Researchers at Johns Hopkins gave psilocybin, the compound in 'magic mushrooms', to healthy volunteers under careful supervision. Most rated the experience among the most meaningful of their lives, and many still did over a year later.
Truth label: Established. Strong evidence and broad agreement among experts.
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The quiet network
Brain scans show psilocybin quiets the 'default mode network', linked to our sense of self and mind-wandering.
A careful field
Studies use screening, preparation and trained guides. Results outside those settings can be very different.
Learn
- Not advice. Psilocybin is illegal in many countries and carries real risks. This card is about the research, not a recommendation.
Test yourself
Which brain network does psilocybin quiet?
The default mode network. It reduces activity in the default mode network.
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