How safe are psilocybin mushrooms?
An analysis of a large international drug survey suggests that psilocybin is a relatively safe drug, with only 0.2% of psilocybin mushrooms users having sought emergency medical care after use. The findings, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, further suggest that such adverse incidents are most often psychological in nature and resolved within 24 hours. There is no lethal or toxic dose associated with the use of psilocybin mushrooms.
Is it safe for me to use psilocybin mushrooms if I am taking prescribed medications?
There are no known interactions or side effects between psilocybin and most prescription medications. Most importantly, psilocybin does not interact with any medications used in the treatment of cancer or any related conditions.
However, there are well documented interactions between psilocybin and certain psychiatric drugs. (NIH study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9177763/).
We always recommend speaking with your physician regarding any prescription medications you are currently taking prior to taking psilocybin.
Should I consult my physician before taking psilocybin?
Client safety is paramount. It is always important to make the best, most informed decision regarding your health. Transparency with your medical provider is always recommended.
What are the risks of taking psilocybin if I am already working with a mental health provider?
Participating in a psilocybin ceremony can only help to provide personal insight, clarity and understanding to the work you are doing with a mental health provider. Psilocybin enhances relationships and capacity for expressions of love, intimacy, and forgiveness. It cultivates life meaning. It also helps to clarify a person’s values while finding meaning and purpose in their life. Psilocybin has been shown to be extremely helpful in resolving depression and hopelessness.
Again client safety is always paramount. It is always important to make the best, most informed decision regarding your health. Transparency with your mental health provider is always recommended.
Are there any medical protocols or procedures in place when working with clients?
In the five years facilitating psychedelic experiences there has never been a medical emergency. To determine the potential medical risks associated with a client we have a thorough client screening process. In the event of a medical emergency, a call would first be made to a participant’s emergency contact and then a determination would be made if further intervention is needed, such as calling 911.
What is the preparation process when working with a new client?
A meeting is scheduled through Zoom or in-person to review “set and setting”. It is important to help set client expectations and intentions. Since we facilitate individual and group psychedelic experiences, “set and setting” is specific to each experience. It is also important to predetermine any specific needs a client(s) requires. Those needs can relate to dietary restrictions, access to prescription medications, or general comfort.
Are there any limitations as to the clients you work with?
All people are welcome regardless of political or religious beliefs as well as gender identity. We also welcome people confronted with physical handicaps. The only exception is that clients with a physical handicap must be able to attend to their own physical needs (i.e. going to the bathroom).
Are psilocybin mushrooms legal?
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms is in flux. Psilocybin mushrooms are legal in Colorado, Oregon and Washington DC. New Mexico permits the cultivation of mushrooms for personal use. Eighteen states have active legislation to decriminalize the use of psilocybin mushrooms. Several municipalities in Michigan have legalized the use of psilocybin mushrooms including Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Detroit, Ferndale, and Hazel Park. We conduct our ceremonies within the boundaries of Washtenaw County. There are also a significant number of other cities in the US that have decriminalized the use of psilocybin mushrooms. Some of them include Seattle WA, Santa Cruz Ca and Minneapolis MN.
The legal status of unauthorized actions with psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin is listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse or drugs that have no recognized medical uses. However, psilocybin mushrooms have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in dozens of cultures throughout history.
In some jurisdictions, Psilocybin spores are legal to sell and possess, because they contain neither psilocybin nor psilocin. In other jurisdictions, they are banned because they are items that are used in drug manufacture. Cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is considered drug manufacture in most jurisdictions and is often severely penalized, though some countries and one US state (New Mexico) has ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as “manufacturing” a controlled substance.
Please contact our staff if you have any additional questions.
heal the within 