The first substance we would like to research is Psilocybin. We picked psilocybin as our first choice because it is a substance our group collectively knows the least about. This substance goes under so many elusive names and is least discussed in the media. Our knowledge of the substance is so little, bringing this issue to light, and unmasking this villainous substance, is the mission goal of our group. It’s also come to light that states like Colorado are trying to decriminalize the use of Psilocybin and the only way to combat this is to inform others about the dangers of this substance. There is also the added risk that an individual consumes a mushroom believing it will cause a dream-like state yet it is actually another species that is extremely poisonous and lethal.
We collectively know that psilocybin causes hallucinations, as well as generally clouds one's ability to make logical decisions. Psilocybin is transmitted under many street names such as mushrooms, shrooms, magic mushrooms, broomsticks, etc. We know that Psilocybin is most commonly ingested through “edibles'' or through respiratory inhalation. Psilocybin is obtained from exotic types of mushrooms that are indigenous to subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. The dangerous side effects of Psilocybin can include but are not limited to, long-term psychosis, panic attacks, fear of death, and flashbacks to a past drug trip.
https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs6/6038/index.htm
This substance is relevant to our group because we have been exposed to micro-dosing in the media, and lack knowledge about the possible issue. Hollywood is infamous for displaying characters under the influence or ingesting Psilocybin, and we wish to debunk myths vs facts.
Our group hopes to study and analyze the short-term and long-term consequences of Psilocybin. This includes how the substance affects an individual’s mental and physical health, as well as the methods of ingestion. If Psilocybin has different consequences when ingested through other options and finally if it has a medicinal use. After doing a little research about Psilocybin we stumbled across an article that claims that 'Magic Mushrooms' Can Help Smokers Break the Habit. After reading the article, I wonder if there's more evidence to back up the claim.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/stories/mushrooms_quit_smoking.html