The Future of Our Inner Landscapes: A Look at Psychoactive Fungi

July 2025

By Floris Wolswijk, founder of Blossom

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the human mind. This curiosity led me to study psychology and, eventually, to the world of psychedelics. My journey has been one of both personal exploration and scientific inquiry, driven by a desire to understand how we can heal and grow. This path has led me to found Blossom, a platform dedicated to making psychedelic research accessible, and to co-found FLO Coaching, where we guide individuals through legal, psilocybin-containing truffle experiences in the Netherlands.

Today, I want to share my perspective on the evolving landscape of psychoactive fungi, which, for the purpose of research, we can largely equate to psilocybin. For those new to this topic, the world of psychedelics can seem vast and complex. My goal is to offer a clear overview of where we are and where we might be headed, particularly regarding access for mental wellness in the United States and Europe.

The Three Arenas of Psychedelic Use

Psychedelic experiences are currently happening in three main contexts, each with its own set of intentions and structures. The most common, by far, is recreational use, where individuals explore these substances out of curiosity or for personal enjoyment.

Then we have guided or retreat-based use. This is where my work with FLO Coaching fits in. In places like the Netherlands, where psilocybin truffles are legal, individuals can engage with these substances in a structured, supportive environment. These settings prioritize safety and intention, helping people to navigate their inner worlds with purpose. The focus is on personal growth and self-development, often with therapeutic underpinnings.

Finally, there’s the clinical setting. This is where the most rigorous scientific research is taking place. In both the US and Europe, a growing number of clinical trials are investigating psilocybin as a treatment for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What the Research is Telling Us

The results from clinical trials with what we can call “clinical doses” of psilocybin are incredibly promising. Studies from institutions like Johns Hopkins, Imperial College London, and NYU have shown that one or two high doses of psilocybin, when combined with psychotherapy, can lead to significant and lasting reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has even granted “breakthrough therapy” designation to psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, which is intended to expedite the development and review of these treatments.

At Blossom, we track and analyze this research, and the evidence continues to mount. We also collaborate with organizations like Delphi to synthesize these findings and help inform the responsible integration of psychedelic therapies into mainstream healthcare. A crucial aspect of this research is understanding the importance of “set and setting” – the mindset of the individual and the environment in which the experience takes place. A recent Delphi consensus study highlighted the critical role these factors play in therapeutic outcomes.

The Story with Microdosing

Alongside the research into high-dose sessions, there’s a growing interest in microdosing. This is a practice where you take very small, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances like psychoactive fungi. Many people report benefits such as improved mood, focus, and creativity.

Scientific research is still evolving. Some critical analyses like this one suggest that expectations may play a role in the perceived benefits, though psychological effects can still be real and meaningful. A large self-reported study found that individuals who microdosed psilocybin experienced notable improvements in mood and mental health over one month compared to non-microdosers.

Ongoing research continues to explore how microdosing influences mood, cognition, and overall well-being.

The Future of Access: A Shifting Landscape

So, what does the future hold for accessing psychoactive fungi for mental health? The legal landscape is in a state of flux, but the direction of travel appears to be towards greater access, at least in a therapeutic context.

While psilocybin remains a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level in the United States, significant changes are happening at the state level. Oregon and Colorado have become the first states to legalize the supervised use of psilocybin, and a number of cities have decriminalized it. This state-by-state momentum is likely to continue, creating a patchwork of access across the country. We can expect to see more states introducing legislation to create regulated programs for psilocybin-assisted therapy in the coming years.

A Hopeful Horizon

The journey to integrate psychoactive fungi into our approaches to mental wellness is still in its early stages. However, the convergence of promising research, evolving public perception, and gradual policy reform paints a hopeful picture.At Blossom, FLO Coaching, and Delphi, my work and that of my colleagues is driven by the belief that these powerful tools, when used responsibly and ethically, have the potential to improve many lives profoundly. The path forward requires careful navigation, a commitment to scientific rigor, and a deep respect for the transformative power of these experiences. It’s a future I’m excited to be a part of building.

To learn more about Floris Wolswijk’s work, listen to our interview here: