Psychedelics

Taking psychedelics is an intense experience that can last a long time. By doing some preparation beforehand, you’re helping to eliminate some of the risks that come with recreational drug use and, because the simplest tasks can be difficult, your future-self will definitely thank you. Below is our list of definite-do’s before any psychedelic drug-taking experience.

Test your drugs

Always test your drugs. We recommend this kit for LSD, DMT, 2-CB and MDMA; for other psychedelics, test kits are likely to be findable with a quick google search.

Know your dose

Look at the specific drug page to find out what a safe dose is, and to know how much is too much.

Know the safest way to take the drug

Always make sure to check and know the safest method of taking a psychedelic substance. Some synthetic psychedelics can be extremely painful to administer nasally.

Label your drugs

Always label your drugs once tested, white powders all look the same, and you don’t want to mix up what you are taking.

Set aside enough time

Some psychedelics like DMT may only last 15 minutes, but LSD can last as long as 14 hours. Make sure that you have more than enough time for the experience, so you are not stressed about having to do something while still inebriated.

Research the timing of the drug

Knowing how long a dose takes to kick in, whether or not you can increase your dose later and the potential effects during and after your experience is important. For some drugs like LSD, redosing tends to only extend the trip rather than increasing the effects due to the immediate tolerance. The comedown for each psychedelic can be very different too.

Check your family history

Does Bipolar 1 or Schizophrenia run in your family? If so, you should avoid taking psychedelics as you are at an increased risk of psychosis and/or mania.

Put your phone on silent

Intrusive notifications or calls from people you don’t want to think about while tripping may derail a positive experience.

Mixing can be risky

Be very careful before deciding to mix drugs. Our individual drug guides have an ‘Interactions’ section, so you can check the risks and effects of different combinations. Mixing with alcohol should be avoided with most psychedelics.

Remember you’re tripping

Place a reminder somewhere that you are tripping, and that this experience is only temporary. Perhaps write it on some paper and stick it on your wall. Or, if you’re going to be moving about, set it up as a notification every hour on your phone. This may help prevent a challenging experience from turning into a bad trip.

Dress in layers

Psychedelics can fluctuate your body temperature; we advise wearing thin layers that you can add or remove at will.

Tripsitter

Ask someone to sit in sober during your psychedelic trip. Even if they are knowledgeable about psychedelics, ask them to read this guide and our harm reduction guide on the drug you will be taking.

Eat well before

It’s best to eat a good sized meal an hour or two before consuming the psychedelic. This ensures that you’re not hungry during the peak, and that your meal doesn’t affect absorption in the gut and interfere with the way your psychedelic works.

Have some snacks ready

Normal tasks can be quite difficult, and many foods can also be off putting, particularly if you’re still hallucinating. Fruits are generally pretty easy to get down, and gummy type lollies (especially if sour!) may be enjoyable too. Experiment and have fun!

Have clear intentions

Think for a while beforehand about why you are taking this psychedelic substance. Some examples include: the desire to have a spiritual experience, to work through emotions, connect with nature or recreation.

References: Breaking Convention; Psychedelic Support; Clark WG; Haijen et al.