The primary impact of psilocybin is to activate the “5-HT2A” serotonin receptor in the prefrontal cortex, which has two significant effects:

creating “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF), a protein that Waldman likens to “Miracle-Gro for your brain.

” BDNF promotes development, interaction, and activity.  The enhanced transmission of “Glutamate,” a neurotransmitter that is (in part) responsible for critical mental processes like cognition, learning, and memory.

Reduce the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), an area of our brain that is frequently overuse.

                 The DMN controls a variety of mental processes, such as daydreaming, introspection, and planning for the future or the past.

Psychedelics may be use to treat depression and anxiety, as well as to unlock insights and new ways of thinking that might not otherwise be possible.