Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is recruiting volunteers for a pioneering study on psilocybin microdosing. This research aims to assess whether microdoses of psilocybin can be safely administered at home, setting the stage for broader therapeutic applications of this psychedelic compound.
Key Takeaways:
Study Purpose: Johns Hopkins is researching the safety of psilocybin microdosing for at-home use, aiming to expand its potential for mental health treatments.
Dosing Protocol: Participants will receive ascending doses (1.2–4.2 mg) and one placebo over five single-blind sessions to assess safety and tolerability.
Potential Impact: The research could establish evidence-based guidelines for psilocybin microdosing, paving the way for accessible and safe therapeutic applications.
Volunteer Opportunity: Healthy adults aged 21–60 can contribute to groundbreaking psychedelic research by participating in the study.
About the Study
The study aims to determine safe microdosing levels of psilocybin trihydrate for at-home use in healthy participants. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in certain psychedelic mushrooms, has garnered attention for its potential to improve mood, cognition, and mental health outcomes. This trial focuses on ensuring that low doses are both safe and practical for non-clinical settings.
Participants will receive ascending doses of psilocybin trihydrate (1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 3.0 mg, and 4.2 mg) alongside a randomized placebo dose. These will be administered on separate days in a single-blind format. During each session, participants will complete questionnaires and undergo safety evaluations to assess the tolerability of each dose.
Study Procedures and Goals
This study seeks to enroll 20 healthy participants who will complete all required procedures. After a comprehensive screening process, including medical and psychological evaluations, participants will begin the study with baseline assessments before their first dosing session.
Key elements of the study include:
- Five single-blind laboratory dosing sessions, where ascending doses of psilocybin and one placebo dose will be administered.
- Safety criteria assessments for each dose to determine whether it meets standards for at-home use.
- Identification of the highest safe dose for future studies if all participants tolerate a specific dose without adverse effects.
The ultimate goal is to identify a psilocybin microdose that can be safely administered outside a clinical setting, advancing the development of innovative treatment options.
Significance of the Research
Johns Hopkins University has been a leader in psychedelic research, exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for conditions such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety. While many studies focus on high-dose applications, this research highlights the growing interest in microdosing—a practice popularized for its perceived ability to enhance mood and cognitive performance.
The findings from this study could pave the way for safer, evidence-based guidelines for psilocybin microdosing, making it more accessible as a mental health treatment option.
How to Participate
Eligible participants must be between 21 and 60 years old, in good medical and psychiatric health, and willing to travel to the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus for the study. Participation involves multiple visits and a commitment to completing all study procedures.
For more information or to volunteer, contact the research team at 410-999-8066 or via email at [email protected]. By participating, volunteers will contribute to a growing body of research that could redefine mental health treatment options worldwide.
Sign up here: Apply