Beyond The Stigma

What if a natural compound could change humanity's perspective on the world? Imagine a mind-altering substance that offers a transformative experience and fosters openness, clarity, and peace of mind. While it may sound surreal, the substance naturally exists in numerous mushrooms, plants, and animals. The magical matter is none other than psychedelic drugs. For centuries, natural psychedelics have been ingested for their ability to help individuals separate from their ego, peel back the curtains of reality, and truly embrace living. As influential ethnobotanist and psychonaut Terence McKenna urged, “Life lived in the absence of the psychedelic experience is life trivialized, life denied, life enslaved to the ego” (McKenna, as cited by Dănuț Încrosnatu, 2019). Historically, natural psychedelics have been regarded as beneficial, life-changing, and necessary, but in the last few decades, the public has regarded them as unpredictable, undesirable, and dangerous; rather than stigmatizing this class of drugs, people must understand natural psychedelics, integrate risk-management procedures, and embrace their use.

Differentiating Between Natural and Synthetic Psychedelics

Although synthetic and natural psychedelics belong to the same class, their effects—including risks and benefits—differ. To clarify, substances such as dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and psilocybin naturally occur in many species of plants, animals, and fungi (mushrooms). For instance, DMT is a powerful psychoactive compound in certain plant groups, including Phalaris, Delosperma, Acacia, Mimosa, and some citrus plants (Hellicar, 2022). Conversely, many individuals chemically synthesize DMT to make a smokable powder, thus stripping it from its natural classification. As for psilocybin, it exists naturally in hundreds of fungi species, including the infamous Amanita muscaria, whose cap is classically red or orange with large white spots— think Mario Kart!

Like DMT, lysergic acid is a naturally occurring psychedelic that is synthesized with unnatural chemicals. Instead, lysergic acid is observed in the ergot family of fungi and is synthesized using diethylamine, which forms an entirely distinct drug: lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Considering LSD itself is not naturally occurring, it will be regarded as a synthetic substance throughout this composition. Thus, in this paper, natural psychedelics will refer to DMT and psilocybin, synthetic psychedelics will refer to LSD, and “trip” will refer to the psychedelic experience.

Historical and Cultural Use of Natural Psychedelics

Since the dawn of time, natural psychedelics have been used to induce “mystical, meaningful, and transcendent experiences often characterized by profound feelings of connection, openness, and unity…” (George et al., 2021). Deep-rooted civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Mayas, and Incas are believed to have ceremonies centered around their ingestion. Similarly, the widely recognized psychedelic ayahuasca has been used by South American tribes for millennia. The brew of bark, plants, and herbs naturally contains DMT, the psychoactive compound responsible for heightened consciousness. The effects are so insightful that these ancient civilizations have begun to open their arms to laymen who wish to undergo soul and mind rejuvenation (Ramirez, 2023). In fact, numerous ayahuasca retreats exist in South America, and thousands of people attend them every year.

These retreats resemble Native American rituals because they are traditionally led by a shaman who acts as a guide. However, Native American tribes historically and modernly ingest peyote (Lophophora williamsii), a ground cactus that contains the psychoactive alkaloid mescaline. Due to its religious application, peyote is permitted for use amongst Native American tribes, despite its classification as a Schedule I drug. Tribal members assert that the psychedelic journey allows one to “commune with God and the spirits…and to receive…spiritual power, guidance…and healing” (The Information Architects of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2025). 

Natural psychedelic drugs are understood to act as a vessel into higher consciousness, and cultures worldwide have long used them to deepen their understanding of existence. Overall, they encourage connection and unity, which is essential to a healthy, progressive society.

Criminalization and Legalization

Unfortunately, natural psychedelic drugs have been criminalized and stigmatized despite their historical healing properties. As noted in Psychedelic Drugs, “…there is nothing remarkable about the ancient use of psychedelics…What is unusual is the active suppression of such substances…” In summary, psychedelic drugs were legal until the LSD epidemic shook society in the 1960s. LSD was ubiquitous—it dominated the music industry, drove the Summer of Love in 1967, and fueled Woodstock in 1969. During the same decade, the Central Intelligence Agency was exposed for using the substance in mind control experiments, now revealed as the MK-Ultra trials. Fearing the rising wave of solidarity and disdain, the United States and the United Nations classified all psychedelics as Schedule I drugs in 1970. Thus, they are classified as having no medical purpose and a high risk of abuse. This strict classification has soured the image of all psychedelics—natural and synthetic alike.

Regardless of their criminalization, researchers have persisted in experimenting with psychedelics in hopes of understanding their full potential. Since then, researchers have discovered multiple benefits, prompting psychedelic decriminalization in Colorado and Oregon. Residents of these states can use and possess psychedelics under regulations similar to marijuana, meaning they cannot be sold, distributed, used in the presence of children, or while operating a motor vehicle.

Recent research and decriminalization have inspired organizations like Psychedelic Passage to use psychedelics in guiding individuals on spiritual journeys. Jimmy Nguyen (2020), founder of Psychedelic Passage, distinguishes, “…natural psychedelics tend to have more tradition and historical context, especially when it comes to ceremonial, religious, or spiritual use…synthetic psychedelics have been used more recreationally…” Nguyen emphasizes the varied societal perception of natural and synthetic psychedelic drugs, rather than growth methods or chemical composition. This corresponds with the reality that the legalization of psychedelics is not based on their composition but on society’s unenlightened perspectives toward them.

Issues Surrounding the Legalization of Natural Psychedelics

The process of legalizing natural psychedelics faces multiple obstacles, including societal perception, state versus federal regulation, and the debate over recreational versus medicinal use. Since their classification as Schedule I substances, psychedelics have been widely perceived as unpredictable and lacking medical value. As a result, skepticism and uncertainty overshadow recent research that demonstrates numerous mental health benefits. Additionally, decriminalization in Oregon and Colorado has blurred federal law. This raises the question of whether state or federal legislators will regulate natural psychedelics. However, the framework applied to marijuana decriminalization could serve as a model for natural psychedelics. Despite its classification as a Schedule I drug, marijuana is legal for either medicinal or recreational use in forty-six states, creating a “gray zone of legality” (Mian, Dinh, Coker, Mitchell, & Anderson, 2025).

Consequences of Psychedelic Drugs

While natural psychedelic drugs have many proven benefits, it is important to understand their risks and uncomfortable side effects. Most natural psychedelic users do not experience extreme adverse reactions, but nearly every “tripper” will encounter a few undesirable effects at least once. According to Psychedelic Science Review, the most common physical responses include nausea, diarrhea, and/or excessive yawning (Bauer, 2019). Though not life-threatening, these effects may negatively shape a person's perception of natural psychedelics and discourage future use. Additionally, most individuals shy away from psychedelic substances due to the stigma surrounding bad trips. In this context, a “bad trip” refers to an experience that feels endless, includes distressing visuals, or causes physical discomfort such as pain or convulsions (Psychedelic Risk Awareness, 2018). However, not all “bad trips” are entirely negative! Mushroom activist Paul Stamets recalls an experience in which he convulsed for what felt like several hours—yet, the sensation was euphoric. Surprisingly, he overcame his severe stutter shortly after this event, which he attributes to his period of convulsion (NLA Media, 2025).

More importantly, individuals with preexisting mental conditions, such as schizophrenia, can suffer from prolonged hallucinations and delusions. As considered by Medical News Today, “…short-term side effects of psychedelics can include [increased] paranoia and psychosis.” This can be explained by the fact that psychedelic drugs alter one's perception of reality, which is an underlying symptom of schizophrenia. Therefore, psychedelics can worsen symptoms even after the drug’s effects have worn off. Thus, individuals with schizophrenia and other debilitating conditions should thoroughly research the risks before attempting to undergo a psychedelic experience.

Importance of Planning a Trip

Although there are numerous risk factors to using natural psychedelic drugs, many of them can be mitigated through insightful planning. Research suggests that maintaining positive intentions, choosing a comfortable setting, reducing daily stressors, and reserving the following day for relaxation are key to a successful trip (St. Arnaud & Sharpe, 2023). According to the study, individuals should approach the experience with the intent of transformation rather than simply “getting high.” Natural psychedelics are not recreational party drugs; they are meant to be used mindfully, not casually. Additionally, anyone planning a trip should ensure they will be in a comfortable environment surrounded by people they trust. As discovered in “Contextual Parameters Associated with Positive and Negative Mental Health in Recreational Psychedelic Users,” an unfavorable environment can cause one to dwell on the negative aspects of life, thus increasing the likelihood of a bad trip (St. Arnaud & Sharpe, 2023). Furthermore, research highlights the importance of addressing daily responsibilities before a trip. Simple tasks—such as taking a shower, feeding pets, and tidying up—should be completed in advance to minimize distractions and enhance mindfulness. Similar to the importance of the environment, additional stress causes one to focus their attention away from the present moment. Lastly, a psychedelic experience is mentally exhaustive and requires attentive aftercare. Thus, individuals should keep the following day free of obligations to prioritize rest and reflection.

To illustrate the point, imagine this scenario: you hear from a friend that there will be a group trip that night, but you hardly know the people involved. Eager to participate and get high, you ignore this concern and even skip your daily chores to arrive at your friend’s house on time. Upon arriving, you notice that the atmosphere is chilly, drinks are flowing, and party music fills the house. Nonetheless, you ingest the psychoactive substance. As the trip unfolds, you unexpectedly run into an old partner, your pants tear, and you suddenly recall that you have work tomorrow. Needless to say, this sets the stage for a chaotic and unpleasant trip.

Benefits of Natural Psychedelics

Having established the reality of risks, it is essential to highlight the benefits. Shown to improve mental health, sense of self, and overall well-being, natural psychedelics have been used for centuries. More recently, researchers have “found benefits that apply to anyone: a reduced fear of death, greater psychological openness, and increased life satisfaction…” (Psychedelic Drugs, 2024). This quote encapsulates the positive applications of psychedelics by emphasizing their ability to ease one’s anxiety around dying, an inevitable event that must be accepted and embraced. In essence, the author uses the universal event of death to encourage the universal use of psychedelics.

However, the effects are not merely theoretical—natural psychedelics biologically alter the brain, driving shifts in thought and behavior. To elaborate, the brain's amygdala, which controls emotional responses, appears to become susceptible to new thought processes the week after ingesting psilocybin, and for three weeks after using DMT (Wenk, 2022). This means one can rewire their brain to respond and react differently to stimuli. For instance, an individual prone to aggression may gain insight into the root of their anger during a trip. Due to increased neuroplasticity throughout the following week, they can consciously adjust their triggers and behaviors to reshape their personality.

This discovery has paved the way for natural psychedelics to be used in therapeutic and medical settings. Specifically, the substances are administered to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, natural psychedelics can enhance neuroplasticity, which is especially important for those with brain damage and other neurological disorders. The hypothesis is that if natural psychedelics can physically change how the brain organizes reality, then it would make therapy more effective and long-lasting (Siegel et al., 2024). As history demonstrates, natural psychedelics have enhanced human well-being for millennia. It is time for society to reconsider its legal status and embrace its potential for future use.

Personal Observation and Insight

To add authenticity to my research, I will briefly share my own experiences and observations with natural psychedelic drugs, specifically psilocybin mushrooms.

In March 2022, I was formally diagnosed with schizophrenia and was prescribed numerous antipsychotics, which only left me feeling worse. Desperate for alternatives, I discovered that natural psychedelic drugs had many benefits, though their use was not recommended to those with my diagnosis. Despite the warnings, I took an eighth (3.5g) of Psilocybe cubensis, specifically alacabenzi mushrooms. In short, I felt that I was removed from my flesh bag and propped high above reality, allowing me to see in it its full beauty. Moved by the splendor of life, I deleted social media, sold my television, enrolled in college, and embraced natural living. The next day, I discontinued my use of antipsychotics!

However, my experience was not unique, and I grew hungry to understand the full potential of natural psychedelics. After more than a dozen trips, I asked my five roommates if they would be interested in having a psychedelic experience. While they were initially wary, they agreed once I began writing an argumentative research paper on the legalization of natural psychedelics. Thus, in April 2025, I administered one gram each to my five roommates, ages 21 to 25. My partner and I also prepared personal question cards to give to the group as they experienced the height of the trip. There were moments of intense vulnerability, understanding, and laughter. After a walk in the rain, I asked them how they would rate the experience. I was told it was spiritually motivating, insightful, and soulfully impactful. Each person thanked me and asked if they could experience it again. This event reinforced my passion for natural psychedelic drugs and their legalization.

Conclusion

Universally, natural psychedelic drugs have been ingested since the dawn of time to provide mental clarity, induce introspection, and enhance communal harmony. Regardless of the overwhelming evidence that highlights their benefits, the LSD epidemic has stained societal bias toward all psychedelics. However, it is time that the United States government differentiates natural and synthetic psychedelics, integrates risk management, and lifts the nearly sixty-year ban. Society must embrace natural psychedelics as ancient civilizations once did, recognizing their cultural and therapeutic significance. Ultimately, natural psychedelics like psilocybin and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) are a fundamental, historical feature of global culture, and their (re)legalization will influence individuals to be peaceful, productive members of society. As ethnobotanist Terence McKenna wisely states, “The problem is not to find the answer, it’s to face the answer” (McKenna, as cited by Dănuț Încrosnatu, 2019).

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