Personalized attention +34 96 206 62 98
SHIPPING TO ALL 
9/10 Rating
Discreet shipping
Understanding the effects of psilocybin on the brain is one of the most common questions among people curious about psychoactive mushrooms and truffles. It’s not surprising: when you hear that this substance can alter perception, mood, or even the way you think, the first instinct is to understand what is really happening inside the brain.
In this guide, we review what is currently known about the potential benefits and effects of psilocybin on the brain.
Psilocybin: what it is and why it produces such distinctive effects
Psilocybin is a compound found in various mushroom species that have been used for centuries in spiritual rituals and traditional practices. Today, the scientific community is studying this compound to better understand what psilocybin is, how it affects brain activity, and why it produces such unique psychological experiences.
Serotonin: the brain’s chemical language
Before understanding the relationship between psilocybin and serotonin, it’s important to remember that serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sensory perception, creativity, and sleep.
When psilocybin is consumed, the body converts it into psilocin, a molecule whose chemical structure closely resembles serotonin. Thanks to this similarity, psilocin can interact with the same brain “access points,” but it produces very different effects.
How psilocybin works in the brain: a simple step-by-step explanation
The effects of psilocybin on the brain may sound complex when discussing receptors, neural networks, and brain changes, but its mechanism can actually be explained quite simply. Below is a step-by-step overview of what happens after consumption, how psilocybin is converted into psilocin, and what changes it produces in brain activity, perception, and the way you relate to your own thoughts.
1. Psilocybin is converted into psilocin
The first process takes place in the body: psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which is the active molecule responsible for the psychological and neurobiological effects.
2. Psilocin activates specific receptors
The brain functions as a system full of chemical “locks” known as receptors. Psilocin fits especially well into the 5-HT2A receptors, which are associated with serotonin.
When this receptor is activated, the brain’s usual balance of activity shifts: some areas become more active, while others slow down.
3. The brain begins to form new connections
Under normal conditions, different brain networks operate in an organized and relatively separate way. With psilocybin, these boundaries become more flexible. Regions that rarely interact begin to communicate with each other. This can be experienced as more fluid thinking, creative associations, perceptual changes, or a less rigid sense of self.
4. The “default mode” network quiets down
The so-called default mode network (DMN) is responsible for rumination, excessive self-focus, and repetitive thought patterns.
Under the influence of psilocin, this network becomes less active, which helps explain why many people report a sense of mental relief or emotional clarity.
| What happens in the brain and how it may feel | ||
|---|---|---|
| What happens in the brain | Simple explanation | How it may feel |
| Partial activation of the serotonergic system | Psilocin mimics serotonin | Changes in mood and perception |
| Increased communication between brain networks | Areas connect that normally do not | Creative thinking, new associations |
| Reduced activity in the default mode network | Less mental rumination | Clarity, lightness, sense of mental rest |
| Greater neural flexibility | New connections are more easily formed | New perspectives, reduced mental rigidity |
Benefits of psilocybin on the brain: what science says today
Modern research is analyzing the effects of psilocybin on the brain for several well-founded reasons. Although it is not yet considered an approved treatment, preliminary results are promising.
Potential support for treatment-resistant depression
In clinical studies, individuals with depression who did not respond to conventional treatments have shown improvements when psilocybin is combined with therapeutic guidance. It is not a universal cure, but it is an emerging field with significant potential.
Reduction of anxiety and repetitive thought patterns
Many research participants report feeling “less trapped” in their own minds. This aligns with the effects of psilocybin on the default mode network, which tends to calm down.
Greater cognitive flexibility
After guided psilocybin sessions, many people show an increased ability to view problems from new perspectives and to move away from rigid mental patterns.
Potential boost to neuroplasticity
Some studies suggest that psilocybin may enhance neuroplasticity, meaning the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganize, and form new neural connections.
| Studied benefits and how to interpret them | ||
|---|---|---|
| Potential benefit | What it really means | Current status |
| Fewer depressive symptoms | Long-lasting improvements in emotional well-being | Clinical trials |
| Reduced anxiety | Lower mental hyperactivity | Under investigation |
| Greater cognitive flexibility | More open and adaptable thinking | Growing evidence |
| Increased neuroplasticity | A more adaptable brain, ready for change | Preliminary studies |
Real risks, limitations, and common myths
Psilocybin is not considered addictive and does not cause withdrawal symptoms. That does not mean it is risk-free: the experience can be emotionally intense and is not suitable for everyone.
Can it affect mental health?
Yes, especially in people with a history of severe mental health disorders or when used without proper preparation and professional support.
Common myths
- “You can get stuck in the trip” → False. The effects fade once the substance is metabolized.
- “It causes brain damage” → There is no evidence that it causes physical brain injury.
- “It’s just another recreational drug” → Incorrect. Its psychological impact requires responsibility and a safe setting.
Psilocybin and legality: what the law currently allows
In much of the world, including large parts of Europe, psilocybin is regulated or prohibited.
What is often legal includes products such as:
- spores
- cultivation kits for research purposes
- mycological materials
- educational or informational content
All of these are intended strictly for non-consumptive purposes.
When psilocybin is converted into psilocin and begins interacting with serotonin-related receptors, the brain enters a more flexible, creative, and communicative state. This shift helps reduce mental rumination and opens the door to less rigid ways of thinking.
While further research is still needed, current evidence points to promising effects and potential benefits of psilocybin on the brain. Even so, it is essential to remember that it is not without risks and that its use requires responsibility, accurate information, and an appropriate legal framework.
