In November 2022, Coloradans voted into law the decriminalization of the psychedelic mushroom psilocybin for natural medicine use (the second US state to do this). Although it cannot be sold currently, it can freely be grown, donated, and gifted. State regulations around psilocybin therapy centers and practitioners are in the process of being drafted (with approximate completion around summer 2023). If you would like to be informed of additional education and updates, please sign up for our psilocybin newsletter.
Since the vote, Dr. Graves has been fielding questions from clients and media alike, explaining the particulars of this “magic mushroom” and is sharing his knowledge here.
What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a powerful nootropic (a chemical that enhances brain cognition) that can have psychedelic effects at larger doses. Historically, it has been used as plant medicine in different indigenous tribes and cultures around the world and is now legally available for modern natural medicine use in Colorado.
Psilocybin stimulates serotonin receptors, mainly in the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that influences such things as mood, emotions, cognitive ability, decision-making, and perception) and down-regulates the limbic system (calms the fight or flight response).
It can be a useful tool to not only access feelings but also encourage their release.
Who is it good for?
It can be helpful for those who suffer from:
- grief
- anxiety
- depression
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- post traumatic stress disorder
- addiction
but it can also be just as purposeful for someone who just isn’t feeling themselves, can’t get out of a ruminating cycle, and/or needs to release stuck emotion.
Research is accelerating for additional usage.
What is microdosing?
Ranging from .2-.5g with typical capsules containing .3g (small in comparison to larger, mega-dosing of 1.5-5g), microdosing is a way to ease into psilocybin and can be taken daily, every other day, weekly, monthly, or as needed. It can be eaten or taken in tea or capsule form.
What are the effects?
Psilocybin can help access stored emotions not only while taking it but also in the hours and days thereafter. This prolonged time after dosing is what may be especially helpful for processing unresolved emotions and trauma. It is not uncommon during this time to have a good cry, develop a need to talk to a confidant or counselor, write in a journal, and/or partake in a healthy activity that helps process and free stuck emotion.
For this reason, we encourage microdosing alongside integrative therapies and coaching with a qualified professional.
Are there risks?
At low doses, negative effects can be minimal, if they even arise at all. Some side-effects may be tingling, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, and confusion, although these are rare and non-life threatening (psilocybin doesn’t affect the breathing receptors in the brain). Some will not experience negative side-effects at all.
I always recommend talking with your primary healthcare provider before taking psilocybin.
Are you offering psilocybin treatments at Colorado Natural Medicine?
Currently we are only offering educational services as Colorado rules and regulations get formed. Please know this is a fluid process and changes may happen.
To keep informed of updates and future offerings from CNMA, please sign up for our psilocybin newsletter or contact us at (303) 688-6698 or info@coloradonaturalmed.com.
The CNMA office provides naturopathic care, acupuncture, testing, massage, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area. For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.
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