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Psilocybin Sparks ‘Inner Healing’ in Depression Patients – Psychedelic News Roundup

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Ross Dillon 

Ross is known for being a storyteller and influencer on TikTok and is currently the Social Media Manager at Supermind.co.

August 8, 2024
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In this week’s Psychedelic news roundup, we look at a new study that shows how psilocybin may trigger the “inner healing” mechanisms in depression patients. Other news includes Jack Black discussing psychedelic use in his teens and a new tool to track psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. 

Psilocybin Activates ‘Inner Healing’ Mechanisms in Depression Patients

Girl looking at psychedelic mushroom

A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology investigates the impact of a single high dose of psilocybin, the active component in “magic mushrooms,” on the sensation of “inner healing” in patients with moderate-to-severe depression. The research, led by Joseph Peill and colleagues, involved 59 participants who were given either a high dose of psilocybin (25 mg) or a placebo (1 mg). The study aimed to determine whether psilocybin could elicit a genuine sense of self-healing and whether this sensation was associated with improved depressive symptoms.

Key Findings in the Study:

  • Participants who received the high dose of psilocybin reported significantly stronger feelings of inner healing than those who received the placebo.
  • The sensation of inner healing was correlated with greater reductions in depressive symptoms two weeks post-treatment, but only in the high-dose group.
  • The study controlled for the intensity of drug effects to ensure that the inner healing scores were not merely due to a more intense psychedelic experience.
  • Results suggest that the feeling of inner healing might be a significant therapeutic component of psilocybin treatment.

This study provides preliminary evidence that psilocybin may activate mechanisms of inner healing in individuals with depression, contributing to its therapeutic potential. Although the findings are promising, the study’s small sample size and reliance on self-reported measures warrant further research to validate and expand on these results. The research advances our understanding of psilocybin’s psychological effects and supports its exploration as a tool for mental health treatment.

UC Davis Develops Rapid Tool to Track Psychedelic-Induced Neuroplasticity

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Key Findings

  • Potential Treatments: Understanding how psychedelics impact neurons can lead to new therapies for disorders like depression and PTSD.
  • Noninvasive Monitoring: CaST can be used in freely behaving animals, allowing for more natural observation of brain activity.
  • Biotin Tagging: Using biotin as a tagging substrate facilitates easy tracking with pre-existing commercial tools.
  • Comprehensive Analysis: Future research aims to use CaST for brain-wide cellular labeling and to enrich the protein signatures affected by psychedelics.

The development of the CaST tool represents a significant advancement in neuroscience, providing a rapid and noninvasive method to study the effects of psychedelics on brain cells. This innovative approach speeds up the research process and opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies for brain disorders. By understanding the cellular mechanisms of psychedelics, scientists can design more effective treatments with fewer side effects, potentially transforming the landscape of mental health care. (2)

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Oregon Issues First License for Psilocybin Edibles

Made in Oregon Psychedelic Chocolate Bar

According to Oregon Live, in July 2024, Spiritus Oregon made history by becoming the first company licensed to produce psilocybin edibles in Oregon. This landmark achievement is notable as psilocybin must be consumed at licensed service centers under the supervision of trained facilitators, with previous options limited to capsules, tea, or dried mushrooms. Spiritus Oregon’s new edibles, branded as Horizon Edibles, aim to enhance the psilocybin experience by offering precise dosing and improved digestibility.

Key Insights

  • Spiritus Oregon is the first company to receive a license to manufacture psilocybin edibles in the U.S.
  • Psilocybin edibles will be available only at licensed service centers and not for off-site consumption.
  • The edibles promise more accurate dosing and reduce gastrointestinal issues compared to traditional forms.
  • Horizon Edibles will initially include chocolates with ground mushrooms, with plans to introduce extract gummies pending final approvals.
  • Spiritus is negotiating with service centers to distribute its products.

Introducing psilocybin edibles significantly advances Oregon’s psilocybin program, expanding consumption options and improving user experience. As Spiritus Oregon prepares to launch its products, it has the potential to set new industry standards for taste, digestibility, and dosing accuracy. (3)

Jack Black Opens Up on Psychedelic Use in His Youth

Jack Black Psychedelics

During a recent appearance on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, Jack Black candidly discussed his teenage experiences with psychedelics and other substances like cocaine. Reflecting on his early experimentation, Black found that an early LSD trip offered profound insights and a sense of wholeness, allowing him to explore new dimensions of his consciousness. However, he shared it would later turn into a difficult experience, describing it as being “locked in this insane brain prison where all I could see was chess pieces going off into infinity.” Black was later enrolled in a school for at-risk youth, where he discovered his passion for theater. This new focus provided a therapeutic outlet and set him on a successful path in acting and music.

Key Insights from the Podcast:

  • Influence of Role Models: Black was heavily influenced by an older friend who introduced him to drugs, reflecting a search for guidance and a “dark dad” figure.
  • Therapeutic Impact: His theater teacher, Deb Devine, used improvisation games as a form of therapy, helping students work through personal issues creatively.
  • Unexpected Therapy: Black found that therapy at the school helped him confront and express deep-seated emotions, leading to significant personal growth.
  • Creative Dreams: Black’s experiences in theater inspired dreams of superhero-like abilities, highlighting the profound impact of creative expression on his self-perception.

Jack Black’s journey to healing in his youth highlights the complex nature of psychedelic experiences and the potential for positive change when confronted with adversity. His story underscores the importance of finding constructive outlets for personal struggles and demonstrates how transformative experiences, both positive and negative, can ultimately shape a successful and fulfilling life. (4)

Sources

Sources

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1. Peill J, Marguilho M, Erritzoe D, et al. Psychedelics and the ‘inner healer’: Myth or mechanism? Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2024;38(5):417-424. Doi: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811241239206

2. Fell, A. (2024, August 5). New Tool Rapidly Tracks Psychedelic Effects in Brain Neurons. Neuroscience News. https://neurosciencenews.com/cast-psychedelics-neurons-27516/

3. Acker, L. (2024, August 7). Psychedelic mushroom edibles could soon be legally available in Oregon for the first time. Oregon Live. https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2024/08/psychedelic-mushroom-edibles-could-soon-be-legally-available-in-oregon-for-the-first-time.html&subscribed=google-oauth2%7C117583988626150591125

4. Bashian, L. (2024, August 6). Jack Black felt ‘whole for the first time’ after trying psychedelic drugs at 13. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/jack-black-felt-whole-first-time-trying-psychedelic-drugs-13

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This material is not intended as a replacement or substitute for any legal or medical advice. Always consult a medical professional about your health needs. Psychedelics are widely illegal in the United States, and readers should always be informed about local, state, and federal regulations regarding psychedelics or other drugs.

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