Society

The impact of psychedelic substances is felt across many aspects of society, both acknowledged and unacknowledged.

To learn best practices developed by harm reduction experts for the novice and intrepid psychonaut alike, start here.

Psychedelic use can be profound sometimes, helpful other times, risky occasionally, and in rare cases dangerous. Know your psychedelics.

Creativity

Iconic moments in pop culture, tech innovation, and art have been inspired by psychedelics

History

Humanity’s relationship to psychedelic substances dates to prehistoric times

Legality

While psychedelics are mostly illegal globally, policies are quickly changing

Spirituality

Psychedelics have a long, rich tradition of ceremonial use and the potential to elicit spiritual experiences

Top Questions

  • Does MDMA have FDA approval in the U.S.?
  • No, but clinical trials for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat PTSD may lead to FDA approval in the U.S. in 2024.

    Learn more about MDMA legality.

  • How was LSD discovered?
  • LSD was first synthesized in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, while he attempted to develop a stimulant to treat respiratory issues.

    Learn more about the history of LSD.

  • When was MDMA first synthesized?
  • MDMA was first synthesized in 1912 by the German pharmaceutical company Merck, and rediscovered by chemist Alexander (Sasha) Shulgin in the 1970s.

    Learn more about the history of MDMA.

  • How do I prepare for an acid trip?
  • Cultivating a proper set and setting – one’s mental state and physical environment – is a crucial part of preparing for any psychedelic experience.

    Learn more about preparing your set and setting.

  • When did ketamine become popular?
  • Ketamine first entered the party scene in the 1970s, which led to it being labeled a “party drug,” and particularly popular within rave and club cultures.

    Learn more about the history of ketamine .

Got Questions?

Search Psychedelic U to learn and discover.

The Latest in Society

MDMA Legality

June 19th, 2023

UPDATED: July 21st, 2023

MDMA has been classified as a Schedule I drug under the US Controlled Substances…

Ketamine History

July 6th, 2023

UPDATED: July 21st, 2023

Ketamine was developed in 1962 by chemist Calvin Stevens for Parke-Davis Company (today, a…

Psilocybin Mushroom Spirituality

June 20th, 2023

UPDATED: July 21st, 2023

Magic mushrooms have been used for the purpose of connecting with the divine by…

Ketamine Legality

July 6th, 2023

UPDATED: July 21st, 2023

The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies ketamine as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled…

LSD Creativity

June 19th, 2023

UPDATED: July 21st, 2023

LSD has long been associated with enhancing creativity and promoting divergent thinking. Many artists,…

Psilocybin Mushroom History

June 20th, 2023

UPDATED: July 20th, 2023

It is likely that people have ingested magic mushrooms for millennia. Ancient drawings and…

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