During a visit to Mexico, Gordon Wasson, a mycologist, discovered the use of the psilocybin mushroom in the spiritual ceremonies of Indian tribes. After experiencing the spiritual and hallucinatory effects of the mushroom, Wasson returned to the region accompanied by an experienced mycologist, Roger Heim, who managed to cultivate the mushroom once in France and send samples to the scientist who had discovered the mushroom. lysergic acid, Albert Hoffman. . From the mushrooms, Hoffman was able to isolate two compounds which he later named psilocybin and psilocin. Analogues of these compounds were subsequently synthesized and used primarily for psychotherapeutic purposes. Extensive testing of psilocybin was conducted at Harvard University in the early 1960s. However, along with LSD, psilocybin became a controlled substance in 1970, making it illegal. Around this time, psilocybin mushrooms became part of the psychedelic and hippie movement and were used for recreational and spiritual purposes. Research on psilocybin ended in the late 1980s due to strict government regulations, but recently scientists have begun researching the chemical again. Chemical StructureThe chemical structure of psilocybin is C12 H17 N2 O4 P. It has a ring configuration called an indole. to an ethylamine substituent. Indoles are aromatic compounds that have a benzene ring attached to a nitrogen-containing pyrrole ring. The chemical structure of psilocybin is derived from an amino acid and tryptamine called tryptophan. It also bears a visible structural resemblance to serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for “happiness.” Psilocybin is very soluble in water, insoluble in organic compounds, and slightly soluble in methanol and ethanol. This is due to ......middle of paper ......ects, which in my opinion shows that its introduction into society (decriminalization) could benefit the community in many aspects (such as volunteering for a good cause) due to the increased sensitivity one may develop towards society/others. I find that society has been misinformed about this chemical, solemnly considering it a dangerous substance and classifying it among physically harmful and potentially deadly substances like heroin and cocaine. Not only is psilocybin not lethal, but its abuse potential is lower than that of caffeine. To summarize and conclude, I find that used responsibly, psilocybin along with other entheogens can be beneficial for mental health and that more light needs to be shed on its benefits to allow society to see it in a positive light. different angle rather than the one that is propagated through the media talking about it today.