Psychedelics are psychoactive substances that can alter sensory perception, mood, thinking, and the experience of consciousness. Some occur naturally in certain fungi and plants, while others are synthetic compounds. Their effects can vary considerably depending on the substance, its potency, individual characteristics, and the circumstances in which it is used.
Psychedelic substances and the plants or fungi that contain them have been used in different cultures for religious and ceremonial purposes. Today, they are also being studied as potential components of treatments for certain mental health conditions. Some research findings are promising, but their effectiveness, safety, and long-term effects are still being investigated. Research use or potential therapeutic benefits do not mean that these substances are safe or legal to use independently.
How Do Psychedelics Work?
Classic psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin, primarily affect the brain’s serotonin system, including through serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This can alter how the brain processes information and affect sensory perception, mood, and thinking.
The effects are not the same for everyone. They may be influenced by the properties of the substance, a person’s health, the surrounding environment, and other substances used at the same time. Not all substances described as psychedelics have the same mechanisms of action.
Examples of Psychedelic Substances
Some well-known classic psychedelics include:
- LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide): A synthetic psychedelic that can alter sensory perception, the sense of time, emotions, and thinking. Its effects may last for several hours.
- Psilocybin: A compound found in certain mushrooms. In the body, it is converted into psilocin, which acts on serotonin receptors, among other targets.
- DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine): A potent psychedelic compound found in some plants. Its effects depend on factors such as the method of administration and whether it is present alongside other active compounds.
- Ayahuasca: A traditional plant-based brew whose composition varies. It typically contains DMT and other compounds that inhibit the rapid breakdown of DMT in the body. Consequently, ayahuasca’s effects are not directly equivalent to those of DMT alone.
- Mescaline: A psychedelic compound found in certain cacti, including peyote and San Pedro.
These substances differ in their effects, duration, risks, and legal status. Experiences described as spiritual, mystical, or involving a changed sense of reality are subjective experiences. They do not establish that the reality being experienced has objectively changed.
Potential Effects of Psychedelics
The effects depend on several factors, including the substance, its potency, individual health, the surrounding environment, and other substances used.
Possible Psychological Effects
- Changes in the perception of time, space, and the environment
- Visual or other sensory alterations
- Intense emotions and unusual patterns of thinking
- A perceived sense of connection with other people, nature, or the surrounding environment
- Experiences that some people describe as spiritual or personally meaningful
These effects do not occur in everyone, and they are not necessarily experienced as positive or beneficial.
Potential Harms and Risks
Psychedelics can also cause adverse effects, including:
- Anxiety, fear, or panic
- Nausea or physical discomfort
- Confusion, paranoia, or difficulty assessing situations
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure with some substances
- Prolonged psychological distress or other adverse aftereffects
Risks may be greater when the composition or potency of a substance is unknown, substances are combined, or a person has certain mental or physical health conditions. Medical attention is important if symptoms are severe or persist.
Having an experienced friend or a so-called tripsitter present does not eliminate risks or guarantee safety. A peer providing supervision may not be able to recognise or manage medical or psychiatric emergencies. Professional research or clinical settings differ significantly from informal supervision.
Psychedelics and the Law
The legal status of psychedelics varies by country and substance. It is important to distinguish between possession, production, sale, research use, medical use, and any exemptions that may apply to religious use. The fact that one substance or use is permitted does not mean that all psychedelics are legal in that country.
In Finland, activities involving substances classified as narcotic drugs—including use, possession, production, importation, distribution, and sale—are generally prohibited unless a statutory exception or authorisation applies. The legal assessment depends on the specific substance and circumstances.
In Canada, the possession, sale, and production of psilocybin and psilocybin mushrooms are generally illegal without the appropriate authorisation or exemption. Certain research and treatment situations may be covered by separate authorisation procedures. This does not mean that psilocybin has been generally legalised for medical use.
In Brazil, a specific regulatory framework applies to the religious and ceremonial use of ayahuasca. This does not mean that all DMT-containing substances or psychedelics are generally legal for medical or recreational use.
Laws may change, and specific requirements should always be checked against current official sources. This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
Summary
Psychedelics can profoundly alter perception, emotions, and thinking, but their effects and risks vary. They are also being studied as potential components of treatments, but current research does not justify presenting them as universally safe or as substances with proven healing effects. Their legal status depends on the country, the substance, and the intended use.
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