this post was submitted on 10 Oct 2025
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Mycology

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Psilocybin is so nice, mushrooms evolved it twice.

Scientists found that the magic behind so-called “magic mushrooms”—psilocybin, a psychedelic compound—has evolved at least twice in mushrooms, and in very different ways.

Researchers in Germany and Austria examined two different types of magic mushrooms. They showed that while both kinds make psilocybin, the biochemistry each relied on to produce the natural compound were entirely distinct. The findings suggest psilocybin may be an example of convergent evolution, in which two, unrelated forms of life nevertheless evolve to develop similar traits or features.

“Mushrooms have learned twice independently how to make the iconic magic mushroom natural product psilocybin,” the authors wrote in the paper, published last month in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

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[–] the_q@lemmy.zip 12 points 2 days ago (2 children)

I really wish I had access to psilocybin therapy.

[–] Venus_Ziegenfalle@feddit.org 7 points 2 days ago

You can order grow bags online (legality depends on your location). Easier to grow than a cactus as long as everything's sterile.

I used to suffer from depression and social anxiety. Became a shut in and made little to no progress in therapy. Ended up taking shrooms a couple of times and poof. Healthy again.

Milage may very much vary though. It's important to do some reseach before attempting this. Also definitely don't try if there are cases of schizophrenia in your family. And if you are in therapy tell your therapist about it.

I think what made it work so well for me is that I took them fully aware that they might make me confront my fears. I just felt ready to experience it all, good or bad. That mindset got reinforced with every trip and now carries me through life. I was also ready to let go of beliefs that don't serve me - which ended up being just about all of them. If neither of those experiences sound desirable to you then it won't be for you. Otherwise best of luck and safe travels.

[–] systemglitch@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Super cheap and easy to grow your own.

[–] the_q@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Yeah, but illegal once they've reached a certain point. Plus you need a therapist trained in this form of treatment. It's a whole thing.

[–] remotelove@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 days ago

Just a quick note that many psychedelics were legalized in Colorado a couple years back. Anyone can grow and consume them, but we can't legally sell them which is fine by me.

Usually, it's spores that are 100% legal since mycelium can contain trace psilocybin, so legality is questionable.

[–] shalafi@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

Do tell. I seriously need a brain reset, like never before in life.