A new study from Baylor College of Medicine suggests that a single dose of psilocybin can lead to lasting anatomical changes in the brain, potentially explaining its therapeutic effects. The research involved 28 healthy volunteers who had never taken a psychedelic before.
Participants took a 25mg dose of psilocybin to elicit a powerful psychedelic experience. EEG results showed a surge in brain entropy within an hour of taking psilocybin. Changes in brain structure were still apparent a month later.
Those with the largest spike in brain entropy reported better wellbeing after one month. Prof. Robin Carhart-Harris commented, “It’s remarkable to see potential anatomical brain changes one month after a single dose of any drug.” Prof. Alex Kwan added, “This study comes closer than most to addressing that question, by giving evidence of lasting changes in brain structure after psychedelic use.”
The FDA is fast-tracking several psychedelic compounds for mental health conditions, including psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder. Texas is moving closer to federal approval for psychedelic treatments.
In 2021, Texas passed legislation funding psychedelic research for veterans with PTSD. Over 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023, prompting increased interest in psychedelic therapies as potential solutions. Logan Davidson stated, “Nothing we’re seeing play out on the national stage would have happened without Texas.”
However, concerns remain regarding other psychedelics like ibogaine, which is associated with cardiotoxicity and requires trained medical teams for administration. A total of $50 million has been allocated for ibogaine clinical trials in Texas.
The outcomes from this study could influence future research and regulatory decisions around psilocybin and other psychedelics. Yet uncertainties linger about how these findings will translate into widespread clinical practice.
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