Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is frequently used for recreational purposes to induce feelings of euphoria and hallucinations.
In addition to its mind-altering effects, research has been conducted into the potential benefits of this compound for relieving persistent pain.
This article reviews a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms in treating chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could potentially provide both immediate and sustained pain relief.
- When compared to traditional pain medication, microdosing psilocybin appears to have fewer side effects if taken in small quantities.
- Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to help alleviate pain, among other conditions.

The Study
The research titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series” was carried out by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego. They centered their study on three patients who self-administered small doses of psilocybin to manage their persistent pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Reduction of Chronic Pain
Patient # 1
AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
TYPE OF PAIN: | Neuropathic pain occurring below a spinal cord injury site. |
PAIN LEVEL: | Initially 4 to 5/ 10, increasing to 8/ 10 later in the day |
PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
RESULT: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, reduction in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were observed. |
The patient reported that his regular medications only managed to dull the pain, psilocybin, on the other hand, effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. |
Case Study: Subject #2
AGE/ GENDER: | 69-year-old female |
TYPE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically varies from 5 to 7 out of 10, but can heighten with activity and during pain flare-ups |
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Regular consumption of 500 mg daily for 7 to 10 days, followed by rest periods (2 to 3 days) over a year. Dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
IMPACT: | Pain is reduced by 80% for a period of 3-4 hours, slowly returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Total pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, reverting to initial levels after 18 hours. |
The subject reports a decrease in appetite without the presence of nausea. Instances of disorientation or unstable walking were observed when the dosage was increased (750 to 1000mg). |
Case Study: Subject # 3
AGE/ GENDER: | 40-year-old female |
TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
PAIN INTENSITY: | Rated as 8 out of 10, increasing to 10 out of 10 during physical activities |
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
IMPACT: | Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Notable enhancement in flexibility and functionality. Pain slowly returns to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Successive dosing improves pain control. |
The subject reports no significant physical, cognitive, or behavioral side effects. Her emotional state remains generally stable. She continues her routine dosage of her SSRI for managing depression during the psilocybin treatment course. |
Comprehending Pain Management with Psilocybin
Continuous signals of somatic and visceral pain reinforce certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in the ongoing experience of pain both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics like psilocybin, by activating 5-HT2A receptors, may reset the brain regions linked with neuropathic conditions.
One patient reported weeks-long pain relief. This suggests that stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to central regulation of pain perception and
Potential Side Effects: Psilocybin vs. Traditional Pain Relievers
Psilocybin (Based on Research) | Traditional Pain Relievers |
Muscle spasms | Nausea |
Diminished appetite | Discomfort in the abdomen |
Confusion | Migraines |
Unsteady gait | Dependency |
No alterations in mood | Drowsiness |
Future Research Possibilities with Psilocybin
After analyzing the experiences of three individuals, the research team has identified potential areas for further study due to their potential benefits.
- Small doses of psilocybin could provide immediate and possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without causing physical tolerance or addiction.
- Exploring the impacts of different treatment approaches in combination with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 reported an improved analgesic effect when psilocybin was used alongside physical therapy.
- Even without psychotherapy, small doses of psilocybin could relieve pain, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers suggest incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic effects.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging results seen in the patients, it’s critical to take into account the limitations identified in the study.
- The small sample size may not be representative of all individuals experiencing neuropathic pain.
- The study did not include any subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after treatment to measure the impact of psilocybin on mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential biases related to psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not examine the potential influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not determine the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
In our research, Patient #1 and Patient #2 consumed a small dose of powdered psilocybin, sourced from dried mushrooms. Patient #3, on the other hand, combined it with chocolate. There are several products specially made for psilocybin microdosing, and we have collated some of them below.
Dried Mushroom Varieties
Although the study did not mention the specific strain utilized, the following strain is recommended for those just starting out.
- Golden Teacher: This strain is commonplace and frequently encountered among magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendliness and potential cognitive improvements.
- Cambodian: Utilizing Cambodian cubensis mushrooms for microdosing can elevate concentration, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsule Varieties
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction comprises Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which have been scientifically shown to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This appealing blend provides three dosage choices: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin complemented by reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules incorporate the Golden Teacher strain, renowned for promoting clarity, boosting creativity, and enhancing focus.
Managing Pain with Psilocybin
Although the investigation into the analgesic properties of mushrooms is still nascent, anecdotal reports and small-scale case studies are indicating promising results.
Such instances underscore the importance of more extensive research into the potential advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Relevant Queries
What effects does psilocybin microdosing produce?
Psilocybin primarily activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two primary outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Furthermore, psychedelics promote connections between brain regions that don’t typically interact. This unique connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to lessen the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is involved in numerous cognitive processes, including daydreaming, self-reflection, and thoughts about the past and future.
What is the most recognized benefit of mushroom microdosing?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most extensively researched benefit is its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, the mental health company COMPASS Pathways shared the findings of their thorough phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their data indicated that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who were administered a higher dose of 25 milligrams exhibited a lasting antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study in the Psychiatry Research Journal suggested that psilocybin is more effective than traditional antidepressant treatments.
How do you determine your dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If you don’t experience the desired effects, incrementally increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your sweet spot.
Those with a history of using psychotropic substances might need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to reach the desired effects.
What steps should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
- Allocate time to understand the reasons for choosing to microdose on a particular day.
- Take time to reflect and engage with your current emotional or mental condition. Identify the emotions or mindset you believe will be advantageous to you that day.
- After you’ve clearly outlined your objectives, write them down. Formulating your goals as affirmations can be a potent method to support your continuous growth.
- Direct your intention towards the experience you wish to achieve, rather than concentrating on what you want to avoid.
- Consume it on an empty stomach, preferably one hour before your first meal of the day.
What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
Several well-recognized methodologies propose structured microdosing routines for psychedelics. The main difference between these protocols is the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most commonly recommended routines propose including 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols discussed in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.