Five Things to Know About Psychedelic Medicine

As psychedelic medicine is experiencing an “above ground” renaissance in the West, there is, understandably, hesitation to integrate these medicines into healing and general wellbeing practices. Below are the 5 things you need to know about how psychedelics work, shared from the work of Dr. Manesh Girn, “The Psychedelic Scientist”:

1. Psychedelics are not neurotoxic.

Hopefully this is not a surprise! We're far past the non-scientific drug war propaganda of the late 20th century that many of us grew up with. A variety of neuroscience and toxicology studies have demonstrated that psychedelics - used at normal dosage ranges - do not damage brain cells or produce any other physiological damage. They also do not lead to physical dependence (i.e., addiction in the conventional sense).

2. Psychedelics do not work by raising serotonin.

There is often confusion on this because of how most standard anti-depressants (such as SSRIs) work. Psychedelics work by activating serotonin and other receptors directly - not by influencing serotonin levels. They therefore do not "deplete" your serotonin levels like some other drugs, such as MDMA. Check out my video comparing psychedelics and anti-depressants here.

3. Psychedelics mainly work by activating the serotonin 2A receptor.

This receptor is fascinating for several reasons. For example, it happens to be most located on the most advanced parts of our brains - including our so-called default mode network and prefrontal cortex. These regions are involved in our abstract thinking and sense of self. This means that activating it will alter the functioning of brain regions that underlie the aspects of our thinking and behaviour that make us human! If you want to nerd out on this receptor, I have a 2-part series on my YouTube channel. Here's Part 1.

4. Psychedelics boost neuroplasticity in the brain.

Neuroplasticity refers to our brain's ability to re-wire itself. A large and growing body of research have found that psychedelics rapidly boost neuroplasticity in a way that can last 30+ days! In other words, psychedelics increase the ability for our brain to mold itself in new ways. Huge implications for therapy and personal transformation here - which I will explore in much more detail in future emails. Also be sure to check out my video on the topic.

5. Psychedelics are anti-inflammatory.

I believe that inflammation - induced by our modern diets and lifestyle - is one of the main contributors to poor mental and physical health. There is a lot of research to support this. Fascinatingly, psychedelics are potent anti-inflammatory drugs. They significantly reduce inflammation throughout the brain and body - with huge implications for conditions from depression, to brain injuries, to Alzheimer's!