But even when no criterion for use is mandated, prolonged negative affect is rare. As with Peden and Leary, Vollenweider asserts that many psychologically stable subjects who’ve used psilocybin in a reinforcing setting betray ‘no indication of prolonged psychosis, persisting perception disorder or subsequent drug abuse’; he also notes that a low dose (of less than .215 milligrams per kilogram administered) was found to very rarely lead to any anxious or irritating symptoms at all when administered in a supportive setting, while depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, alcohol addiction, and chronic pain and obsessive compulsive disorder still showed improvement at this dose; in particular, Vollenweider cites one recent study that found a moderate amount of psilocybin to improve mood and anxiety in those with advanced cancer; the effect lasted anywhere from two weeks to six months (646-648).
Another recent analysis found that psilocybin aborted cluster headaches (which produce pain trumping that of even the most severe migraines); no other chemical agent (save LSD) is known to work so well against this scourge (Vollenweider 644). The question follows: if a substance exists which can relieve one of the worst physical pains known to man more effectively than any other chemical synthesized or found in nature, is society obligated to offer this option? This is to say nothing of widespread accounts that describe a unique and lasting effect of psilocybin on mood.
On the latter point, Franz Vollenweider advances the hypothesis of a possible mechanism of action. Nuerophysiologically, the neurotransmitter glutamate is widely thought to regulate neuroplasticity (of which abnormality in contributes heavily to mood disorders). Drugs (such as psilocybin) that alter glutamergic neurotransmission in prefrontal and limbic circuitry lead to nueroplastic adaptations; this may help in explaining the sustained antidepressant effect that psilocybin can induce. Additionally, the finding that this drug also modulates a specific subset of the serotonin receptor (which psychopharmacologists relate to regulation of mood and depression) indicates a key role in reducing stress-related illnesses. Overall, Vollenweider states that psilocybin shows promise in treating a variety of mental and physical illnesses; current treatments have ‘high failure rates’ and cost a lot of money (646-648).
The mental effects of this substance are intertwined with the spiritual context in which many advocates reference it. Doctor RR Griffiths led a staff of four doctors (all affiliated with Johns Hopkins University) who compiled a study in 2008 to assess the level of spirituality and meaning people that associate with a psilocybin experience. Before commencing their study, the doctors compiled evidence which showed that early researchers didn’t understand the magnitude of non-pharmacological variables on its effect, citing contemporary research (which generally provides a supportive setting to take the drug in) as producing more positive results due to this precaution (621-622).
Another recent analysis found that psilocybin aborted cluster headaches (which produce pain trumping that of even the most severe migraines); no other chemical agent (save LSD) is known to work so well against this scourge (Vollenweider 644). The question follows: if a substance exists which can relieve one of the worst physical pains known to man more effectively than any other chemical synthesized or found in nature, is society obligated to offer this option? This is to say nothing of widespread accounts that describe a unique and lasting effect of psilocybin on mood.
On the latter point, Franz Vollenweider advances the hypothesis of a possible mechanism of action. Nuerophysiologically, the neurotransmitter glutamate is widely thought to regulate neuroplasticity (of which abnormality in contributes heavily to mood disorders). Drugs (such as psilocybin) that alter glutamergic neurotransmission in prefrontal and limbic circuitry lead to nueroplastic adaptations; this may help in explaining the sustained antidepressant effect that psilocybin can induce. Additionally, the finding that this drug also modulates a specific subset of the serotonin receptor (which psychopharmacologists relate to regulation of mood and depression) indicates a key role in reducing stress-related illnesses. Overall, Vollenweider states that psilocybin shows promise in treating a variety of mental and physical illnesses; current treatments have ‘high failure rates’ and cost a lot of money (646-648).
The mental effects of this substance are intertwined with the spiritual context in which many advocates reference it. Doctor RR Griffiths led a staff of four doctors (all affiliated with Johns Hopkins University) who compiled a study in 2008 to assess the level of spirituality and meaning people that associate with a psilocybin experience. Before commencing their study, the doctors compiled evidence which showed that early researchers didn’t understand the magnitude of non-pharmacological variables on its effect, citing contemporary research (which generally provides a supportive setting to take the drug in) as producing more positive results due to this precaution (621-622).