Psychedelics & Healing

What are these medicines?

There are a few categories and subcategories within the umbrella term 'psychedelics'

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• The classic psychedelics:

  • Mescaline (Peyote, San Pedro)​

  • LSD (Acid)

  • Psilocybin (Magic mushrooms)

  • DMT - Dimethyltryptamine (Ayahuasca)

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• Psychedelic adjacent:

  • Empathogens / Entactogens

    • These substances primarily release serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine. They are "adjacent" because they focus more on emotional openness and connection rather than visual hallucinations.

      • MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly): Currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for PTSD. It fosters deep emotional empathy and reduces the "fear response" in the amygdala.

      • MDA (Sass): A close relative to MDMA but generally more stimulating and slightly more hallucinogenic.

      • 2C-B: While it does hit serotonin receptors, it is often considered adjacent because it sits on the fence between a classic psychedelic and an empathogen​​​​

  • Dissociatives

    • These substances work primarily by blocking NMDA receptors, creating a feeling of detachment from the body, the environment, and the ego. 

      • Ketamine: Already FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. In lower doses, it is used in "Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy" (KAP) for its dream-like, introspective qualities.

      • PCP: A powerful dissociative with a high risk of agitation, though chemically related to ketamine.

      • DXM (Dextromethorphan): Found in over-the-counter cough medicines; in high doses, it produces dissociative effects.

      • Nitrous Oxide: An inhalant anesthetic that produces brief, intense dissociative states.​​

  • Atypical Hallucinogens

    • These substances produce profound "trips" but use entirely different biological pathways.

      • Salvia Divinorum: Works on Kappa Opioid receptors. It produces extremely intense, often short-lived experiences that are qualitatively different from classic psychedelics.

      • Ibogaine: Derived from the African Iboga shrub. It interacts with multiple receptor sites (serotonin, opioid, and glutamate) and is specifically studied for its ability to "interrupt" opioid addiction.

      • Amanita Muscaria (Fly Agaric): Unlike "magic" mushrooms, these contain muscimol, which works on GABA receptors (similar to how alcohol or benzos work, but with hallucinogenic effects)​

  • Cannabinoids

    • While rarely called psychedelics, high doses of THC can produce "psychedelic-like" shifts in perception, time distortion, and introspection. Some practitioners use specific cannabis-assisted therapy protocols to mimic psychedelic healing.​

  •  Plant-Based "Dream" Herbs

    • Calea zacatechichi: Known as the "Dream Herb," used to increase the clarity and intensity of dreams.

    • Blue Lotus: Historically used in ancient Egypt for mild sedative and dream-like effects.

Websites

• Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research: A global leader in the field, this site provides access to their extensive list of scientific publications and information on ongoing clinical trials for depression, PTSD, and addiction.

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• Imperial College London Centre for Psychedelic Research: As the world’s first formal center for psychedelic research, they offer resources on the action and clinical use of compounds like psilocybin and LSD for mental health disorders.

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• NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine: This center focuses on psychiatry and preclinical research, providing dissemination of information surrounding the clinical use of psychedelics for conditions like alcohol use disorder and anxiety.

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• Mount Sinai Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing: Specializes in investigating MDMA and psilocybin specifically for PTSD and trauma-related conditions, with a strong emphasis on veteran care.

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• Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): A nonprofit pioneer since 1986 that provides evidence-based information on psychedelic substances, integrated treatments, and their landmark Phase 3 trials for MDMA-assisted therapy.

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• Usona Institute: A medical research organization that conducts pre-clinical and clinical research on psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT for the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions.

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• Heffter Research Institute: One of the oldest organizations in the field, focused on funding high-quality scientific research into the therapeutic uses of psychedelics.

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• Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines: Provides a unique focus on the social and cultural aspects of psychedelic healing, advocating for diversity and inclusion within the field.

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• Psychedelic Medicine Association (PMA): A society dedicated to bridging the gap between psychedelic research and mainstream medical practice.

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• Psychedelic Support: A professional network that connects individuals with licensed therapists who specialize in psychedelic-assisted therapy and integration.

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• ClinicalTrials.gov: Where you can see what clinical trials are currently being done and which ones are actively recruiting participants to conduct scientific studies on psychedelics

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• ICEERS (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service): Focuses on the safe and legal use of traditional plant medicines and offers a Support Center for those experiencing difficulties with substances like ayahuasca or ibogaine. 

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Newsletters

• Tricycle Day: This newsletter provides a high-level summary of the latest studies and regulatory shifts. It frequently covers topics like MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, the risks of retraumatization without proper support, and "Ask a Guide" segments featuring trauma-informed practitioners.

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• MAPS Bulletin: From the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), this is the primary source for the most advanced research on MDMA for trauma. Their updates focus heavily on clinical trial data and the path to FDA approval for PTSD treatments.

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• Psychedelic Alpha: Delivers data-driven insights into the industry and policy. Their specialized edition, The Psychedelic Practitioner, is particularly useful for those interested in clinical integration techniques for complex trauma.

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• The Microdose: A twice-weekly curated newsletter from the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics. It offers a balanced look at science, policy, and the ethical considerations of using these medicines for mental health.

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• Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Newsletter: Ideal for those who want direct updates from one of the world's leading research centers. It covers their latest findings on psilocybin for depression and trauma-related distress.

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• Mindscapes (DAV): Hosted by Disabled American Veterans, this publication is uniquely dedicated to psychedelic therapy as a tool for veterans to heal from combat-related trauma and PTSD.

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• Sunstone Therapies Newsletter: Provides updates specifically on evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapy for emotional and psychological healing, often focusing on integration and clinical trial results.

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• Psychedelics Today: A widely recognized platform that includes a newsletter focusing on education for practitioners and the latest trends in psychedelic science and therapy.

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• The Trip Report: Published by Beckley Waves, this newsletter is geared toward those curious about the legal evolution of psychedelics in healthcare and society.

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• Third Wave Frequency: One of the longest-running newsletters in the space, providing a curated summary of news and research for a broad audience.

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• The Pearl Newsletter: Published by the Pearl Psychedelic Institute, it provides community-focused updates on local psychedelic therapy initiatives and research.

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• PATA Newsletter: The Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association (PATA) offers occasional updates on resources and evolving conversations in the therapeutic space.

Podcasts

• Psychedelic Medicine Podcast: Hosted by Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, this show acts as an "auditory encyclopedia" covering the scientific research, medical practices, and legal developments of substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine.

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• Psychedelics Today: A leader in the field, this podcast focuses on psychedelic media, storytelling, and education, often featuring experts on therapeutic applications.

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• Back from the Abyss: Hosted by psychiatrist Dr. Craig Heacock, this podcast offers deep insights into psychiatry with nearly half its episodes dedicated specifically to psychedelics.

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• Luminous: An NPR series that explores the philosophical and cultural implications of psychedelics through conversations with scientists and scholars.

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• Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers: A weekly show discussing the research and therapy techniques that make these substances powerful tools for mental health change.

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INDIVIDUAL EPISODES:

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• Huberman Lab: The Science of Psychedelics for Mental Health: Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris explains how psilocybin and LSD change brain wiring to treat depression and OCD.

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• Lex Fridman Podcast: Episode #145 – Matthew Johnson: A deep dive into psychedelic research with Dr. Matthew Johnson, a leading researcher from Johns Hopkins University.

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• Being Well: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Dr. Albert Garcia-Romeu: Discusses how psychedelics work in the brain and what a typical assisted therapy session looks like.

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• The Psychedelic Therapy Podcast: Ben Malcolm: Can I Take Psychedelics on Antidepressants?: A crucial episode on psychopharmacology and contraindications between psychiatric medications and psychedelics.

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• Advances in Care: Exploring Psychedelics as the Next Wave of Psychiatric Innovation: Features clinical psychiatrists explaining brain mechanisms and the challenges of clinical trial design.

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Movies

How to Change Your Mind

 (2022): This four-part Netflix series, hosted by Michael Pollan, is the most prominent modern exploration of the topic. Each episode focuses on a specific substance—LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline—examining their history and current use in treating conditions like depression, OCD, and addiction.

Fantastic Fungi

 (2019): While largely a nature documentary about the fungal kingdom, it includes a significant section on the "magic" of psilocybin. It features interviews with researchers and patients from clinical trials, demonstrating how psilocybin can help terminal cancer patients face end-of-life anxiety.

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In Waves and War

 (2024/2025): A high-profile documentary that follows decorated Navy SEAL Marcus Capone and other veterans as they use ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT to treat treatment-resistant PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

Trip of Compassion

 (2017): An intimate look at patients in Israel undergoing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. It is notable for showing actual footage from therapy sessions, illustrating the emotional breakthroughs that occur during treatment.

From Shock to Awe

 (2018): Follows two combat veterans who abandon a "cocktail" of pharmaceutical drugs to seek relief from severe trauma through ayahuasca and MDMA.

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Dosed

 (2019): Follows a woman named Adrianne as she turns to underground psychedelic therapy—specifically psilocybin and iboga—to overcome a life-threatening opioid addiction after conventional treatments failed.

Dosed: The Trip of a Lifetime

 (2023): A sequel focusing on a mother of four who is granted a legal exemption to use psilocybin for medical purposes, exploring its impact on her terminal cancer diagnosis and mental well-being.

Magic Medicine

 (2018): Provides a fly-on-the-wall perspective of a landmark medical trial at Imperial College London, following three volunteers with severe depression as they receive psilocybin treatment

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The Way of the Psychonaut

 (2020): Chronicles the life and 60-year career of Dr. Stanislav Grof, a pioneer of psychedelic psychotherapy, exploring his work mapping the human unconscious and the development of "holotropic" healing.

Descending the Mountain

 (2021): Documents an experiment on a Swiss mountainside where a neuroscientist and a Zen master guide experienced meditators through a psilocybin journey to study the nature of consciousness.

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Books

How to Change Your Mind

by Michael Pollan: A landmark investigation into the medical and scientific revolution surrounding LSD and psilocybin, blending history, science, and the author's personal experiences. You can find this at Barnes & Noble or Books A Million.

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Psychedelics: The Revolutionary Drugs That Could Change Your Life

by Professor David Nutt: Written by a leading neuropharmacologist, this book provides an evidence-based guide to substances like MDMA, ayahuasca, and psilocybin, aimed at cutting through common misconceptions. It is available as an eBook at Barnes & Noble or in print at Bookshop.org.

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The Psychedelic Handbook

by Dr. Rick Strassman: A practical guide from the author of DMT: The Spirit Molecule, explaining how various psychedelics work, their potential risks, and their benefits for mental health conditions like PTSD and depression

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Psychedelic Integration: Psychotherapy for Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness

 by Marc Aixalà: A resource for individuals focused on processing and integrating these experiences into daily life.

Deliberate Practice in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

 (2024): A technical manual published by the American Psychological Association designed to help clinicians build skills for supervised sessions.

LSD Psychotherapy

 by Stanislav Grof: A textbook detailing the historical use of substances in clinical settings, considered a foundational work for modern research.

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Psychonauts: Drugs and the Making of the Modern Mind

 by Mike Jay: A history of the early scientists and artists who used self-experimentation to explore human consciousness.

The Doors of Perception

 by Aldous Huxley: A classic 1954 account of the author's experience and his reflections on the relationship between mysticism and psychology.

Tripping on Utopia

 by Benjamin Breen: A historical account exploring the birth of psychedelic science during the mid-20th century.

LSD: My Problem Child

 by Albert Hofmann: A memoir by the chemist who first synthesized the compound, recounting its discovery and the subsequent cultural impact

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Psychedelic Revival

 by Sean Lawlor (2024): An expansive look at the current wave of research and healing, featuring interviews with various experts in the field.

Trippy: The Peril and Promise of Medicinal Psychedelics

 by Ernesto Londoño: Explores the global rise of medicinal interest from both personal and professional reporting perspectives

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• An international Delphi consensus for reporting of setting in psychedelic clinical trials: Published in Nature Medicine (June 2025), this study introduced the ReSPCT guidelines, a 30-item checklist to standardize how researchers report the "set and setting" (mindset and environment) during clinical trials.

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• Investigational psilocybin treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder: A 2025 study in The Lancet eClinicalMedicine evaluating the efficacy of psilocybin specifically for PTSD, expanding research beyond the standard depression focus.

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• MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial: Published in Nature Medicine (October 2023), this "MAPP2" trial confirmed that MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms and functional impairment in a diverse population.

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• Efficacy and safety of psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis: A 2024 meta-analysis in Psychiatry Research reviewing 126 articles on psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ayahuasca, finding significant therapeutic effects for depression and anxiety. 

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• An international mega-analysis of psychedelic drug effects on brain circuit function: Published in Nature Medicine (April 2026), this study analyzed neuroimaging data across five major psychedelics to identify a shared "brain signature" showing how these substances reorganize brain architecture.

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• Prevalence, types, and demographic characteristics of major life changes following psychedelic use: A January 2026 study in Scientific Reports examining how 83% of naturalistic users report major, lasting life changes after psychedelic experiences.

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• Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: 12-month follow-up: Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine (2025/2026 update) showing that 75% of patients with major depression maintained a positive response 12 months after just two doses of psilocybin.

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• Hallucinogens in Mental Health: Preclinical and Clinical Studies on Ketamine, Psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA: A 2021 review in Molecules summarizing the pharmacological differences between classical psychedelics and entactogens like MDMA.

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• Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study: A seminal 2016 paper in The Lancet Psychiatry by Carhart-Harris et al. that catalyzed the modern "psychedelic renaissance" by demonstrating safety and efficacy in treatment-resistant cases.

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• Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: A 2016 randomized controlled trial from Journal of Psychopharmacology (Ross et al.) showing long-term relief from end-of-life distress.

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Psychedelic Tourism

• ​Psilocybin:

  • Legal or regulated in:​

    • Jamaica, Netherlands (truffles), Oregon, & Colorado​

  • Decriminalized or tolerated in:

    • Portugal, Spain, Canada (BC), & the British Virgin Islands​

• Ayahuasca

  • Legal or regulated in:​

    • Peru & Bolivia​

  • Decriminalized or tolerated in:

    • Costal Rico, Brazil, & Mexico​

• Ibogaine

  • Legal or regulated in:​

    • South Africa & New Zealand​

  • Decriminalized or tolerated in:

    • Mexico, Costa Rico, Portugal​

RFRA

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) is a 1993 federal law designed to protect religious practitioners from government interference. 

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• The Standard: It prohibits the government from "substantially burdening" a person's exercise of religion unless it can prove a compelling interest and uses the least restrictive means to do so.

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• Impact on Psychedelics: It is the primary legal tool used by "psychedelic churches" to gain exemptions from the Controlled Substances Act.

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• Key Victories: It was the basis for the landmark 2006 Supreme Court case Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal, which granted a legal right for a specific church to use ayahuasca as a sacrament.

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• Current Use: Today, many groups (such as those using peyote or psilocybin) cite RFRA to argue that federal drug prohibitions unconstitutionally infringe upon their sincere religious ceremonies

Landmark Legislation, Advocacy Groups, & Community Events

Texas is home to several historic firsts for psychedelic policy, primarily focused on Veterans and first responders

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• Senate Bill 2308 (2025): Allocated $50 million to establish a clinical trial consortium for studying ibogaine to treat opioid addiction and PTSD.

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• House Bill 1802 (2021): The nation's first-ever state-funded research for psychedelic medicine, specifically studying psilocybin-assisted therapy for Veterans with PTSD.

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• House Bill 4014 (2025): Established state-backed studies for MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine for treating mental health conditions.

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• Senate Bill 3005 (Introduced 2025): Requires a comprehensive report by December 1, 2026, on patient access to these therapies once they receive federal FDA approval. 

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• Texas Ibogaine Research Consortium: A partnership between major systems including UT, Texas A&M, UNT, and Texas Tech. The state intends to fully fund this effort, potentially reaching a $100 million commitment to bypass traditional pharmaceutical routes.

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• Dell Medical School (UT Austin): Home to the McGill Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy, which investigates the use of psilocybin, ibogaine, and ayahuasca.

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• UTHealth Houston: Leading studies on psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression and bipolar conditions.

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• Baylor College of Medicine: Conducting the STARLIGHT trial, a state-funded study evaluating psilocybin-assisted therapy for Veterans.

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• Texans for Greater Mental Health (T4GMH): The primary advocacy group behind many of the state's legislative wins, focusing on evidence-based policy and Veteran access.

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• Psychedelics in Recovery (PIR): A 12-step based fellowship for individuals integrating psychedelic experiences into their recovery journey.

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• SXSW (Austin): The 2025 and 2026 conferences have featured dedicated Psychedelics Tracks, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, and investors to discuss mainstream integration.

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• Americans for Ibogaine (AFI): A non-profit advocacy group, chaired by former Texas Governor Rick Perry, dedicated to establishing an FDA-approved medical pathway for ibogaine to treat veteran PTSD and opioid addiction.​

Harm Reduction

• Erowid.org: The "digital Library of Alexandria" for psychoactive substances. Founded in 1995, it is one of the oldest and most respected non-profit educational resources on the internet regarding the relationship between humans and psychoactive plants and chemicals. They collect and publishes information about psychoactive substances, including first-hand experience reports and chemical data, to promote harm reduction.​

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• Fireside Project: Operates a free Psychedelic Peer Support Line available by phone and text for people in the midst of a psychedelic experience, those helping others, or those looking to integrate past experiences.

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• Zendo Project: Specializes in providing compassionate psychedelic peer support and "sanctuary" spaces at large events and festivals. They also offer training on ethical sitting and crisis de-escalation.

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• TripSit: An online community providing real-time harm reduction support through a chat network. They offer guidance on safe dosage and support for those having a difficult time while under the influence.

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• DanceSafe: A public health organization focused on the nightlife and festival community. They provide drug checking services (adulterant screening), unbiased educational literature on various substances, and on-site safety supplies like electrolytes and earplugs.

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• PsychonautWiki: A community-driven encyclopedia documenting psychonautic practices and theory from a scientifically grounded perspective to encourage safer usage.

Sacrament

• Native American Church (NAC): The oldest and largest, using Peyote. Its use is protected under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) Amendments of 1994, though legal protection is generally tied to indigenous heritage.

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• União do Vegetal (UDV): A syncretic Christian church from Brazil that uses Ayahuasca. They won a landmark 2006 U.S. Supreme Court case under RFRA, granting them the legal right to import and use the tea in the U.S.

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• Santo Daime: Another Brazilian-founded church combining folk Catholicism, Spiritism, and African animism. They also use Ayahuasca and have won various legal battles to practice in the U.S. and Europe.

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The "New" Entheogenic Churches

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Since 2010,

a wave of new religious movements has emerged,

claiming that the "psychedelic experience"

is the core of their faith.

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• The Church of the Eagle and the Condor: A notable group that recently sued the federal government to protect their use of Ayahuasca under religious freedom laws.

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• The Divine Assembly: A Utah-based church that views Psilocybin (mushrooms) as a sacrament. They focus on community, personal healing, and direct connection to God without intermediaries.

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• Sacred Tribe: Based in Colorado, this group uses Psilocybin and focuses on the intersection of Jewish mysticism and entheogenic practice.

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• The Church of Ambrosia: Known for its "Zide Door" location in Oakland, it is one of the largest groups openly distributing Psilocybin and Cannabis as sacraments.