Curious about the risks of psychedelics? You’re in the right place. This webpage has a variety of resources that walk you through how to assess readiness, spot risks, make informed choices, and stay safer before, during, and after.
INFOGRAPHICS
April 17, 2026
Psychedelic Preparation
Preparation is key to a psychedelic journey. The aim of this practice is to foster a psychological, physical, and social (and perhaps even spiritual) state that is conducive to a safe and meaningful psychedelic experience.
Development and psychometric validation of a novel scale for measuring ‘psychedelic preparedness’
Citation: McAlpine, R.G., Blackburne, G. & Kamboj, S.K. Development and psychometric validation of a novel scale for measuring ‘psychedelic preparedness’. Sci Rep 14, 3280 (2024).
DoiDevelopment and psychometric validation of a novel scale for measuring ‘psychedelic preparedness’ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53829-z
March 14, 2026
Music Playlists & Psychedelic Therapy
Music has been used in the setting of psychedelic psychotherapy and there are a few playlists that have been studied. Here is a summary of how music impacts the person’s experience.
The Use of Music in Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy
Citation: Helen L. Bonny, Walter N. Pahnke, The Use of Music in Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy, Journal of Music Therapy, Volume 9, Issue 2, Summer 1972, Pages 64–87, https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/9.2.64
The hidden therapist: evidence for a central role of music in psychedelic therapy
Citation: Kaelen M, Giribaldi B, Raine J, et al. The hidden therapist: evidence for a central role of music in psychedelic therapy [published correction appears in Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018 May;235(5):1623. doi: 10.1007/s00213-018-4886-8.]. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018;235(2):505-519. doi:10.1007/s00213-017-4820-5
Psychedelic Therapy Playlist 2
Citation: Kaelin, M. (n.d.). Psychedelic Therapy Playlist 2. Spotify. Stockholm Available at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6q0rnAIIxokcRlu6vRJPNX?si=6ed1a84816144904
Citation: Richards, W. A. (2003). Insights from four decades of psychotherapy research with imagery, music, and entheogens. J. Assoc. Music Imagery 9, 27–39.
Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences
Citation: Richards, W. A. (2015). Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences New York: Columbia University Press.
Set and Setting: A Randomized Study of Different Musical Genres in Supporting Psychedelic Therapy
Citation: Strickland JC, Garcia-Romeu A, Johnson MW. Set and Setting: A Randomized Study of Different Musical Genres in Supporting Psychedelic Therapy [published correction appears in ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci. 2021 May 21;4(3):1248. doi: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00119.]. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci. 2020;4(2):472-478. Published 2020 Dec 29. doi:10.1021/acsptsci.0c00187
Johns Hopkins psilocybin playlist: Overtone-based music
Citation: Strickland, J. C. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins psilocybin playlist: Overtone-based music. Available at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40OOW1CBqejT3j0r56FDTS?si=481b6d13ecf04c0b
Chacruna 2- a playlist for psilocybin-Kelan Thomas
Citation: Thomas, K. (n.d.). Chacruna 2- a playlist for psilocybin-Kelan Thomas. Available at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7yNhMh9EPndPBjle9Gx4Gx?si=b3b316cd0c7c413b
Music programming for psilocybin-assisted therapy: Guided Imagery and Music-informed perspectives
Citation: Messell C, Summer L, Bonde LO, Beck BD, Stenbæk DS. Music programming for psilocybin-assisted therapy: Guided Imagery and Music-informed perspectives. Front Psychol. 2022;13:873455. Published 2022 Nov 17. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.873455
Citation: Shapiro, M. Inside a psilocybin playlist. John Hopkins University Magazine. Published November 2020. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2020/10/inside-the-johns-hopkins-psilocybin-playlist
February 17, 2025
Decorative Art
Set and setting are central to psychedelic psychotherapy, yet the role of visual art remains underexplored. Emerging research suggests that artwork within the therapeutic environment may influence emotional processing, meaning-making, and felt connection to both self and surroundings.
Use Cases for Art Therapy Intervention in Clinical Psychedelic Praxis
Citation:
Maud, Katlin.“Use Cases for Art Therapy Intervention in Clinical Psychedelic Praxis” (2025). Expressive TherapiesCapstone Theses. 837.
Psychedelic Outcomes: Intersection of Environment, Self-Identity, and Success ( The POIESIS Study)
Citation: Wenthur, C.J. (2023, February 23). Psychedelic Outcomes:
Intersection of Environment, Self-Identity and Success (The
POIESIS Study) [Conference Presentation]. MAPS:
Psychedelic Science 2023, Denver, CO, United States.
http://2023.psychedelicscience.org/sessions/psychedelic
-outcomes-intersection-of-environment-self-identity-
and-success-the-poiesis-study/
Psychedelic Art and Implications for Mental Health: Randomized Pilot Study
Citation:
Peng ML, Monin J, Ovchinnikova P, Levi A, McCall T.Psychedelic Art and Implications for Mental Health: Randomized Pilot Study. JMIR Form Res. 2024;8:e66430. Published 2024 Dec 3. doi:10.2196/66430
January 31, 2026
Dosing Herbal Medicines
Dosing herbal medicines can be tricky, especially with all the variation between plants and even batches of the same plant. Please be aware of some of the issues with using plant products.
Therapeutic use of psilocybin: Practical considerations for dosing and administration
Citation: MacCallum CA, Lo LA, Pistawka CA, Deol JK. Therapeutic use of psilocybin: Practical considerations for dosing and administration. Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:1040217. Published 2022 Dec 1. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1040217
Citation: Bulbul EO, Okur NU. Difficulties in Using Natural Herbal Substances and Their Current use in Some Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms. Curr Pharm Des. 2025;31(28):2252-2266. doi:10.2174/0113816128346715250120074519.
Herbal Medicine Dosage Standardisation
Citation: K. Busia. Herbal Medicine Dosage Standardisation. Journal of Herbal Medicine, Volume 46, 2024, 100889, ISSN 2210-8033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2024.100889.
December 17, 2025
Integration
Psychedelic healing doesn’t end when the session does — integration is where safety meets transformation. Without support and reflection, powerful insights can become overwhelming instead of empowering. Integration grounds the experience, turning breakthrough into lasting growth.
Psychedelic integration: An analysis of the concept and its practice
Citation: Bathje GJ, Majeski E, Kudowor M. Psychedelic integration: An analysis of the concept and its practice. Front Psychol. 2022;13:824077. Published 2022 Aug 4. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.824077
November 21, 2025
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a condition where people experience lasting visual distortions after using hallucinogens—like seeing halos, trails, or patterns that aren’t really there. It’s a real neurological condition, not just a “flashback.”
Citation: Martinotti G, Santacroce R, Pettorruso M, et al. Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder: Etiology, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Perspectives. Brain Sci. 2018;8(3):47. Published 2018 Mar 16.
November 14, 2025
End of life
This infographic shares two important clinical trials looking at psilocybin for cancer patients at the end of life. These studies demonstrated life-changing and lasting effects and redefine end-of-life care.
Psychedelics for psychological and existential distress in palliative and cancer care
Citation: Rosenbaum D, Boyle AB, Rosenblum AM, Ziai S, Chasen MR, Med MP. Psychedelics for psychological and existential distress in palliative and cancer care. Curr Oncol. 2019;26(4):225-226. doi:10.3747/co.26.5009
Citation: Griffiths RR, Johnson MW, Carducci MA, et al. Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(12):1181-1197. doi:10.1177/0269881116675513
Citation: Ross S, Bossis A, Guss J, et al. Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(12):1165-1180. doi:10.1177/0269881116675512
October 17, 2025
Physical Effects
Understanding the physical effects of psychedelics isn’t just smart – it’s essential. Knowledge helps us navigate experiences safely, protect our health, and make informed choices about our minds and bodies.
Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science
Citation: Schlag AK, Aday J, Salam I, Neill JC, Nutt DJ. Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science. J Psychopharmacol. 2022;36(3):258-272. doi:10.1177/02698811211069100
Psychedelic Drug Effects, Side Effects, and Dangers
Citation: American Addiction Centers. Psychedelic Drug Effects, Side Effects, and Dangers. Updated Oct 25, 2024. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/psychedelics
Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs
Citation: National Institute on Drug Abuse. Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs. Published April 2023. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/psychedelic-dissociative-drugs#affect-the-mind-and-body
Citation: Cleveland Clinic. Hallucinogens. Updated April 18, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6734-hallucinogens-lsd-peyote-psilocybin-and-pcp
September 19, 2025
Mindful Consumption and Benefit Maximization
The strategies of mindful consumption and benefit maximization are used across many forms of consumerism, including substance use. The infographic has some questions that can help guide decisions and goals surrounding psychedelic use.
Citation: Bear D, Hosker-Field A, Westall K, D’Alessio H, Cresswell M. Harm reduction isn’t enough: Introducing the concept of Mindful Consumption and Benefit Maximization (MCBM). Int J Drug Policy. 2025;138:104514. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104514
August 28, 2025
Serotonin
This infographic explains how serotonin moves in the body and how it is impacted by prescription medication and psychedelics. Understanding the mechanisms of action of substances can help predict drug interactions and adverse effects.
Antidepressant specificity of serotonin transporter suggested by three LeuT-SSRI structures
Citation: Zhou Z, Zhen J, Karpowich NK, Law CJ, Reith ME, Wang DN. Antidepressant specificity of serotonin transporter suggested by three LeuT-SSRI structures. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2009;16(6):652-657. doi:10.1038/nsmb.1602
Citation: Bamalan OA, Moore MJ, Al Khalili Y. Physiology, Serotonin. [Updated 2023 Jul 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
The expanded biology of serotonin
Citation: Berger M, Gray JA, Roth BL. The expanded biology of serotonin. Annu Rev Med. 2009;60:355-366. doi:10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Citation: Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
The therapeutic role of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in depression
Citation: Celada P, Puig M, Amargós-Bosch M, Adell A, Artigas F. The therapeutic role of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in depression. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2004;29(4):252-265.
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: a pharmacological comparison
Citation: Sansone RA, Sansone LA. Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: a pharmacological comparison. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014;11(3-4):37-42.
Citation: Moraczewski J, Awosika AO, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)
Citation: Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
A Comprehensive Review of the Current Status of the Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics
Citation: Banushi B, Polito V. A Comprehensive Review of the Current Status of the Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics. Biology (Basel). 2023;12(11):1380. Published 2023 Oct 28. doi:10.3390/biology12111380
Serotonin Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, Management, and Potential Future Directions
Citation: Scotton WJ, Hill LJ, Williams AC, Barnes NM. Serotonin Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, Management, and Potential Future Directions. Int J Tryptophan Res. 2019;12:1178646919873925. Published 2019 Sep 9. doi:10.1177/1178646919873925
June 26, 2026
Drug interactions
A systematic review was posted in 2024 summarizing studies evaluating drug interactions with psychedelic substances. We are sharing the drug interactions with LSD and psilocybin. Please note the clinical trials often used a one-time pre-dose of the drug 30-60 minutes before taking the psychedelic. In real practice, many people would have been taking these drugs on a long-term basis, which would mean higher amounts of drug in their body at the time of the interaction with the psychedelic substance.
Drug-drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review
Citation: Halman A, Kong G, Sarris J, Perkins D. Drug-drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review. J Psychopharmacol. 2024;38(1):3-18. doi:10.1177/02698811231211219
June 26, 2025
Drug interactions
A systematic review was posted in 2024 summarizing studies evaluating drug interactions with psychedelic substances. We are sharing the drug interactions with LSD and psilocybin. Please note the clinical trials often used a one-time pre-dose of the drug 30-60 minutes before taking the psychedelic. In real practice, many people would have been taking these drugs on a long-term basis, which would mean higher amounts of drug in their body at the time of the interaction with the psychedelic substance.
Drug-drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review
Citation: Halman A, Kong G, Sarris J, Perkins D. Drug-drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review. J Psychopharmacol. 2024;38(1):3-18. doi:10.1177/02698811231211219
May 23, 2025
Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
Have you heard of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act? In 2017, Canada passed a law that protects individuals who seek emergency services during an overdose. For example, the law protects the individual against basic possession charges. This includes any drug under the Controlled Substances Act—including psychedelics. It all comes back to the fundamentals of harm reduction and keeping each other safe.