Webinar preview: Will psychedelics unlock the future of mental health?

13 Apr 2023 --- Psychedelics such as psilocybin are experiencing a renaissance of interest as science increasingly supports the nutraceutical’s mental health benefits. According to Innova Market Insights, a growing number of modern consumers say they are looking for functional F&B products to improve their mental health.

Globally, 28% of consumers have expressed concerns over their mental health and 36% state that they believe a functional product could benefit them by improving their mood and combating anxiety and sadness (Innova Lifestyles & Attitude Survey 2022).

As the stigma surrounding psychedelics continues to abate, more and more researchers, activists and producers are looking at their potential to enhance mental health on a global scale.

Ahead of the webinar titled, “Psychedelics and the future of mental health: Will mushrooms go mainstream?” NutritionInsight speaks with presenting panel members about their endeavors in the scientific, activist and commercial aspects of the psychedelic space.

Understanding the science
Stephan Tap is the head of the department of event management at the Amsterdam Psychedelic Research Association, a volunteer at the Open Foundation and a researcher with an MSc in clinical psychology from Vrije University, who is well versed in the research surrounding this topic.

Unlimited Sciences plans to start a clinical trial on the effects of psychedelics in athletes later this year.According to Tap, one of the most recent and relevant articles regarding the need for psychedelic therapy research was written by philosopher Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes. Published in Frontiers in Psychology, the article suggests that the subjective effects of the psychedelic experience are significant in their therapeutic efficacy, particularly the metaphysical experiences.

“The observation that psychedelics are able to change our metaphysical presuppositions is worth exploring, as it changes our relationship with reality and nature,” Tap explains. “Some individuals might already understand this intellectually, but after the administration of psilocybin they really feel it.”

“They realize they are a part of nature and not some isolated individual floating through the universe. These realizations can be very powerful for overcoming psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder and addiction.”

Tap holds that science and experience show that the therapeutic implication of these types of realizations cannot be understated.

Additionally, Tap states that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAT) is highly likely to become an approved treatment in the upcoming years, though it is not yet. Tap notes that this can be a disappointment for individuals who have been suffering from their mental condition for years, if not decades. 

“If people actually decide they want to try psychedelics, they should do their research and be very careful,” Tap stresses. “Above all, people should definitely not do it alone.”

Tap further affirms that people should ensure they have a reputable guide with them, such as a psychedelic coach, and make sure that the person knows what they are doing. 

“Set your intentions – ‘What am I hoping to gain from the experience?’ – and set up a safe and supportive environment. Know the substance and the dosage, because some psilocybe mushrooms have higher concentrations of psilocybin than others.”

Multifunctional effects?
Del Jolly is an activist within the psychedelics space in the US, the co-founder of Unlimited Sciences – a research collective investigating the potential of psychedelics medicine – and the co-founder and president of Umbo, a company that specializes in functional and nootropic mushrooms.

Through Unlimited Sciences, Jolly is conducting several studies on the efficacy of psychedelics on more than just mental health. 

One of the studies that will be conducted this year was formed in conjunction with Jolly’s partners at Umbo, Jake Plummer, a former quarterback in the National Football League and Rashad Evans, a mixed martial arts fighter, a light-heavyweight champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and an inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame.

“We’ve determined an amazing way to lift the stigma on psychedelics is to do an IRB-approved (the US Food and Drug Administration’s institutional review board) study that can explore how athletes who may have experienced a traumatic brain injury are using psilocybin,” says Jolly. Sara Budwhani holds that microdosing without a plan is like exercising without a goal.

“The idea is to have a group of 15-20 ex and current NFL players (and UFC fighters) come together for a psilocybin ceremony and track their progress in the weeks and months before, right before and right after, as well as the months after their experience and documenting the story that follows several players and fighters. 

Jolly plans to use the data to create data-backed storytelling and to publish scientific peer-reviewed papers.

Psychedelics for all?
Sara Budhwani is the founder of Microdose Together and Happy Tea, a branded product sold in the Netherlands that pairs specific teas and flavors with specific dosages and strains of psychedelic truffles.

Budhwani states there the products are meant for use at lower levels – microdoses – as opposed to the larger levels often used in treatments. Moreover, she states that there are different well-known microdosing protocols but highlights that everyone’s dose can be different. 

“The factors to consider are your objectives and intentions and your lifestyle,” Budhwani underscores. “For example, with Happy Tea, we recommend one to two times per week. We also recommend 2 g of truffle per person. Other microdosing protocols involve very low doses where you don’t feel anything and it works more in the background, but it all depends on your end goal.”

However, Budhwani also stresses that safety should be considered at all times. 

“Microdosing without a goal or intention is the least effective way to obtain benefits,” she says. “It’s like working out with no goals or consistency. Microdosing is a tool – the work still comes from you.” 

Furthermore, she notes that people with a history of mental illness – such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder – may be at a higher risk for negative effects from microdosing. Additionally, certain medications, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers, may interact negatively with psychedelic substances.

By William Bradford Nichols