Medicine Journeys: How Do Cannabis and Psilocybin Interact?

If you are a psychonaut, cannabis enthusiast, or novice interested in working with natural allies, but unsure of compounding effects, caution, intentionality, practice, and guidance can help you find the combination that best supports you.

Photo by author, at Grand Central Station in NYC

The interaction between cannabis and psilocybin (the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms) is complex and can vary greatly depending on the person, the context, the setting, and the medicines and dosages being worked with. While many people report finding it useful to work with psilocybin mushrooms and cannabis in a complementary manner, it is important to be aware of potential risks and effects when doing so.

Some possible effects of adding cannabis use to a psilocybin journey include the following:

• Amplification of Effects: Some people report that using cannabis as an adjunct to a psilocybin journey can intensify the psychedelic experience. Adding cannabis can heighten visual and auditory senses and amplify alterations in perception and mood. Many people find working with cannabis to be helpful particularly in the take off and landing phases of the mushroom journey; while cannabis can support a journey, it also adds its own quality to the journey. Remember that cannabis is well-known to be a trickster medicine; it is helpful to ensure you feel…