{"id":12400,"date":"2022-01-06T12:00:26","date_gmt":"2022-01-06T17:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=12400"},"modified":"2023-11-01T13:50:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T17:50:39","slug":"combining-cannabis-psilocybin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/psilocybin\/combining-cannabis-psilocybin\/","title":{"rendered":"Combining the Therapeutic Powers of Cannabis and Psilocybin"},"content":{"rendered":"

When one thinks of psilocybin, a common and mostly automatic association would be \u201cpsychedelic\u201d- which means that it produces hallucinations and appears to cause an expansion of consciousness. Psilocybin is the active compound commonly found in \u201cmagic\u201d mushrooms (otherwise popularly known as ‘shrooms’). However, just like there is more to the intoxicating cannabinoids in cannabis, there is also more to this psychedelic compound since it too has powerful and effective therapeutic properties. Let\u2019s have a look at what psilocybin is, how it compares with cannabis as well as how cannabis and psilocybin can be taken together therapeutically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

When one thinks of psilocybin, a common and automatic association would be \u201cpsychedelic\u201d- which means that it produces hallucinations and appears to cause an expansion of consciousness. Psilocybin is the active compound commonly found in \u201cmagic\u201d mushrooms (otherwise popularly known as \u201cshrooms\u201d). However, just like there is more to the intoxicating <\/span>cannabinoids<\/span><\/a> in cannabis, there is also more to this psychedelic compound since it too has powerful and effective therapeutic properties. Let\u2019s have a look at what psilocybin is, how it compares with cannabis as well as how cannabis and psilocybin can be taken together therapeutically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What is Psilocybin?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Certain mushrooms contain a psychoactive compound known as <\/span>psilocybin<\/span><\/a>, which is what makes them \u201cmagic\u201d mushrooms. Historically, these mushrooms have been used as <\/span>entheogens<\/span><\/a> in ceremonies and spiritual practices. But now psilocybin is currently listed as a Schedule 1 drug. This category is specifically reserved for compounds with a high potential for abuse that serve no medical purpose. And much like cannabis, the powers that be don\u2019t seem to want to acknowledge the therapeutic benefits and choose to leave it federally banned. Luckily, increasingly more <\/span>agencies are coming forward<\/span><\/a> and advocating for psilocybin research in an effort to explore various therapeutic applications.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Psilocybin is classified as a hallucinogen and it interacts with the body by activating the serotonin receptors and stimulating <\/span>neuroplasticity<\/span><\/a>. Neuroplasticity refers to the structural and functional changes in the brain\u2019s neuron connections. This hallucinogen does not always trigger active visual or auditory hallucinations but more commonly alters the consumer\u2019s perception of things in their environment. There are many factors that could impact the experience of psilocybin such as how much you consume, past experiences with psilocybin or other hallucinogens, and expectations, as well as a commonly overlooked factor which is the environment in which you consume the hallucinogen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Medical bodies do not consider psilocybin to be an addictive substance (4<\/a>). In fact, research shows that psilocybin has solid potential in helping combat addiction and major depressive disorders (3<\/a>). <\/span>A study<\/span><\/a> from 2017 found that magic mushrooms<\/a> are the safest recreational drugs. The same study even suggested that psilocybin-containing mushrooms may even be safer than cannabis.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Cannabis & Psilocybin<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Though cannabis and psilocybin can both have medical uses, they are considered very different chemicals and have different effects on their users. Let’s check out some of the basic info for both cannabis and psilocybin in the chart below:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u00a0<\/th>\r\n\r\n

Cannabis<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

\r\n

Psilocybin Mushrooms<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n

\r\n

Street Names<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n
    \r\n
  • Cannabis<\/li>\r\n
  • Weed<\/li>\r\n
  • Marijuana<\/li>\r\n
  • Pot, Ganja<\/li>\r\n
  • Grass<\/li>\r\n
  • Dope<\/li>\r\n
  • Mary Jane<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n
\r\n
    \r\n
  • Magic Mushrooms<\/li>\r\n
  • Shrooms<\/li>\r\n
  • Mushies<\/li>\r\n
  • Golden Tops<\/li>\r\n
  • Liberty Caps<\/li>\r\n
  • Boomers\/Zoomers<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
\r\n

Active Ingredients<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC<\/a>) and Cannabidiol (CBD<\/a>) among many others.\u00a0 Terpenes<\/a> such as linalool and myrcene amongst many others.<\/td>\r\nPsilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, & norbaeocystin. Psilocybin is converted into psilocin after ingestion and is similar to serotonin. Baeocystin and norbaeocystin are tryptamines but are significantly less active than psilocybin and psilocin. <\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
\r\n

Notable Effects<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n
    \r\n
  • Improved focus and productivity for some, sedation for others<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Increased relaxation<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Euphoria and intoxication<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Increased hunger<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Increased sensory perceptions<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Reduced anxiety and stress<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Increased anxiety if potency is too high<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n
\r\n
    \r\n
  • Mild hallucinations such as distorted visuals, hearing, and tactile sensation<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Feeling giggly and euphoric<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Cognitive impairment<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Induces a sense of awe and inspiration<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Increased energy, and excitement<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Heroic doses can temporarily dissolve the ego (ego death)<\/span><\/li>\r\n
  • Large doses in the wrong environment can lead to paranoia, panic, anxiety, and extreme mental discomfort<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
\r\n

Method of Consumption<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Inhalation such as smoking from a joint, blunt, bong, pipe, hookah, and vaporizer.\u00a0Ingestion through tinctures, oils, and edibles. Topical delivery through ointments, lotions, and patches.<\/td>\r\nCan be consumed whole, brewed in tea, taken in capsule form and edibles, Lemon Tek method (dissolving shrooms in lemon juice and water)<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Both cannabis and psilocybin can affect your perception and the effects are dependent on what is being consumed and how much of it is being consumed. Consumers can even <\/span>microdose<\/span><\/a> or combine them for enhanced effects. Let\u2019s see how cannabis and psilocybin can be consumed together. <\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Combining Cannabis and Psilocybin for Medicinal Use\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cannabis and psilocybin can be combined through any <\/span>delivery method<\/span><\/a> but what, when, and how you combine the two will have a significant impact on the effects. Consumers can use cannabis before, after, or even alongside taking psilocybin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Some take psilocybin mushrooms to induce hallucinations whether it\u2019s for recreational, medical, or spiritual purposes. If you are taking enough psilocybin to induce a hallucinatory trip, always proceed with caution no matter your experience level. Using cannabis BEFORE consuming a heroic dose of mushrooms will help prepare your body for the psilocybin but individuals new to the experience should avoid cannabis at first in order to accurately gauge the effect of the psilocybin. If possible, ask someone sober, trusted, and capable like a friend, family member, clinician, or therapist to help monitor your psychedelic session. Cannabis can purportedly even prolong the trip experience when consumed 3 to 4 hours AFTER consuming shrooms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

While psilocybin can cause psychedelic effects in higher doses, lower doses can still produce a comfortable yet euphoric and energized feeling without the hallucinations. When both psilocybin and cannabis are consumed together as a <\/span>microdose<\/span> rather than a heroic dose, this is where you are likely to tap into the medicinal benefits of both because they seem to amplify each other\u2019s effects. Both cannabis and psilocybin have their benefits when taken individually, as seen above. But according to anecdotal evidence, the benefits one may be able to experience from combining the two are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\r\n