Subjective Effects of Psilocybin (SEP)

We are looking for healthy adults to take part in a research study investigating the importance of subjective experience in facilitating positive outcomes induced by psilocybin. The study has 5 visits and takes place in the Cal Wenzel Building at the Foothills Campus of the University of Calgary.
The first visit (Visit 1) will take about 3 hours or less and includes questions about your health and lifestyle, psychiatric and medical history, an ECG exam, and collecting one blood draw and one urine sample. If deemed eligible to participate, the second visit will take 2 hours or less and includes questionnaires assessing mood, personality, well-being, and state and train anxiety, as well as 3 computer tasks assessing cognitive flexibility. The third visit will consist of the medication administration session – you will receive either a high or a low dose of psilocybin, in combination with either the atypical antipsychotic risperidone or placebo. During the session, we will monitor your heart rate using a chest strap monitor, and we will collect blood samples at multiple intervals using an IV catheter. At the end of the session, you will be asked to complete questionnaires asking about your subjective experience. One week later (visit 4), you will complete the first follow-up visit, which will take around 2 hours and will repeat the same measures you completed during visit 2, with the addition of one questionnaire. Three weeks later (visit 5), you will complete the second follow-up visit, which will have the same format as visit 4 and will also take around 2 hours.
The study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB24-1121)

As a thank you for your time, participants receive gift card compensation for each completed visit:
Total possible compensation: $160 CAD
* Visit 3: $40 CAD each
* Visits 4: $50 CAD
* Visit 5: $70 CAD

Currently Recruiting!
In order to be eligible to participate in this study you must meet all the following criteria:
1. all sexes, gender identities, and ethnicities
2. between 18 and 65 years
3. ability to read/write English
4. willing to refrain from consuming any alcohol or psychoactive drugs within 24 hours of your study visits, with the exception of caffeine and nicotine
5. willing to refrain from consuming psychedelics during trial participation
You are not eligible to participate in this study if you fulfill any of the following criteria:
1. current psychiatric disorders (e.g. depression or addiction) which will be determined at the first session in a structured interview
2. personal or family history of schizophrenia, bipolar, or psychosis
3. adverse events following previous psychedelic use

If you are interested in participating, please complete the following brief questionnaire and click Submit at the end: SEP Initial Inquiry Form
Everyone will be contacted within 3–5 business days. If you meet the eligibility criteria, the first visit will be scheduled during that contact.