Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound present in magic mushrooms, is frequently used for recreational purposes to induce euphoria and hallucinations. 

Besides influencing the mind, research has been conducted into the potential benefits of psilocybin for relieving chronic pain. 

In this article, a case study is presented that explores the potential of mushrooms microdosing in alleviating chronic pain.

Key Takeaways:

• The practice of microdosing mushrooms could potentially provide both immediate and ongoing pain relief.
• When compared to traditional pain medication, microdosing psilocybin typically results in fewer side effects when administered in small doses.
• Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, aiding in pain relief among other conditions.

The Study

The research named “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series” was led by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the Division of Pain Medicine under the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego. The study focused on three patients who self-administered small quantities of psilocybin to control their chronic pain symptoms.

Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Relief

Patient # 1

AGE/ GENDER:	37, Male
TYPE OF PAIN:	Neuropathic pain occurring below a spinal cord injury site.
PAIN LEVEL:	Initially 4 to 5/ 10, rising to 8/ 10 later in the day
PSILOCYBIN DOSE:	250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months
RESULT:	Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, reduction in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were observed.
The patient reported that, unlike his regular medications that only managed to dull the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to

Case Study: Subject #2

AGE/ GENDER:	69-year-old female
TYPE OF PAIN:	Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
INTENSITY OF PAIN:	Typically varies from 5 to 7 out of 10, but increases with physical activity and during pain flare-ups
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE:	Regular consumption of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days followed by rest periods (2 to 3 days) for a year. Dosage escalates to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups
IMPACT:	Pain reduction of 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to base levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) persists 6-8 hours, reverting to base levels after 18 hours.
The subject shows a reduction in appetite without any accompanying nausea. Disorientation or balance issues are observed when the dosage is increased (from 750 to 1000mg).

Case Study: Subject # 3

AGE/ GENDER:	40-year-old female
TYPE OF PAIN:	Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain
INTENSITY OF PAIN:	8 out of 10, peaking at 10 out of 10 during physical activity
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE:	1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every other month.
IMPACT:	Significant relief from pain without any psychoactive impacts. Notable increase in flexibility and function. Pain gradually returns to base levels over a period of 2-4 weeks. Recurrent dosing enhances control over pain.
The subject does not experience any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains predominantly stable. She maintains her regular dosage of her SSRI for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period.

Demystifying Pain Management with Psilocybin

Consistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in the chronic perception of pain on both physical and emotional levels. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially reprogramming the brain areas linked with neuropathic conditions.

A subject reported enduring pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and

Potential side effects of psilocybin compared to conventional pain relievers.

Possible Adverse Effects of Psilocybin versus Traditional Painkillers

PSILOCYBIN (As Per Findings)	TRADITIONAL PAINKILLERS
Muscle spasms	Nausea
Decreased appetite	Stomach discomfort
Confusion	Migraines
Impaired balance	Dependency
Absence of mood changes	Drowsiness

Potential Areas for Future Psilocybin Research

Certain potential areas of study have been identified by the research team, based on the experiences of three individuals, which may offer promising benefits and warrant further investigation.

1. Micro-doses of psilocybin could provide immediate and possibly sustainable relief from neuropathic pain, without inducing physical tolerance or addiction.
2. Exploring the impact of different treatment approaches used in conjunction with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 revealed an increased analgesic effect when psilocybin was administered along with physical therapy.
3. Small doses of psilocybin may provide pain relief even without psychotherapy, as suggested by this case study. The integration of therapeutic counseling could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic effects.

Study Limitations

Despite the encouraging outcomes seen in the subjects, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the study.

• The small sample size may not provide a comprehensive representation of all individuals experiencing neuropathic pain.
• The study lacked participants who did not respond to psilocybin.
• No assessments were conducted before and after the treatment to measure the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
• Most data collected was based on self-reporting by the subjects.
• The presence of the interviewer and potential biases associated with psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
• The study did not account for the possible influence of the placebo effect.
• The study failed to establish the quantity of psilocybin present in each mushroom.

Implementing Microdosing with Mushrooms

In this particular study, Patient #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin in powdered form, obtained from dried mushrooms, while Patient #3 chose to blend it with chocolate. There are numerous products specifically designed for psilocybin microdosing, and we have gathered a few notable ones below.

Dried Mushroom Varieties

The study did not mention the exact strain used, but the following strain is an excellent option for those new to the process.

• Golden Teacher: This is one of the most prevalent and easily found magic mushroom strains.
• Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendly nature and potential cognitive benefits.
• Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may improve concentration, social awareness, and mood.

Microdose Capsule Options

• Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This combination includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which have been scientifically validated to help reduce anxiety and stress.
• Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This intriguing blend provides three dosage options: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin, complemented with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
• Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules contain the Golden Teacher strain, renowned for promoting clear thinking, enhanced creativity, and improved focus.

Using Psilocybin for Pain Relief

Although the study of mushrooms’ potential pain-relieving properties is still in preliminary stages, anecdotal reports and small-scale studies are showing promising results.

These instances underscore the importance of conducting more research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>

Always procure your mushrooms from a reliable source.

Ensure the mushrooms are properly dried and stored.

Take into account your physical and mental state before consumption.

Are there any side effects?

Common side effects can include nausea, slight anxiety or discomfort, and occasionally, a slight increase in heart rate. These side effects are generally mild and short-lived.

Can you grow your own mushrooms?

Yes, it is possible to cultivate your own mushrooms. However, it requires a good understanding of the cultivation process and the necessary equipment.

The widespread acceptance of psilocybin as a chronic pain reliever is preceded by promising case study reports that foster optimism in individuals grappling with chronic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effect of microdosing psilocybin?

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

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

Furthermore, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that usually do not interact. This unique connectivity is a consequence of psychedelics’ ability to decrease activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various cognitive functions, such as daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on the past and future.

What is the primary benefit of microdosing mushrooms?

Microdosing can potentially enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively researched benefit pertains to its influence on mental health.

In November 2022, mental health company COMPASS Pathways shared the findings of their thorough phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation suggested that a one-time dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a sustained antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.

A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal indicated that psilocybin outperforms traditional antidepressant treatments.

How do you determine your dosage?

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

For those with previous experience using psychotropic substances, the dosage may need to be increased to 0.5 grams to achieve the anticipated effects.

What measures should be taken before consuming mushrooms?

Ensure you source your mushrooms from a trusted supplier, store them correctly once dried, and consider your physical and mental health before ingestion.

Are there any potential side effects?

Common side effects may include nausea, minor anxiety or discomfort, and occasionally, a slight elevation in heart rate. These side effects are typically mild and short-lasting.

Is it possible to cultivate your own mushrooms?

Yes, cultivating your own mushrooms is possible. However, it requires a sound understanding of the cultivation process and the appropriate equipment.

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Set aside time to understand the reason for microdosing on that particular day. 

Allocate a moment for self-reflection and to connect with your current emotional and mental state. Identify the specific emotions or mindset you believe will serve you best that day.

After defining your objectives clearly, write them down. Formulating your goals as affirmations can be an influential technique for furthering your personal growth.

Direct your intent towards the experience you hope to gain, rather than what you want to evade. 

Take it on an empty stomach, ideally an hour before your first meal of the day.

What is the suggested frequency of mushroom microdosing?

A variety of established protocols propose structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. The main difference between these protocols lies in the number of “off” days they recommend, which are the days when you abstain from microdosing. 

The most highly endorsed protocols advise 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols being discussed in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.