FAQ


Types of Psychedelics

Psychedelics can be classified into two main categories based on their chemical structure and origin:

  1. Classic Psychedelics (Serotonergic) – These primarily act on serotonin receptors (5-HT₂A):

    • LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) – A synthetic compound derived from ergot fungus.

    • Psilocybin/Psilocin – Found in "magic mushrooms" (e.g., Psilocybe cubensis).

    • DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) – Found in plants (used in ayahuasca) and produced naturally in the human brain.

    • Mescaline – Found in peyote and San Pedro cacti.

  2. Atypical Psychedelics & Dissociatives – These work on different neurotransmitter systems (e.g., NMDA or kappa-opioid receptors):

    • Ketamine – An anesthetic with dissociative and psychedelic effects.

    • MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) – Primarily an empathogen but has mild psychedelic properties.

    • Salvia divinorum (Salvinorin A) – A potent kappa-opioid receptor agonist.

Effects of Psychedelics

  • Sensory distortions (enhanced colors, geometric patterns, synesthesia).

  • Ego dissolution (loss of self-identity, "oneness" with surroundings).

  • Emotional intensification (euphoria, anxiety, or profound insights).

  • Altered time perception (minutes may feel like hours).

  • Mystical or spiritual experiences (often described as life-changing).

Therapeutic Potential

Recent research suggests psychedelics may help treat:

  • Depression (Psilocybin, Ketamine).

  • PTSD (MDMA-assisted therapy).

  • Addiction (LSD, Psilocybin for smoking/alcohol dependence).

  • End-of-life anxiety (Psilocybin in terminal cancer patients).

Risks & Considerations

  • Bad trips (intense fear, paranoia, or panic).

  • Psychological vulnerability (may worsen psychosis in predisposed individuals).

  • Lack of regulation (variable purity in illicit substances).

  • HPPD (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder – rare but possible).

Legal Status

Most psychedelics are Schedule I (illegal) in many countries, but some exceptions exist:

  • Ketamine – Approved for medical use (anesthesia, depression).

  • Psilocybin – Decriminalized in some U.S. cities (Denver, Oakland).

  • Ayahuasca – Legal in some religious contexts (e.g., Santo Daime in Brazil).

Conclusion

Psychedelics have been used for centuries in spiritual and healing practices, and modern science is now rediscovering their potential. However, they should be approached with caution, ideally in controlled settings (e.g., therapy or guided sessions), due to their powerful psychological effects.

Would you like more details on a specific psychedelic or its applications?