The hottest Psychedelics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Meet Valerie: LSD's Stealthy Sidekick (1V-LSD)

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. 1V-LSD, also known as Valerie, was a synthetic derivative of LSD that cleverly skirted regulations for a while.
  2. 1V-LSD is chemically similar to LSD but with a propionyl functional group, theorized to act as a 'prodrug' that the body converts into LSD.
  3. Lysergamides like 1V-LSD are incredibly potent psychedelics, being significantly stronger than substances like 5-MeO-DMT or mescaline, with little known risk of physical harm.

Morning Glory: The Aztec Vine of Vision

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Morning glory vine contains psychedelic compounds similar to LSD, with LSA being naturally occurring and less potent than LSD.
  2. Morning glory has been traditionally used in shamanism in Central American cultures for divination and healing purposes.
  3. Morning glory played a significant role in Aztec and Mayan cultures as a divine plant for rituals and ceremonies.

Alexander Shulgin's Greatest Psychedelic Hits

Tripsitter • 119 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Alexander Shulgin, known as 'the godfather of psychedelics,' created hundreds of psychedelic compounds, with 6 standing out as his favorites, named the 'magical half-dozen.'
  2. Shulgin's work revolutionized the field of designer drugs and led to the exploration of thousands of psychoactive substances.
  3. Shulgin's approach to testing new compounds was meticulous, starting with low doses and gradually increasing, emphasizing safety and understanding the threshold dose for each substance.

Designer Drug Exposé: Psychedelic Phenethylamines

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Designer drug phenethylamines range from psychedelic to stimulant effects, with most falling in the middle, offering a blend of energizing and psychedelic qualities.
  2. Prominent designer phenethylamines include Benzofurinated 2CX drugs, Proscaline, and DOC compounds, each offering unique effects and properties.
  3. NBOMes, a subclass of NBX phenethylamines, are notably potent and often used as a dangerous alternative to LSD, with a high risk of toxicity and overdose.

Designer Drug Exposé: Lysergamides

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Lysergamides like LSD are potent psychedelics with similar effects, challenging one's sense of self and reality.
  2. Designer lysergamides, such as 1P-LSD and ALD-52, mimic the effects of LSD and are often converted into active LSD in the body.
  3. Legal complexities surround lysergamides with only LSD explicitly listed as a controlled substance, leading to the creation of various analogs and prodrugs.
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Let Them Eat Sex Magic!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. If automation eliminates most jobs, people could spend their freed time on deep inner work like meditation, tantra, and psychedelics as a path beyond mere cultivated leisure.
  2. The psychedelic movement has largely been absorbed by capitalist, utilitarian priorities and needs integration into disciplined esoteric or initiatory practices to foster genuine inner transformation.
  3. Capitalist commodification has warped sexuality and human relationships, making them transactional, and scandals like Epstein expose the hypocrisy and ethical corruption among elites and spiritual figures.

Not All Who Trip Are Transformed: Beware The Spiritual Narcissist 🙏❤️‍🩹

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. Pseudo-spirituality and spiritual narcissism are prevalent in the psychedelic realm, where individuals may use spiritual practices to avoid personal growth.
  2. Recognizing spiritual egotism and the journey towards spiritual awareness involves acknowledging and confronting one's ego, rather than masking it through spiritual practices.
  3. Identifying traits of spiritual narcissists such as superiority complex, manipulation, and lack of empathy is crucial to safeguard oneself in the spiritual and psychedelic community.

My meditation teacher, Roger Thisdell (21/30)

psychotechnology • 12 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. A pragmatic, technical coach teaches Vipassana and frames enlightenment as a non-mystical psychological and phenomenological phase shift.
  2. This approach suits independent, non-religious practitioners who want skill-focused guidance rather than a spiritual master or a community, and it's not a substitute for professional mental-health treatment.
  3. He is open to discussing drugs and cognitive enhancers as tools to accelerate insight while emphasizing meditation's specificity, and he offers income-adjusted sliding-scale pricing for sessions.

Guardians of the Spirit Molecule: DMT Entities

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. DMT entities are mysterious humanoid creatures that appear in psychedelic experiences on large doses of DMT.
  2. There are various theories about the origins of DMT entities, with explanations ranging from extraterrestrial communication to manifestations of the collective unconscious.
  3. DMT entities are reported to have a significant impact on individuals, with encounters often leading to emotional responses, positive interpretations, and lasting improvements in well-being.

MK-ULTRA & The CIA's Bizarre Psychedelic Escort Service

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
💾 History Psychedelics
  1. The CIA's MK-Ultra program involved using psychedelics for mind control and manipulation, leading to disturbing outcomes like forced confessions and personality alterations.
  2. Under MK-Ultra, experiments like Operation Midnight Climax and 'psychedelic driving' subjected individuals to involuntary drug doses, induced comas, and repeated messaging, resulting in severe negative effects on mental health.
  3. Conspiracies surrounding MK-Ultra include connections to infamous figures like the Unabomber, Charles Manson, and Jack Ruby, raising disturbing questions about the program's impact on society.

Curator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎭️ Culture Psychedelics
  1. Roland Griffiths has played a big role in bringing psychedelics back to scientific study, showing they can have real mental health benefits. His research has changed the way people think about psychedelics and their potential uses.
  2. There is a complicated debate about separating an artist's work from their personal character. While some believe that art can exist apart from the artist's morals, many feel uncomfortable consuming art created by people who have done bad things.
  3. The #MeToo movement is important, but it has complicated the way we view allegations and public accusations. Some cases, like that of Junot Díaz, show that not every accusation is entirely accurate, highlighting the need for careful investigation.

Shroom Science: How Strong is the Average Magic Mushroom? 🔍🍄

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Magic mushrooms contain varying levels of psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin, with potency ranging from 0.1% to 3% depending on species and growing conditions.
  2. Psilocybe cubensis strains typically have around 0.60% to 0.90% total tryptamines, with strains like Golden Teacher and Koh Samui falling into this range.
  3. The most potent species of magic mushrooms is Psilocybe azurescens, while the most potent strain is Tidal Wave, with 3.82% total tryptamines, nearly five times the average potency.

Thought Loops: How Psychedelics Put the Brain on Repeat

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Thought loops are repetitive and intrusive thoughts that can occur when using psychoactive drugs, but they are temporary and can be managed with the right mindset.
  2. Thought loops can feel frustrating, confusing, and disorienting, often centering around fears, regrets, or unresolved issues, and they are common with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, and psychosis.
  3. Methods to interrupt thought loops include deep breathing, redirecting attention, trying new activities, changing the environment, talking to someone for reassurance, and practicing surrendering to release stress.

High on the Present: Mindfulness Meets Mind-Altering

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Nearly 47% of our waking hours are spent distracted, leading to less happiness even with neutral thoughts.
  2. Living in the moment means fully engaging with the present environment and experiences, requiring letting go of past or future thoughts.
  3. Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are being researched for their potential to reduce default mode network activity, allowing the mind to be more receptive to the present moment.

Designer Drug Exposé: Tryptamine Psychedelics

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Tryptamine psychedelics include a wide variety of molecules that can profoundly alter consciousness and sensory perception.
  2. Many naturally occurring psychedelic tryptamines are banned in various countries, while synthetic analogs continue to be developed.
  3. Different groups of designer tryptamines have unique effects, such as the N-allyated tryptamines being less psychedelic than others.

Boracherro: The Flower That Charms & Harms

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. The Boracherro tree, also known as Angel's Trumpets, may seem beautiful but contains psychoactive compounds that can be deadly and induce intense hallucinations.
  2. Brugmansia, a genus of ornamental shrubs including Boracherro, have vibrant flowers and are extinct in the wild but abundant in cultivation, with psychoactive properties.
  3. Boracherro contains tropane alkaloids like scopolamine that can lead to delirium, vivid hallucinations, and dangerous side effects, emphasizing the importance of caution and shamanic guidance in its use.

Smoke & Mirrors: Revealing the Truth Behind Smoking Cessation With Psychedelics 🚬

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy showed high success rates in aiding smoking cessation, with identity reframing being a key factor.
  2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) before psilocybin sessions can dramatically impact treatment success by establishing positive thought patterns.
  3. Psychedelic-assisted identity shift is a theoretical mechanism for addiction treatment efficacy, emphasizing the importance of study methodology and setting in psychedelic research.

When Life Gives You Lemons... Mix Them With Magic Mushrooms 🍋 (Lemon Tek Guide)

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. The lemon tek method of preparing magic mushrooms can lead to faster onset of effects, stronger psychedelic experiences, improved taste, and reduced nausea.
  2. Lemon tek may increase the potency of magic mushrooms by up to 20%, potentially due to the conversion of psilocybin to psilocin and the protective effects of vitamin C.
  3. Lemon tek can help eliminate common side effects of magic mushrooms like 'gut rot' and can kick in more quickly than consuming raw mushrooms, with effects starting within 20-45 minutes.

Getting Unstuck: How Psychedelics Can Help Navigate Mental Blocks 🧠

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Psychedelics can help unlock creativity and uncover solutions to complex problems by increasing randomness in the brain.
  2. Psychedelics don't make us smarter or increase IQ, but they can aid in viewing problems from different perspectives.
  3. Randomness induced by psychedelics can lead to novel ideas and breakthrough moments that help in overcoming mental blocks.

Beyond LSD: The Enigmatic World of Lysergamide Psychedelics

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. LSD is just one of over a dozen lysergamide compounds, each with unique effects and characteristics.
  2. Lysergamides mimic serotonin, interact with dopamine and norepinephrine, and can vary in potency and effects based on their chemical structure.
  3. Researchers have explored various lysergamides for potential mental health treatments, headache management, and artistic inspiration.

Dancing at Elsewhere

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Psychedelics
  1. Don't let fear stop you from doing what you want. Imagine doing it without fear and just go for it if you would do it then.
  2. Falling in love can be a beautiful experience. It's okay to enjoy that feeling without overthinking it.
  3. Taking time to connect with others and enjoy simple moments, like sharing a meal or reminiscing, is really rewarding.

Maps of Emptiness

10-year Horizon • 179 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Different meditation approaches offer various maps to navigate the inner space.
  2. Understanding concepts like emptiness and suffering can deepen meditation practices.
  3. Exploring Jhanas and seeking contemporary meditation resources can enhance the meditation experience.

DIY Psychological Parts-Work: A Hacker’s Guide to IFS and Entactogens (20/30)

psychotechnology • 8 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. The mind is made of semi-independent parts or subagents that have their own ages, goals, and roles, and you can learn to notice and talk to them to get clearer answers about how you feel.
  2. Cultivate your inner system like a garden: practice parts-work sober first, develop your own simple ways of classifying and communicating with parts, and use what fits your mind.
  3. Entactogens (like MDMA) can make parts-work more plastic and compassionate while psychedelics may cause bigger, riskier reorganizations, so approach drug-assisted work cautiously and seek professional help if things get destabilized.

Tripping Towards Self-Love: Psychedelics & Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Body dysmorphic disorder is a serious condition with limited treatment options, but psychedelics might offer a new, promising avenue for treatment.
  2. Classic psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca have shown potential in disrupting thought patterns and providing relief to obsessive thoughts associated with body dysmorphic disorder.
  3. There is a need for more research and clinical trials to explore the effectiveness of psychedelics in treating body dysmorphic disorder and related body image issues.

Ape to Einstein? Exploring The Stoned Ape Theory

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🔬 Science Psychedelics
  1. The Stoned Ape Theory suggests that early humans consuming psychoactive substances like magic mushrooms led to advancements in creative thinking, language development, and societal structure.
  2. American ethnobotanist Terence McKenna proposed the theory that psychoactive mushrooms catalyzed rapid brain development in early ancestors, leading to higher levels of consciousness.
  3. While the Stoned Ape Theory is intriguing, it lacks scientific evidence and faces criticism for oversimplifying the complexities of human evolution and consciousness.

The Peyote Way: Desert Wisdom & The Red Road 🌵

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. True understanding and knowledge are acquired over time, aligning with the growth habits and resilience of the peyote cactus.
  2. Peyote is a medicine with teachings of humility, perseverance, commitment, courage, gratitude, and love.
  3. The history of peyote involves a ban by the United States government, challenges with conservation, and its impact on consciousness and spiritual practices.

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Seeds (HBWR): Naturally-Occurring LSA

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds contain the highest concentration of LSA, a natural psychedelic compound, found in nature.
  2. LSA in HBWR has different effects than LSD, causing more physical effects and a 'chill' psychedelic experience at standard doses.
  3. Traditional use of HBWR seeds for psychedelics traces back to the 1960s, mainly associated with the New Age religion Huna in Hawaii.

Messiahs, Madmen, and Molecules

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. There’s a Substack Live talk at 2 pm EST featuring Don Lattin and Daniel Pinchbeck, and readers are invited to join the live stream.
  2. Don Lattin is an award‑winning journalist who covers religion, cults, and psychedelics and has written several notable books on those topics.
  3. Lattin’s ongoing series examines cult leaders and messianic tactics (including modern comparisons), and the publication is reader‑supported with subscription options.

Ayahuasca, Healing Culture, and the Crisis of Meaning

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Psychedelics
  1. Western visitors romanticize jungle isolation while locals often want connection to modern life, which shows a real tension in globalization.
  2. People expect private inner breakthroughs at ayahuasca retreats, but most report visions about family and say the shared bonding (communitas) with others is the most transformative part.
  3. Mental health and healing are collective issues tied to community, work conditions, and the environment, so real wellbeing requires social and ecological changes as well as personal care.

Are We Entering a Psychic Future?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🎙 Podcasts Psychedelics
  1. Academic and cultural attitudes toward psychic phenomena are shifting, with growing interest in rigorous research and a possible paradigm shift toward models like dual-aspect monism that integrate consciousness with physical reality.
  2. Telepathy, synchronicity, magic, and UFO experiences challenge strict materialism and call for coordinated scientific and humanities study. Belief, methodology, and social context affect outcomes, and suppression of these phenomena can make things worse.
  3. Emerging technologies and cultural changes could blur the psychic–physical boundary and create both ethical risks and transformative possibilities. Thoughtful research, disclosure, and governance are needed to steer these changes toward positive social outcomes.

Join me tomorrow night in New York!

Startup Strategies • 71 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Psychedelics
  1. There's a talk happening in New York about mushrooms and psychedelics. It's a chance to learn something new and have fun.
  2. The event is called Nerdnite and features a variety of interesting topics. It's a great place to enjoy a night out with some laughs.
  3. If you're curious about psychedelics, this talk could offer new insights. It might even spark your interest in the subject.

From Ego to AI: AI as the path to the Age of Aquarius

Rob Leclerc • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Psychedelics
  1. Fear of AI dominance may be influenced by our ego, but future AI-human symbiosis could be positive.
  2. The Default Mode Network in the brain plays a crucial role in shaping our self-identity and consciousness.
  3. As AI technology advances, it may lead to changes in human consciousness, potentially altering our sense of self and cognitive abilities.

Some Thoughts on LSD

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 05 Nov 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. LSD can really change how you feel and see the world. Many people feel more open, creative, and less anxious after using it.
  2. The experience of taking LSD can lead to personal growth and a sense of purpose. Some might even feel more confident in following their own path.
  3. Using LSD and similar substances can bring about a new understanding of reality. It might even lead to feeling grateful and connected to everything around you.

Neural Annealing: Directing Psychedelic Trips Towards Healing (25/30)

psychotechnology • 5 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. The mind is like a lattice of beliefs that can get stuck, and adding ‘heat’ lets those stuck parts loosen so the system can settle into a healthier arrangement.
  2. Psychedelics can act as that heat, melting rigid or traumatic beliefs and allowing new, more accurate views to form — but they work best when you intentionally direct the process rather than just watching visuals.
  3. You need skills and safeguards: cultivate tolerance for uncertainty, body-based awareness, and therapeutic practices, start with small doses and good set/setting, and respect that these tools can be both powerful and risky.

New report: How altered states shape our minds

Monomythical • 53 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics
  1. The jhanas are meditation practices that can create strong, blissful experiences similar to psychedelics. Many people who try them report significant changes in their lives and well-being.
  2. There is still limited research on the jhanas, which makes studying their effects challenging. Most researchers have not yet focused on these practices, making it harder to find participants for studies.
  3. A new report highlights the experiences of people who attended jhana retreats, providing valuable insights. It aims to spark more questions and research into how these meditation states influence our minds.

On Sticking 2C-T-2 Up My Ass (29/30)

psychotechnology • 3 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Psychedelics
  1. 2C-T-2 gives a powerful, mystical sense of connection to nature and awe, but it reliably causes severe nausea, dry-heaving, and whole-body tension during the come-up.
  2. Rectal administration raises bioavailability and speeds the come-up so you can use lower doses, but it can compress the experience and make nausea and body load worse rather than better.
  3. Nausea is likely driven by off-target serotonin receptors in the brain and gut (e.g., 5‑HT2B/2C), so changing the route of administration may not eliminate those side effects, and the imagined benefits of rectal dosing often don’t match the uncomfortable reality.

What A Trip

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 13 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
💰 Finance Psychedelics
  1. Psychedelics are gaining attention as both a treatment for mental health and a potential investment opportunity. People believe this area could become more accepted and legitimate.
  2. At the beginning of the year, some specific stocks related to psychedelics were highlighted as promising for potential growth and success in 2025.
  3. There's a growing hope that science, public opinion, and political support will come together to help the psychedelics industry move from the sidelines to the mainstream.

Can We Break the Spell?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Psychedelics
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