Psilocybin and Perception

Note: This topic arose from Jerry Michalski's personal experience shared during his check-in on the OGM 2025-11-06 call, but was not a main discussion topic. This page provides context on the substance and its effects.

What is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by certain mushroom species (often called "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms"). When ingested, it converts to psilocin, which affects serotonin receptors in the brain.

Effects on Perception

Traditional Understanding

Psychedelics were historically thought to create hallucinations - false perceptions generated by the brain.

Filter Theory (discussed in the call)

An alternative perspective suggests psilocybin:

Reduces neural filtering rather than creating false perceptions
Lowers GABA and Filtering activity
Allows perception of information normally filtered from conscious awareness
Reveals what's "always happening around you" but usually screened out

Jerry's Experience

Jerry shared his first psilocybin journey during the call:

First trip ever - had never used any drugs before
Felt connected to "mycelial networks of the world"
Experienced "everything all at once-ish"
Described as "phenomenal" and "really transformative"
Safe setting with trustworthy friend
Friend had grown the mushrooms and tested them

Key Insight

The experience aligned with the filter reduction theory from Dan Brown's book he'd been reading, suggesting psychedelics lower filters to reveal existing reality rather than creating fictional experiences.

Connection to Consciousness Theories

The filter reduction model connects to:

Non-Local Consciousness - consciousness as universal field we tune into
Brain as receiver/tuner rather than generator
GABA as the primary filtering mechanism
Psychedelics as temporary filter adjustment tools

Current Research Context

Recent years have seen renewed scientific interest in psilocybin for:

Treatment-resistant depression
Anxiety in terminal illness patients
PTSD therapy
Addiction treatment
Enhanced creativity and problem-solving

Research institutions including Johns Hopkins, Imperial College London, and others are conducting clinical trials.

Safety Considerations

Jerry's experience highlighted important safety factors:

Set and setting - comfortable, safe environment
Trusted guide - experienced, trustworthy person present
Quality control - knowing the source and potency
Mental preparation - understanding what to expect
Integration - processing the experience afterward

Mycelial Networks

Jerry specifically mentioned feeling connected to "mycelial networks" - the underground fungal networks that:

Connect trees and plants in forests
Share nutrients and information
Function as a kind of "wood wide web"
Represent interconnected, distributed intelligence

This connection is particularly poetic as the psilocybin came from mushrooms (fruiting bodies of mycelial networks).

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