Mythbusting:
3 Mushroom Myths
(You Might Still Believe)
In today’s society, misconceptions can spread faster than facts, and ‘shrooms are no exception.
Everyone from the media, to pop culture, to your friend’s older brother have a tall tale about psilocybin…
But do they deserve the stigma?
Is psilocybin a dangerous drug that should be handled with care?
Or is it the gift to modern medicine and personal growth as so many researchers claim?
Let’s dive into some of the most common myths and find out!
You with me?
Myth 1: Mushrooms Make You Paranoid
The fear that psilocybin causes paranoia is a common misconception largely fueled by:
- Popular media
- Urban legends
- Second-hand anecdotes
- And over-enthusiastic news anchors
A recent meta-analysis of dozens of clinical trials found:
“Single-dose psilocybin use was not associated with risk of paranoia or transient thought disorder.”
The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, also found any adverse effects observed by researchers—such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness—were generally
- Mild
- Tolerable
- And resolved within 48 hours.
Myth 2: Mushrooms Are Addictive
Contrary to common thought, psilocybin mushrooms are not addictive.
Numerous studies have demonstrated their low potential for dependency—especially when compared to substances like:
- Opioids
- Alcohol
- And nicotine
In fact, psilocybin has shown promise in helping individuals overcome addiction.
An open-label pilot study on psilocybin and smoking generated remarkable results:
80% of participants were cigarette-free six months after psilocybin therapy—A success rate that dwarfs the standard 10-15%.
‘Shrooms also been effective in treating alcoholism and opioid abuse in controlled settings.
Myth 3: Shrooms Are Bad For Your Brain
The idea that psilocybin mushrooms impair cognitive function is a complete misconception.
A landmark study demonstrated that psilocybin use leads to increased neural plasticity—also known as the brain’s ability to form new neural connections.
Building a more flexible brain also unlocks innovative thinking—leading to more creative and outside-the-box problem-solving.
Additional studies have found ‘shrooms to be effective allies for fighting against:
- OCT
- Anxiety
- Depression
Follow-Up: Sustaining Your Success
As the scientific community continually researchers the “magic” in mushrooms, it’s become clear that much of magic mushrooms reputation is based on:
- Media myths
- Outdated information
- And sensationalized stories
Remember, knowledge is power—especially when it challenges the status quo and leads to broader perspectives and improved wellbeing.
Stay curious, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
Happy mind watering!
Ready to Learn More?
Watch Big Think’s:
"The Real Risks of Psychedelics, Explained by an Expert"
by Dr. Matthew Johnson, Johns Hopkins researcher
