Psychedelics are a group of substances—both natural and synthetic—capable of profoundly altering perception, mood, and consciousness. From psilocybin mushrooms and LSD to ayahuasca, DMT, MDMA, and mescaline, each possesses its own unique pharmacology, history, and risk profile. This guide compiles, in an educational format and without encouraging use, everything Psiconáutica has published on the subject: what they are, how they work, what the science says, and how to practice harm reduction if they are used.
We have organized over 500 articles into twelve major areas. You can start with a specific substance—psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca and DMT, MDMA, mescaline—or explore broader cross-cutting themes: psychedelic science and therapy, harm reduction, microdosing, and psychedelic history and culture.
Each area is a pillar page that summarizes the topic and links to articles that explore it in depth. Our approach is informative and focused on risk reduction: we explain the available evidence, highlight contraindications, and debunk myths. This guide is not medical advice. Our mission is educational and focused on harm reduction, rooted in respect for individual autonomy.
Psychedelic Substances
- Psilocybin and Magic Mushrooms — What psilocybin is, effects of magic mushrooms, dosages, risks, and its role in depression therapy. (12 articles)
- LSD and Ergot — Lysergic acid from A to Z: effects, dosages, history with Hofmann, and ergot pharmacology. (40 articles)
- Ayahuasca and DMT — The visionary vine and the spirit molecule: what they are, effects, contraindications, and real-world evidence. (19 articles)
- MDMA and Empathogens — What MDMA or ecstasy is, how it works, its use in PTSD therapy, and the debate surrounding neurotoxicity. (32 articles)
- Mescaline: Peyote and San Pedro — Mescaline and its cacti: peyote, San Pedro, effects, dosages, legality, and traditional use. (8 articles)
- Ketamine and Dissociatives — Ketamine, esketamine, and other dissociatives: medical uses, treatment-resistant depression, and risks such as cystitis. (3 articles)
- Iboga and Ibogaine — The African plant and its alkaloid in the context of addiction: what the evidence says and the hidden risks. (3 articles)
- Cannabis — While not a classic psychedelic, it shares almost everything else: prohibition, medical research, and myths in equal measure. Clinical evidence, routes of administration, and legality. (77 articles)
- Salvia divinorum — The “ska maría pastora” and salvinorin A: what it is, effects, duration, and harm reduction. (5 articles)
Practices and Uses
- Psychedelic Microdosing — Sub-perceptual doses of LSD and mushrooms: what microdosing promises and what science actually demonstrates. (12 articles)
Science and Therapy
- Psychedelic Science and Therapy — What the clinical evidence says: psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine for depression, trauma, and addiction. (39 articles)
Harm Reduction
- Harm Reduction and Responsible Use — Informed use without stigma: substance analysis, adulteration, dosages, interactions, and overdose prevention. (55 articles)
History and Culture
- History, Culture, and Psychedelic Thought — From Hofmann and Escohotado to Eleusis: history, prohibition, shamanism, and psychedelic culture. (152 articles)
