What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a psychedelic substance coming from many species of fungi also called magic mushrooms. It is produced by more than 200 mushroom species.  

We now know that psilocybe mushrooms have been used since ancient times by many people, prehistoric paintings discovered in Algeria and Spain suggest the use of psilocybin even in those ancient times, in recent times we know from Spanish documents dating from the 16th century that psilocybin was used by the Mesoamerican people for a very long time. 

What are the other names for psilocybin? 

Other than magic mushrooms, psilocybin is also called psychedelic mushrooms, mushroom,  shrooms, golden halos, cubes, or gold caps. They are all interchangeable (even if they aren’t perfect synonyms) that refer to psilocybin.  

What is psilocybe cubensis? 

Cubensis is a term that means “coming from Cuba”. In short, psilocybe cubensis is a species of psychedelic mushroom that has two different psychoactive substances: psilocybin and psilocin. 

This species belongs to the family of Hymenogastraceae also known as Stropharia cubensis. It is the best-known and most widespread of the psilocybe mushroom families. 

What is the difference between psilocybin and psilocin? 

Psilocybin and psilocin are both contained in psilocybe mushrooms. Psilocybin as such is not active in humans but must be transformed into psilocin to produce the effects we know. 

In short, once ingested orally psilocybin is digested by the enzymes contained in our stomach and in our digestive system to be transformed into psilocin. The reason why most of the research done on the effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms is done with psilocybin and not psilocin is that psilocin is very unstable and difficult to recreate in a synthetic version.

What are the benefits of psilocybin on the brain? 

In the last 10 years, there has been a huge amount of research on the effects of psilocybin on the brain both at low doses (nano, microdose) and at high doses. At the brain level, the facts noted in these studies and research have very well demonstrated that there is a large-scale improvement in the neuronal connections and thus allows for an improved synchronization between different areas of our brain which allows for better performance at several levels whether intellectual, concentration, and creativity. 

Hundreds of research studies on psilocybin have shown that it has an extremely positive impact on the management of anxiety, stress, trauma, and fear of death. It has also been proven that the use of psilocybin mushrooms is a tool with enormous potential for helping people withdraw from many physically and psychologically addictive substances. 

The potential effects of psilocybin 

In conclusion, as with any substance we have access to as human beings, the use and purpose of our consumption will always determine the outcome. 

What is extremely interesting about psilocybin is the incredible potential of this substance whose full benefits and positive interaction we do not know yet.

There are so many positive testimonies over the years that it is very difficult to ignore the potential of psilocybin. If you are tempted to use psilocybin to see for yourself the benefits, we encourage you to do so responsibly and to refer to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.