My desire to try a hallucinogenic led me to Silo Retreats, a guided psilocybin experience that promises to coax out your best self.
BY MALIKA BOWLING
July 12, 2022 – Growing up with a constant barrage of anti-drug campaigns, I was convinced at a young age that any drug, including pot, would plunge me into a world of destitution, addiction, and other ailments. Fast forward several decades, and the ups and downs of life have taken their toll. Like many other Gen Xers my age, I am not living the fulfilled life of purpose I thought I’d be. As legalization and acceptance of marijuana became widespread, I heard more about how it helps those who have cancer. If this kind of plant medicine is good for those suffering, I wondered if other plant medicine could be as helpful?
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic drug. Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug, which is not approved for medical use. But research has shown psilocybin to be effective for those suffering with mental health, PTSD, and a host of other issues. Though I’m not one to jump into experimentation without much thought, my desire to try a hallucinogenic led me to Silo Retreats, a guided psilocybin experience that promises to coax out your best self.
Oregon lawyer Mike Arnold founded the relatively new Silo Wellness. A doctor friend of his treats terminally ill cancer patients and opioid addicts with the use of Psilocybin therapy. These “micro doses” bring peace to cancer patients and can aid in reversing drug addiction. A natural medicine with no addictive qualities? Intent on getting this into the hands of as many people as possible, Arnold began the process of creating retreats in Jamaica, where mushrooms are legal. His hope is this proof of concept can pave the way for normalizing such retreats in the United States.
