Cannabis Use with Psychedelics, and the Default Mode Network

There can be synergy between cannabis and psychedelics (e.g. psilocybin mushrooms), but you should understand how both affect the mind. This article describes how cannabis and psychedelics affect the Default Mode Network (DMN) in unique and contradictory ways. Understanding the effects and the appropriate use of these plant medicines may reduce harms and the possibility of a "bad trip".

Psychedelics notoriously work on the subconscious mind by "quieting" the DMN and allowing the brain to revert to a more plastic state, much like how a healthy 5-year-old sees the world. This is the therapeutic goal of most psychonauts, as it is in this state of awe and openness that healing and revelation comes. The DMN has been the subject of many research articles of late, and is likely the "seat" of the ego, as this is where our autobiographical narrative takes place. When the DMN is active, rumination and self-critical thoughts can take over our consciousness and lead to anxiety and depression. Apart from psychedelics, the DMN can also be quieted through mindfulness and meditation techniques.

Cannabis works on the conscious mind, where the ego lives, and stimulates the DMN, specifically the sub-cortical amygdala. If you've done any research on the DMN, you know that an overactive DMN can be responsible for anxiety and depression when we get stuck in ruminative thought patterns. Cannabis amplifies your DMN processes, putting it into "overdrive", which is why we sometimes get epiphanies, and sometimes we get anxious or even paranoid. It all depends on your normal waking state of consciousness. Amplification of the DMN with cannabis can be good or bad, depending on your normal resting state. Consequently, "set and setting" also apply to cannabis use to minimize harm.

When "brave" psychonauts combine the two plant medicines, the medicines are actually working in opposition to each other. One is trying to quiet the DMN while the other is keeping the DMN active.  This can take the psychonaut's journey in un-intended directions, whether you have set intentions, or not. Knowing how these substances affect the DMN, I prefer to use cannabis after a psychedelic journey to assist with integration. After returning to the conscious realm, cannabis can aid in processing the things we learned in the subconscious realm by integrating them into our consciousness through introspective thinking - something cannabis is very good at facilitating. This is where the synergy is between these two sacred medicines. It's like the Yin and Yang to psychedelic consciousness.

I have come to this understanding through years of self reflection and meditation, and an understanding of how my own mind works under the influence of these medicines.  And to give credit where credit is due, the mushroom is mostly responsible for this information.

Bottom line: Know your mind, and know how the substances you consume affect your mind.

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Research articles on the effects of THC on the amygdala (which is dose/frequency dependent), and more information on the Default Mode Network (DMN).

DMN (Technical): Neuroanatomical model of the default mode network.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-019-0611-3

DMN/Meditation: How to quiet the DMN through meditation.

https://medium.com/swlh/the-brains-default-mode-what-is-it-and-why-meditation-is-the-antidote-d0408ab989d6

THC/Amygdala: Smoking marijuana to reduce anxiety can backfire.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201403/cannabis-targets-receptors-in-the-amygdala-linked-anxiety

THC/DMN (Technical): Study shows how THC prevents the deactivation of the DMN during executive tasks.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3729458/#:~:text=In%20conclusion%2C%20this%20study%20shows,DMN%20modulation%20and%20executive%20function