1) How long does psilocybin stay in your system?: 24 hours. Researchers note that about 66% of the compounds from mushrooms get excreted in the first 3 hours after ingestion. After 24 hours, psilocybin becomes undetectable in a person's urine. However, there is no exact time for how long other compounds will stay in the system, or how long the effects will last.

2) What happens in the brain when you take psilocybin?: Psilocybin (once converted to psilocin) is a an agonist for several serotonin receptors, meaning it binds to the receptors that serotonin usually binds to. Psilocybin's main effects occur in the neocortex of the brain, which includes the visual and auditory cortex. This is what contributes to alterations in visual/auditory perceptions. This neocortex also plays an important role in functions such as mood, cognition, and perception. When the neocortex is activated by psilocybin, besides the hallucinations, it also desynchronizes normal brain activity. This disruption, along with resulting neuroplasticity is what is believed to contribute to how individuals can reprocess old trauma in a new and more adaptive way.

3) What if I have a “bad trip” during my mushroom session/journey? :The goal is to facilitate accessing deep emotional issues such that they can be reprocessed during the session and also in subsequent integration sessions. The psychedelic session may bring up anxiety, fear, or difficult or challenging emotions or memories which is why we will be at your side to assist and support you before, during, and after your psilocybin session. Research suggests that the intensity of the psychedelic experience is one of the best predictors of a therapeutic response, even when the experience is difficult or challenging. Therefore we do not consider a difficult session to be a “bad trip” but instead focus on supporting you and assisting you in maximizing the benefit you can obtain from the experience whether it is pleasant, challenging, or both.

4) Is psilocybin the same as "‘Magic Mushrooms”?: Yes, psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound in certain mushrooms. More than 180 psilocybin-containing mushrooms species are found all worldwide and can induce hallucinogenic/psychedelic effects when consumed. Psilocybin is converted by the body to psilocin, and this is the actual compound which produces their psychoactive effects.

5) Who can use psilocybin?: Psilocybin use is legal in Oregon under Measure 109, codified under ORS 475A, which is regulated by the Oregon Health Authority. Please note: Psilocybin is still federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. In Oregon anyone 21 years of age or over can use psilocybin services, for any reason. No diagnosis or prescription is needed. Clients must, however, participate in preparation sessions with a licensed psilocybin facilitator before consuming the product in a licensed service center.

6) Will my insurance cover these services?: Unfortunately, no. Psilocybin is still a Federal Schedule I substance and cannot be covered by Medicare or private insurance. Currently all costs must be paid out-of-pocket.

7) Can I take psilocybin if I’m on antidepressants?: Clients taking anti-depressants sometimes experience a blunting of the effect of psilocybin. Interactions between psilocybin and antidepressants are complex and as you work with our facilitators, we may make recommendations regarding dosing. Additionally we always recommend you speak with your prescribing physician. If you are taking lithium, you would be required to completely taper off the lithium before consuming psilocybin.

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