Psychedelics

What is a Psychedelic?

A Psychedelics is a Psychotomimetic Drug that produces hallucinations and expansions of consciousness.

Psychedelics can be Entheogen (ex. Sacred Mushrooms, thought to be spiritual) or Entactogen (ex. Produce a touching within)

Psychedelics and their role in religion

Animism is a belief that animals, plants, rocks, streams and so on derive their special characteristics from a spirit contained within. Therefore if you eat the object, the it is believed the spirit is transferred to you and will speak unto you.

Indole VS Catechol Psychedelics

Indole Psychedelics: The basic structure of the neurotransmitter in this type of psychedelic is serotonin. It is referred to as indole nucleus. LSD and Psilocybin Mushrooms are classified as Indole.

LSD is a lab made drug

Psilocybin Mushrooms grow naturally

Catechol Psychedelics nucleus of these psychedelics forms the basic structure of catecholamine neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine. Peyote, MDA and MDMA are examples.

Peyote is often used in religious ritual practices

MDA, MDMA most commonly used in the EDM festival culture.

Anticholinergic Psychedelics

Anticholinergic Psychedelics: found in many plants throughout the world and have been used not only recreationally, medically and spiritually, but also as poisons.

Anticholinergics are a group of substances that blocks the action of the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine at synapses in the central and peripheral nervous system.

Clinical Studies Representing Medicinal Value of Psychedelics

Treatment for Smoking (2015)

Dose: Up to three doses of psilocybin after four CBT sessions

Results: 80% of Sample were abstinent at 6 month follow-up.

Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (2016)

Dose: Two doses of psilocybin

Results: Significant decrease in depressive symptoms for up to 6 months after two doses.

Alcohol Dependence (2015)

Dose: Up to two doses of Psilocybin after seven motivational therapy sessions

Results: Significant decrease in drinking behaviors up to 9 months.

History of Psychedelics

1943: LSD's Psychoactive effects discovered by Albert Hofmann.

1950s: Psychedelics, particularly LSD became widely used by psychologists and psychiatrists in research and clinical practices.

1958: Identification of Psilocybin in magic mushrooms by Albert Hofmann

Areas where it is legal/decriminalized in US

In 2010 Denver Colorado decriminalized Psilocybin

In 2019 Oakland and Santa Cruz California decriminalized Psilocybin

In 2020 Oregon voted to legalize Psilocybin

Immediate Potential Effects of Psychedelics:

Increased Body Temperature

Distorted Perceptions

Paranoia

Loss of coordination

Euphoria

Panic

Hallucinations

Disorganized Thoughts

Anxiety