On: Psilocybin, Psychedelic Therapies & Mystical Experiences

Episode: N/A

Date: January 2017

Key Subjects:

• Common experiences in usage of psilocybin:
  • Beneficial impact lasts for reasonably long period after usage.
  • During usage: sense of interconnectedness, authenticity / truth value.
• Psilocybin can act as anti-depressant by binding with serotonin re-uptake receptors.
  • Similar to how SSRI drugs work.
  • Potentially also drives growth of new neurons (breaking old connections, forming new).
• Can also help alleviate depression by deactivating the default mode network.
  • DMN: self-referential processing, sense of self.
  • Similar effects as meditation.
• Broadly reorganizes neuronal connections in the brain.
  • Capable of changing fixed set points.
  • Helpful in dealing with addictions.
• Dosage dependent.
  • Low threshold of 5 mg; 20-30 mg (per 70 kg) may be sweet spot.

Key Takeaways:

• Broad impact of psychedelics on brain activity.

Worth Listening:

7/10