Have you ever thought about expanding your consciousness—thinking beyond yourself? In the popular movie, Limitless, a man who was struggling in life takes a pill that expands his cognitive abilities beyond anything he dreamed of, giving him great powers. Our fascinating guest on Love University, Dr. Jahan Khamsehzadeh enlightened us on the use of “magic mushrooms” (hallucinogenic) to achieve enlightenment and higher consciousness. According to Dr. Jahan, Psilocybin (the psychedelic compound in the mushrooms) has been used for thousands of years by native cultures to achieve higher understanding. On our program, Dr. Jahan discussed ways for the average person to achieve enlightenment and reduce suffering by using Psilocybin in medically and legally accepted ways. Here are some of the interesting findings he shared with us:
*Psilocybin has medical and therapeutic benefits. In studies at John Hopkins and other research centers, Psilocybin has been found to reduce depression, death anxiety, and the urge to smoke (80% of Psilocybin users quit versus only 15-30% using other methods). Moreover, Psilocybin is currently being studied to determine its effects on improving other psychological disorders such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Anxiety Disorders.
*Psilocybin may elevate consciousness, understanding, and self-acceptance, According to Dr. Jahan, psilocybin can increase a sense of openness and connection in a person’s mind, while diminishing self-consciousness (“What’s going to happen to me?”). As a result, an individual who uses Psilocybin in measured doses (even small doses known as microdosing), can be more creative, positive, and balanced. They are less fearful of the future and can experience a sense of unity and love within themselves, others, and the Universe.
*Psilocybin needs to be used under proper guidance and in adherence to local laws and accepted medical practices. It's important to recognize the legal and medical limitations to Psilocybin use. Currently Psilocybin can be legally used in certain research settings, and Oregon is the first state to pass a law that will establish a framework for Psilocybin use (some countries may also permit legal use). Moreover, according to Dr. Jahan, Psilocybin is not a substitute for therapy, spiritual practice, or other prescribed medications. Moreover, psilocybin use may pose risks for certain individuals with traumatic memories as well as those who have cardiovascular issues and other medical conditions.
Although the use of Psilocybin for therapeutic use in the US currently has legal limitations, and research is still ongoing as to its benefits and risks, there is growing research to indicate that it can provide certain life-changing therapeutic and medical advantages. Although we’ve made a lot of progress in studying the human brain, there is still a lot we don’t know. It is an intriguing possibility that the use of ancient healing and transformative methods like the magic mushroom can give us insight on how to transcend our everyday consciousness and achieve greater joy, health, and love.
