Disclaimer | In Crisis?

In Crisis?

If you are in crisis or contemplating self-harm or suicide, please call 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org, which provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7 in the United States. An extensive list of International suicide prevention hotlines can be found there. Remember: You are needed, you deserve to be here, and you are not alone. Reach out, and do not give up.

Having a Challenging Trip?

If you are experiencing a difficult psychedelic event, or still need help processing one, call or text 62-FIRESIDE. The Fireside Project offers free emotional support during or after a psychedelic experience. You can also download their app. Their services are completely confidential, and their staff is rigorously trained, compassionate, and knowledgeable regarding psychedelics. You can also contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 622-HELP (4357). Their confidential helpline is available 24/7 in English and Spanish for individuals and family members experiencing emotional distress or crisis.

Additional support resources can be found in the Zendo Project directory. The Zendo Project was founded in partnership with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Their extensive list of harm reduction resources, emotional support services, and peer support hotlines offer a vast array of tools to help you move through a challenging experience and come out the other side feeling empowered and secure.

Having a Medical Emergency?

If you or a loved one are experiencing a medical emergency and require immediate attention, please dial 911 (USA) immediately.

Are You a Veteran Having a Medical Emergency?

If you are a veteran experiencing a difficult trip or crisis, please contact (800) 273-8255 and Press 1. This will connect you to the Veteran Crisis Line. Their hotline is staffed by experienced personnel, many of whom are also veterans. A trained responder will answer your call 24/7 to help you through a crisis, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm.

Emotional and Crisis Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community may face unique and difficult situations during a challenging psychedelic experience. If you need emotional or crisis support, dial (888) 688-5428 or visit LGBThotline.org. Their hotline is designed for people of all ages and staffed by a dedicated team of highly trained volunteers from all parts of the LGBT+ community. They also offer a dedicated line for LGBT+ seniors that you can reach at (888) 234-7243.

Be Wary of Fentanyl-Contaminated Drugs.

The United States is experiencing a synthetic opioid epidemic that has claimed thousands of lives due to street drugs being adulterated with other drugs, such as fentanyl. Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful and deadly narcotic, with doses as low as two milligrams (a dose so small it could fit on the tip of a pencil) being potentially deadly. While it is never recommended to consume any illicit substances, it is critical that you or the people you know test any drugs you may ingest for fentanyl. Several non-profit harm reduction organizations, such as DanceSafe, offer fentanyl testing strips and at-home drug testing kits.

Medical Disclaimer

The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Some individuals with preexisting mental health conditions should not use psychedelics. Always consult with a trained medical professional about your specific healthcare needs.

Are Psychedelics Legal?

Most classical and non-classical psychedelic drugs are prohibited in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This family of chemical compounds are considered Schedule I drugs, the most tightly controlled and generally illegal class. This includes psilocybin (aka Magic Mushrooms), Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA), Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Ayahuasca, Ibogaine, Peyote, 2C-B, Cannabis, and others. Ketamine is also controlled under the same act and listed as a Schedule III drug. Due to the illegal or controlled nature of these drugs, it is not advised that you attempt to purchase, source, or otherwise possess any Scheduled substances, as you may be at risk of civil and criminal penalties.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is intended for informational and harm reduction purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Nor is this information, or any journalistic stories, anecdotes, visual or artistic material intended as a replacement or supplement for medical or legal advice. It is important to understand that using any psychedelic compounds from the streets has significant risks and is unlikely to produce the promising results emerging in some clinical trials which involve particular dosing and purity, along with specific, carefully crafted psychotherapy in a safe, controlled environment. Various psychedelics purchased illegally often are adulterated with other, possibly harmful substances, making it difficult and not advisable to self-medicate for PTSD, anxiety, depression, or for the treatment of other mental health issues.

Today, the psychedelic movement mourns the loss of Dr. Roland Griffiths, a renowned neuroscientist and a leading figure in the field. Dr. Griffiths, a psychopharmacologist at Johns Hopkins University, helped revive psychedelic medicine research, particularly involving psilocybin. His close friend and colleague Dr. David Nutt confirmed Dr. Griffiths’ death. Dr. Griffiths had long been battling terminal cancer, yet during speaking events and in person, Dr. Griffiths always projected an air of quiet strength, hope, and resilience.

Griffiths Passed Away Tweet
headshot Roland Griffiths

Dr. Griffiths was a distinguished neuroscientist and psychopharmacologist whose profound contributions to psychedelic research left an indelible mark on the field. Born on July 19, 1946, his work fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, the active compound found in magic mushrooms. Dr. Griffiths’ pioneering research and dedication to expanding our knowledge of these substances made him a pivotal figure in the psychedelic community.

Throughout his career, Dr. Griffiths secured significant research funding from the National Institute of Health and published over 400 journal articles and book chapters. He mentored over 50 postdoctoral research fellows and provided consultancy services to the NIH and pharmaceutical companies. He also served on the Expert Advisory Panel on Drug Dependence for the World Health Organization.(1)

A True Psychedelic Explorer 

Riding on boad to the sunset

In 1999, Dr. Griffiths embarked on a groundbreaking journey by conducting the first clinical trial involving psilocybin in decades. This endeavor marked a turning point in the field of psychedelic research, as it reintroduced a substance that had long been sidelined due to regulatory and societal pressures. His research encompassed a wide range of investigations, including studies with healthy volunteers, individuals exploring meditation, and even religious leaders, all aimed at comprehensively understanding the effects of psilocybin.(1, 2)

In the study mentioned above, Dr. Griffiths and his colleagues explored the effects of psilocybin on healthy volunteers, subjecting them to a carefully structured and supervised psychedelic experience. The trial involved a range of psychological and physiological assessments, including measures of emotional well-being, mystical experiences, and changes in perception. What set this trial apart was its meticulous attention to safety, ethics, and scientific rigor, which set a new standard for psychedelic research.(1, 2)

The results of Dr. Griffiths’ 1999 psilocybin trial were remarkable and eye-opening. Participants reported profound and enduring changes in their perception, attitude, and overall well-being after the psilocybin sessions. These experiences often included mystical and spiritually significant encounters, leading many to describe the sessions as among their life’s most meaningful experiences. These findings ignited a renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, ultimately catalyzing a resurgence of scientific investigation into psychedelics’ capacity to address mental health disorders, addiction, and existential distress.(1, 2)

In 2008, Dr. Griffiths co-authored and published the first comprehensive clinical guidelines for psychedelic research. Titled Human Hallucinogen Research: Guidelines for Safety, his guidelines have been cited in over 500 other studies, trials, and scientific publications.(1, 2, 3)

Dr. Griffiths explored its potential in alleviating psychological distress in cancer patients, helping individuals overcome addiction, and treating major depression. These studies yielded compelling results, reigniting interest in the clinical applications of psychedelics for mental health disorders. His meticulous research methods and dedication to rigorous scientific standards played a pivotal role in legitimizing psychedelics as a subject of serious scientific inquiry.(1, 2)

A Legacy of Hope

A Legacy of Hope

Beyond psilocybin, Dr. Griffiths studied the effects of other substances, like MDMA, DMT, and ketamine. One of his studies involving DMT found that participants reported amazing, often life-changing, mystical experiences while under the compound’s effects. In some cases, the impact of these mystical experiences was so meaningful that former atheists began identifying as spiritualists. Other recent examples of his work include Psychedelic Science, Contemplative Practices, and Indigenous and Other Traditional Knowledge Systems: Towards Integrative Community-Based Approaches in Global Health, and Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.(4, 5, 6, 7)

Dr. Griffiths’ work included the investigation of drug interactions and employing advanced brain imaging techniques, such as fMRI and PET scans, to unravel the pharmacological and neural mechanisms underlying these effects. Dr. Griffiths’ pioneering research has significantly advanced our understanding of psychedelics, leaving an enduring legacy that continues shaping the field and inspiring future generations of psychedelic researchers.(5)

Dr. Roland R. Griffiths’ profound legacy is poised to leave a lasting imprint on the world of psychedelic research and beyond. His pioneering work with compounds like psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA, conducted with unwavering dedication and scientific rigor, has built a solid foundation for future studies exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. As the momentum behind psychedelic research continues to gather steam, his meticulous methodologies and profound insights will serve as guiding beacons, ensuring that upcoming research endeavors uphold the same high standards of safety, ethics, and scientific excellence that defined his work.

Beyond academia, Dr. Griffiths’ contributions have spurred a significant shift in public perceptions and policies concerning psychedelics. His research has broadened our understanding of these substances, transcending their historical associations with recreational use and cementing them as a field of genuine scientific interest. As discussions around the legalization and medical applications of psychedelics gain traction, Dr. Griffiths’ empirical evidence will provide a crucial foundation for informed decision-making within the scientific community and legislative contexts.

Dr. Griffiths’ enduring influence extends to the next generation of researchers in the field. The more than 50 postdoctoral research fellows he mentored will carry forward his legacy by advancing psychedelic research, offering fresh perspectives, and building upon the robust groundwork he laid. Through their work, Dr. Griffiths’ pioneering spirit will persist, ensuring that his profound contributions continue to shape the exploration of psychedelics’ potential for improving human well-being and expanding our understanding of consciousness.

This material is not intended as a replacement or substitute for any legal or medical advice. Always consult a medical professional about your health needs. Psychedelics are widely illegal in the United States, and readers should always be informed about local, state, and federal regulations regarding psychedelics or other drugs.
  1. Griffiths. (n.d.). Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research. https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/griffiths 
  2. Smith, B. A. (2023, October 17). Psychedelic Research Pioneer Roland Griffiths Passes At Age 77. The Dales Report. https://thedalesreport.com/psychedelics/psychedelic-research-pioneer-roland-griffiths-passes-at-age-77/ 
  3. Davis, A. K., Clifton, J. M., Weaver, E. G., Hurwitz, E. S., Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2020). Survey of entity encounter experiences occasioned by inhaled N,N-dimethyltryptamine: Phenomenology, interpretation, and enduring effects. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 34(9), 1008–1020. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881120916143 
  4. Johnson, M., Richards, W., & Griffiths, R. (2008). Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 22(6), 603–620. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881108093587 
  5. Roland R. Griffiths, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/roland-griffiths 
  6. Urrutia, Julian & Anderson, Brian & Belouin, Sean & Berger, Ann & Griffiths, Roland & Grob, Charles & Henningfield, Jack & Labate, Beatriz & Maier, Larissa & Maternowska, M & Weichold, Frank & Yaden, David & Magar, Veronica. (2023). Psychedelic Science, Contemplative Practices, and Indigenous and Other Traditional Knowledge Systems: Towards Integrative Community-Based Approaches in Global Health. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 1-16. 10.1080/02791072.2023.2258367. 
  7. Raison, Charles & Sanacora, Gerard & Woolley, Joshua & Heinzerling, Keith & Dunlop, Boadie & Brown, Randall & Kakar, Rishi & Hassman, Michael & Trivedi, Rupal & Robison, Reid & Gukasyan, Natalie & Nayak, Sandeep & Hu, Xiaojue & O’Donnell, Kelley & Kelmendi, Benjamin & Sloshower, Jordan & Penn, Andrew & Bradley, Ellen & Kelly, Daniel & Griffiths, Roland. (2023). Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 330. 10.1001/jama.2023.14530.