Psychedelic effects are believed to arise from the stimulation of serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2ARs) by psilocybin’s active metabolite, psilocin.

This activation alters neural connectivity and activity patterns in brain regions tied to perception, mood regulation, and cognition, leading to profound changes in sensory experiences, emotional states, and the dissolution of this known ego boundaries. These are hallmark features of the psychedelic experience.

One of my favorite videos on this topic is by Dr. Huberman: