What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin (pronounced “sil-oh-SIGH-bin”) is a naturally occurring compound found in over 200 species of mushrooms, often referred to as “magic mushrooms.” For centuries, Indigenous and tribal communities around the world have worked with psilocybin for spiritual, ceremonial, and other purposes. Regulated psilocybin services are now a legal option in Oregon. In 2018, the FDA designated psilocybin as a Breakthrough Therapy for treatment resistant depression. However, psilocybin is still a Schedule I substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

What is a psilocybin experience? What does it feel like?

When ingested, psilocybin mushrooms can induce non-ordinary states of consciousness, including but not limited to: temporary changes in perception, visions, euphoria, the resurfacing of memories and emotions, and sometimes, transcendent experiences. Effects can vary from person to person depending on a variety of factors.

What are the benefits of psilocybin?

According to the Oregon Health Authority: research suggests psilocybin may help address depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Studies have also found it can increase spiritual well-being. To learn more about the research on psilocybin benefits and risks, see the Scientific Literature Review and Cultural and Anthropological Information. These publications are available in English and Spanish.

Is psilocybin safe?

Research shows that “due to psilocybin’s large therapeutic index (1:1000) and a typically unattainable lethal dose, psilocybin has a favorable safety profile. Relative to other psychedelics (such as MDMA, DMT, etc.), psilocybin has lower occurrence of seizures, hospital admissions and other serious adverse effects, and lacks addictive or reinforcing properties. Several dose-escalating studies have tested the subjective psychedelic effects in supratherapeutic doses, e.g., 50–60 mg or 5–6 grams, and found positive results with little-to-no safety concerns.” It is important that people interested in consuming psilocybin consider their unique health risk factors and consult with their healthcare provider as needed. 

The primary risk for psilocybin is psychological safety, not physiological safety as it is for most classic drugs (e.g., opioids, sedatives, stimulants). Properly conducted PAP aims to minimize the potential for psychological harms through appropriate patient preparation and close patient monitoring. Despite this, the acute psychotomimetic effects associated with psilocybin may still pose a risk for psychological distress, and in rare cases, psychosis. Physical and psychological adverse events are reported in This Table. Many of these are transient in nature and related to the therapeutic nature of emotional processing in session (blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety). Transient headaches may also arise the day after treatment. Data from clinical trials, in which proper screening is completed and consumption is monitored, report no serious adverse events.”

Is a psilocybin experience “therapy?

The Oregon Psilocybin Services program is a legal access program that is not limited to therapeutic purposes. People may choose to participate for many reasons beyond mental health. Cora Center’s team has several therapists who have many years of experience supporting clients through their mental health journeys. However, Cora Center is not a therapy center. It is a space for people to experience psilocybin in a supported environment with trained facilitators. Those who wish to consume psilocybin for personal exploration or curiosity are welcome to join us at Cora Center. We encourage those who wish to consume psilocybin for mental health to already be working with a trained therapist, and if possible, a psychedelic integration specialist to better support your ongoing process before and after a psilocybin experience.

Are mushrooms legal?

Measure 109 created a legal state access program which is currently in effect. Cora Center operates in compliance with Measure 109, the Psilocybin Services Act. You can learn more on the Oregon Health Authority’s website. Under this measure, it is now legal to consume legally grown and lab tested psilocybin mushrooms at a state-licensed service center, with the support of a psilocybin facilitator. Measure 110, which was recently repealed, temporarily made it legal to personally possess up to 12 grams of psilocybin. When navigating psychedelic substances and services, it is important to know what training your facilitator has received, whether they operate legally, and what governing bodies they are accountable to. Having this information empowers clients to make informed decisions and understand what recourse they may have if they experience harm in the process.

What kind of mushrooms do you offer?

We carry state approved, lab-tested, Golden Teacher mushrooms grown with love in Eugene, Oregon by MycoSynergy. Participants may choose between 10, 20, or 30 mg dosage, with optional 5 mg booster doses.

Please explain dosage. Is 10-50 milligraams a microdose?

First, we need to understand dry weight vs. milligrams. Generally, people measure psilocybin mushrooms by their dry weight. This is where the commonly referenced 1-5 grams rule of thumb comes from. To most people, one gram is considered noticeable for most people, and three to five grams is considered "Heroic" or “Journey” dose.

Under the OHA program, product strength is measured in milligrams of psilocybin analyte instead of dry weight. Psilocybin analyte is the active ingredient in the mushrooms. (Think of the difference between measuring a whole orange by weight compared to the concentration of vitamin C in that orange.)

All our mushrooms are lab tested, so we know how much psilocybin analyte they contain. Our bodies convert psilocybin analyte into psilocin, which produces the effects.

The state allows up to 50 mg of analyte per journey. This would certainly be considered a heroic dose, comparable to approximately 5-6 grams of dried mushrooms, which as you know is quite strong. At Cora Center, most participants opt for 25-35 milligrams, which would be several grams of mushrooms and a significantly strong experience. The dosage is up to you and can be discussed with your facilitator.

Is psilocybin going to cure me?

While research into psilocybin shows promise for a variety of conditions, there are no guarantees that a psilocybin experience will produce improvements to one’s mental or physical health. It is best to manage expectations and approach psilocybin as part of a larger, more holistic approach in collaboration with your healthcare team.

What is the difference between a group journey and an individual journey?

The Oregon psilocybin services model allows for people to consume psilocybin at licensed service centers in individually facilitated or group settings. All sessions follow the format of: preparation session, administration session, and integration session. Cora Center has a large group space that can accommodate groups of several participants, and smaller rooms that are well-suited for individuals or couples. 

In a group setting, you will be supported by a team of facilitators in a 1:4 ratio, meaning we have one facilitator for every four clients. In an individual experience, you will work one on one with a licensed facilitator from our team, or in some cases, with your consent, you may work with two licensed facilitators, one who is more experienced and one who is an apprentice.

With a group journey, there is one additional meeting after your individual preparation session, prior to the group journey. The intent of this meeting is to enable all participants to meet with the facilitation team and to discuss group dynamics, boundaries, and agreements.

In group environments, your experience is still unique to you. The journey will be structured to provide you with ample time and space to go inward and explore what the mushrooms are bringing up for you personally. There will be an opening and closing circle for sharing, and throughout the journey there may be music, silence, laughter, tears, and deep processing. Interaction between participants is kept to a minimum to honor each person’s unique journey.

What if I have a bad trip/negative experience?

During the preparation session, your facilitator will collaborate with you to create a safety plan that is tailored to your unique situation, needs, and preferences. Our space and facilitation protocols are designed to provide a calm, comfortable environment to support clients in navigating the vulnerability and possible difficulties that can arise with psilocybin experiences. Difficulties could be physical, psychological, or spiritual in nature. Facilitators are trained to monitor for emergencies, provide reassuring presence, and lend necessary support throughout your experience. During the integration process, your facilitator will assist you in your process of finding meaning in your experience and determining what follow up resources may be supportive for you.

How do I join an upcoming journey?

We look forward to meeting you! The first step to joining us for a psilocybin journey is to complete this Client Interest form. From there, we will be in touch with you directly to guide you through session information, selecting your dosage, reviewing important documents, paying your deposit, and scheduling preparation session.