A survey of 392 people who consumed psilocybin-containing mushrooms found that 42.1% reported experiencing temporary muscle weakness, a condition called wood-lover paralysis (WLP). Onset typically occurred within 4 hours of ingestion, primarily impairing mobility (80.4%), with some reporting difficulty swallowing (26.7%) and breathing (16.6%). Symptoms persisted into the next day for 48.1% of those affected, and 21.5% experienced a fall or accident. WLP occurred across different preparation methods and growth conditions, with no significant associations with age, gender, health status, or allergies. The results suggest WLP is an under-recognized adverse outcome from certain lignicolous Psilocybe species, warranting further research and awareness for harm reduction.
Classic psychedelics, which primarily activate serotonin receptors but also affect other receptor and transporter systems, can cause physiological responses that pose risks to some individuals. These risks must be balanced against the potential neuropsychological benefits of psychedelic therapies. This analysis critically evaluated medical exclusion criteria used in clinical studies of psychedelic-assisted therapy listed on international registries, examining their rationale and medical basis. The evolution of these criteria over twenty-five years of research was considered, along with their applicability in hospital-based psychiatry as psychedelic therapies move from clinical trials into clinical practice.