Author: Erik

Psilocybin, the naturally occurring compound responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of magic mushrooms, has been making headlines recently for its potential to become a mainstream therapeutic tool. While much of the attention has been focused on its role in psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health conditions like depression, a new and promising application has emerged: weight loss. This shift is not only catching the eye of researchers but also attracting the interest of investors who see potential in developing synthetic versions of psilocybin for medical and wellness applications.

One of the companies leading this charge is NeonMind Biosciences, a Canadian-based biotechnology firm. The company is actively pursuing the use of psilocybin microdoses to regulate weight by reducing food cravings, curbing impulsive eating, and even boosting metabolism. To protect this innovative approach, NeonMind has filed a patent, setting its sights on creating a psilocybin-based weight management treatment that could revolutionize how we address obesity and related conditions like diabetes. As Jeff Smith, chairman of NeonMind’s board, explains, “Patents, science, and clinical results will ultimately drive the value of companies and efforts to bring these therapies forward.”

The importance of patents in the burgeoning field of psychedelics cannot be understated. In highly competitive markets, patents allow companies to secure exclusive rights over their products, providing investors with confidence that their financial backing will support proprietary, cutting-edge developments. However, when it comes to naturally occurring substances like psilocybin, the patent process is more complex. While the mushrooms themselves cannot be patented, specific extraction techniques or unique therapeutic uses can be. In this case, NeonMind’s patent application focuses not on owning the fungi themselves, but on the innovative ways in which the active compounds—psilocybin and psilocin—can be used for weight management.

In December, NeonMind filed its patent application, seeking rights to use psilocybin and psilocin in a carefully formulated weight loss program. The proposed therapy would tackle several key issues contributing to obesity, such as the reduction of food cravings, better control over impulsive eating behaviors, and a metabolic boost that could encourage healthier eating habits. Additionally, by working to alter the user’s relationship with food, the treatment aims to promote long-term behavioral changes, potentially making weight management more sustainable. Importantly, this patent would not grant NeonMind a monopoly over all psilocybin-based products but rather over its own specific method of extracting and utilizing the compound for weight-related purposes.

While the concept of using psychedelics for weight loss may seem novel, the growing interest in psilocybin as a therapeutic agent is part of a larger trend in the health and wellness industry. Compass Pathways, for example, made headlines when it secured a patent for using psilocybin to treat depression, another area where psychedelics are showing promising results. NeonMind is similarly staking its claim in the field, seeking to carve out a niche in weight management by applying a scientific, evidence-based approach to a holistic therapy that targets both the mind and the body.

Despite the excitement surrounding NeonMind’s approach, the weight loss benefits of psilocybin are still largely unexplored in clinical settings. To move forward, NeonMind will need to navigate the regulatory landscape and demonstrate the efficacy of its formulations in controlled studies. Currently, psilocybin remains a highly restricted substance, classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, which presents significant hurdles for research and development. The success of NeonMind’s weight loss program will likely depend on how well lab-produced psilocybin and psilocin perform in future FDA trials, which will be necessary to bring such treatments to the market legally.

Nevertheless, NeonMind is preparing itself for the day when psilocybin enters the legal marketplace. The company holds over 120 unique formulas for various products, including beverages and infused foods that contain psilocybin and psilocin. One of its flagship products is a psilocybin-infused coffee, which integrates the compounds into an easily consumable form. This range of formulations positions NeonMind to be a major player in the burgeoning psychedelics industry once regulations allow for wider commercialization.

NeonMind’s history is rooted in the legal cannabis movement. Originally known as Flourish Mushroom Labs, the company is a subsidiary of The Yield Growth Corp, a diversified wellness company based in British Columbia, Canada. Yield Growth made its name in the cannabis space, but as legal and regulatory frameworks began shifting towards psychedelics, the company saw an opportunity to expand its offerings. Today, Yield Growth’s focus has broadened to include the development of wellness products and therapies involving restricted substances like psilocybin. NeonMind, in particular, is one of the company’s leading ventures, bringing cutting-edge psychedelic research to the forefront of health and wellness innovations.

In addition to its patent pursuits, NeonMind recently acquired an 18% stake in Translational Life Sciences, a startup specializing in the development of formulations for restricted substances and conducting clinical trials. This acquisition strengthens NeonMind’s position within the psychedelic space, giving it access to exclusive formulations and research that could prove pivotal as the company moves forward with its weight loss and other psilocybin-based projects.

As the psychedelics industry grows, NeonMind’s pursuit of a psilocybin-based weight loss therapy reflects a broader trend towards natural, science-backed solutions. Consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals, preferring holistic treatments that address both mental and physical health. Jeff Smith, who previously served as the chairman of Johnson & Johnson, sees this shift firsthand. He points out that even major pharmaceutical companies are starting to adopt more holistic, science-based approaches to treatment. As an example, he cites J&J’s recent introduction of Spravato (esketamine), a ketamine-based treatment for depression that represents a significant departure from conventional antidepressants.

Smith’s own journey into the psychedelic space was not a quick decision. Having spent years in the pharmaceutical industry, his shift toward psychedelics was deeply influenced by personal experiences, including seeing the positive impact that ketamine had on his brother’s health. This experience, along with his belief in the potential of psychedelics to transform how we treat mental and physical health conditions, fueled his move to NeonMind and his commitment to pioneering new, natural therapies.

It’s also worth noting that Smith’s departure from Johnson & Johnson came at a time when the company was dealing with several high-profile lawsuits, including claims that its talcum powder caused cancer and its alleged role in distributing opioids during the height of the opioid crisis. Smith had been an advocate for stricter regulations in the pharmaceutical industry long before his exit, arguing for better oversight of consumer products. His shift to psychedelics could be seen as a continuation of his desire to reshape the healthcare industry, focusing on more ethical, science-driven solutions.

So, let’s start by talking about the landscape for college students interested in the field of psychedelics. It’s a rapidly evolving space, but there’s still a lot of ground to cover. Take, for instance, Marissa Brinkman. She was an undergraduate at Florida International University, and like many students, she’d had her own profound psychedelic experiences. What she didn’t know at the time was that a legitimate career in this field was even an option.

But that changed the moment she enrolled in a course on the science of psychedelics. This wasn’t just your typical college class—it went deep into how psychedelics impact the brain and their broader influence on American culture. The course even brought in guest speakers from a range of backgrounds, from chemists to lawyers. For Marissa, this was eye-opening. She says, “It really showed me that this is a legitimate profession. I know this is something I want to do.”

Fast forward, she’s now a graduate with degrees in public administration and sustainability. Her aim? To legally grow mushrooms and advocate for psychedelics. And she’s not stopping there—Marissa is also the Director of Community Engagement for the Intercollegiate Psychedelics Network (IPN). This is a student-led initiative providing online talks, virtual conferences, workshops on grad school opportunities, and even a job board for students who want to break into the field.

Now, what’s interesting here is that the IPN is stepping in to fill a gap. While we’ve seen universities across the U.S. introduce courses, and even degrees, related to cannabis, psychedelics haven’t quite reached that level of widespread academic acceptance yet. But it’s moving in that direction. According to Victor Pablo Acero, IPN’s Director of Internal Operations, they’re making it clear to students: “You can have a career here; there’s support; you can do something meaningful in this space.”

We’ve started to see the emergence of psychedelic research centers at major institutions. Johns Hopkins kicked things off in 2019 with their Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. NYU, the University of Michigan, and Ohio State University have since followed suit. Even Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania are developing programs aimed at educating nurses and social workers about psychedelics. And then there’s the University of Wisconsin, Madison, which launched a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a focus on Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation.

But here’s where things get tricky: most of these programs are designed for graduate students, professionals, or researchers. That leaves undergraduates with limited opportunities. Uma Chatterjee, the IPN’s Director of Media and a neuroscience grad student at the University of Texas, Dallas, points this out. Her school, for example, doesn’t offer much in terms of psychedelic education. As a result, she’s had to bring up the topic in every class presentation she can. “I have to present on it every chance I get,” she says, highlighting the general reluctance many institutions still have toward psychedelics.

For most college students, their exposure to psychedelics comes from peer-driven initiatives like the IPN or programs such as Just Say Know, which is a peer-to-peer drug education effort. But even then, these efforts face significant hurdles. Legal concerns can limit what student groups can actually discuss. According to Brinkman, campuses need to reconsider their policies on drug use. She argues that instead of calling the cops when a student has a bad trip, colleges should adopt a more supportive approach, offering programs where students can safely talk about their experiences without fear of suspension or expulsion.

One of the challenges is the lingering fear—both from schools and parents—that learning about psychedelics might encourage students to try them. But Brinkman’s experience suggests otherwise. She’s seen students attend classes on psychedelics, find the information fascinating, and yet have no desire to experiment with them. In fact, she believes that education can lead to more responsible behavior, as well as help people avoid falling into the hands of less ethical practitioners.

Marissa herself has used what she learned in class to help friends who’ve had bad trips. “These courses are probably preventing more bad trips than people realize,” she says. “Education can save lives—or at the very least, improve the quality of life.” Acero sees a real opportunity for campuses to integrate psychedelic education into existing student programs, especially for those training to become EMTs. Many undergrads who plan to go into medical fields gain experience as volunteer EMTs, but Acero notes that they aren’t trained on how to handle individuals under the influence of psychedelics. Incorporating psychedelic education into EMT training could be a game-changer.

He also suggests offering seminar series or introductory courses specifically for undergraduates. Why? Because, as he points out, there’s a diversity issue within the field of psychedelics. The higher you go up the academic ladder, the less diverse it becomes. By focusing on undergraduates, you have a better chance of exposing more underrepresented groups to the field.

The real issue, though, is the cultural stigma that still surrounds psychedelics. Many students are reluctant to admit they’re interested in studying the subject for fear that people will assume they’re users. As Brinkman says, “When I first started talking about my interest, I sounded sketchy.” But through the IPN, she’s gained the confidence and language to discuss her ambitions professionally.

So, what can students do if they’re interested in psychedelics but don’t have institutional support? Chatterjee advises looking for research opportunities in adjacent fields like psychology or neuroscience. It’s a way to gain experience and skills that can eventually be applied to psychedelic research. Brinkman adds that networking with professionals already in the field is essential. “Many people in the psychedelic space are incredibly welcoming,” she says. “Be patient, but getting your name out there is a huge start.”

Mushrooms, often spotted sprouting after rain or nestled among vegetables in the grocery store, are usually seen as simple elements of the natural world. However, these organisms are part of a distinct kingdom that is genetically closer to animals than to plants. Recent studies have begun to illuminate their potential for communication, suggesting that fungi might be exchanging information through electrical signals, a concept that challenges our traditional view of these enigmatic beings.

For centuries, magic mushrooms have been revered for their profound psychological effects, utilized in various cultural and religious contexts to alter human consciousness. Those who have used psilocybin, the active compound in these mushrooms, often report deep, introspective experiences that feel as if the mushrooms are communicating directly with them. This sense of communication is described as an intuitive, internal language that deeply resonates with the user.

Central to the understanding of how fungi may communicate is the mycelium—a complex, web-like structure that underpins the fungal kingdom. This network functions much like a nervous system, helping fungi sense their environment, distribute nutrients, and manage growth, thereby supporting the fungi’s ability to function and thrive within their ecosystems.

The sheer scale of mycelial networks is astonishing, with some fungi forming colossal colonies that cover extensive areas. The honey fungus in Oregon, for instance, stretches over 2,000 acres and is considered one of the largest living organisms on Earth. The significant aspect of these networks is their potential for intra-network communication, which could be fundamental to their survival and growth.

Recent research led by Andrew Adamatzky has discovered that fungi can produce electrical signals akin to human nerve impulses. These findings suggest that mycelium uses these signals to adapt to environmental changes—a revolutionary idea that hints at a complex, responsive communication system within fungi.

By attaching electrodes to fungi and recording their electrical signals, researchers have observed how these signals change in response to environmental factors such as light, temperature, and physical damage. This method has shown that fungi can “shut down” their electrical activity in response to anesthetics, indicating a sophisticated sensory system that is responsive and adaptive.

The variation in electrical signals among different fungal species suggests that there may be a unique form of communication occurring. Studies have identified distinct patterns and “words” in the electrical signals of fungi, particularly in species like the Psilocybe cubensis, which suggest a complex language that could be analogous to human forms of communication.

The possibility that fungi could possess a form of consciousness raises profound philosophical questions about the nature of communication and intelligence in non-animal entities. This speculation invites us to reconsider our understanding of consciousness and challenges the traditional boundaries that define which organisms are considered “intelligent.”

Understanding fungal communication could revolutionize several fields, from agriculture to biocomputing. By decoding fungal language, we could potentially enhance agricultural productivity, improve environmental monitoring, and even develop new forms of biological computing that utilize the extensive networks of fungi.

One of the most forward-thinking applications of fungal communication is the development of self-regulating buildings made from living fungal materials. These structures would not only be sustainable but could also adapt and respond to their environments in real-time, demonstrating a novel integration of biology and architecture.

While the potential for using fungal networks in technology and architecture is vast, it also comes with ethical considerations and potential risks. The slow, deliberate ‘thought’ processes of fungi, vastly different from human cognition, suggest that while they may not compete with us technologically, they can significantly enhance our ability to monitor and interact with the environment.

The discovery that mushrooms might communicate through electrical signals opens up new realms of scientific inquiry and philosophical debate. As we delve deeper into the capabilities of these fascinating organisms, we may find more than just new technologies—we might also gain a deeper understanding of life itself. The ongoing research into fungal communication not only promises to reveal the hidden capabilities of fungi but also challenges us to rethink our place within the natural world.

In the world of psychedelics, there’s been a long-standing desire to experience the mind-expanding benefits of substances like psilocybin without the risk of a “bad trip.” It’s a delicate balance—seeking the transformative experiences while avoiding the potential discomfort. But what if the dream of a perfectly controlled psychedelic journey was closer to reality than we thought?

Enter aeruginascin, a compound that’s creating a buzz among researchers and psychonauts alike. Some are calling it the “CBD of psilocybin mushrooms” because it might offer the possibility of blissful psychedelic experiences without the dreaded “bad trip.” Could this be the breakthrough the psychedelic community has been waiting for?

Before we dive further, it’s worth noting that eliminating “bad trips” entirely is a bit like removing conflict from a good story. Challenges, discomfort, and fear can be integral parts of the psychedelic experience, offering growth and insight. However, not everyone is ready for that rollercoaster ride, and that’s where the appeal of a risk-free trip comes in.

CaaMTech, a Washington-based startup, is leading the charge in creating a mushroom that never induces a bad trip. Their bold research could reshape psychedelic therapy, focusing on custom formulations to provide specific, tailored experiences that meet the diverse needs of patients and recreational users.

Aeruginascin isn’t a lab-created compound—it’s nature’s own, found in the rare mushroom species Inocybe aeruginascens. Despite its potential, aeruginascin has been overlooked for years, quietly existing without much recognition. Now, it’s emerging as a key player in the future of psychedelics, much like a hidden genius waiting to be discovered.

While the promise of aeruginascin is thrilling, we must tread carefully. There’s still a lot we don’t know. For instance, the compound has been linked to a condition called “wood lovers paralysis,” which, despite being temporary, doesn’t sound particularly pleasant. Moreover, we aren’t even sure if it can cross the blood-brain barrier, a critical factor for psychoactive effects.

What could the future hold for psychedelic therapy? Custom-blended mushroom formulations designed to avoid bad trips could revolutionize mental health treatment. Imagine ordering a tailored psychedelic experience like a cup of coffee—choosing a blend that promotes euphoria and leaves out existential dread.

However, we must ask: Are we improving on nature’s design by isolating compounds, or are we potentially losing something important? Psilocybin mushrooms, as used by indigenous cultures for thousands of years, come as a complete package. When we start tampering with that package, we may lose the holistic benefits of the whole mushroom.

There’s no easy answer to these questions, but as we approach the brink of a psychedelic renaissance—with psilocybin therapy possibly gaining FDA approval—these are the conversations we must have. We are exploring not just new compounds but new dimensions of human consciousness.

As we move forward into the realm of designer psychedelics, we must remember the lessons of the past. Sometimes, the most challenging experiences teach us the most. We should approach these tools with humility and reverence, recognizing their power to help us grow.

In the end, it’s not just about avoiding bad trips—it’s about embracing the entire journey. Through both the highs and the lows, psychedelics offer an opportunity for self-discovery and healing, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.