Johns Hopkin’s University completed a study in November 2016, comprised of 29 patients who were diagnosed with cancer and were having anxiety and/or depression. The study lasted seven weeks, with each patient receiving psychotherapy sessions and either one dose of 0.3mg psilocybin or vitamin B each week. The results found that those who received the psilocybin reported that their level of anxiety or depression reduced almost immediately. They also felt less existential angst, and more hopeful and spiritual. A follow up 6.5 months later found that they’re symptoms were still largely diminished. [2]
In other research, the London-based for-profit organization, Compass, has cranked out 250 gram batches of psilocybin that they’ve designated to go toward clinical trials to see how it can treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD). [3]
There’s no doubt that studies are showing that psilocybin can produce a mystical type of experience. Combine that with spiritual practices like meditation and the positive changes that can occur psychosocially and spiritually are quite promising.
Another double-blind study gave psilocybin to those who agreed to combine meditation or spiritual practice along with it. There were three randomized groups of participants. Group 1 received a low dose of psilocybin and standard spiritual practice support. Group 2 received a high dose of psilocybin, with just standard support. Group 3 received a high dose of psilocybin with high spiritual support.
Psilocybin was administered one and two months after the participants began their spiritual practice. At six months after the psilocybin session, all the participants reported that they were still experiencing positive results. Those that received the high dose of psilocybin, with or without spiritual support, reported even greater results in terms of feeling that life was more meaningful, openness, faith, coping skills, and interpersonal closeness.
Essentially, the study found that high doses of psilocybin and spiritual support or meditation practices can increase prosocial attitudes and behaviors, and aid in psychological functioning.