With the growing fascination with the mysteries of the human mind, natural psychoactive substances are gaining popularity. Among them, psilocybin and mescaline stand out for their remarkable heritage, which weaves together diverse cultures and traditions. These inconspicuous mushrooms and cacti have roots dating back to the pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas, where their magical properties were the key to discovering unknown dimensions and exploring the mysteries of reality. Shamanic practices, rituals and ceremonies create a rich context in which psilocybin and mescaline play an extremely important role.
However, their captivating story is only the beginning of the adventure. As society rediscovers the potential of these substances, a number of questions are being raised about their effects, benefits and risks. Can psilocybin really help treat depression and mescaline help develop creativity? What mechanisms underlie their effects, and how have they been used in the past? Although these two substances work on similar principles, each has unique characteristics that shape their effects on people. Both are capable of producing extremely intense changes in perception, emotion and thinking, but their effects and impact on the human body differ in important ways.
In our article, we will try to shed light on these fascinating substances, exploring their origins, their effects on the human body and the current controversies surrounding their use. We will try to discover how these ancient compounds can affect our lives in the modern world. Ready for a journey that will introduce you to the fascinating world of anthropology, psychology and spirituality?
Origins and history
Psilocybin is a natural psychedelic that is found in certain species of mushrooms, often described as hallucinogenic. These mushrooms, from the genus Psilocybe, are known for their effects on the human psyche, causing changes in perception of reality, mood and opening the door to mystical experiences.
In Native American cultures, psilocybin has been used for centuries, mainly in the context of spiritual and religious rituals. It enabled participants to make deeper contact with the divine and their own inner selves. The use of hallucinogenic mushrooms in ceremonies was intended to produce visions that would lead to healing, put one into a trance or enable communication with ancestors. Many indigenous cultures treated these mushrooms with great respect, considering them tools for discovering spiritual truths. You can read more on these topics here
In the 20th century, psilocybin gained popularity in the context of psychological and psychiatric research. Particularly in the 1960s and 1970s – a period of counterculture and psychedelic exploration, the therapeutic potential of this substance began to be explored. Research focused on its effects on mental health, including the treatment of depression, anxiety and addiction. At the time, psilocybin was seen as offering the possibility of deep insight into oneself and a way to work through difficult emotions and traumas.
Recent years have seen a renewed interest in research on psilocybin and other psychedelic substances. The number of ongoing clinical trials is steadily increasing, with the goal of exploring the mechanisms of action of psilocybin and discovering its potential uses in medicine. Increasingly, psilocybin is being recognized not only as a substance used for recreational purposes, but also as a promising tool in psychotherapy. Such developments have the potential to influence changes in regulations regarding its legality and availability, which could open up new therapeutic possibilities.
Mescaline is an alkaloid that occurs naturally in several types of cacti, including Peyote (Lophophora Williamsii) and San Pedro (Echinopsis Pachanoi). These cacti have been traditionally used by indigenous peoples in North and South America for thousands of years. In these cultures, mescaline played an important role in religious ceremonies, where it was used to induce visions, deep spiritual experiences and as a tool to communicate with higher dimensions. These ceremonies often included rituals in which participants consumed mescaline-containing cacti to achieve a trance-like state in which they could gain insight into their spiritual and personal realities.
In the 20th century, especially in the 1960s, mescaline attracted the attention of the Western world, when its psychoactive properties and effects on the human mind began to be studied. This period saw a surge of interest in psychedelic substances, which were seen as potential therapeutic tools and methods of exploring feelings and thoughts.
Research on mescaline and other psychedelics led to discoveries about their potential medical uses, for example in the treatment of depression, PTSD, and addiction. Mescaline has a unique chemical profile that produces specific psychological effects, such as visual hallucinations, changes in the perception of time, and intensification of emotions.
Despite growing interest, mescaline, like psilocybin, has faced controversy and regulation. It has been designated a controlled substance in many countries, limiting its availability and use in research. Nevertheless, recent years have seen renewed interest in mescaline, in terms of its potential therapeutic benefits.
Mechanism of action
Both substances, psilocybin and mescaline, interact with the nervous system via the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, leading to significant changes in perception, mood and the experience of intense mental experiences. Their action is associated with neuronal plasticity and effects on synaptic connections, which is an interesting field of research in the context of psychiatric therapies.
Psylocybin converts in the body to psilocin, which has a strong affinity for serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT2A. Activation of these receptors is crucial for inducing psychedelic effects, such as hallucinations and intense changes in the perception of reality, emotional experiences and distortions of time and space. The mechanism of action of psilocybin involves modulation of the serotonin system, leading to increased neuronal plasticity and synchronization of brain waves, which is associated with improved access to information and processing of sensory stimuli.
Psylocybin has remarkable potential to promote synaptic plasticity in the brain, which plays a key role in learning, memory and adaptation processes. The increase in synaptic plasticity is often associated with neurogenesis, the process of creating new neurons in the brain, which takes place mainly in the hippocampus – the area responsible for memory and spatial orientation.
The effect of psilocybin on serotonin receptors in the limbic system, on the other hand, can open the door to deeper insight into emotions. This area of the brain, as an emotional center, plays an important role in experiencing feelings such as joy, sadness or fear. In addition, experiences associated with psilocybin use, such as feelings of transcendence, can lead to a significant reevaluation of one’s self-perception and relationship with the world around them. People taking the compound often describe states of deep meditation and introspection, which can lead to so-called ‘ego dissolution,’ a temporary blurring of the boundaries between the individual and the world around them, which is sometimes experienced as deep peace, acceptance and compassion.
Mescaline acts on serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, which parallels the mechanism of action of psilocybin. However, due to differences in chemical structure and mode of action, mescaline’s effects may be perceived as more stimulating.
Mescaline, in addition to its strong effects on 5-HT2A receptors, also affects other receptors in the serotonin system. It can activate various neurotransmission pathways, including those related to dopamine and norepinephrine, which can lead to different subjective experiences for users. Mescaline often induces a deeper sense of connection to nature, intense visualizations and altered perception of emotions, which is different from the more introspective and often reflective experiences that psychedelics such as psilocybin can produce. Mescaline is known for inducing intense visual hallucinations, which can include intricate patterns, intense colors and changes in the perception of time and space. Users often describe these sensations as highly aesthetic and full of deep emotions. In addition to the visual effects, physical sensations associated with mescaline can include changes in the body, such as feelings of lightness, energy or outright heaviness.
Mescaline’s interactions with dopamine receptors may contribute to improved mood and an overall sense of well-being. Users often report an increase in energy, which can prompt them to engage in physical or creative activity during a state of altered consciousness. The stimulant effect of mescaline, combined with its hallucinogenic properties, makes the experience of using it complex and multidimensional.
Mescaline, like psilocybin, shows the potential to induce deep reflections on the self, the world, and existence. Users can experience a sense of oneness with nature and the environment, which is often interpreted as a spiritual or mystical experience. Such feelings can be a source of inspiration and personal discovery, but, as with any psychoactive substance, these experiences can vary widely depending on the context, individual predisposition or mental state. For some, mescaline may be used for therapeutic or ritualistic purposes, while for others its effects may be purely recreational. In either case, due to its potency and potential risks, caution and proper preparation before use are recommended.
Although both psilocybin and mescaline act on the serotonin system and produce psychedelic effects, differences in their effects on specific receptors and neural mechanisms contribute to unique and varied user experiences.
Effects and experience
The effects of psilocybin usually begin 20 to 40 minutes after ingestion. The duration of the substance’s effect can vary depending on the individual characteristics of the body, the method of ingestion, the dose and the context in which it is taken. On average, however, the experience lasts between 4 and 6 hours, and its characteristics can vary over time. Users often describe a variety of experiences related to the effects of psilocybin, which can include euphoria, profound spiritual insights, and perceptual changes such as color intensification and altered perception of time. Many people report a sense of oneness with their surroundings and a deep connection to nature, which can lead to transcendental experiences.
However, not all experiences are positive. Some users experience anxiety, panic and even mental chaos. These negative reactions can be triggered by various factors, such as mental unpreparedness, uncertainty about the substance itself, or the wrong environment in which the substance is taken. Such a situation can lead to a so-called ‘bad trip,’ which is characterized by frightening visions, a sense of danger and strong emotional discomfort.
A key factor influencing the experience is the so-called ‘set and setting,’ which refers to the user’s mental attitude (set) and the environmental context (setting) in which substance use takes place. A positive attitude and a comfortable, safe environment can promote pleasant and exploratory experiences, while negative emotions and an inappropriate environment can result in unpleasantness. For this reason, many researchers and therapists emphasize the importance of creating the right environment for those who choose to experience psilocybin, especially in the context of psychedelic therapy.
The effects of mescaline begin to be felt 1 to 2 hours after taking it. The duration of the substance’s effects can range from 8 to 12 hours, making the experience long-lasting and intense. Users often describe their experience as deeply immersive, opening new perspectives both visually and emotionally. Mescaline-induced visual hallucinations can range from intense colors and patterns to distortions of reality. Users may perceive beautiful geometric shapes, pulsating lights or the changing textures of objects around them. These visual sensations are often described as more vivid and natural compared to the effects of psilocybin, leading many to describe them as close to experiencing nature or art.
In addition to visual hallucinations, mescaline often produces strong emotions, which can take the form of euphoria, deep insight, and mystical experiences. A feeling of oneness with the environment and intense spiritual experiences are also common, raising questions in users about the meaning of life, their place in the world or their relationships with other people. Many users emphasize the more stimulating and energetic nature of the mescaline experience compared to psilocybin. This means that they may experience an increase in physical and mental energy, which encourages physical and creative activity. In this context, many people choose to spend time outdoors, which enhances the positive experience of nature, the beauty of the environment and compassion towards others.
However, despite the positive aspects, mescaline, like other psychedelics, can lead to unpredictable reactions, including anxiety or restlessness in unprepared or ill-adjusted users. For this reason, it is important to approach the experience with caution, carefully choosing the right environment and company. Users should also be aware of the possibility of ‘bad trips,’ which can be difficult and emotionally draining.
Therapeutic uses
Recent research on psilocybin indicates its potential use in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction. In the context of therapy, psilocybin is being explored as a substance that can support the therapeutic process and enable patients to gain a deeper understanding of their problems. Due to its psychedelic properties, psilocybin can induce intense internal experiences that help work through difficult emotions and traumatic memories. Studies have shown that under controlled conditions, psilocybin can contribute to significant improvements in patients’ mental state, and the therapeutic effects can persist for a long time after the session ends.
One of psilocybin’s key mechanisms of action is its effect on neuroplasticity and the serotonin system, which can lead to new neural connections and changes in the way emotions are processed. This opens up new therapeutic possibilities for people who struggle with chronic mental problems such as depression and PTSD, which are usually difficult to treat with conventional methods.
Mescaline, on the other hand, while also possessing therapeutic properties, is still a less explored topic in the medical field. Mescaline may offer similar benefits in the area of psychotherapy, particularly in working on emotional traumas. Modern research on mescaline is beginning to gain momentum, and its therapeutic potential may be particularly useful for people who have experienced violence, loss or other forms of trauma.
Both substances, psilocybin and mescaline, may also contribute to deeper reflection on life, relationships and spirituality, further supporting the therapeutic process. With increasing research and greater public acceptance of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, there is potential for these natural substances to become an integral part of modern psychotherapy. They may offer alternative pathways to healing and self-understanding. However, despite promising research results, it is important that the approach to the use of these substances be responsible and based on sound science, taking into account potential risks and the need for further research to fully understand their effects and therapeutic efficacy.
Legal aspects
In many countries, psilocybin and mescaline are classified as controlled substances, which limits their availability for both recreational and medical purposes. In recent years, however, they have gained increasing attention in scientific circles, which may lead to changes in regulation.
The increased research interest in these substances has prompted some countries and regions to reconsider their legal status. In the United States, for example, some cities and states have begun to loosen regulations on psilocybin, as well as introduce programs to regulate its use in a therapeutic context. In Canada, discussions are also underway to decriminalize the use of psilocybin based on medical need.
On the other hand, many people are concerned about the potential abuse of these substances and the side effects. Therefore, it is crucial that any changes in legislation be preceded by sound research that takes into account both the benefits and potential risks of psilocybin and mescaline use. As approaches to psychoactive substances evolve, it is possible that in the near future we will see regulatory changes that will open the door to their wider use. This will also enable further development of research into their medical potential.
Safety
Both substances, despite their potentially therapeutic use, carry risks. Uncontrolled doses, inappropriate environments or psychological problems can lead to unpleasant or dangerous experiences. Mescaline and psilocybin are generally considered less toxic than many other psychoactive substances, making them objects of interest in psychological therapy research. Nevertheless, their use is associated with a number of variables that must be carefully considered.
First and foremost, the dosage of these substances is crucial in terms of safety. Uncontrolled or inadequate dosages can lead to an intense psychedelic experience that is not fully understood by the user, which can in turn lead to panic, disorientation or, in extreme cases, psychotic episodes.
The second important factor is the context in which the substances are taken. Taking them in an inappropriate or hostile environment can significantly increase the risk of an unpleasant experience. A stable, calm environment, supportive companions and the right atmosphere are key to a positive experience.
Individuals with a history of mental disorders, such as depression or schizophrenia, may be at greater risk of negative side effects. In such individuals, the psychedelic experience may trigger an increase in symptoms or provoke the onset of new episodes that may be difficult to control or understand.
Although mescaline and psilocybin are considered safe compared to other psychoactive substances, their use has its caveats. Ultimately, the key to beneficial use of these substances is responsibility and awareness of the potential risks. More education about their effects, as well as research into their use, can contribute to a better understanding and ultimately to realizing their therapeutic potential in a safe manner.
