The hottest Psychedelics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Program or Be Programmed - Launch Party

Rushkoff • 199 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Psychedelics
  1. There is a book launch party happening in NYC on November 3, celebrating the updated edition of 'Program or Be Programmed.'
  2. The event includes a conversation about the impact of psychedelics and digital society's future.
  3. Attendance is free for a limited number of people who RSVP, and it will also be live-streamed for those who can't attend in person.

What's Going to Happen Next.

What's Important? • 62 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. Tightly curated, small-scale communities are coalescing into a larger “Network of Networks” that will share teachers, members, and resources to scale remedial spiritual and personal development.
  2. There is a big, unmet demand from mid-career professionals for purpose, embodiment, and real community, and these groups can grow quickly because people want human connection and transformation more than AI-generated content.
  3. Success depends on three things: strong, high-integrity founders and training; the flow of people, places, and capital between groups; and a curated content/tech stack plus deliberate funding that values embodied wisdom over commoditized intelligence.

Turn On, Tune In, Drop In: Psychedelic Conflict Resolution and The Origins of Life

The Bigger Picture • 599 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Psychedelics have the potential to transform how we think by changing our underlying processes of perception and enhancing cognitive flexibility and creativity.
  2. Perspectivism, embraced by many indigenous cultures using psychedelics, emphasizes becoming the subject to truly understand the object, highlighting the importance of multiple ways of knowing.
  3. Psychedelics can impact conflict resolution by amplifying existing politics and emotions, offering unique perspectives and experiences that can bring about unity and change, even across political divides.

When the Sackler Brothers studied LSD

Res Obscura • 2799 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💾 History Psychedelics
  1. The Sackler brothers, known for their later role in the opioid crisis, initially explored the potential of LSD and other psychedelic treatments in the 1950s. They even attended early scientific discussions about LSD.
  2. Despite their good intentions to improve mental health treatments, the Sacklers also recognized the financial gains from pharmaceuticals. This shift in focus highlights how idealistic motives can change when wealth is involved.
  3. The ongoing debate about psychedelics mirrors this historical pattern. As society cautiously opens up to these substances for therapy, there are concerns about commercialization, addiction, and the potential for harm.
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Near-Instantly Aborting the Worst Pain Imaginable with Psychedelics

psychotechnology • 23 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Cluster headaches are an extreme, recurring form of pain that can be utterly incapacitating and even drive people to desperate measures.
  2. Psychedelics—especially inhaled DMT at low doses—can abort attacks almost instantly, and psilocybin/LSD can reduce or prevent cycles, often outperforming standard acute treatments.
  3. Legal barriers and crude healthcare metrics leave many patients without access or funding, so advocacy and organized efforts are pushing for research, policy change, and expanded compassionate access.

Jeffrey Sitting Bear, Peyote, and Hippies

The Microdose • 1198 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Psychedelics
  1. Jeffrey Sitting Bear believes peyote is sacred medicine meant for healing, not getting high.
  2. White people during the 1960s hippie era tended to misuse peyote by using it as a drug rather than for its intended purpose.
  3. Respect for Native teachings and using peyote in the right way is crucial for its positive effects, according to Sitting Bear.

Curator

Castalia • 379 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Psychedelics
  1. There's a big debate about trans issues and choices, especially about children and medical decisions like puberty blockers. Some people stress the importance of granting freedoms, while others worry about the consequences of those choices on young lives.
  2. The idea of polyamory suggests that relationships can be built on open communication and shared experiences instead of traditional monogamous norms. While some people admire this approach, others see it as complicated and challenging to manage.
  3. Psychedelics have become popular for their potential benefits, but there's a growing concern about unrealistic expectations and their safe use. People are starting to question whether these substances can really bring about lasting change in society.

The best psychedelic (survey results)

Knowingless • 1890 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Different people value different effects of drugs. Some want deep life changes, while others prefer milder experiences.
  2. Ayahuasca is often seen as the most intense option, but MDMA is highly rated for pleasure and social experiences.
  3. It's important to consider the risks and benefits when choosing a drug, as different ones can impact your life in various ways.

Feeling the weight of the world.

Neckar’s Notes • 78 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. Many people are carrying a deep, collective heaviness that comes from sensing large-scale crises, not just from lacking material comforts. This weight can feel lodged in the body and make it hard to talk or write about what’s happening.
  2. Periods of widespread suffering can act like a crucible that forces rapid change and can eventually lead to a rebirth or more unified way of being. Painful collapse may be the precursor to heightened creativity and new social organization.
  3. A helpful response is to honor and accept these feelings, avoid numbing habits like excessive social media, and use grounding practices—like nature, breathwork, and making space—to process what’s coming. You’re not alone in carrying this weight.

An undergrad, twitching rodent heads, DOI, and the DEA: 5 Questions for researcher Alyssa Gillies

The Microdose • 511 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🔬 Science Psychedelics
  1. Researchers use DOI in the lab to study the head twitch response in rodents as an indicator of 5-HT2 receptor activation.
  2. Scheduling DOI as a Schedule I drug would create barriers for labs studying the 5-HT2 receptor due to accessibility and legal requirements.
  3. There is minimal recreational use of DOI and DOC, with the DEA's proposal affecting the progress of psychedelic research and impacting researchers.

A Sober Look at MDMA Therapy: What Happens Next?

Tripsitter • 119 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD is facing a critical juncture with the FDA, with potential historical implications for rescheduling and funding sources.
  2. There is ongoing debate on the safety, efficacy, and ethical conduct of MDMA-AT, with a focus on the role of organizations like Lykos/MAPS.
  3. Despite the current challenges and controversies, the testimonies of individuals like Cristina Pearse underscore the potential transformative impact of MDMA-AT and the imperative to enhance safety measures.

The Unfolding Mystery

rebelwisdom • 1041 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. The deeper healing from psychedelics is in the mystical experience that connects us to something greater than ourselves.
  2. Psychedelics can help us break free from cultural nihilism and consumerism, guiding us towards a deeper sense of reality and connection.
  3. The essence of the book is about embracing the profound lessons from psychedelics to navigate through the crisis of our times and shape new, enchanting cultural narratives.

A Confession and an Announcement

rebelwisdom • 1277 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. The book discusses a personal experience with a powerful psychedelic drug and its impact on the individual and collective wisdom.
  2. The book reflects on the integration of psychedelic science and spirituality in understanding and navigating the challenges of the present time.
  3. The author aims to prompt inquiry and critical thinking around the potential of psychedelics in transforming society and addressing current crises.

Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms skyrocket; Could psychedelics lead to better sex? And will CA be the next state to launch a psychedelics program?

The Microdose • 432 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms have significantly increased over the years, indicating a potential rise in availability and use.
  2. Research suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin can lead to improvements in sexual functioning and satisfaction.
  3. California is considering launching a state-regulated program for therapeutic use of psychedelics, potentially making it the first to focus explicitly on psychedelic therapy.

Why I don't ask ChatGPT about my dreams.

Neckar’s Notes • 72 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. Using AI to interpret dreams can add another authoritative voice that blurs what is truly your intuition and what is projected. That extra layer can create confusion and bias in delicate inner work.
  2. Psychedelic and peak spiritual experiences often inflate the ego and can feed fantasies of being special or chosen. Without grounding, these states can become an escape from real life and responsibility.
  3. Healthy spiritual practice means grounding and integrating insights into everyday life through nature, relationships, and practical duties. Resist the seductive pull of endless transcendence via screens or AI and bring the light back into the world.

Kissing Ram Dass

Seven Senses • 579 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. Ram Dass was a major spiritual teacher who introduced many people to Eastern philosophies and meditation. His journey started in Harvard and took him to India, where he met his guru.
  2. A personal encounter with Ram Dass felt like meeting an old friend. It showed that connection and love can have a strong impact, even in brief moments.
  3. His legacy continues through his teachings, reminding us that sometimes the way we make people feel is more important than what we say or do.

High Hopes: Can Psychedelics Mark A New Era In Pain Management?

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. People are exploring psychedelics for pain management as conventional medications may fall short in providing long-term relief.
  2. Research suggests that psychedelics, both in micro and macro doses, can target both physical and psychological aspects of pain.
  3. Psychedelics offer a holistic approach to pain management by potentially reshaping how individuals perceive and assign meaning to their pain.

Europe's Psychedelic Jewel: The Liberty Cap Mushroom

Tripsitter • 139 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. The Liberty Cap mushroom was involved in the first documented case of psilocybin 'poisoning' in Europe, leading to unexpected psychedelic experiences for a family in London.
  2. The discovery of psilocybin and psilocin in the Liberty Cap mushroom by Albert Hofmann and Roger Heim revolutionized the accessibility of psychedelic mushrooms for Europeans in the 1960s.
  3. Despite their inconveniences in terms of accessibility and cultivation, Liberty Cap mushrooms are considered highly potent due to their high psilocybin content, making them a sought-after species for psychedelic experiences.

Join me at Nerd Nite in NYC on December 13!

Startup Strategies • 71 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Psychedelics
  1. Nerd Nite is happening in NYC on December 13 and features short talks from smart people.
  2. One talk will examine the corporatization of psychedelics and the idea of being "Avatared" into a brave new world of God-like tech experiences.
  3. The post about the event is behind a paywall, but you can get a 7-day free trial to read the full piece and access the archives.

Awakened States: Exploring The Harmony Between Psychedelics & Meditation

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Psychedelics and meditation both offer transformative experiences, but lasting change likely requires a foundation of consistent meditation practice.
  2. Both meditation and psychedelics can induce altered states of consciousness, but they achieve this through different mechanisms.
  3. Meditation and psychedelics have the potential to impact brain networks such as the default mode network and the salience network, leading to improved cognitive abilities and a shift in thinking patterns.

What I’m Working On

Deep Fix • 491 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. The author shares updates and opportunities with readers, inviting them to participate in new projects.
  2. The author is launching a podcast called 'Deep Fix' and creating an online course on overcoming modern addiction.
  3. The author mentions projects like 'Sons of Now,' 'Natura Care,' and offers direct coaching services.

The long history of Psilocybe’s evolution; New bills in Indiana, California, and New Jersey; and COMPASS partners with a healthcare non-profit

The Microdose • 373 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Psilocybe mushrooms have a long evolutionary history dating back 67 million years.
  2. New bills in Indiana, California, and New Jersey focus on studying psilocybin for various mental health conditions.
  3. COMPASS partners with a healthcare non-profit in New Jersey to research psilocybin treatment for FDA approval.

Alchemy of the Psyche: Exploring Shadow Work & Psychedelics

Tripsitter • 199 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Shadow work involves acknowledging and integrating suppressed traits, desires, and emotions that influence our thoughts and actions.
  2. The human consciousness comprises layers including the ego, the persona, and the collective unconscious, each influencing our personality and interactions.
  3. Suppressing the shadow can lead to projecting undesirable traits onto others, disconnection, biases, impatience, victim mentality, and narcissism.

Bicycle Day (April 19): The First Acid Trip in Human History 🚲 🍄

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Bicycle Day commemorates the first intentional dose of LSD by Albert Hofmann in 1943, marking a significant event in the history of psychedelics.
  2. Psychedelics like LSD are celebrated on Bicycle Day for their mind-opening capabilities and not just for their euphoric effects.
  3. People celebrate Bicycle Day by consuming psychedelics responsibly, learning about psychedelics, engaging in psychedelic-inspired art, music, and nature activities.

Mixing antidepressants and psychedelics: 5 Questions for psychopharmacologist Kelan Thomas

The Microdose • 589 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Psychedelic clinical trials often exclude participants taking SSRIs to isolate the effects of the single drug being studied.
  2. The main risk of mixing SSRIs and psychedelics is serotonin toxicity, but in healthy volunteers, the risk seems low.
  3. Tapering off SSRIs can have risks, including the return of depression or anxiety symptoms and serotonin discontinuation syndrome.

A cornucopia of new bills; Canadians support end-of-life psilocybin therapy; and tempering the hype

The Microdose • 294 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. At least 10 states have introduced new legislation related to psychedelics since the beginning of the year.
  2. Canadians show strong support for end-of-life psilocybin therapy.
  3. There is a growing movement to critically examine and temper the hype surrounding psychedelics, focusing on ethical and political implications.

Zen Bones: The Life & Legacy of Alan Watts

Tripsitter • 139 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. Alan Watts was a prolific writer and philosopher who translated Eastern philosophical ideas for a Western audience, influencing many with his work.
  2. Watts believed in the philosophy of not taking life too seriously, embracing the idea that there are no failures or successes, just experiences.
  3. He integrated ideas from Buddhism, Taoism, and other philosophies, advocating for a relaxed approach to enlightenment and addressing Western problems like fear of meaninglessness.

The Secret Life of Salvia: How this Bizarre Psychedelic Could Revolutionize Gut Health

Tripsitter • 239 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Salvia, known for its psychedelic effects, is a potent hallucinogen with medicinal uses such as treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and gut motility issues.
  2. The psychedelic experience induced by salvia is profoundly intense, often leading users to lose their sense of time, identity, and reality, experiencing bizarre and nonsensical visions.
  3. Salvinorin A, the active compound in salvia, works on the kappa-opioid system and is being studied for its potential in developing new drugs for pain management, inflammation, and gut health without the risk of addiction.

LSD and the Edge of Human Experience

What's Important? • 83 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Psychedelics
  1. Dr. Bache had a lot of intense experiences with LSD, which led him to believe that the universe is a manifestation of a higher intelligence and that we are all connected to it.
  2. He suggests that reality is layered, and our journey involves letting go of our personal ego to reach greater understandings of oneness and collective consciousness.
  3. Bache thinks that exploring these deep ideas can transform our lives and help us understand that life has purpose, even beyond what we currently see.

Ambrosia: The Food of the Gods

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Psychedelics
  1. Ambrosia in Greek mythology was believed to be the food of the gods, granting immortality and divine power.
  2. Ambrosia's true nature remains a mystery, with theories ranging from honey to psychoactive plants like psychedelic mushrooms.
  3. The legendary food of the gods, ambrosia, was reserved for divine beings, and its true identity may forever remain a topic of speculation and myth.

What can Colorado learn from Oregon about psilocybin?: 5 Questions for Healing Advocacy Fund’s Colorado director Tasia Poinsatte

The Microdose • 275 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Psychedelics
  1. Colorado's psilocybin program is expected to be fully operational by early 2025.
  2. Oregon's program highlighted the importance of allowing licensed professionals to participate in psilocybin services.
  3. Colorado is considering a tiered licensing model and enhanced training requirements for safe facilitation in their psilocybin program.