This is the first part of a five-part series providing an overview of psychedelics. This guide is intended for those looking to expand their knowledge on various aspects of this fascinating subject.

In this initial section, we will introduce psychedelics, their significance, and a brief historical context. For further reading, continue with Part 2: The Psychedelic Experience; Part 3: The Science of Psychedelics; Part 4: Safety in Psychedelics; and Part 5: The Psychedelics Industry.

Over the last two years, I have delved deeply into the realm of psychedelics—engaging with literature, media, practitioners, activists, entrepreneurs, and investors in the field. I have also had personal experiences that have enriched my understanding. As an active angel investor and donor, I have facilitated discussions among fellow creatives and investors—not as an authority, but as a curious learner still gathering insights.

We are witnessing a new psychedelic renaissance, and I believe in the transformative potential of these substances for healthcare, mental wellness, and human consciousness as they transition from illegal status to decriminalization, clinical acceptance, and eventually, recreational use for everyone. However, this is an aspirational goal, as countries like Russia and China may maintain strict drug policies for the foreseeable future.

I felt compelled to compile this series to share what I have learned, offering a straightforward "rough guide" to psychedelics. If you seek to understand this area better, this may be an ideal starting point. As a seeker rather than an expert, I've aimed to simplify the complexities and present essential information in an accessible manner.

Here's what I will cover: - Part 1: What are psychedelics and why should I care? A brief history. - Part 2: The Psychedelic Experience. - Part 3: The Science of Psychedelics. - Part 4: Safety in Psychedelics. - Part 5: The Psychedelics Industry.

Many discussions in psychedelic communities often begin with personal stories about their journeys with these substances. I will forego that narrative here, as such tales are best shared in more intimate environments. Nevertheless, I have had transformative experiences, and my enthusiasm for this subject continues to grow as I learn more about its science, history, culture, and impact. If this piece can ignite similar interest in some of you, I will consider it a success.

Before we dive in, my direct messages are open for ongoing discussions, learning, and collaboration. I welcome communication from entrepreneurs, investors, activists, researchers, and healers involved in this field. You can connect with me through my personal website, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

WHAT ARE PSYCHEDELICS AND WHY SHOULD I CARE?

To begin our exploration, it's essential to understand the origins of the term. The word "psychedelics" comes from the Greek words psyche (mind) and delos (to reveal). Therefore, psychedelics serve to unveil the mind, echoing Aldous Huxley's famous phrase about opening the Doors of Perception.

These substances are a category of compounds known for inducing altered states of consciousness, characterized by a highly interconnected brain state (which we'll explore later). The most recognized psychedelics include psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), DMT (present in Ayahuasca), mescaline (from Peyote and San Pedro cacti), and LSD. The modern definition has expanded to include MDMA, ketamine, and in some instances, cannabis—though a recent discussion with entrepreneur Gavin Sathianathan highlighted that the exclusion of cannabis from much of the psychedelic dialogue is rooted in racial biases, a topic deserving deeper exploration.

Psychedelics may offer some of the most promising treatments for the escalating mental health crisis facing humanity. Several psychedelic trials have received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA, indicating that clinical data shows substantial improvement over existing treatments. Unlike the extensive use of antidepressants, which can keep patients in a medicated state, psychedelics typically have minimal side effects aside from the experience itself. In 2017, 17% of adults in the UK were prescribed antidepressants (over 7 million people), with 4 million being long-term users. We need a more effective approach.

Sean McLintock, founder of the psychedelic-focused venture capital fund Neo Kuma, remarked that "we [humanity] are re-learning holistic healthcare," emphasizing the significant role psychedelics will play in this process.

He also noted that a major issue in mental health treatment is the lack of personalization and individual attention for patients—an approach that has been static for the past fifty years. In contrast, psychedelics are expected to drive a more personalized treatment paradigm going forward.

Beyond treating mental illness, psychedelics can facilitate profound experiences. Research from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that 80% of participants who took psilocybin reported it as one of the five most meaningful experiences of their lives, with half indicating it was the most significant. Many participants expressed that they gained a deeper understanding of themselves and others, leading to increased compassion and patience—changes that were also noted by their friends and family. Additionally, psychedelics may enhance creativity and problem-solving skills; Steve Jobs once stated that taking LSD was one of the most important experiences of his life.

It may seem too good to be true. How do these substances work? What accounts for their profound and diverse effects? While we'll explore these questions further in subsequent sections, consider the metaphor from leading psychedelic researcher Mendel Kaelen, who likened the mind to a snow-covered hill, with thoughts resembling sleds. As a path is formed in the snow, it becomes challenging to diverge from that groove. A psychedelic experience acts as fresh snowfall, allowing the sleds to explore new routes.

A SHORT HISTORY

Psychedelics have been utilized across cultures for millennia. These mind-altering plants and fungi have been employed in rituals for both healing and pleasure. Evidence of psilocybin use can be found in cave paintings in North Africa dating back to 4000 BC. In Central America around 1300 AD, the Aztecs referred to these magic mushrooms as the "flesh of the gods."

The late 19th century saw a surge of "discoveries" by Western scientists, with mescaline being isolated from peyote in 1897, followed by ibogaine in 1901, MDMA in 1912, and LSD famously synthesized by Albert Hofman in 1938. In 1955, R. Gordon Wasson, a banker from New York City, traveled to Mexico to experience psilocybin under the guidance of a healer named Maria Sabina. His account in Life Magazine opened the floodgates for Western psychedelic tourism to Mexico.

Significant progress was made by healers, scientists, and psychotherapists in understanding these compounds and their far-reaching effects until the counterculture movement of the 1960s, which led to their prohibition. In a nutshell, LSD gained mainstream popularity, and the U.S. government associated this consciousness-expanding drug with anti-Vietnam War sentiments, resulting in its criminalization. LSD was first prohibited in the U.S. in 1966, followed by other psychedelics in 1970 with Nixon's Controlled Substances Act, culminating in a global ban at the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

For decades, psychedelics were pushed underground. While healers continued their practices and recreational use persisted, scientific research suffered significantly. Nevertheless, dedicated activists, campaigners, and researchers worked diligently to advocate for clinical studies, leading to a resurgence of interest over the past 10 to 15 years.

The term "psychedelic renaissance" describes the current era of heightened research, policy re-evaluation, and investment in this field. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues worldwide, highlighting the need for change in healthcare and human consciousness. The timing of this psychedelic renaissance is more crucial than ever.

Click here for Part 2: The Psychedelic Experience.

Acknowledgments to Sean McLintock, Tom McDonald, Alastair Moore, Dr. Henry Fisher, Sjir Hoeijmakers, and Andre Marmot for their contributions or for reviewing drafts of these articles.

[1] UK Government Prescribed Medicines Review [2] Roland Griffiths, PhD, Johns Hopkins, TEDMED Talk, Nov 2015