Psilocybin, the natural hallucinogenic compound found in various species of psilocybin mushrooms, has been found to treat depression, anxiety, and other serious mental illnesses.
As we’ll learn, extensive research into its benefits was lost by the 70s due to its classification as an illegal drug. Research on the benefits of LSD and other psychedelics was lost for the same reason. Despite this, credible modern-day researchers are providing solid evidence that psilocybin is a beneficial compound that can help treat mental illness.
“Remarkable” Effect on Depression
Justin Gardner at The Free Thought Project writes that William Richards at John Hopkins University, who’s been dosing study participants with psilocybin for 15 years for research purposes, published his first study in 2006 that displayed the compound’s therapeutic benefits. This paved the way for more wide-ranging research, such as the studies we’ll learn about below. (1)