Introduction In the last 20 years, the legality of psychedelics around the world has changed drastically. From Psilocybin and MDMA to Ayahuasca and Ibogaine. Many countries, with varying degrees of confidence, have begun experimenting with decriminalising or outright legalising many substances previously confined to underground, recreational spaces. Several factors are driving this shift in attitude and policy, […]

Introduction In an earlier post on AA founder Bill Wilson, I dispelled the idea that he used a psychedelic to get sober (a claim made on the Netflix series How to Change Your Mind, and which has appeared elsewhere). Wilson was given a deliriant concoction (belladonna and henbane) to beat his addiction to alcohol. This occurred in 1934, […]

Introduction Most people know about psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms but the natural world is full of psychedelic substances we are completely unaware of. A recent discovery from the Ecuadorian Amazon is a previously unknown species of lichen called Dictyonema huaorani, which is believed to contain several distinct psychoactive compounds. This article explores the history […]

Introduction Because psychedelics can have such profoundly positive effects on people, this has led to the narrative that they exist for our consumption. Why else would certain plants and mushrooms have evolved compounds that foster better mental health, induce spiritual and transformative experiences, and lead to enhanced connection to others and nature? However, there is […]