Lisa Jimenez, a long-time Silver City resident,Silver City -- Lisa Jimenez, a certified end-of-life death doula, plant medicine facilitator, and owner of A Good Death, LLC, will discuss the use of psilocybin to ease pain, fear and anxiety at the end of life at the Death Cafe, which meets Monday, March 23, at the Silver City Public Library. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring, psychoactive alkaloid found in more than 200 species of mushrooms, and is now legal in the state of New Mexico.
"Many decades of research clearly demonstrate the many benefits of facilitated psilocybin use for the treatment of suppressed trauma and PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorder, anxiety and existential crisis sometimes faced at the end of life," said Jimenez. For instance, such headlines as this from the Journal of Psychopharmacology are common: "Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized, double-blind trial." Of course, like any other medicine, it's important that it be used safely and therapeutically, with the guidance of a trained facilitator in accordance with good medical care."
New research also shows promise for the use of this sacred plant medicine to support overall brain health and even regeneration through reduced inflammation, the creation of new neurological pathways, and the production of new brain cells, Jimenez added. "Psilocybin works by essentially quieting what is known as the default mode network (DMN) of the brain, easing habitual negative thoughts and rigid ways of thinking about ourselves, allowing for more emotional freedom and resilience."
The state's Medical Psilocybin Act became law in June of last year, and the program is expected to be fully implemented by December 31, 2027. The New Mexico Department of Health has organized a Medical Psilocybin Advisory Board, tasked with developing the medical program's rules and regulations. Board meetings are open to the public, and are used to establish treatment protocols, safety guidelines, clinician and producer training requirements, and data collection methods to evaluate the program's effectiveness. Jimenez is a member of the advisory board's end-of-life committee.
"We are so incredibly fortunate to live in a state where lawmakers and Governor Lujan Grisham had the foresight to develop and approve this health-forward legislation, which allows for the medical use of this naturally occurring plant medicine to help people who are suffering," said Jimenez. "This is truly a breakthrough for end-of-life care, mental health treatment, and holds great potential for brain health and perhaps other, long-term health benefits."
There is no cost to attend the Death Cafe, which is held on the fourth Monday of each month from 4:00 - 5:30 pm at the Silver City Public Library. For more information, please contact Lisa Jimenez at (575) 574-5473, or
