. Grob, I'm deeply curious about the potential of psychedelic-induced transformative experiences in the treatment of mental health problems like depression, having witnessed this myself with people I love dearly. I've noticed that some advocates of these practices are also proponents of strict laws deciding who gets to produce and utilize these substances, while others believe they should be freely available to the public to use as they wish, be it for recreational, spiritual or other purposes. I'm wondering: what is your personal opinion on the methods by which these powerful drugs should be allotted to the people who want/need them?

Karleigh Dehlsen

How does psilocybin challenge or support traditional philosophical perspectives on the mind-body problem? I'm curious about the integration of modern scientific research and historical uses like for spiritual purposes.

Brooklyn Baron

Asking this one for a friend: We know it’s possible for a large/intense trip to trigger psychosis in people who are susceptible, but is it possible for those effects to be cumulative (such as from a lot of smaller trips)?

Jess Suttner

First time asker, long time listener! I'd love to know about how you classify different depths of trips. I feel like I experienced lowest level as a body high, then undulating visuals, followed by more intense visual stimuli and emotional release and in the deepest end incredible geometric yet somehow natural seeming visuals in which i move through with closed eyes. What are these called?!

Vincent Beck-Jones

I love this topic. Long time user, first time caller. I have 2.5 questions actually, kind of related. When people use psychadelic stubstances, their experiences seem similar, for instance DMT and psylocybin which also seem similar to reports of people's near death experiences. Is this because they effect the same neurotransmitters the same way? Is this effect what gives microdosing it's calming effect? Also have the effects of microdosing been studied enough to identify safe dosages?

Hanna Harem

Is there anyway to help subside nausea when taking mushrooms? I have been wanting to experience the benefits of micro dosing but I can't get past the nausea.

Rabia Sadiq

Is there anyway to suppress memories of someone who passed away that is making you depressed? Would it erase the effects of heartbreak and lighten the soul?

Frances Hurst Brubaker

Is it true that all hallucinogenic mushrooms have a nipple like appearance???

Frances Hurst Brubaker

I hear so much about the psychological benefits of psilocybin, and feel like if I never experience it I will be missing an entire part of my consciousness or life experience but also fear the potential for negative effects like psychosis, are there any other things that provide similar therapeutic benefits?

Frances Hurst Brubaker

Do animals react to psilocybin? Insects? How did we start using them?

Frances Hurst Brubaker

What is happening when you experience an out of body like experience or a feeling like you don't have a personal sense of self and are just a floating conciousness? Idk what the word is for that but like depersonalization??? Maybe?

Melanie Zahn

First time question-asker, here! I'm curious what your thoughts are about the 'Stoned Ape Hypothesis'. Is there any legitimacy to the hypothesis, or is it all bonk?

Ty Sundquist

How much is the ego death a revelation of truth about one's core self, vs (quite the opposite) an altered state that has little bearing on who you are?

Sonjabird

How do I figure out the right micro- dosing and how long does it usually take to see results? I have experimented with it a little bit but didn’t feel any difference. Was my dose too small? Did I not do it for long enough? Was my source not accurate in its dosing?

CurtisDawg

Psychedelics have been used throughout history in the evolution of cultures and religions worldwide. This seems to be practiced by spiritual leaders to evoke mystical, visionary journey experiences that oftentimes connect with spirits and spiritual energies. Is there any evidence of hallucinogenic therapy patience discovering connections to a spirit realm and bringing back divine messages for the betterment of humanity?

CurtisDawg

BTW - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the show!

Jasmine Liu

What's the deal with those shroom but not shroom gummies you can buy now? I have bought some before and definitely felt pleasant and optimistic but nothing too wild which I am fine with. I just want to know how they get sold in places that haven't legalized shrooms and if they actually are that. Are they like the CBD products of shrooms? Is regularly micro-dosing bad for you? Actually, is any level of consumption "bad" for you? As in my brain will stop creating some chemical or something? Are there any medications that you DEFINITELY shouldn't take with shrooms? How about Lamictal/Lamotrigine (mood stabilizers) and Vyvanse (ADHD med)?

Jasmine Liu

Also is it true that once you have the "big trip" that like blows your mind and goes maybe a little or a lot too far that you can't get there again? Also also does the ologist believe that you are seeing the "Real" world or other dimensions or something like that when you are tripping? Why or why not?

Jasmine Liu

Also also also do shrooms unlock repressed memories? If the memory is fake, is it possible for you still remember it when you are not tripping anymore? Basically I remembered something bad and thought for a bit that I was still there and never actually grew up and escaped my childhood. People have tried to tell me that the memory isn't real and that it was part of a hallucination but I have never carried anything else like that with me after.

Steven Hansen

Hero dosing? Are there any risks? Should we all eat a gigantic bag of mushrooms at some point in our lives?

Steven Hansen

I have heard great and scary things about iowaska. On the great list, it has helped people overcome addiction and other problems in their lives. On the scary list is that it makes you face your demons. I have heard from religious people that taking hallucinogens opens our soles to demonic activity and makes it easier for possession. Two-part question: I have a family member who could use help with addiction would you recommend iowaska and how would one find out more about getting treatment? What are your thoughts on iowaska demons real/fake to what extent have they been studied? THANKS!

GhoulNextDoor

Question from my mom and mushroom fan, Virginia: I'm interested in how magic mushrooms improve neuroplaticity and what implications that could have for prevention & treatment of Alzheimers disease.

GhoulNextDoor

Also question from my mom: how easily can you grow magic mushrooms at home? With an interjection from me, concerned daughter, is that safe and advised?

Suzen Baxter

Is anyone researching possible interactions with pharmaceutical depression and/or anxiety meds? Is there any current advice on this? Understanding that this would not be medical advice and everyone should consult their own medical team.

jangonator

Are they naturally occurring and are there any instances of animals accidentally (or willingly??)… self-medicating?

The One and Only Artie Schmutze

First Time Question Asker! Is it true that vitamin C potentiates psilocybin's hallucinogenic effects, specifically visuals? Are there other drugs or compounds that have reactions or interactions with psilocybin? Can mushroom therapy be done in conjunction with other therapies like those being developed with MDMA or more recently ketamine? What happens if you mix mushrooms with amphetamines like Adderall? Are there any combinations that are particularly dangerous and you SHOULD NOT do?

Mariko

I saw a documentary in which terminally ill patients were given guided mushroom treament to help them accept impending death. I'm super intrigued for when I reach that stage of life, but also scared -- what do the guides do if someone has a bad trip? Do some patients end up feeling worse than before the experience?

Maria Whamond

Is it possible to get stuck in a trip forever? Have heard about horror stories but never know whether to believe they are true

Maria Whamond

What do you think is the most exciting potential that magic mushrooms have in medical context/general possibilities for the world!

Maria Whamond

Do you believe that apes took magic mushrooms and this caused them to develop different neural systemsv

Bethany B

Are there any real pros or cons to the different ways you can take shrooms? Like making a tea vs just downing them straight. Is there a food or drink that aids or hinders in the digestion? Can eating certain foods/drinks during or prior effect the way the experience goes? I feel like the “wives tale” I’ve always been told says it’s the mindset you go in with but that’s never made much sense to me. If you are taking the drug to help with traumatic experiences wouldn’t that just lead into more bad experiences….I could go on and on with questions. Great topic Alie!!

Josie Rutherford

I have soooooo many questions. How are magic mushrooms grown? Where do they grow? I've heard that they pretty much grow everywhere but I have also heard that they have to grow in horse or cow poop. Is this true? Can any mushroom be "magic" or are there certain types of mushrooms that can become "magic" when the right conditions are met or do they naturally grow with the psychoactive chemical in it (no horse or cow poop needed)? How were magic mushrooms discovered? My understanding is that Maria Sabina sort of reintroduced magic mushrooms to Europeans/Americans after they were long lost because the Christians outlawed it years and years ago because indigenous communities called it the food from God which is too close to the eucharist. How widely was it used before Christians "outlawed" it? Where magic mushrooms used elsewhere in the world and have another origin story? How do you feel about guided "trips" for regular folk? I know Dr. Grob does research with terminal cancer patients but could this be beneficial for the general public? How does one's perception of magic mushrooms and "tripping" affect their trip? Like if you are super nervous and super anxious about it going into it, does that make it less enjoyable? Are there things that you can do to prepare yourself and become calmer about it to make it more enjoyable? Do high expectations of a life-altering experience make a difference? Like if one is expecting to have their whole consciousness opened up and their view on life change, could it lead to being disappointed with the feeling afterwards? How does psilocybin affect disorders such as OCD? I heard about a story of a man who had debilitating OCD and he took psilocybin under a research trial and since then he has not experienced any symptoms. Is this typical or atypical? Does psilocybin have the ability to do this for other disorders like depression, anxiety, and other things? Do grounding objects work? I've heard of people who have a bad time and they will have a grounding object like a special bracelet or stone or something and it will center them and calm them down. Is this necessary? Can you become anxious from psilocybin? What kind of negative effects are seen? Like can you open up a repressed memory and it doesn't get "solved" and it makes life worse after a trip than it was before then? Can micro-dosing have the same profound effect that many people experience of their life opening up and their consciousness expanded? What does it mean to have your consciousness expanded? I've heard they taste really really bad. Is that true? Is there a way to make them taste good? Do you have to take them when they are dried? When conducting medical trials, do you use like a straight up mushroom or is it ground up into some kind of powder and put into a pill? How do you guarantee the dose of that pill? Is there some sort of ratio of dosage of psychoactive chemical to grams of mushroom or does the concentration vary? How much does the setting of a "trip" affect it?

Lizzy Booth

Omg finally remembered to ask a question before the episode aired so this is my first time! I wanna know about if they affect people with adhd or other disorders differently than neurotypical people. Ik there are certain mushrooms that aren't psychedelic that are used to treat adhd.

Linlin Huang

Why do some people have a “spiritual” trip while others don’t?

Linlin Huang

Are scientists able to replicate the effects of psilocybin with synthetic neurotrophics?

Ashley Adair

Is psilocybin detrimental to cardiac health?

Andrea Marie Squirrel Tree Roggero

I want to try to go on a mushroom trip one day but I have really bad sensory issues and I worry it would be a negative experience. Is there any research on/do you know anything about how shroom trips affect people with sensory processing issues?

Olivia Lester

So many questions on psilocybin, idk where to begin...- How has psilocybin come along in treating eating disorders (ED)? All kinds? Is it safe for underweight people? How is it used to treat ED’s exactly? - Is it safe to microdose alone? How much is a guide or trip sitter? How does one get experience being a trip sitter (what should they do)? - How can you set out for a good/meaningful trip? Should you definitely be in a good mood to do it? - Is it safe and/or ok/sage to do amongst the public people for a meaningful trip? Or can others significantly impact your experience? Should you eliminate being around all “triggers” or negative associations? - Beginners guide? Edibles vs. raw doggin’ a shroom…mixing shrooms w/ weed? - Different strains? - Has it been laced with anything else? With what? - How long does a microdose vs. a megadose last? - Is it better to take earlier or later in the day? Empty or full stomach?

Mouse Paxton

Oh heck yeah I am so excited for this episode!! Do you think they will legalize shrooms? How common is it for people to have lasting visual effects after a trip? Popcorn ceilings still 'move' if I stare at them long enough and it's been a year. Is it safe to do shrooms outside?

Flozzatron

Gahhh so many questions! So... Question 1: Before I ever first took psilocybin and knew what it was I was at a party and saw a group of friends come into the room who were all tripping together and they were shooting invisible arrows at invisible leprechauns in the ceiling... I was like 1. what is happening? 2. I want whatever they took! Then later I remember having a similar joint trip with my friend where we both saw the same thing that wasn't actually there! My question is how do joint trips work? Is it the power of suggestion? If one person sees something can they then convince the other person of it being there? Or are there actually leprechauns in the ceiling in some alternate parallel universe? Question 2: I remember some of my first trips things would become realllllly lonnnngg, like it took me what felt like 2 years to put a jumper on I kept climbing through it to eventually find the sleeve holes, and a mug of tea elongated to look like some sort of Alice in wonderland mad hatters tea cup which stretched on forever... why do things become so long? Question 3: if you have a mind prone to pyschosis is there a way of working with psilocybin which would be safe or is it a no go? Question 4: why do some people always have bad trips while others breeze through tripping always having a great time? Are anxious people more likely to have bad trips? Last question: if everyone on earth started microdosing psilocybin do you think that the big problems like war etc would go away? Thank you!!!!! 😊 🍄🍭🐸

Andrea Marie Squirrel Tree Roggero

Try grinding them and put them in pill form. Dosing is a little more accurate. I’d suggest slowly increasing your dosage and see how it affects you the higher you go. I’m not an expert I’m a little scared of them but I’ve tried microdosing that way

Sonjabird

Thanks for your advice, Andrea!

Wemily

Are there any countries/areas where psilocybin is legal and what effect do you think that has had on the way medicine is practiced there? Excited for this episode!

Spencer Parks

What are some situations or types of people that "should" (or you suggest might be beneficial to) try mushrooms and vice versa, who do you suggest should NOT try them? What is actually doing inside your body? I've had one experience which was a bit rough but also very spiritually beneficial and I'd like to do it again. I've tried a few other times but nothing really happened.

Julie Noble

Second, third, and fourthing this one!

Julie Noble

30 years ago, you’d hear of people eating a whole bag of mushrooms in a dark room with black light posters, but now microdosing has entered the mainstream stream vocabulary. How did that shift happen?

Julie Noble

How do adaptogenic mushrooms—like Lion’s Mane and Reshi—and hallucinogenic mushrooms differ?

Julie Noble

I’m curious if they get irritated when people automatically assume all mushrooms are of the “magic” variety? I feel like the mushroom marketing team needs a slogan: “Mushrooms, they’re not just for tripping.” ✌️

Julie Noble

Psilocybin has shown helpful with dementia treatment—is there any research showing that starting a regime of psilocybin BEFORE dementia/Alzheimers starts can stave off the onset of dementia?

Julie Noble

How much did the Netflix docuseries, How to Change Your Mind, and Michael Pollan’s book of the same title help in making psychedelics more mainstream? Follow up—are both of those good/accurate sources of information?

Steven Kidd

How does psilocybin change neural pathways in the brain?

Anna Mo

Ftqa! Are shroom chocolates different from actual shrooms? If so, in what way?

Earl of Greymalkin

1) What are the signaling pathways involved? 2) Are there permanent or semi-permanent effects on any kind of brain function? 3) What are the legal constraints and regulations for doing research with hallucinogenics and are they reasonable or overkill and should be changed? 4) What types of memory/past experiences are people using to generate hallucinations? 5) How do you induce a "good" versus "bad" trip? How much is the trip controllable? How much impact does someone guiding you have on the experience? 6) Are the mushrooms over harvested? How hard is it to forage for the correct shrooms and not poison yourself? How hard is it to poison yourself with the correct shrooms? 7) Are there fancy ways to eat the shrooms? Does the psychoactive compound survive cooking? Anyone making mushroom brownies? 8) How much does intent matter when using psilocybin for therapeutic purposes? Do people accidentally have life-changing therapeutic experiences at a significant rate, or does going into it with the intent to change the way you think increase the chances? What does the 'success' rate for this look like? 9) Does this only work on humans or are there other animals out there having wild times (accidentally or deliberately)?

Jackie G

Does adaptogenic actually mean anything? Or is it just a wellness marketing buzzword.

Courtney Hudson

Is psilocybin unique to the "mushroom?" Or can it also be produced by mildew, mold, slime mold, etc?

Jani Rounds

Does psilocybin work for not severe depression? I’ve heard that psilocybin can be a treatment for depression that is severe and doesn’t respond to other treatments but does it work for less severe depression? What are the potential side effects (other than tripping)?

Alice In NewZealand

First time question asker here! This may have been asked by others but I'm wondering if there are any proven or potential medical applications of psilocybin apart from mental health related disorders?

Creme de la cremily

Are there any ways to stop the psychedelic effects of mushrooms once they’ve kicked in?

Kara

Do you have any insight on how high is the risk of developing or worsening tinnitus from recreational usage? Are all psychedelics fairly similar in how they operate on the brain/chemistry or is psilocybin unique?

Clembo Swaggins

When did fungi evolve to have psilocybin?

Heather Heater

I'd love to hear about psilocybin and using SSRIs. What to think about before using psilocybin if you are on SSRIs, potential impacts of SSRIs on the effect of psilocybin, and different thread -- cultural appropriation of psychedelics, ceremony, and spiritual use of plant medicines like psilocybin.

Ben and Ford

Hey, Alie!! FTQAs here: What make some types of mushrooms more "visual" than others? Why do some trips feel incredibly spiritual, while others don't? Why do some people tend to have worse experiences/"bad trips", is this purely mindset or is there something different about their brain?

Keely Chavez

Is the reason 'shrooms upset so many tummies because they work on the muscarinic receptors (such as involved in peristalsis)? My wife Georgi (also an ologite) wonders if it is safe/effective for post-partum depression.

Cheyenne Montgomery

I take a SNRI (venlafaxine) and wanted to try microdosing, but it was almost like I was immune to mushrooms. Other people were tripping, but I felt completely normal, even when I took what would have been more of a regular sized dose. Why would that be? Psychedelics affected me just like they effected everyone else when I was in college and not taking any medications. What do we know about how SNRI and SRI drugs interact with psychedelics?

Cheyenne Montgomery

The FDA advisory committee just released its opposition to approval of MDMA as a treatment for PTSD. One of the reasons they cited the design of clinical studies testing the efficacy. Everyone in the study could tell whether or not they received MDMA or a placebo. This must be an issue that comes up in studies of other drugs and/or therapies. How do you rigorously study something that is definitely not going to be mistaken for a placebo? More generally, what should we make of advisory committee's advice?

Katie Bauer

For the uninitiated, what are the differences between the experience of using magic mushrooms compared to say, MDMA or other things like that!

Katie Bauer

What are the risks? I feel like I have heard terrible stories about people coming to harm during mushroom trips (for a wide variety of reasons), but what’s the science say about safety?

Domino Cohn

Yes! This please!! Are there any applications for psilocybin as a prophylaxis?

Domino Cohn

Are there any known interactions between psilocybin and mainstream neuro pharmaceuticals?

Sam Gilbert

Is hallucinogenic therapy beneficial for all people or only those working through trauma/despression/anxiety? Also, I’ve been seeing ads on instagram for mushroom chocolates & other mushroom things claiming to enhance libido or have psychedelic effects. Are these claims true?

Elliot Peterson Lester

Does taking them damage your brain in anyway, especially if the brains not fully developed yet? or is it flim flam?

Julia Hutton

Mycology is my "if I went back to school" dream! I think medicinal use of psychoactive mushrooms is fascinating. I also think mushrooms and their role in ecosystems is fascinating, and wonder if they're related subjects? What areas need to be studied to further our understanding of psychedelic mushrooms and their ecological role?

Lauren M

FTQA! Is there any research on if/how the effects differ in neurodivergent people, particularly autistics? What strains are recommended for people curious about the benefits of microdosing but without hallucinogenic effects? Lastly, what is the science behind the number-day protocols?

Ava Keerak

Chronic migraines are often treated with antidepressants. Is there any research on the effects that psilocybin might have on migraines?

Lisa Gorman

Is farming psychedelic mushrooms a thing, or are they always harvested from the environment? If the latter, is there a "mushroom capital of the world" or somewhere they like to grow best? And is it a problem for them to be harvested?

Tia V

Hi Pod Dad! Long time listener, first time question asker here. I’d like to know how researchers are working with the long standing cultural/religious contexts that native people have been using these mushrooms ceremonially? And will the gentrification of these mushrooms lead to a lack of access for native people like we’ve seen happen with other crops (ie quinoa)?

Ashlee Dent

Just gotta say- mushrooms changed my life…for the better! I used to have severe panic attacks sometimes multiple times a week. Then I started exploring with mushrooms, starting out with small amounts with trusted friends in nature and eventually well… more than that. But now, 15 years later, my panic attacks are almost nonexistent. And when anxiety is ruling my day to day I know it’s time for a trip to the woods. 😎🍄

bizanthymum

FTQA: how would one go about the work of finding a reputable mycopsychopharmacologist if one were interested in having a guided trip to address their mental health concerns? How should one vet said therapist to make sure they’re legit / a good fit for such a vulnerable experience? I recall, Alie, that you mentioned some sort of protocol you followed before / during your guided hallucinogenic therapy: what is this protocol / what is its significance in the field / how and why was it developed?

Hudson Wachowicz

FTQA here!! First of all, I absolutely love your podcast and it’s brought me a lot of joy during long drives and shifts! Anyways, I was wondering what is the closest experience one could have to a psychedelic trip without taking a psychedelic substance. Additional questions: Have there been any religions inspired by a psilocybin trip. Are there any correlations between near death experiences and psychedelic tips.

bizanthymum

FTQA: How does mushroom therapy differ from ayahuasca therapy differ from mdma therapy? Considering that they have each been shown to promote neuroplasticity, are they effectively different in their treatments + outcomes? Do some hallucinogens have more efficacious long-term outcomes than others? Do scientists exploring these therapies find that different hallucinogens are better suited to treating specific issues? For instance, my understanding is that mdma might be particularly well suited for couples therapy, while mushrooms and ayahuasca might be better treatments for fears / anxiety. So might someone who is seeking therapy via hallucinogens opt for one type over another, based on their own body & mental chemistry / what they are seeking to treat?

sasstrocyte

FTQA! Is there research comparing and contrasting daily micro-dosing vs. one time BIG dose treatments? I know a lot of people who have taken one path or the other; each swears by their method and is convinced everyone should do it. I would love to hear the positives and negatives of each. Thank you Allie! I'm especially looking forward to your commentary, what with your personal treatment experience. I'm sure it will hit hard, sassy, and silly as always.

bizanthymum

They are very easily and readily cultivated, although finding them ‘in the wild’ is always fun. If you’re in the right climate / right time of year, and you know what you’re looking for, they’re relatively easy to find. Although (as with all foraging) you have to be rigorous about / confident of your ID. If not, support your local mushroom grower.

bizanthymum

Favorite method I’ve used to remember “affect” vs “effect”: affect = fuck around effect = find out . . . so you were looking for “effects” in your first sentence 😉

it’s just sarah

I’ve found/read that SSRIs can counteract the effects of mushrooms. Does this mean depressed people can’t trip? Help me out

Nina Giacobbe

You're a gem! This is super helpful. 😊

Abby Sellers

Been reading SharonSaysSo (Sharon McMahon) deep dive on the MK-Ultra project! And the theories even then that LSD had medicinal benefits for mental health. They just took it…. Too far. And illegal. And unethical. BUT…. Interesting in theory for mental health especially disorders that involve delusions. So I’m excited to hear this episode!

Magsaroni

There are now 'legal' mushroom substitutes for sale, I get the ads on my facebook all the time. What's the deal with them, any good? Poison?

Annabelle

Role of mushrooms in ancient civilization? How long have humans been eating them to trip?

Madison Woofter

If you cook a "magic" mushroom does it reduce the potency? Like cooking with alcohol

Nicole Pernat

Dear Dr. Grob, Dr. Tyson, & Lord Nice, I have 2 questions regarding a recurring type of bad trip--what might cause it, and if there's any hope for ever having a therapeutic trip after such experiences. I know someone who, from their 3rd trip onward, anytime they took mushrooms or LSD in hopes of therapeutic effects, they had this terrifying experience of their cognitions and perceptions being "fragmented," as they describe it. They couldn't identify a particular rhythmic noise as a helicopter. They seemed to lose most concepts, such as being female vs. male, the existence of parents, who they were... They've experience ego death before with things like salvia divinorum, but it had always been positive. This was something completely different, a psychological hellscape. It left them with mild PTSD. Do we know what might cause these sorts of experiences, maybe something biological or psychological beyond "set" and "setting"? (As far as they know, there's no schizophrenia in their family.) Does the current literature offer any hope for a future therapeutic trip? Thank you!

Fedge

HEAVY QUESTION ALERT: A literal friend of a friend recently gave birth and had a very difficult and traumatic delivery. She is currently breastfeeding and is interested in exploring psilocybin to help deal with the trauma. Is there any research on tranmission through breast milk?

TheAmazingMissJ

***FIRST TIME QUESTION EVER!!****How has the science of psylocybin and micro dosing impacted the world of mental health treatments?

TheAmazingMissJ

I TOTALLY have heard this too!! I have had an interaction with Mushrooms and SSRIs and they don't exactly cancel each other out. It was more that my brain finally stop yelling at itself, but no psychedelic colors or anything. Is this normal????

Emma Taylor

FTQA: what is the history of hallucinogenic therapy in ancient civilisation? Where did it originate from, spread to, and what were its uses?

Laura Fitzgerald

The idea of taking something hallucinogenic simultaneously terrifies me and fascinates me, which I’m sure is common. How true is it that if you go into it anxious and scared, you’re more likely to have a bad trip?

Anna Skellenger

Fellow psychonaut here! Besides the introspection and visuals, my FAVORITE part is the side splitting giggles and tearful eyed laughter that the come up gives me. What about tripping makes us laugh so hard?

Fiona Dolphin

I’ve heard that hallucinogenics have been used to help people overcome addiction (in a controlled setting with a therapist). Can you talk about how that works and how effective that is?

Alia Myers

I REALLY HOPE im not too late on this one!!

Alia Myers

Can hallucinogenics make people fall in love? My boyfriend and I did shrooms together when we'd been seeing eachother casually for awhile (very much not yet official) and have since admitted that we both realized while on the drugs that we were in love. We often wonder if the shrooms caused those feelings, or just made us realize they were already there.

Alia Myers

What causes a bad trip? Why do some people seem to only have bad tripping experiences?

Alia Myers

I've talked to many friends and we all have similar experiences of what we call "the shadow realm" - behind all the colourful, fun visuals, there seems to be a second layer of darker visuals that we can kind of push away, but if you focus on them it seems to lead to a bad trip. Is this a known phenomenon? Why have we all experienced the same thing?

Alia Myers

Are there common experiences across most people who use hallucinogenics? Ie: common visuals, sounds, etc that many people hallucinate?

Alia Myers

How foes micro dosing work? I know it makes me feel loosey goosey but WHY?

Linden

Are there any specific qualifications you should look for in a doctor if they try to proscribe it?

gilliansmith

Is it just false hope? Since it is a figment of your imagination, does it really make you feel better about a situation/experience knowing its not real?

Anna Wolf

When growing Psilocybin mushrooms, what’s the best substrate? Is it general or specific to each type of mushroom? How does one make a spore print?

Alia Myers

One time i had sex on shrooms and felt like i was cumming the entire time - what's up with that? PS please don't say my name

Anna Wolf

pronounced Anna like Fauna :)

Ben Whyte

Is there a point when you can do too much and have your brain stop being in touch with reality? Wait what is reality? Damn 👀 (question inspired by Terence Mckenna books and trying desperately to follow his tangents that are out of this world)

Tyler Bates

When I tried growing them, there was a weird greenish color to it. We threw it out in case but is that normal/safe or was it contaminated?

Val Vanderlip

I received ketamine therapy for suicidal depression that worked very well. I now feel an ongoing gratitude for being alive, even though noting has changed in our broken world. But I would have preferred a natural substance like psylocibin. I’m not sure if your guest can speak to this but how do the two compare? The side effects of ketamine for depression are not fully explored yet and I have had a decrease in cognitive function. Can psilocybin have that effect?

BettyOnDrugs

I finally became a patron but I'm guessing I was a little too late -- I assume you've already taped this, the #2 episode on my top ologies list, and with an excellent ologist to boot. If not, hi Charlie! I'm curious if you have any thoughts on the merits of the double blind as a measure for RCTs, especially given that 40-70% of people are functionally unblinded in SSRI studies.

Bee

What is the efficacy of macrodosing versus micro dosing? Is there a different payoff between an occasional macro dose and consistent micro dosing?

Miranda Panda

Probably already recorded, but why do folks who've experienced magic mushrooms have such an altered, positive outlook on life after? When when I had a really bad trip, I still left the experience feeling so grateful, specifically in this case, grateful to not feel that way all the time, which helped spearhead my recovery from depression.

Timmi Yu

FTQA: Wondering what benefits they have on ADHD?

Sheepan

My anti anxiety medication is literally a psilocybin inhibitor, but when I have taken psilocybin (while off my meds for a few days of course, side note: always check your drug interactions kids) it has given me serious long term improvements on my anxiety, among other things. Literally what is up with that?

Anna Wolf

Also! First time question Asker! (sorry I just remembered this with a start)

Zayne G

Are brain loops considered “a thing” in this field? I had a trip experience with a friend on LSD who had a bad trip, and ended up in a loop of asking us “what time is it?” followed by “am I being weird?”. This lasted for about an hour and the rest of his trip was ruined. What causes this and what is going inside the brain?