A Collection of Cases on the Use of Microdose Mushrooms for Long-Term Pain Alleviation

Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound present in magic mushrooms, is frequently used recreationally to induce euphoria and hallucinations. 

Beyond its mind-altering capabilities, the compound has been studied for its potential benefits in treating chronic pain. 

This article reveals a case study that investigates the potential of mushroom microdosing in providing relief from chronic pain.

Key Takeaways:

• Mushroom microdosing may provide both immediate and enduring pain relief.
• Compared to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing typically has fewer side effects when used in small doses.
• Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which can help alleviate pain, among other conditions.

The Study

The research paper titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series” was carried out by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his group from the Division of Pain Medicine at the University of California, San Diego’s Department of Anesthesiology. The study focused on three patients who self-administered minor amounts of psilocybin to control their chronic pain symptoms.

Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Reduction

Patient # 1

Case Study: Subject #2

Case Study: Subject #3

Exploring Pain Management with Psilocybin

Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals reinforce specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization. This results in the chronic experience of physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain areas involved in neuropathic conditions.

A patient reported experiencing pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and adaptability.

Potential Side Effects: A Comparison Between Psilocybin and Traditional Pain Relievers

Promising Future Research Areas on Psilocybin

The researchers have identified promising areas for future investigation based on the experiences of three individuals.

1. The potential of small psilocybin doses to provide immediate and possibly long-term relief from neuropathic pain, without resulting in physical tolerance or addiction.
2. Exploring the impact of combining different treatment methods with psilocybin. For example, an enhanced pain relief effect was noted in patient # 3 when psilocybin was used in conjunction with physical therapy.
3. The possibility of psilocybin, even in small doses, to deliver pain relief without the need for psychotherapy, as demonstrated in this case study. Adding therapeutic guidance could potentially magnify or extend the therapeutic effects.

Study Limitations

While the results are encouraging, it’s crucial to acknowledge the study’s limitations.

• The limited sample size may not effectively represent the wider population experiencing neuropathic pain.
• Subjects who did not respond to psilocybin were not included in the study.
• The study did not conduct pre and post-treatment assessments to evaluate the impact of psilocybin on mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
• Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
• The responses of the participants could have been influenced by the interviewer’s presence and possible biases associated with psilocybin.
• The study did not account for the placebo effect.
• The concentration of psilocybin in each mushroom was not determined by the study.

Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms

In the referenced study, patients number one and two swallowed a microdose of powdered psilocybin obtained from dried mushrooms. In contrast, patient number three blended it with chocolate. A variety of products are engineered for psilocybin microdosing, and we have assembled a list of some popular options below.

Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms

Although the study didn’t detail the specific strain utilized, the following strain could be a suitable choice for those new to microdosing.

• Golden Teacher: A highly prevalent and frequently observed strain of psychedelic mushrooms.
• Amazonian Cubensis: Recognized for its user-friendly nature. It may offer cognitive enhancements.
• Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can improve focus, social awareness, and mood.

Microdosing Capsules

• Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This mixture contains Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all known for their scientifically supported stress and anxiety-reducing properties.
• Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This intriguing blend provides three dosage choices: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin along with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
• Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules incorporate the Golden Teacher strain, acclaimed for fostering clear thinking, increased creativity, and improved concentration.

Pain Relief with Psilocybin

While studies on the pain-alleviating attributes of mushrooms are still in their infancy, promising anecdotal accounts and small-scale case studies are emerging.

Such instances underscore the necessity for more comprehensive research into the potential advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>

Especially in the field of chronic pain management.

Before psilocybin was widely recognized for its potential to relieve pain, promising reports from case studies ignited a sense of hope among chronic pain sufferers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?

Psilocybin mainly activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two primary outcomes:

1. Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
2. Heightened “Glutamate” transmission

Moreover, psychedelics stimulate interconnectivity between brain regions that typically interact less. This unique connectivity results from psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various mental processes like daydreaming, introspection, and contemplating the past and future.

What’s the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?

Microdosing can potentially enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively researched benefit is its influence on mental health.

In November 2022, mental health company COMPASS Pathways announced the findings of their comprehensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. The study indicated that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams exhibited a lasting antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.

A study featured in the Psychiatry Research Journal reported that psilocybin is more effective than traditional antidepressant treatments.

How do you determine your dosage?

Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If the desired effects are not achieved, you can gradually elevate your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal dosage.

People with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.

What should you do before consuming mushrooms?

1. Allocate some time to understand the reason behind your decision to microdose on a specific day. 
2. Take a moment to self-reflect and align with your current emotional or mental state. Identify the emotions or mindset that you believe will be advantageous for you that day.
3. Once your goals are clear and precise, write them down. Structuring your objectives as affirmations can act as a potent instrument to strengthen your continuous growth.
4. Direct your intention towards the experience you aspire to achieve, rather than concentrating on what you hope to evade. 
5. Consume it on an empty stomach, preferably an hour before your first meal of the day.

What is the suggested frequency for microdosing mushrooms?

There exist several recognized protocols that propose structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols primarily differ in the number of “off” days they entail, which are the days when you refrain from microdosing. 

The most advocated protocols recommend including 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under discussion in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.