The Power of Mushrooms: A Look Into a Psychedelic Future

Abby Tokar
Jun 20
3 min read

Written by: Abby

Edited by: Tiffany

One of the most stigmatized, yet fascinating drugs, are psychedelic

mushrooms. Found on every continent, these mushrooms are mainly used

recreationally to experience a wide array of effects, including changes in time,

space, hallucinations, and most importantly of all, a rewiring of one’s sense of self.There are observable changes to the brain when consuming mushrooms, and the effects can persist long after the acute symptoms wear off.

To start, psychedelic mushrooms contain a compound known as psilocybin.This compound is responsible for the majority of psychedelic effects that result from consuming this fungi. They are referred to as “magic mushrooms”-- or simply -- “shrooms”. Beneath the surface of visual alterations, auditory hallucinations, and all the other short-term effects of taking this fungi, the brain is being affected in ways that even scientists haven’t fully understood yet. Shrooms desynchronize the DMN, or the default mode network. The DMN consists of the medial prefrontal cortex, , the posterior cingulate cortex, the precuneus and the angular gyrus, all essential to one’s consciousness. This area of the brain is associated with introspective functions, thinking, self-critique, and most significantly, our sense of self. The DMN actually only emerges around the age of 5, marking the beginning of the development of one’s sense of self as an individual. Psilocybin, or psilocin (when metabolized) induces the most crucial changes in the default mode network, as opposed to other areas of the brain. In a study led in Washington University, a control was measured against psilocybin, and it was found that it produced changes 3x greater than methylphenidate, a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD.

Now, what are those changes? Let’s get into it.

Psilocybin decreases activity in the DMN. Remember how we said before

that the DMN makes up your sense of self? Well, psychedelic mushrooms are able to rewire that, by decreasing activity in that area of the brain. This results in a disruption of usual brain patterns, allowing for new, remarkable connections to form. This can lead to profound realizations about one’s life, novel insights, and humbling ideas. However, it’s worth noting that the effects of magic mushrooms may vary from person to person, and although some may have a great experience, others may find the opportunity unsettling, or even negative overall.

It has been shown through a multitude of studies that microdosing on

psychedelic mushrooms can possibly alleviate illnesses such as depression,

anxiety, addiction, and PTSD. It has been found to increase neuroplasticity and

psychological flexibility, through how it disrupts the Default Mode Network.

According to Joshua Siegel from Washington University, “The idea is that you’re taking this system that’s fundamental to the brain’s ability to think about the self in relation to the world, and you’re totally desynchronizing it temporarily.” This fungi’s ability to disrupt entrenched thought patterns and enhance neuroplasticity may be the key for how it operates to treat certain mental health conditions.

One of the most promising effects of psilocybin is its potential to positively

impact our psyche and overall mental well-being. Despite its therapeutic potential, psilocybin is currently federally illegal in all 50 states, and is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This doesn’t mean, however, that possession is entirely prohibited. There are many facilities that specialize in psilocybin-assisted treatment, and federally-approved research studies on the effects of mind-altering mushrooms are ongoing.

Psilocybin-assisted therapy exists, and is currently used to treat a variety of

mental health conditions. It’s important to note that proper guidance during the use of mind-altering mushrooms is a must, because the most promising results from psychedelic research have stemmed from studies involving professional assistance.

Given the significant effects psilocybin has on the brain, one should use caution when trying this substance. While research on mushrooms is still ongoing, the results so far are definitely promising.

References:

Doctrow, Brian. “How Psychedelic Drugs Alter the Brain.” National Institutes of Health

(NIH), 13 Aug. 2024,

www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-psychedelic-drugs-alter-brain.

Gattuso, James J, et al. “Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A

Systematic Review.” International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, vol. 26,

no. 3, 22 Oct. 2022, pp. 155–188, https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyac074.

Kuceyeski, Dr. Amy. “Psychedelic Drugs Flatten the Brain’s Dynamic Landscape.” WCM

Newsroom, Weill Cornell Medicine, 2022,

news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2022/10/psychedelic-drugs-flatten-the-brain%E2%80

%99s-dynamic-landscape.

NeuroLaunch Editorial Team. “Brain on Psilocybin: Exploring the Neuroscience of