Updated 26/05/2025, reading time approx. 6 minutes
'Making the spirit visible'
Psychedelics, when taken in high doses, cause hallucinations, altered perception of time and space and a strong sense of connection with the environment, people, animals and nature. Some well-known examples of psychedelics include LSD (lysergic acid di-ethylamide), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline (found in cacti, such as peyote and san pedro) and DMT (dimethyltryptamine), found in certain plants and in psychedelic concoctions such as ayahuasca.
The word psychedelics comes from the Greek words "psyche" and "deloun" and means "to make the mind visible.
History of psychedelics
The use of psychedelics is as old as mankind itself. Indeed, according to the "Stoned Ape Theory" by Terrence and Dennis McKenna, man's ancestors most likely consumed magic mushrooms (shrooms) and other mind-altering substances they encountered in the wild. This, according to the theory, would have promoted the evolution of our brains and intelligence.
Traditional psychedelics such as magic mushrooms, ayahuasca and cactus have been used for thousands of years. Their history goes way back and spans cultures from all over the world. Psychedelics were held in high esteem in all times and were usually seen as sacraments, being applied within healing rituals and/or a spiritual framework.
In modern history, the 1950s/60s in particular are known as a time when attention to psychedelics revived. Around 1943, LSD (lysergic acid di-ethylamide) first appeared on the market. The new drug was soon noticed by psychologists and psychiatrists, who began using it as an aid in trauma treatment and other therapies.
In the 1960s, the use of LSD spread among the population and gained notoriety mainly through the hippie and peace movements (Flower power) and the many famous artists who came out openly about their use (think Jefferson Airplane, The Beatles, Pink Floyd).
How psychedelics were banned
Psychedelics were seen by the (U.S.) government in the 1960s as a symbol of "the counterculture. President Richard Nixon even called LSD a danger to the state. Psychedelics were quickly banned after that. When activists in the Netherlands ("Provos") in 1966 threatened to disrupt the royal wedding between Princess Beatrix and Claus von Amsberg by feeding sugar cubes containing LSD to police horses, the government panicked and it was quickly put on the Opium list in our country as well.
Along with this ban, all promising research into the possibilities of psychedelic therapy was also stopped. Media campaigns were launched to scare the people about the risks of psychedelics (see, for example, this video and this video).
And so countless fables and misconceptions have arisen about perhaps one of Mother Nature's greatest miracles, psychedelics.
Once again in the spotlight
Yet the prohibition of psychedelics has not prevented these healing substances from now regaining plenty of interest. More and more countries are now allowing the use of psychedelics again (albeit sparsely or only in therapeutic settings), or there are plans to legalize them.
There is (despite the officially still valid prohibition) fortunately plenty of research being done (*) into psychedelics and their possible medical and therapeutic applications. The advantages of psychedelics and the call for legalization are so great that it will become increasingly difficult for the government to maintain the legal prohibition.
And, almost every study shows what experienced users have long known, namely that psychedelics do not belong in the criminal law, but in the doctor's medicine cabinet, on the therapist's desk and in the smart shop's display case.
(*) See UMC Utrecht - Psychedelics against depression and this video about research on the effects of Ayahuasca on depression conducted by Maastricht University. And Worldwide action against the taboo around psychedelics (VRT News).
See also:
Legal Use of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Begins in Oregon (New York Times)
The Complete Guide to Psychedelic Legalization (Psychedelic Invest)
Legal status of psilocybin mushrooms (Wikipedia)
Iranian Religious Authority Considers Psychedelic Medicines Halāl (Psychedelic Times)
Microdosing with psychedelics
Microdosing means periodically consuming a minimal amount of psychedelics (e.g. twice a week). The dose is measured in such a way that you do benefit from the advantages of the drug, but do not notice anything else. It does not cause tripping or hallucinations.
Microdosing with psychedelics began to gain prominence around the year 2000 and gained momentum when Dr. James Fadiman, a noted psychologist and researcher published the book "The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide" published. This book describes microdosing as a highly effective method of exploring the benefits of psychedelics without tripping or hallucinating.
With the rise of the Internet and social media, awareness around microdosing with psychedelics grew tremendously. People began sharing their personal experiences, spreading the phenomenon. Interest increased further when tech entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley began talking openly about using microdosing to enhance their creativity and productivity.
This combination of scientific attention, online discussions and public figures sharing their experiences contributed to the popularity of microdosing and further normalized the use of psychedelics.
See also:
What is microdosing?
What are the benefits of microdosing with psychedelics?
Microdosing: a small amount of psychedelics for concentration (Foila)
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The future of psychedelics
After decades of demonization and criminalization, psychedelics are about to make their final entry into psychiatry, with profound implications for a field that has made little progress in recent decades.
The best universities are rushing to set up research centers, investors are putting a lot of money into start-ups, and countries around the world are beginning to ease restrictions on psychedelics. The first steps in (what many hope) will lead to the decriminalization of psychedelics for medical, therapeutic and eventually even private use.
"There has been a huge change in attitudes toward what not so long ago was considered marginal science," says Michael Pollan, whose best-selling book on psychedelics, "How to Change Your Mind", has contributed to the destigmatization and acceptance of psychedelics.
There is also growing interest in the potential applications of psychedelics from other medical fields (e.g., pain management, addiction treatment).
See also:
The Psychedelic Revolution Is Coming. Psychiatry May Never Be the Same (New York Times, source).
Care revolution by psychedelics takes root (Dutch Health Club)
The future of trip drugs as medicine. Limitations in mind-altering drugs. (De Groene Amsterdammer)
The Future Of Psychedelics In Psychiatry: A Neurologist Explains (Forbes)
Psychedelics and the Future of Psychiatry (Psychiatric Times)
Back to the future: Psychedelic drugs in psychiatry (Harvard Medical School)
The Netherlands would like to participate in the playing field of psychedelics. In a letter to the House of Representatives in 2023, Minister Kuipers even let it be known that he sees "a pioneering role" for the Netherlands: "The Netherlands is one of the countries at the forefront of research into psychedelics."
It seems that everyone from government and investors to pharmaceutical companies and academics have found their way into the world of psychedelics. And because capital (investment) is now available and the acceptance of psychedelics is growing, the last few years have seen more and better research into the use, risks and possible applications of psychedelics within (mental) health care.
See also:
Psychedelics startups on a long journey to consumer markets, these 5 VCs are taking the ride (TechCrunch+)
What to know about the booming psychedelics industry (Business Insider)
Accelerator For 'Psychedelic-Adjacent' Startups Is Part Of Holding Company Strategy (Forbes)
11 investors predict a colorful, if difficult, future for psychedelic startups (TechCrunch+)
Every weekend hundreds, maybe even thousands of people in our country are introduced to the healing power of psychedelics. For in the Netherlands alone there are numerous centers and organizations offering Ayahuasca ceremonies, truffle retreats and other forms of guided use of psychedelics.
Students, housewives, academics and people from all walks of life regularly take a mushroom or a little LSD for breakfast. The media - radio, TV, newspapers, magazines - are tripping over each other with mostly positive articles, interviews and broadcasts about psychedelics and microdosing.
The acceptance of psychedelics in society has grown tremendously and continues to grow. The expectations and interests of investors, medical science, pharmaceutical companies and young promising start-ups are great. This revolution of psychedelics is being carried by these and the many other pioneers who are working to show the wonder of psychedelics to the world.
In our opinion - and hope - this trend is unstoppable!
Tune in and join the Psychedelic Revolution!
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are psychedelics?
Psychedelics (also known as hallucinogens) are a class of psychoactive substances that produce changes in perception, mood and cognitive processes. Psychedelics affect the senses and alter a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions. They can also cause a person to hallucinate: see or hear things that do not exist or are distorted.
There are many different types of psychedelics. Some occur naturally, in trees, seeds, fungi and leaves. Others are made in laboratories (New Psychoactive Substances, LSD and others). They come in many forms, including pill, blotter, dried mushrooms and powders.
The drug wheel (psychedelics)
Common/used types of psychedelics
- LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is made from a substance found in ergot, a fungus that infects rye.
- Psilocybin is a naturally occurring substance found in mushrooms and found in many parts of the world.
- Mescaline is derived from the Mexican Peyote and San Pedro cactus and has similar effects to LSD.
- DMT (Diemethyltryptamine) is structurally similar to psilocin, an alkaloid found in psilocybin mushrooms. It can be synthesized in the laboratory, but is also a naturally occurring constituent of several plants.
- 2C-B (4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) is a psychedelic drug first synthesized in 1974. 2C-B is considered both a psychedelic and a mild entactogen. "Entactogenic" means "touching inside" and is a term used by psychiatrists to classify MDMA and related drugs.
- Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is the best known and most powerful psychedelic cactus, although the smallest and slowest growing. Instead of growing upward into a column, it grows as "buds" low to the ground. It has been used for more than 5,000 years by Native Americans
Learn more
These are by no means all psychedelics. For more information about the (chemical) composition, stories of experience, legislation and dosage, please refer to the website Erowid.org - Psychoactive Plants & Drugs.Also read:
What are Psychedelics? -
Where does the word "psychedelics" come from and what does it mean?
The word psychedelics is a contraction of the Greek words "psyche" and "deloun," which literally translated means "to make the mind visible. Although "psychedelics" is the most commonly used name today, these substances have also been known by many other names throughout time. The variety of terms shows that the range of effects that psychedelics can cause is broad and complex. Phantastica One of the first names was "phantastica" - coined in the early 20th century and derived from the same root as "fantastic." It emphasized the visionary and mystical nature of psychedelics. Hallucinogens The term "hallucinogens" surfaced in the 1950s. It emphasized that psychedelics can induce hallucinations (these are sensory perceptions that are not directly linked to an external stimulus; for example, you see, hear or smell things that are not really there, or that distort physical reality). Psychotomimetics "Psychotomimetics" literally means "mimicking psychosis. A very limiting term, as it emphasizes only one aspect of psychedelics. The word "psychosis" conjures up a negative image. Although psychedelics can briefly induce such states, equating the experience with psychosis is misleading. Entheogens In the 1970s, the word "Entheogens" emerged, meaning "generating the divine within yourself." This word emphasizes the ability of psychedelics to produce spiritual, religious and mystical experiences. Entheogens refers directly to these experiences. Empathogens and entactogens Finally, in the 1980s, the terms "empathogens" and "entactogens" followed. These were (are) used to describe substances such as MDMA. While not classic psychedelics, they emphasize the ability to achieve or feel a deeper connection with others. There is no perfect term to encompass the full breadth of psychedelic substances. -
What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin and psilocin are substances found in magic mushrooms (magic mushrooms) and some types of truffles. Psilocybin causes mind-altering effects. The effects are different in everyone, but often hallucinations occur and it affects your mood and thoughts. Often the effect is positive, but sometimes it is not. Then it is called a "bad trip."
The effects of psilocybin and psilocin last about 4 to 6 hours.
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What is LSD?
Lysergic acid di-ethylamide (C20H25N3O), also known as LSD-25, is an organic compound with hallucinogenic effects. It was first synthesized in 1938 by Swiss Albert Hofmann from the ergot alkaloids of the cereal fungus ergot.
LSD is an abbreviation of the German word Lysergsäure-diäthylamid. In Dutch, it is translated as lysergic acid diethylamide.
A special property of LSD is that it exhibits psychoactive effects even when taken in very small amounts (25 micrograms - 25-millionths of a gram). In the 20th century, LSD was used worldwide by psychiatrists to treat mental illnesses such as psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia).
The popularity of lsd peaked in the 1960s and declined rapidly after the drug was first criminalized nationally and then by the United Nations in 1971. The 21st century has seen a rise in interest in the microdosing and therapeutic application of lsd.
LSD was classified by researchers at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in 2009 as a relatively harmless drug; addiction or overdose is virtually impossible and the risks are mainly limited to the possibility of a very unpleasant bad trip, which can be prevented by proper preparation(set and setting).
LSD is not recommended for persons with (predisposition to) psychiatric disorders and during pregnancy.
Also read:
Is microdosing safe?
Possibleside effects
How psychedelics were banned -
What is the difference between 1P-LSD and psilocybin (magic mushrooms and truffles)?
The differences between(1P)LSD and psilocybin (magic mushrooms, truffles) are as follows:
- (1P)LSD belongs to the lysergamides family, psilocybin belongs to the tryptamines family
- (1P)LSD work much longer than psilocybin. The effect of a microdose of (1P)LSD can last up to 8-12 hours, psilocybin 4-6 hours
- (1P)LSD is one of the most powerful psychedelics in existence. A dose is indicated in one-millionth of a gram!Some people respond more sensitively to (1P)LSD than others. The threshold (the threshold value where the psychedelic effect begins to be clearly noticeable) varies from person to person and is between 5 and 50 micrograms.
On average, people take 10-15 micrograms to microdose.
Also, people may react differently to equal doses at different times. Microdosers often talk about an increase in creativity, energy, problem-solving ability and focus. But this, of course, remains a subjective experience. Like other psychedelics, (1P)LSD amplifies emotions and feelings. For example, your creativity may come out if you engage in art or music, but if you choose to have a good conversation with one of your loved ones, for example, there will be more emphasis on connection, reflection or emotions.
(1P)LSD acts on both the dopamine and serotonin receptors.
Psilocybin acts primarily on the serotonin receptors.Shrooms and truffles sometimes cause mild nausea.
(1P)LSD rarely if ever does.Shrooms and truffles cause fatigue in some people.
(1P)LSD, on the other hand, gives more energy. -
What are "New Psychoactive Substances" (also called Legal Highs)?
There are now perfectly legal variants of existing substances (such as LSD) that are just as potent as the original. These substances are also called Legal Highs or New Psychoactive Substances.
They are classic psychedelics modified slightly by chemists. This creates substances that are equal or nearly equal in effect to the original, but do not fall under the Opium Act.
1P-LSD is an example of a New Psychoactive Substance that many people microdose with.
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Has any research been done on psychedelics?
Yes, there have been many studies on psychedelics and in particular LSD and psilocybin over time. Soon after the discovery of LSD by Hofmann in 1943, the medical community plunged into researching psychedelics. In recent years, more and more research has been done on psychedelics. See, for example, UMC Utrecht- Psychedelics against depression and this video about research on the effects of Ayahuasca on depression, conducted by Maastricht University. And Worldwide action against the taboo around psychedelics (VRT News).