Magic mushroom mystery: is the 'Trip' essential for benefits?
NCT ID NCT06768944
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Sep 03, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This study aims to find out whether the intense subjective experience caused by psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) is necessary for its positive after-effects. 128 healthy adults will receive either a high or low dose of psilocybin, combined with either a placebo or risperidone (a drug that dampens psychedelic effects). Researchers will then compare changes in mood, stress, and behavior between groups to see if blocking the 'trip' reduces any benefits.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- psilocybin (high and low dose) and risperidone
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could help scientists understand whether the psychedelic experience itself is necessary for psilocybin's lasting benefits, potentially guiding future therapies.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early Phase 2 study in healthy adults, not patients. It is small and designed to test a mechanism, not to treat any disease. Results may not apply to real-world therapy.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 128 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals of all sexes, gender identities, and ethnicities * Ages 18 to 65 years of age at the time of screening * Ability to read/write in English * Agree not to consume psychoactive drugs 24 hours before dosing sessions or consume psychedelics during duration of study participation Exclusion Criteria: * Any notable abnormality on electrocardiogram or routine medical blood or urinalysis laboratory tests * Current psychiatric diagnoses, such as: major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, moderate to severe substance use disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder * Lifetime or current psychiatric diagnoses of: psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder * Family history: a first- or second degree relative with a history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, bipolar I or II * Medication: Any medication with the potential to interact with the investigational medicinal products, especially those with serotonergic mechanisms of actions like SSRIs, SNRIs or MAO-Inhibitors as well as other antipsychotics * Currently pregnancy or nursing, trying to become pregnant, or unwilling to use acceptable method of contraception during the study * Current or recent (within 12 weeks) participation in a clinical trial involving medication administration * Cognitive impairment (Folsetin Mini Mental State Exam score \< 24) * A disorder that may interfere with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion (including gastrointestinal surgery). * Suffered a traumatic brain injury with one of the following symptoms Loss of consciousness \>30min Alteration of consciousness/mental state \>24h Post-traumatic amnesia \>1 day Glasgow Coma Scale (best available score in first 24 hours) \<13 * Any other circumstances that, in the opinion of the investigators, compromises participant safety
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Calgary
RECRUITINGCalgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
Contact Email: •••••@•••••