Comparing acute effects of natural and synthetically derived psilocybin using a mixed-methods approach

There is growing public interest in the therapeutic use of mushrooms that contain a psychoactive ingredient called psilocybin. There are two categories of psilocybin available for clinical use right now. Natural psilocybin, which is extracted from the mushroom, and synthetically derived psilocybin-like compounds. Synthetic psilocybin is more commonly used in clinical trials because companies producing synthesized psilocybin have a larger share of the market. Both formulations are used indiscriminately despite some arguing that there are important differences between natural and synthetic psilocybin. This project will help to clarify what differences might exist. The proposed project will use multiple different studies, including reviewing the existing literature and generating new data by interviewing individuals about their subjective experience when taking psilocybin. Findings from this project have the potential to influence product development choices made by Canadian producers of psilocybin-based medicines, such as MycoMedica Life Sciences. Finally, Canadian consumers will benefit from these findings by being able to make evidence-informed decisions about their healthcare.

Faculty Supervisor:

Zachary Walsh

Student:

Partner:

MycoMedica Life Sciences

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: