Shrooms, Psilocybin Mushrooms , tweezers, hongos, mushroom caps, pizza toppings—everyday lingo for psychedelic mushrooms seems to be growing with each generation. And with good reason. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, administered in a therapeutic setting, can dramatically reduce depression in people who don’t respond to traditional antidepressants.

It can also prompt spiritual experiences, shifts in perspective, and a distorted sense of time and space (via brain desynchronization). And it’s potentially dangerous. If taken in high enough doses, it can trigger psychosis. The length and intensity of a “trip” depends on the strength of the mushroom, the person’s expectations, and how well a trained facilitator manages the setting and guide for the experience.

Psilocybin Microdosing: Science, Wellness Benefits & How to Start Safely

While anecdotal reports of the benefits of microdosing seem promising, researchers are now conducting rigorous studies. A 2022 study of 34 patients randomized to take low-dose psilocybin and a placebo found that they had small to moderate improvements in mood and mental health, regardless of age or gender.

Currently, the only way to legally take psilocybin is by participating in a research study or getting special permission from Health Canada with the support of a doctor. Obtaining the drug without a prescription can lead to serious and lasting psychological problems, including paranoia and schizophrenia. In the US, it’s considered a Schedule 1 controlled substance—meaning it has no accepted medical use and carries a significant risk of abuse. Possession is illegal.