How does psilocybin work?

During my training at The Synthesis Institute, I learned a lot from the researchers who studied how psilocybin works and what the effect is. Below is a simple and accessible explanation of that science.

Psychedelics is an umbrella term for mind-altering substances, and one of these is psilocybin. Psilocybin naturally occurs in magic truffles and magic mushrooms.

After ingestion, psilocybin is converted in our body into psilocin. This substance closely resembles serotonin, a neurotransmitter best known for regulating mood. Psilocin acts on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor. You can think of this receptor as a kind of receiver. It is mainly active in specific areas of the brain, such as the neo-cortex, prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex and the primary visual cortex.

This may sound complex, but each part of the brain has its own function. And these particular areas play an important role in learning, dreaming, awareness, emotions and visual perception.

When psilocin activates the 5-HT2A receptor, glutamate is released. Glutamate is one of the most stimulating neurotransmitters and plays a key role in learning processes. This stimulation leads to increased brain activity and enhanced neuroplasticity, meaning new neural connections are formed.

Simply put: after taking magic truffles, we begin to explore new or forgotten pathways in the brain, instead of repeatedly walking the same familiar ones. Especially pathways related to learning, dreaming, awareness and emotions.

Depending on the dose, preparation, guidance and setting, the experience can range from heightened perception and awareness to a truly life-changing insight.

And once insights arise, the real and beautiful work begins: learning from them and bringing them into daily life.

Would you like to read what a psychedelic journey with us looks like? Read more here

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to tell you more.