Psychedelics are certainly no stranger when it comes to the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. With a growing interest in psychedelics here, microdosing, in particular, has gained popularity in recent years.
Microdosing is the practice of consuming small doses of psychedelics, such as psychedelic mushrooms and LSD, at regular intervals over a period of time. It’s considered a way to enhance aspects of your life without a full psychedelic experience.
Microdosing psychedelics have shown potential in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, microdosing can produce a positive change in mood, strengthen relationships, improve overall health, increase productivity at work, and enhance creativity.
When microdosing, you may observe things in a new light and discover the beauty in your surroundings. Microdosing also promotes a positive shift of mind by helping with your mental health and encouraging a positive outlook on life.
It will take some trial and error until you find the right dosing regime for you. It’s important to keep in mind that taking too high of a dose can result in unwanted side effects, such as cognitive impairment.
Given the limited research and lack of psychedelic regulations, it may be hard to determine the dosage of the drug as well. Therefore, it’s important that you do your research beforehand. Of course, we are here to assist you as well.
In a previous article, we discussed where to find psilocybin and psychedelic therapy in Washington, DC. Building on that, we will review whether psychedelics are right for you in this article.
We will also go over the current climate of psychedelics in Washington, DC and where you can find a guided psychedelic experience. To learn more, we invite you to read our article on how to microdose psilocybin mushrooms or listen to our podcast on microdosing mushrooms.
Are Psychedelics Right For You?
Unfortunately, mental illness is more common than you’d think. According to the American Psychiatry Association, 1 in 5 adults experience some form of mental illness, 1 in 24 has a serious mental illness, and 1 in 12 has a diagnosable substance disorder.
Mental illnesses encompass a range of health conditions that impact emotions, thinking, and behavior, which can negatively affect your daily life activities, relationships, and work performance.
Luckily, mental disorders are treatable, and one effective way to treat mental illnesses is through the use of psychedelics – particularly, psychedelic mushrooms.
Psychedelics have been shown to effectively treat PTSD, substance disorders, and chronic pain. In particular, psychedelic mushrooms can help depression, OCD, and anxiety in end-of-life patients.
Although psychedelic therapy is clearly beneficial, it is not for everyone. Here is a list of criteria that may exclude you from psychedelic therapy:
1. Pre-Existing Mental Health Disorders
Individuals diagnosed with certain psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are at a higher risk of experiencing negative side effects when using psychedelic drugs, such as mania, delusional thinking, and psychosis.
Even if you are not personally diagnosed with these disorders but they run in your family, you should still take caution when using psychedelics, as the unwanted side effects could be brought out in you.
You should also take caution if you currently take a mood stabilizer like Lithium or a stimulant like Adderall. A combination of these drugs with psychedelics could lead to cardiac arrhythmia or seizures.
Most psychedelics act on the serotonergic system, similar to how antidepressants do, affecting serotonin pathways. Combining antidepressants and psychedelics could blunt the effects of the psychedelic or lead to a serious condition known as serotonin syndrome.
It’s important to talk to your doctor before using psychedelics if you have these conditions and are currently medicated for them, as they can guide you through the tapering process and inform you of any potential interactions.
2. Psychological Vulnerability
It’s important to be in the right state of mind before using psychedelics. Therefore, people who have recently undergone trauma or are emotionally vulnerable are at a higher risk of experiencing negative effects from the use of psychedelics, such as having a bad trip.
If you have a personality disorder, you are already susceptible to emotional instability, and using psychedelic drugs could cause your emotions and behavior to become erratic or impact your state of mind in unpredictable ways.
3. People Under the Age of 25
Psychedelics can rewire and change your brain, especially if you’re still in your early twenties when your brain is not fully developed. Therefore, the younger you are, the more susceptible you are to potential permanent change.
If you are under 25 and choose to go on your psychedelic journey, it’s definitely important that you have proper preparation, integration, and support in place.
4. Additional Pre-Existing Health Conditions
People with a history or family history of heart diseases and seizures are also at risk when it comes to using psychedelics. Because the psychedelic experience can be overstimulating, you may experience an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
Despite the potential risks associated with psychedelics, it is worth noting that their overall risk profile is relatively low when compared to other treatments currently used for mental health disorders and other conditions.
Beyond this list of criteria, it’s also important to note that nobody is risk-free when using psychedelics, just like any other medication. Although rare, users can develop Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder when using psychedelics, which causes recurring perception disturbances.
Before using psychedelics, you should consult with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision, especially if you are currently taking other medications.
The Sociocultural Climate of Psychedelics in Washington, DC
Washington, DC has certainly played a role in the trend of psychedelics across the nation when it comes to research and regulations and continues to be at the forefront of the psychedelic movement.
The sociocultural climate of Washington, DC encompasses a wide range of perspectives when it comes to psychedelics. Mainly, there is a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
Research institutes advocate for further exploration through clinical trials, while psychedelic organizations provide education, integration support, and harm reduction practices.
Only a 1.5-hour drive from DC, the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research is widely known for its advancements in psychedelic studies and therapeutic psychedelic knowledge.
In November 2020, Washington, DC passed Initiative 81, titled ‘The Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020.’ This act decriminalized natural psychedelics including psilocybin drugs, such as psychedelic mushrooms, ayahuasca, and mescaline.
The possession, consumption, and cultivation of these entheogenic plants and fungi are now the lowest priority of law enforcement in Washington, DC. It’s also important to note that decriminalization does not mean that these psychedelic plants are legal.
After being approved by 76% of voters, Initiative 81 was put into effect on March 16, 2021. And, of course, we have to thank Melissa Lavasani for all her hard work put into the creation of Initiative 81.
Lavasani fell into a deep depression, coupled with panic attacks, chronic pain, and suicidal ideation following the birth of her second child. When looking into treatments, she discovered the potential of psilocybin as an antidepressant and began her microdosing journey.
Her story highlights the impact psychedelics can have on a person’s well-being. Lavasani stated that her psychedelic experiences had turned her into a better version of herself.
After her success with psilocybin, she wondered if a measure regarding the decriminalization of psilocybin could pass in Washington, DC, as it had in Denver. She then met with the organizer of that campaign, who connected her with others to make this campaign come to life in DC.
Additionally, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in Washington, DC. The law states that people over 21 can gift up to one ounce of cannabis, which, oddly enough, created a gifting economy where you can exchange cannabis with a purchase of a t-shirt or sticker.
Overall, Initiative 81 reflects a shifting perspective and openness to exploring alternative approaches to mental health treatment in Washington, DC. If you are in search of a therapeutic psychedelic experience, Washington, DC is the place to be.
Options for Legal Therapeutic Psychedelic Experiences in Washington, DC
If you are in search of a therapeutic psychedelic experience in Washington, DC, then you are in luck. Currently, the two main options for psychedelic experiences in DC include ketamine clinics and guided psychedelic journeys with Psychedelic Passage.
- Ketamine Clinics
Approved by the FDA in 1970, ketamine has been used clinically as an anesthetic for diagnostic and surgical procedures. In recent years, ketamine has proven to be effective in treating various mental health disorders as well.
Specifically, ketamine can be highly effective in treating depression, chronic pain, and PTSD. Although ketamine is not FDA-approved for these conditions, doctors are still able to use ketamine off-label.
The dissociative effects of ketamine allow you to view your issues from a different, empathetic viewpoint. And unlike other treatments, ketamine is a fast-acting drug. On the downside, multiple ketamine sessions are needed, leading to accessibility issues.
Luckily, there are ketamine clinics just about everywhere you look in Washington, DC. To learn more, explore where you can find ketamine clinics near you, and check out our article on the pros and cons of ketamine therapy.
2. Guided Psychedelic Experiences with
Psychedelic Passage
At Psychedelic Passage, we are here to support you throughout your journey. Our goal is to provide you with all the resources you need to reach your goals.
We offer a 5-week program that is fully customized to your needs, intentions, and financial situations. Our program offers preparation, ceremonial, and integrative support. When it comes to microdosing, we allow you to choose from a wide range of psychedelics.
Our network of pre-vetted facilitators understands how meaningful psychedelic experiences can be, which is why we are here to make it easy for you.
Our Network of Guides Service
Any Major Washington, DC Area
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- Columbia Heights
- Adams Morgan
- Foggy Bottom
- Capitol Hill
- Dupont Circle
- Shaw
- U Street Corridor
- Brookland
- Congress Heights
- NOMA
- Georgetown
- H Street NE
- Petworth
- Southwest & The Wharf
- Woodley Park
Connect With a Psychedelic Guide Today
Washington, DC is a great place to begin your psychedelic journey. If you are not sure where to start, we are here to help! If you’re ready to begin your psychedelic journey, we encourage you to book a consultation with one of our qualified psychedelic concierges.
They can answer any questions you may have and connect you with a psychedelic facilitator in our pre-vetted network. Still have questions? Head on over to our resources page to learn more. Enjoy the journey of self-discovery and stay safe!
