April 2021
Psilocybin vs. Escitalopram Phase II Trial Inconclusive
The trial was not designed to test whether psilocybin is equivalent to escitalopram.
Timeline of Psychedelic Scientific Studies
December 2020
Synthesis of 5-MeO-DMT Succinate
This effort makes the compound available for clinical trials.
November 2020
Aeruginascin Discovered in Psilocybe Cubensis
This study highlights the importance of understanding the chemical composition of magic mushrooms, including all the active molecules, not just psilocybin.
November 2020
Team Publishes SAR of 17 Psilocybin Analogs
The research team was led by Dr. Adam Klein
September 2020
First Crystal Structure of LSD on 5-HT2A Receptor
The discovery reported by Kim at al. in the journal Cell sheds light on how compounds interact with and activate this canonical receptor.
September 2020
UC Berkeley Opens Center for the Science of Psychedelics
To begin, the center will focus on researching the effects of psilocybin.
August 2020
Scientists Solve the Crystal Structures of the Iodide Salts of DMPT and DMALT
DMPT and DMALT are structural analogs of the quaternary tryptammonium toad secretion bufotenidine and the magic mushroom compound aeruginascin.
August 2020
NeuroPharm Begins Clinical Trials Using Psilocybin for Treating PTSD
Until this study, research into long term mental health solutions for Veterans, EMS, and frontline personnel were virtually non-existent.
August 2020
First Clinical Trial Combining LSD and MDMA
MindMed and Liechti Lab join forces for a first-of-its-kind psychedelic clinical trial.
July 2020
Study Finds 4-HO-TMT is Active at the 5-HT2A Receptor
This metabolite of aeruginascin has binding affinity similar to serotonin at 5-HT2A.
April 2020
Scientists Solve Two Crystal Structures of Norpsilocin
New crystalline forms of norpsilocin create new options for developing psychedelic drug formulations.
April 2020
Researchers Genetically Engineer Yeast to Produce Psilocybin and Related Tryptamines
This research provides a method for producing meaningful amounts of psilocybin analogs for scientific study and downstream applications.
April 2020
Scientists Solve the Crystal Structure of the Freebase of 5-MeO-DALT
This crystal structure of 5-MeO-DALT is essential to understanding its physical properties and for studying its activity at receptors by using modeling studies.
February 2020
Researchers Develop Synthetic Method for Making Psilocybin Derivatives
The synthesis method represents the first meaningful access to these compounds for scientific research.
February 2020
Study Finds Norpsilocin is More Potent Than Psilocin at 5-HT2A
This is the first scientific evidence that anything but psilocybin or psilocin could potentially contribute to the pharmacology of magic mushrooms.
February 2020
Study Finds Baeocystin is Not a Psychedelic Drug
Baeocystin did not cause the head twitch response in mice, meaning it does not activate the 5-HT2A receptor.
December 2019
Scientists Engineer E. Coli to Produce Psilocybin
The authors say this work is “a significant step towards demonstrating the feasibility of industrial production of biologically-derived psilocybin.”
December 2019
New Zealand University Receives Approval for LSD Microdosing Study
This study is focusing on the effects of psychedelics in everyday life.
December 2019
New Cannabinoid Discovered in Cannabis sativa: (-)-trans-Δ9-THCP
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol could account for the pharmacological properties of some cannabis varieties.
November 2019
Study Finds ALD-52, 1P-LSD, and 1B-LSD Are Prodrugs of LSD
The data showed that ALD-52, 1P-LSD, and 1B-LSD were very weak partial agonists at the human 5-HT2A compared to LSD.
November 2019
New Magic Mushroom Compounds Identified
Researchers isolate ayahuasca-like compounds known as ß-carbolines from several species of Psilocybe.
November 2019
Quantified Citizen Launches World’s First Psychedelic Microdosing Study Mobile App
The data from the study will help generate hypotheses for future research.
November 2019
Scientists Solve Magic Mushroom Bluing Mystery
“…the blue color is due to a heterogeneous mixture of quinoid psilocyl oligomers, primarily coupled via C-5."
October 2019
Scientists Solve the Crystal Structure of 4-HO-DPT
This new solvate form opens to door to understanding its physical properties and testing its activity at biological receptors.
September 2019
September 2019
Scientists Solve the Crystal Structure of the Fumarate Salts of DMT and Psilocin Derivatives
The new crystalline fumarate salts of MiPT and 4-HO-MiPT could be used to modulate the effects of compounds in a drug formulation.
September 2019
Johns Hopkins Starts Psilocybin Clinical Trial to Treat Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia has phenomenological parallels to anxiety and addiction, both of which have been shown to improve with psilocybin-assisted interventions.
July 2019
Scientists Solve the Crystal Structure of MPT
This structural analog of DMT is an understudied compound presenting new options for psychedelic drug development.
June 4, 2019
Scientists Find 1,000 Year Old Shaman Pouch Containing Traces of Psychedelics
The 1,000 year old ritual bundle was found in the Andes.
May 2019
Researchers Synthesize 6-Methylated Congeners of Psilocybin
These new compounds will give scientists a better understanding of how serotonin-based psychedelics work.
May 2019
New Crystalline Form of Psilacetin Discovered
This new solvate of psilacetin could provide new properties like solubility, leading to new opportunities for formulating drugs.
March 25, 2019
Scientists Publish the Crystal Structure of 4-AcO-DMT Fumarate
This is the crystal structure of the fumarate salt of psilacetin which was described by David Nichols and Steward Frescas of Purdue University in 1999.
March 2019
Studies Find 5-MeO-DMT Improves Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Improvements in depression and anxiety are associated with greater intensity of mystical experiences and higher ratings of the spiritual significance and personal meaning.
March 2019
Study Finds Sub-Acute and Sustained Benefits from a Single Inhalation of Toad Secretions
Increased mindfulness and decreased anxiety, depression, and stress were seen right away, becoming more significant four weeks after dosing.
January 2019
Study Confirms Psilocin Binding to 5-HT2A Receptor Causes the Psilocybin Psychedelic Experience
Researchers used PET scans, blood psilocin levels, and subjective effects to verify that psilocin binding to 5-HT2A receptors causes the psychedelic experience.
November 2018
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Call for Rescheduling Psilocybin
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine call for psilocybin to be reclassified from a Schedule I controlled substance to Schedule IV after clearing phase III clinical trials.
October 2018
FDA Gives Psilocybin Breakthrough Therapy Designation for TRD
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted breakthrough designation for psilocybin-assisted therapy.
August 2018
FDA Approves Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
The UK life science company COMPASS Pathways receives FDA approval for a clinical trial using psilocybin to treat treatment-resistant depression.
July 2018
COMPASS Pathways Makes 20,000 Does of Psilocybin
COMPASS Pathways synthesizes 20,000 doses of psilocybin for use in clinical trials.
July 2018
Researchers Find Psilocybin in the Animal Kingdom for the First Time
Researchers find psilocybin in the animal kingdom for the first time.
April 2018
Study Finds Psilocybin Subjective Experiences are Unique to Patients Needs
Four cancer patients treated with psilocybin-assisted therapy had different subjective experiences during their treatment, particularly with relation to their spiritual and/or psychological needs.
April 2018
Natural Speech Analytics and AI Can Tell if Psilocybin Therapy Was Successful in Treating Depression
A study showed that natural speech analytics can tell if someone is depressed and if psilocybin was successful in treating their depression.
February 2018
Researchers Find DXM Has Different Effects Than Psilocybin
Study shows psilocybin produces greater "visual, mystical-type, insightful, and musical experiences" while dextromethorphan (DXM) causes greater feelings of disembodiment.
February 2018
Study Finds Psilocybin Improves Facial Emotion Processing and Increases Feelings of Pleasure
Researchers find psilocybin improves the ability to process emotional faces and increases feelings of pleasure.
February 2018
Study Finds Psilocybin Alters Information Processing via 5-HT2A Receptor
Using psilocybin, researchers determined that the altered information processing in the brains of people with psychosis and schizophrenia may be related to 5-hydroxytryptophan receptors.
February 2018
Study Shows Making Psilocybin Gives an Evolutionary Advantage To Mushrooms
Researchers find gene clusters that suggest making psilocybin gave mushroom a fitness advantage in natural selection.
February 2018
NYU Begins Psilocybin-Alcoholism Study
The NYU School of Medicine starts a clinical trial to assess the effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy on people with alcohol use disorder.
January 2018
Study Finds Quality of the Psychedelic Experience is Important for Effective Psilocybin Therapy
Study finds that the quality of psychedelic experience from psilocybin can predict how effective therapy will be for a patient being treated for treatment-resistant depression.
January 2018
Study Finds Psilocybin Increases ‘Nature-Relatedness’ and the Effect is Long-Lasting
Preliminary study indicates patients using psilocybin to treat treatment-resistant depression are more in touch with nature and have fewer authoritarian political views.
December 2017
Pharmacokinetic Study Finds 25 mg Dose of Psilocybin Equals Oral Dose of About 0.3 mg/kg
Researchers determine that psilocybin is safe for use in people with mild to moderate renal impairment and doses up to 0.6 mg/kg result in no serious side effects.
December 2017
Depressed Patients Successfully Treated Using Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy
Researchers successfully treat depressed patients with psilocybin-assisted therapy and can use responses from their amygdala to predict treatment success..
December 2017
Scientists Develop PCR Method for Detecting and Identifying P. cubensis
A new test method is developed to detect and identify the DNA of Psilocybin cubensis.
October 2017
Study Finds Psilocybin With Meditation Produces Long-Lasting Positive Changes in Attitudes and Behaviors
Researchers find that using meditation and other spiritual practices along with psilocybin produces long-lasting positive changes in psychological functioning and prosocial attitudes and behaviors.
October 2017
Johns Hopkins Study Finds Psilocybin ‘Bad Trips’ May Be Caused by Neuroticism
Researchers find that "bad trips" from psilocybin mushrooms may be caused by neuroticism.
September 2017
German Researchers Discover New Psilocybe Enzyme
A study further characterizes the four enzymes Psilocybe uses to make psilocybin and also finds a new class of Psilocybe enzyme.
September 2017
Norpsilocin is Discovered
German researchers identify norpsilocin, a new natural product of Psilocybe cubensis that originates from baeocystin.
September 2017
Study Finds Psilocybin Increases Feelings of Empathy
Study finds that psilocybin enhances emotional empathy but not moral behavior.
August 2017
FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is a novel treatment package that combines psychotherapeutic techniques with three administrations of MDMA as a pharmacological adjunct.
July 2017
Johns Hopkins/NYU Psilocybin Clergy Study Begins
Two dozen clergy members start taking controlled doses of psilocybin as part of a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University and New York University.
January 2017
Study Reveals the Crystal Structure of LSD Bound to the Human 5-HT2B Receptor
This structure reveals some reasons for the long-lasting effects of LSD and gives insight into the role of receptor signaling.
January 2017
Article Reviews Metabolism of Psilocybin and Psilocin
Researchers discuss how the body metabolizes psilocybin and review all the major and minor metabolites.
November 2016
Study Finds Long-lasting Positive Benefits for Cancer Patients Using Psilocybin
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine find psilocybin causes substantial and sustained decreases in anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer.
November 2016
NYU Study Finds Psilocybin Benefits Patients With Cancer-Related Stress
Study shows psilocybin used in conjunction with psychotherapy "produced rapid, robust and enduring anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in patients with cancer-related psychological stress."
July 2016
Feasibility Study Finds Psilocybin Effective for Treatment-Resistant Depression
UK researchers find from an open-label feasibility study that using psilocybin with psychological support is effective for treatment-resistant depression.
July 2016
Chemists Isolate 10 Compounds from Psilocybe merdaria
Researchers isolate 10 compounds from Psilocybe merdaria including two new ones.
April 26, 2016
Human Brain Visualized Under the Influence of LSD
For the first time, researchers see the human brain under the influence of LSD using various state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques.
October 2015
Study Finds Psilocybin Improves Mood via the Amygdala
A study shows that psilocybin is associated with improving a person's mood and it does so by decreasing the activity of the amygdala.
January 13, 2015
Study Finds Psilocybin is Effective For Treating Alcoholism
The first proof-of-concept study is conducted examining psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcoholism.
October 29, 2014
Study Reveals How Psilocybin Changes Communication Patterns in the Brain
Psilocybin disrupts the communication patterns in the brain, but there's still order.
September 11, 2014
Study Finds Psilocybin is Effective for Treating of Tobacco Addiction
Researchers conduct a safety/feasibility study using psilocybin as an adjunct for quitting smoking.
August 2013
Mouse Study Shows Psilocybin May Be Effective for Treating PTSD
Study finds the fear response in mice goes away quicker on low doses of psilocybin compared to higher doses and the authors suggest exploring its use for treating PTSD and other conditions.
February 7, 2012
fMRI Sees the Effects of Psilocybin on the Human Brain
Researchers find that psilocybin changes blood flow, communication pathways, and activity in the brain, enabling "a state of unconstrained cognition."
February 2012
Study Identifies Other Variables That Impact the Effects of Psilocybin
A study from the University of Zurich finds several non-dosage related variables play a key role in the effects psilocybin has on humans.
April 2011
Pilot Study Tests the Efficacy and Safety of MDMA for Treating PTSD
This was the first completed clinical trial evaluating MDMA for use in therapy.
2011
Study Finds Psilocybin Helps Cancer Patients With Anxiety
Pilot study finds that psilocybin reduces anxiety and improves mood in patients with advanced stage cancer and anxiety.
May 30, 2008
Researchers Find Mystical Experiences from Psilocybin Have Enduring Positive Effects
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University find psilocybin-induced mystical experiences retained their meaning and significance 14 months after the study.
November 2006
Study Shows Psilocybin is Safe and Effective for Treating OCD
Researchers find psilocybin is safe, tolerable, and effective for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder.
July 2006
Study Finds Psilocybin Produces Mystical Experiences
A study shows psilocybin gave study participants "experiences similar to spontaneously occurring mystical experiences."
June 2006
Study Finds Psilocybin May Help Treat Cluster Headaches
Survey results published in Neurology show both psilocybin-containing mushrooms and LSD may reduce severity and frequency of cluster headaches.
2006
Reserchers Define the Chemical Structure of Aeruginascin
Its chemical structure is closely related to the frog skin toxin bufotenidine.
March 2004
Heffter Study Finds Psilocybin Has Orderly Dose- and Time-Dependent Effects
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study finds psilocybin has orderly dose- and time-dependent effects that begin about 20-40 minutes after ingestion, peak at 60-90 minutes, and diminish over the next 60-90 minutes.
January 16, 2001
Raichle, et al. First Describes the Brain’s Default Mode Network
The default mode network now serves as a baseline for studying brain function and how psychedelic drugs work.
June 1999
Nichols Publishes Synthesis of New Psilocin Prodrug
Dr. Nichols presents the synthesis of the fumarate salt of psilacetin. This new method is easier and less expensive than synthesizing psilocybin.
June 1999
Chemists Publish an Improved Method for Psilocybin Synthesis
An improved synthesis method for psilocybin is published.
December 1, 1998
Vollenweider Finds Psychotic Effects of Psilocybin Happen via 5-HT2 Receptors
Researchers find the psychosis produced from psilocybin in humans is due to activation of serotonin 2A receptors.
May 1997
PET Scans Show the Human Brain Under the Influence of Psilocybin
Swiss researchers suggest the psychosis induced by psilocybin can be used to study the role of the serotonin 2 receptor in schizophrenia.
1995
- 1997
Studies Find Four Psilocybin Metabolites in Human Plasma and Urine
Studies find four metabolites of psilocybin in human plasma and urine using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
February 1994
DMT Study ‘Breaks the Hiatus’ in Psychedelic Drug Testing
Researchers test the psychological effects of intravenously-administered DMT in healthy volunteers and find they begin almost immediately, peak at 90-120 seconds, and are almost completely resolved by 30 minutes.
1994
Weil and Davis Discover 5-MeO-DMT in Toad Secretions
The secretions of Bufo alvarius are toxic when taken orally but can be safely dried and smoked.
June 29, 1987
Study Finds the 5-HT2 Receptor is Important for the Hallucinogenic Effect of LSD
Researchers find 5-HT2 receptor subtypes in the brain are an important component of the hallucinatory action of LSD and other chemically similar hallucinogens.
May 1982
Study Finds Levels of Psilocybin and Psilocin in Mushrooms Varies Based on Growing Conditions
Study finds the levels of psilocybin and psilocin in Psilocybe cubensis grown under controlled conditions increase with repeated harvests of the fruiting bodies and are predictable compared to samples from uncontrolled outside sources.
May 1982
Scientists Find Varying Levels of Psilocybin and Psilocin in 20 Species of Wild Mushrooms
Researchers find the total psilocybin and psilocin levels in 20 species hallucinogenic mushrooms from the Pacific Northwest US to range from 0.1% to nearly 2.0% by dry weight.
1979
Chemists Synthesize Baeocystin From 2-Methyl-2-Nitrophenol
Researchers synthesize baeocystin from 2-methyl-2-nitrophenol.
November 1977
Researchers Find Baeocystin in Mushrooms From US, Canada, Mexico, and Peru
Researchers find baeocystin in three of 10 species of mushrooms from the US, Canada, Mexico, and Peru.
October 1, 1968
Researchers Isolate Baeocystin and Norbaeocystin from Psilocybe baeocystis
Researchers isolate and characterize baeocystin and norbaeocystin from Psilocybe baeocystis.
June 1962
Study Finds Psilocybin and Psilocin Have Serotonin-Like and Anti-Serotonin Activity
Researchers find psilocybin and psilocin sometimes act like serotonin but act against it at higher concentrations.
May 1962
US NIMH Finds LSD, Psilocybin, and Mescaline Have Similar Qualitative Effects
Study finds psilocybin and psilocin cause qualitative effects similar to mescaline, but that mescaline is longer lasting and less potent. The data also showed psilocin is more potent and shorter acting than psilocin.
April 1962
Good Friday Experiment Begins
The Good Friday Experiment finds that psilocybin can catalyze spiritual experiences in religious people.
April 1962
Study Finds Psilocybin Effects How Spiders Build Webs
Researchers study the effects mescaline and psilocybin have on spider web building.
1960
Harvard Psilocybin Project Begins
The Harvard Psilocybin Project is founded by Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert.
1960
Henri Michaux Publishes First-Hand Account of His Psilocybin Experience
Henri Michaux publishes a first-hand account of his experience taking "psilocybin prepared from Psilocybe mexicana."
January 1959
US NIMH Studies Effects of Psilocybin on Black Inmates
Researchers at the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) find psilocybin effects begin 10-15 minutes after oral ingestion and produce effects similar to LSD.
1959
Albert Hofmann Publishes the First Synthesis of Psilocybin
Albert Hofmann publishes the first synthesis of psilocybin.
1958
French Researchers Isolate Psilocybin and Psilocin From Spores
French researchers obtained crystalline psilocybin and very small amounts of psilocin from both the spores and sclerotia of Psilocybe mexicana.
1958
Albert Hofmann Isolates Psilocybin and Psilocin
Albert Hofmann isolates psilocybin and psilocin from mushrooms.
1953
CIA Begins Project MKUltra
The CIA starts Project MKUltra using human subjects to develop drugs and administration procedures to be used in interrogations.
1953
Gordon and Valentina Wasson Witness a Mushroom Velada in Mexico
Amateur mycologist Robert Gordon Wasson visits Oaxaca, Mexico and witnesses a mushroom velada.
1952
First Study on LSD for Depression is Published
This study may capture an early observation of the importance of the mystical experience in psychedelic therapy.
1939
Teonanactl is First Mentioned in an Academic Journal
Richard Schultes publishes his thesis describing teonanacátl as a psilocybin mushroom.
November 16, 1938
Albert Hofmann First Synthesizes LSD-25
Albert Hofmann synthesizes LSD-25 for the first time while working at Sandoz Laboratories in Switzerland.
1938
Reko and Schultes Collect Psychoactive Mushrooms in Mexico
Richard Schultes and Blas Pablo Reko collect psychoactive mushrooms from Mexico and take them to the herbarium at Harvard University.
1936
Blas Pablo Reko Confirms that Teonanacatl is Psilocybin Mushrooms
Blas Pablo Reko confirms teonanacátl as a psilocybin mushroom, not peyote.
1931
Richard Manske Synthesizes DMT
German chemist Richard Manske synthesizes DMT for the first time.
1919
Ernst Spath Synthesizes Mescaline
Ernst Spath is the first to synthesize mescaline.
September 1914
Science Magazine Publishes a First-Hand Account of Psilocybin Usage
Science magazine publishes a first-hand psilocybin experience written by a botanist calling himself "Mr. W."
August 1904
Franklin Sumner Earle is the First to Collect Psilocybe cubensis in Cuba
American mycologist Franklin Sumner Earle is the first to collect Psilocybe cubensis in Cuba.
1901
Dybowski and Landrin Isolate Ibogaine From Tabernanthe iboga
Dybowski and Landrin Isolate Ibogaine From Tabernanthe iboga
October 3, 1799
English Doctor Makes First Medical Documentation of the Effects of Psychedelic Mushrooms
Dr. Everard Brande of London, England is the first to document the effects of psychedelic mushrooms on humans in a medical journal.
1450
- 1500
Mixtec Mesoamerican Codex is Published and Shows Ritualistic Use of Mushrooms by Gods and Godesses
The Mixtec Mesoamerican Codex shows the ritual use of mushrooms by Mixtec gods.
1450
- 1500
Xochipilli Statue Carved by the Aztecs
Xochipilli statue depicting Psilocybe aztecorum is carved by Aztecs
1200
Albertus Magnus Advises People Not to Eat Mushrooms in His Treatise De Vegetailibus et Plantis
Albertus Magnus advises people not to eat mushrooms in his treatise De vegetabilibus et plantis.
33
- 325
Use of Psilocbye Mushrooms in Early Christianity
Psilocybe mushrooms are used in early Christian worship and Christian art.
1100 B.C.E.
- 600
Greek Eleusinian Mystery Initiations Use Psilocybe Mushroom
Scholars believe that the ancient Greek Eleusinian Mystery initiations were centered around a species of Psilocybe.
3100 B.C.E.
- 332 B.C.E.
Ancient Egyptians Grew Psychedelic Mushrooms
Some scholars believe the ancient Egyptians grew psilocybin mushrooms on barley and that the Eye of Horus may have been the cap of an entheogenic mushroom.