Psilocybin Study
Mushrooms as Medicine. Data with Depth. Hope from Evidence.
Psilocybin mushrooms are at the forefront of the psychedelic renaissance. Our research includes the world’s largest real-world use study, offering unprecedented insight into how people use psilocybin for healing, growth and exploration.
The largest naturalistic psilocybin study ever.
Study Overview
In 2018, our founders recognized the need for research on how psilocybin is used in a naturalistic setting (outside of clinical research).
Study concept in-hand, we approached the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins Medicine to partner on the largest real-world, longitudinal psilocybin study. Conducted in 2020, it’s still the largest in the world, with over 8000 participants. Our first publication (of many) from the study has more views than 99% of all published articles.
This study bridges a major gap between clinical trials and the real-world use of psychedelics. It not only confirms psilocybin’s potential as a mental health tool, it also illuminates the importance of integration, support and context in shaping outcomes. With more than 40% of participants meeting criteria for depression at baseline, this research gives voice to a diverse and often underserved population exploring psychedelics outside the lab.
Initial Highlights from the Study
With several academic papers published from this research, our work has uncovered thousands of insights about naturalistic psilocybin use. Highlights from our initial findings include:
- 90%+ rated their experience as positive in retrospect
- 80%+ attributed improvements in wellbeing and life satisfaction
- 50%+ improved interpersonal relationships
- 20%+ reported no notable behavioral change
Mental Health Improvements
- Significant reductions in depression, state and trait anxiety and alcohol misuse
- Moderately large effect sizes for depression improvement
- First-ever evidence of reduced burnout after psychedelic use
- Personal burnout declining at both 2 weeks and 2–3 months
- Work-related burnout declining at 2–3 months
Cognitive and Emotional Shifts
- Increased cognitive reappraisal: an emotional regulation strategy, linked to resilience
- Improved cognitive flexibility: the ability to adapt and reframe in challenging situations
- Increased extraversion and decreased neuroticism
- Improved spiritual wellbeing
Low Adverse Event Rates
- <4% reported medically significant acute reactions
- <5% reported persisting negative effects
A small but important minority reported serious challenges, including mania or psychosis, highlighting the need for informed, intentional use and continued harm reduction.
Mystical Experiences Matter
- 20% had a “complete” mystical experience
- Mystical-type effects were associated with lasting improvements in: Mood, Anxiety, Burnout, Cognitive Flexibility, Spiritual Wellbeing
- Challenging experiences were not predictive of long-term negative outcomes
Published Papers from the Study
