Let me explain. When the pandemic left everyone sheltering in place for a year or more, we knew MEA needed to open a second campus, in the U.S., beyond our Baja Mexico campus. We chose New Mexico for all kinds of reasons outlined in this previous blog post, but one rationale is that Santa Fe had long become a favored place for people to retire.
In the past three months, there have been two important pieces of news that have reminded me why we’re here. First off, New Mexico became the third state (after Colorado and Oregon) to legalize psilocybin (medically-supervised) with this opening up starting in a couple of years so we’ve been deep in conversation with local emotional health experts and some of our team are looking forward to experiencing the upcoming Enchanted State conference on September 7 in Santa Fe.
Then, earlier this month, a reputable study was published that found that psilocin, the active form of psilocybin, extended the lifespan of human fibroblast cells by up to 57% while preserving telomere length (telomere length is affected by lifestyle and has direct impact on human health and lifespan). Working with aged mice that were given monthly doses of psilocybin, the study showed a 60% better survival rate than untreated mice, with signs of improved fur quality. I would love improved fur quality, wouldn’t you? The study suggests psilocybin may slow aging at the cellular level by boosting SIRT1, reducing oxidative stress, and preserving DNA stability.
Whoa, dude, you mean psilocybin, the mind-altering compound found in these fungi, might do more than produce trippy experiences. This research suggests it could actually help people live longer lives. So, Boomers should be Shroomers?
Don’t expect to come to a psychedelic workshop at MEA any time soon as there are all kinds of health and safety protocols associated with being approved as a location for medically-supervised retreats once this opens up in 2027. But, I’m feeling fortunate that we chose New Mexico, not knowing anything about the legislation. And, this new study may legitimize psilocybin use beyond the mental and emotional upside such that it becomes a new regimen for those seeking extended longevity.
-Chip