A Case Study Series: Utilizing Microdose Mushrooms for Chronic Pain Alleviation

Psilocybin is a psychoactive substance found in magic mushrooms, often used recreationally for its euphoric and hallucinatory effects. 

Beyond its mind-altering capabilities, research has been conducted on psilocybin’s potential benefits for chronic pain relief. 

This article will delve into a case study that investigates the role of mushroom microdosing in combatting chronic pain.

Key Takeaways:

• Mushroom microdosing could potentially provide both immediate and long-lasting pain relief.
• Psilocybin microdosing generally lacks side effects when administered in small doses, unlike traditional pain medications.
• Psilocybin interfaces with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to alleviate pain and other conditions.

The Study

The research project entitled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series” was carried out by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the University of California, San Diego’s Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology. Their project centered on three patients who self-administered small quantities of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.

Three Patients, One Common Result – Chronic Pain Reduction

Patient # 1

Patient Case Study #2

Patient Case Study #3

The Role of Psilocybin in Pain Management

Recurrent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural pathways through peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in the persistent experience of pain in both physical and emotional terms. Psychedelics such as psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, possibly resetting the brain regions linked with neuropathic conditions.

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

This adaptability of synapses is key.

Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Vs. Traditional Pain Relievers

Prospective Future Studies on Psilocybin

The research team, after analyzing the experiences of three participants, has identified certain areas of study that deserve further investigation due to their potential benefits.

1. Small quantities of psilocybin may provide immediate and potentially long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without causing physical tolerance or addiction.
2. Examine the effects of various treatment strategies used in conjunction with psilocybin. For example, patient #3 reported an increased pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was used alongside physical therapy.
3. Small quantities of psilocybin may alleviate pain even without psychotherapy, as shown in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic counseling could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic outcomes.

Study Limitations

Despite the encouraging outcomes seen in the participants, it’s important to take into account the limitations acknowledged in the study.

• The small number of participants may not accurately represent all individuals dealing with neuropathic pain.
• The study did not involve any participants who did not respond to psilocybin.
• No assessments were conducted before and after treatment to gauge the impact of psilocybin on mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
• Most of the data was provided directly by the participants.
• The presence of the interviewer and possible bias regarding psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
• The study did not examine the influence of the placebo effect.
• The study did not determine the concentration of psilocybin in each mushroom.

Microdosing Practices with Mushrooms

During this study, Patients #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin, which was in a powdered form extracted from dried mushrooms. In contrast, Patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There are several products available for microdosing psilocybin, and the following list includes some of them.

Dehydrated Mushrooms

The research didn’t mention the specific strain utilized, but the strain listed below serves as a suitable starting point for beginners.

• Golden Teacher: A prevalent and widespread strain of magic mushrooms.
• Amazonian Cubensis: Recognized for being beginner-friendly and offering cognitive enhancements.
• Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can boost concentration, social awareness, and mood.

Microdose Capsules

• Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction comprises Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which are scientifically endorsed to alleviate anxiety and stress.
• Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This captivating blend provides three dosage options: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin, paired with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
• Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules feature the Golden Teacher strain, acclaimed for promoting mental clarity, enhanced creativity, and improved focus.

Using Psilocybin for Pain Relief

Research on the analgesic effects of mushrooms is still in its infancy. However, anecdotal reports and small-scale case studies offer promising insights.

Such instances emphasize the necessity for more extensive research to fully understand the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>

Psilocybin’s potential for alleviating chronic pain is increasingly gaining acceptance. This shift in perception is largely due to promising narratives from case studies that inspire hope for those living with persistent pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What effects does psilocybin microdosing produce?

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

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

Moreover, psychedelics foster links between brain regions that don’t typically communicate. This distinct connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to diminish the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), a network associated with various cognitive functions such as daydreaming, self-reflection, and pondering about past and future events.

What are the most notable benefits of microdosing mushrooms?

Microdosing can potentially enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most extensively researched benefit pertains to mental health.

In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health care company, published the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation indicated that a single dose of psilocybin led to substantial reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a persistent antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.

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

How should you determine your dosage?

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

Those with a history of psychotropic drug use may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.

What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?

1. Allocate time to understand the reason behind your decision to microdose on a specific day. 
2. Take a moment to self-reflect and connect with your current emotional and mental state. Identify the emotions or mindset that you believe would benefit you on that day.
3. When your goals are clearly outlined, write them down. Framing your objectives in the form of affirmations can be an influential tool to reinforce your continuous growth.
4. Direct your focus towards the experience you wish to attain, rather than what you want to avoid. 
5. Take it on an empty stomach, preferably an hour before your first meal of the day.

What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?

Several well-defined protocols recommend structured schedules for microdosing psychedelics. These protocols primarily vary in the number of “off” days included, which are the days you abstain from microdosing. 

The most commonly suggested protocols propose 1-3 days of rest between microdoses, aligning with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.