why psilocybin?

Psilocybin-assisted therapy is one of the most promising innovations for the treatment of mental health challenges seen for decades, leading the FDA to award breakthrough therapy designation for psilocybin in 2018 for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and in 2019 for major depressive disorder (MDD).

Research has shown that psilocybin therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, especially in cases where patients have not responded to traditional treatments, even just with one single dose. This potential has been highlighted in hundreds of large-scale clinical trials and smaller studies, indicating its efficacy in mental health treatment​. One of the largest psilocybin trial-to-date shows that psilocybin reduces depression symptoms.

Psilocybin has been difficult to research due to overly strict drug laws, but many states and countries all over the world are moving quickly to reschedule the legal status of psilocybin, citing the mounting evidence for psilocybin to treat severe mental health issues, including PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. The current FDA Commissioner recently declared psychedelic medicine a national priority — signaling a seismic shift in how healing is understood and supported.

Psychedelics, such as psilocybin, can potentially reopen critical periods of neuroplasticity, offering a therapeutic window for enhanced recovery post-stroke or TBI. Research by Dr. Gül Dölen suggests psychedelics can induce critical windows of metaplasticity, improving the brain’s capacity for change and recovery. There is also research about psilocybin supporting chronic pain relief by reducing inflammation, and contributing to cellular regeneration and lifespan extension. Here’s our co-founder, Dr. Doug Wingate at PsyCon explaining the research and potential of psilocybin, and giving a lecture on the science of neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis (new brain synapse growth):

When looking at the safty profile and abuse potential of psilocybin, studies have shown the mushroom to be lowest on the scale of harm.

They report that psilocybin’s “lethal dose in humans has been theoretically estimated at approximately 1000 times an effective dose… an amount that is likely not possible for an individual to consume when in the form of psilocybin-containing mushrooms.” 

The U.S. Department of Justice reports that “there is no evidence that users may become physically dependent” on psilocybin.

When administered in clinical settings with psychological support, early clinical trials show that psilocybin may be a safe and effective treatment for many mental health disorders, particularly for patients for whom other treatments have been ineffective.

We are honored to offer legal ceremonies with these generous, wondrous and wise sacred beings, which are the subject of much interest and research.

At 7 Gates, we honor the ancient roots and emerging science of psilocybin. Our approach blends evidence-based care with soul-centered healing to support profound transformation.