👁️ This Is your Brain on Mushrooms

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Did you know that using blotter paper for LSD consumption started in the 1950s by jazz musicians?

It wasn’t till the 60s that it became popularized and used for artistic creation. This subcultural artifact has become an essential piece of what resembles psychedelic experiences with LSD. When we think of LSD we think of the tab on the tongue with cool artwork.

We can thank this creation to a New Yorker named Eric Ghost. He advanced the creation of LSD on blotter paper by creating a device called Mark 1. It allowed people to simultaneously drop 100 pins of LSD at once. This created the famous grid format that we all know.

Gotta Blast 🚀:

• A new study shows your brain before, during, and after magic mushrooms.

• Experts are coming together to endorse MDMA-assisted Therapy for PTSD.

• California is making psychedelic research a whole lot easier.

Quote of the Week 📖:

CHANGING MINDS🧠

Your Brain on Shrooms: A Closer Look 🧠

Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have uncovered how psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—induces its profound effects by temporarily scrambling the brain's networks.

The study reveals that psilocybin desynchronizes the default mode network, a key brain area involved in introspective thinking, such as daydreaming and remembering, leading to the medicine’s surreal effects.

This analysis provides a neurobiological explanation for the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, especially for mental health conditions like depression and PTSD.

The study involved seven healthy adults who took a high dose of psilocybin or methylphenidate (Ritalin) under controlled conditions. Extensive brain imaging showed that psilocybin caused widespread but temporary changes in brain function.

Once the drug’s acute effects wore off, small changes in brain networks persisted for weeks. The desynchronization of the default mode network during the psychedelic experience led to a temporary loss of individual brain patterns, making participants’ brain scans look more alike than their baseline states.

This temporary reset could make the brain more flexible and capable of adopting healthier states.

This study gives us a better understanding and scientific explanation of how psilocybin affects our brains. Each participant was scanned about 18 times, which takes this experiment a step further in understanding the relationship between psychedelics and ourselves, compared to studies in the past.

You can read the full study here to get a deeper understanding!

More in the Space 👁️

👁️ Did magic mushrooms shape human consciousness? New study suggests yes.

👁️ LSD microdosing shows mixed results—effectiveness varies by person.

👁️ Clearmind Medicine's new treatment for alcoholism gets FDA approval for trials.

MOVING THE NEEDLE🪡

California Clears the Way for Psychedelics Research 🚀

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law that aims to streamline the processing of applications to study psychedelics and marijuana. This legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R), seeks to clear a significant backlog of nearly 70 pending proposals overseen by the Research Advisory Panel of California (RAPC).

The panel, which hasn’t met since last August due to a policy change preventing closed-door meetings, can now resume its duties while protecting sensitive trade secrets and confidential information. This reauthorization is expected to expedite the review process, providing a clearer path for life-changing studies.

Despite recent setbacks, including the withdrawal of the "Heal Our Heroes Act" that aimed to provide psilocybin treatments to veterans, this new law marks a significant step forward. The legislation not only promises to accelerate research but also highlights the ongoing efforts to understand and utilize psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.

The RAPC is directed to provide a report by January 2026, updating lawmakers on the backlog of applications, including the number reviewed and those still pending. This development sets a precedent for how other states might handle similar challenges, paving the way for more structured and effective research initiatives.

With this new law, California continues to lead the charge in the psychedelic renaissance, offering hope for the future of psychedelic therapies and their benefits.

More in the Space 👁️

👁️ Google Co-founder backs ibogaine research.

👁️ Nootropic gummies found laced with psychedelics.

👁️ Experts push for FDA approval of MDMA-assisted therapy to treat PTSD.

👁️ Lawmakers advocate for cannabis as an opioid alternative for veterans.

COMMUNITY PULSE 🌐

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📅Dates: Thursday, July 25th · 6pm - 8pm CDT

Online

Join the third edition of the bi-monthly virtual gatherings, bringing together like-minded individuals dedicated to psychedelic medicine. Connect with professionals, exchange ideas, share insights, and much more in this unique and growing field. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an inspiring community!

Burning Man Volunteer with Zendo Project

📅Dates: August 25, 2024 – September 2, 2024 (Deadline June 30th)

Burning Man, Black Rock City

Are you attending Burning Man this year? The Zendo Project team is in need of compassionate humans to fill all roles in the Zendos – Sitter, Greeter, Logistics, Logkeeper, Medical Triage, and more. If you’re someone who loves psychedelics and want’s to provide a helping hand — this is for you!

Training is provided to accepted volunteers.

Must cover your own ticket.

BEFORE WE GO😢

Thank you for reading and being a part of this psychedelic journey! 🍄

👁️ Have a question or want to build a partnership? Message us! [email protected]