Nowadays you cannot move for products that crow their cannabinoid credentials. CBD especially can be found in all manner of products. Some verge on the ridiculous — CBD hair pomade anyone? Or CBD nail polish? What about CBD infused bed sheets? A few decades ago it would have been unthinkable, but CBD’s rise to ubiquity is the result of the long fought-for legalization or decriminalization of marijuana that is spreading across the globe. 

Novelty products aside, CBD has many medicinal benefits. It can be used to treat inflammation, chronic pain, migraines, autoimmune diseases, epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. This is the reason for the changes in law across the world after all! Many people hope that psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms and magic truffles will follow the same path. Certainly laws are changing, with decriminalization occurring in many US states, as well as Australia’s announcement it will soon be officially recognizing psilocybin as medicine.  

What is CBD?

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a compound found in marijuana and hemp plants. However, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) it does not have a mind-altering effect. Basically, CBD won’t get you high. But it can soothe your anxiety, muscle pains, or even the effects of cancer treatment. The way CBD works is by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is a system of receptors that exist throughout the body. They are responsible for regulating numerous physiological processes such as pain, immune function and mood. As it can interact with these receptors, CBD is able to modulate inflammation as well as the body’s response to pain. This means CBD has also been found to be effective in reducing chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and arthritis. 

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CBD can be taken in many different forms, but the most common are as a tincture, a tablet or gummy, or a topical cream. 

What is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms and truffles. In high doses it can cause psychedelic trips with visual, aural and sensorial hallucinations. As well as being a popular recreational drug, recent study has found that psilocybin can be effective in treating many mental health conditions. These include depression and treatment resistant depression, eating disorders such as anorexia, addiction issues, post traumatic stress (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It can also be applied to help manage anxiety and ADHD, as well as increasing general feeling of well being and day-to-day happiness.

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While still illegal in many countries, the overwhelming amount of promising findings in the favor of psilocybin is causing a wave of changes in policy, and a rethinking of attitudes. Psilocybin can be taken in the form of fresh magic mushrooms, dried magic mushrooms, fresh magic truffles, dried magic truffles, or a tincture or tea made from any of the above. 

Can You Mix Psilocybin and CBD?

Unsurprisingly, the conversation has turned to whether you can mix psilocybin and CBD. With both providing vast benefits, as well as a history of being misunderstood, it was an inevitable combination. Of course, many people have recreationally consumed both marijuana and magic mushrooms for years, however, this is the first time it is being looked at properly by the wellness and medical spheres. It is assumed that when combined, the two substances, psilocybin and CBD, could have a synergistic effect, which would enhance the therapeutic benefits of each. 

Both are naturally occurring, with psilocybin having been found to have positive effects on emotional and mental health regulation as well as mood, while CBD has been found to have both anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects. When administered together they may be able to offer an enhanced approach to treating mental health complaints such as anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Research Into the Benefits of Combining Psilocybin and CBD

There have actually already been a few studies that have focused on the combination of psilocybin and CBD. 

A 2016 study found that combining these two compounds led to increased feelings of well-being and euphoria, as well as the reduction of feelings of anxiety. 

Another study, this time in 2020, found that when ingested together, psilocybin and CBD were effective in reducing symptoms of depression. 

It has also been surmised that the combination of psilocybin and CBD could be effective in treating addiction issues. This is because psilocybin has been found to be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings for those suffering with addiction. And, CBD is known to have anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects, which can be advantageous in reducing the negative psychological and physical symptoms associated with addiction. It is important to be aware however, that this is still in the process of being researched. 

5 Benefits of Combining Psilocybin and CBD

Reduces Anxiety

Did you know that around 3.8% of people globally suffer from anxiety? This takes its toll on both mental and physical health. Chronic anxiety can greatly affect one’s day-to-day life. When psilocybin and CBD work together these symptoms can be alleviated. Psilocybin affects the levels of serotonin in your brain while CBD relaxes you. 

Improves Mood

Both CBD and psilocybin are known to be mood-boosters, and effective in treating depression. CBD enhances the feeling of well-being caused by psilocybin. They are both able to regulate the body’s fear response, which is overactive in those suffering from depression and/or anxiety. 

Could Treat Addictive Tendencies

Psilocybin and CBD when combined may be able to combat addiction. CBD has been said to treat the withdrawal symptoms of addiction including nausea, anxiety, insomnia and seizures. Equally, psilocybin, when microdosed, is said to have the same benefits. Additionally, the relaxing effects of CBD aids the user in facing the fear of addiction withdrawal itself. 

Increases Out-of-the-Box and Creative Thinking

Those who combine psilocybin and CBD report an increase in abstract and out-of-the-box thinking. CBD can eliminate anxiety around expressing ones ideas and work-place jitteriness. 

Stimulates Neurogenesis

Yep, they can help your brain grow! Studies focusing on both substances have proved they have the potential to stimulate the growth of new brain cells. 

A study found that psilocybin, from magic mushrooms and truffles, can enhance regeneration of the brain and the growth of new neurons. 

CBD, for its part, interacts with endocannabinoid receptors to activate the CB1 receptors, which stimulates the production of new brain cells. 

Additionally, both psilocybin and CBD boost neuronal plasticity and have the potential to treat neurodegenerative disorder and intensify cognitive skills. 

Summary: The Benefits of Mixing Psilocybin and CBD

  • CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the marijuana and hemp plants. 
  • It has been found to be effective in treating a whole host of issues from anxiety to multiple sclerosis. 
  • Psilocybin is the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms and magic truffles. 
  • It has been found to be effective in treating many mental health conditions from depression, to PTSD, to addiction issues. 
  • When combined, psilocybin and CBD work in synergy to enhance the benefits of each other. 
  • Small studies have shown that when combined psilocybin and CBD can improve mood and increase feelings of euphoria. It can also treat depression. 
  • Combining psilocybin and CBD may: Reduce anxiety, improve mood, treat addiction, increase creative thought and stimulate the growth of new brain cells.