The compounds
Substance profiles
What each medicine is, where it comes from, how long it lasts, who should avoid it, and what the research currently supports. Written to be read before a decision, not after one.
16 substances
2C-B
4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine
No traditional use - modern synthetic compound.
5-MeO-DMT
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Recently introduced to humans via toad secretions. Some traditional use of plants containing it in South America.
Ayahuasca
Banisteriopsis caapi + Psychotria viridis
Central to indigenous Amazonian shamanism for over 1,000 years. Used for healing, divination, and spiritual guidance.
Cannabis
Cannabis sativa/indica
Used medicinally and spiritually in many cultures throughout history. Mentioned in ancient Chinese and Indian texts.
DMT
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
Central component of ayahuasca in Amazonian shamanic traditions, used for healing, spiritual guidance, and communication with spirits
Harmala Alkaloids
Harmine, Harmaline, Tetrahydroharmine
Essential component of ayahuasca, used to enable oral DMT activity in Amazonian ceremonies
Ibogaine
12-methoxyibogamine
Sacred to the Bwiti religion in West Africa, used in initiation ceremonies and spiritual healing for centuries.
Ketamine
2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexanone
No traditional use - modern pharmaceutical.
LSA
Lysergic Acid Amide
Historical use in various cultures, seeds used in folk medicine and spiritual practices
LSD
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
No traditional use - modern compound discovered accidentally by Albert Hofmann
MDMA
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
No traditional use - modern synthetic compound used in psychotherapy
Mescaline
3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine
Sacred to Native American tribes for over 5,000 years. Used in religious ceremonies and healing rituals.
Peyote
Lophophora williamsii
Central to the religious practice of the Native American Church (NAC) and the Huichol (Wixaritari) people of Mexico. The Huichol undertake an annual pilgrimage to Wirikuta to harvest peyote as a sacrament. Archaeological evidence dates peyote use to approximately 3700 BCE.
Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)
Psilocybe cubensis (and 200+ species)
Used ceremonially by Mazatec, Mixtec, Nahua, and Zapotec peoples of Mesoamerica. The Aztec term 'teonanacatl' (flesh of the gods) reflects their sacred status. Maria Sabina brought global attention to mushroom ceremonies in 1955.
Salvia
Salvia divinorum (active: salvinorin A)
Used by Mazatec shamans for divination and healing. Maria Sabina introduced it to the Western world.
San Pedro (Huachuma)
Echinopsis pachanoi
One of the oldest psychoactive plants in the Americas with archaeological evidence from Chavin de Huantar dating to 1300 BCE. Used by Andean curanderos in mesa ceremonies. The colonial Spanish named it 'San Pedro' (Saint Peter) as the key that opens the gates of heaven.