Psychedelic drugs have become all the rage among scientists. But not for the reasons you might think. From early, rudimentary research of psychedelics in the 1950s and '60s to today’s sophisticated technology, there is a deep interest in understanding how psychedelics affect the brain.
Scientists have been digging for meaningful answers, whether to learn the psychedelic effects on human consciousness or their potential as therapeutics. But what exactly are psychedelics?
Psychedelic drugs (also known as hallucinogens or hallucinogenic drugs) are a group of psychoactive substances that cause changes in a person’s sensory perception, emotions and thoughts. They can either come in natural or synthetic forms.
First, consider the classic hallucinogens and their effect on the brain. Psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), peyote (mescaline) and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) are some of the most common “classic hallucinogens.” These ones typically change the way someone thinks and feels. Consequently, they are also the focus ...
