Findings from a large survey propose that psilocybin is a relatively safe drug, with less than 1% of users of psilocybin mushrooms seeking emergency medical care after consumption. The survey’s findings, which also propose that adverse incidents resulting in emergency medical care are often psychological in nature and can be resolved in 24 hours, were reported in the “Journal of Psychopharmacology.”
Psilocybin, which is the active ingredient found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, is known to induce a mind-altering state when consumed. While this compound is considered safe in comparison to other psychoactive substances, it can still cause adverse reactions such as panic attacks, paranoia and anxiety.
Thus far, numerous studies have found evidence suggesting that these mushrooms also hold properties that may be beneficial to mental health. King’s College London’s Emma Kopra, the author of the study, stated that the use of psychedelic substances by the general public had risen amid increasing public interest and research on their therapeutic potential.Kopra explained that it was important to gather more information on the drug’s safety profile, noting that despite prior evidence suggesting that psilocybin mushrooms were relatively safe, there existed scanty academic research on the nature and occurrence of adverse reactions.
Despite the drug’s positive press, researchers highlight that more studies are needed to guide public policy and the identification of safety precautions regarding psychedelic substances.
For their study, the researchers analyzed responses from the 2017 Global Drug Survey, with a focus on respondents who revealed that they had consumed psilocybin mushrooms. The researchers found that of the more than 9,000 respondents who reportedly consumed magic mushrooms, only 19 of them sought emergency medical treatment after ingesting the psychedelic.
The researchers also discovered that the most commonly cited symptoms by those who sought medical treatment were hearing/seeing things, suspiciousness/paranoia and panic/psychological anxiety. Other symptoms included difficulty breathing, passing out and seizures
The majority of the respondents who sought treatment also revealed that they had also consumed other substances, such as alcohol and cannabis, within the same time frame as the mushrooms. The researchers explain that mixing of substances or being in the wrong place or in the wrong mindset could have caused the adverse experiences to occur.
In the study’s report, Kopra noted that it was crucial that clear risk profiles and safety considerations be drawn for the recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms and the use of psilocybin in a research or clinical setting.
Other researchers involved in the study include James J. Rucker, Jason A. Ferris, Allan H. Young and Adam R. Winstock.
This research affirming the safety of psilocybin couldn’t have come at a better time given that plenty of companies, such as Delic Holdings Corp. (CSE: DELC) (OTCQB: DELCF), are engaged in developing novel medicines from various psychedelic compounds, not just psilocybin.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Delic Holdings Corp. (CSE: DELC) (OTCQB: DELCF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/DELCF
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