Since the beginning of the war on drugs in the 1970s, psychedelics have been targeted by governments and naysayers as dangerous, addictive substances. Mainstream messaging around mind-altering substances like MDMA, LSD, and magic mushrooms has traditionally consisted of fear-inducing propaganda campaigns and the threat of stiff penalties for possession and distribution.
Nowadays, there is still plenty of social stigma and legal repercussions attached to these medicines, but a renaissance in psychedelic exploration is evolving throughout the US and abroad. Part of this is because scientific and medical communities have begun embracing mind-altering substances as potential tools for healing and the treatment of various psychological and mood issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and trauma. Inevitably, when society and science agree on an issue, it is only a matter of time before the law follows suit.
As the modern scientific exploration of psychedelics and entheogens—psychedelics that induce powerful, spiritual experiences—continues to evolve, so too does an appreciation of ancient cultures and ways that revered these powerful medicines. Peoples across the world once used—and, in some cases, continue to use— mind-altering substances to heal the sick, expand the mind, unlock wisdom, and commune with the gods.
In many ways, science is attempting to catch up and understand thousands of years of psychedelic use and the role it has played in shaping society today. It is important to pay homage to the many indigenous cultures who paved the way for the modern scientific fascination and exploration of psychedelic substances, such as the Abwiti of West Africa, the Mazatec of Mexico, and the indigenous peoples of Amazonia, who discovered the plant medicine Ayahuasca.
In spite of more recent findings from numerous clinical studies and the social movements surrounding psychedelics, it still remains illegal to possess these substances in the US. However, many states have begun to change their policies around criminalization and penalty for possession. If you are searching for ways to experience the therapeutic benefits of substances like psilocybin, DMT or MDMA in a therapeutic setting, you may struggle to find the right resources.
In most states throughout the US, there is no legal way to work with a licensed therapist trained in psychedelic assisted therapy. It is important to understand that, while psychotherapists cannot legally aid you in your trip nor provide you with any substances, it is possible for you to experience the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics with a trained, professional guide. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of psychedelic assisted therapy, as well as Kansas’ state laws that affect the legal options you have near you. If you’re interested in learning more, we encourage you to book a consult with us today.
The Current Legislation on Psychedelics in Kansas
Psychedelics, including psilocybin—the mind-altering compound in magic mushrooms—still remain illegal to possess in Kansas and are Schedule I substances. Interestingly, magic mushrooms are only illegal because they are considered a vehicle for psilocybin. Because of this nuanced specification in the law, spores of psychedelic mushroom varieties are currently legal to possess since they have not yet produced psilocybin.
Additionally, in the last few years a bill was introduced in Kansas to legalize possession and cultivation of up to 50 grams of psychedelic mushrooms. This bill would have removed the current harsh penalties for possession at the state level, but, like many other attempts for drug reform, the bill did not make it very far. While this indicates there is a long way to go before psychedelic substances see decriminalization in the state of Kansas, it does show that there is a movement in that direction and an effort to inspire reform.
Your Legal Options for Therapeutic Psychedelic Experiences in Kansas
1. Ketamine Clinics
While Ketamine is considered different from more traditional psychedelics, the medical field widely recognizes its effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. Because of this, “ketamine clinics” are opening all over the US.
These clinics offer a legal, medical route for having a therapeutic psychedelic experience, as ketamine can be administered legally by registered practitioners. However, it may be difficult to find a ketamine clinic near you, and because these treatments take place in a clinical setting, they do not always offer a holistic, well-rounded experience.
You may also find that there is less emphasis on adequate preparation and integration of the psychedelic journey, and the effects of ketamine are generally not considered to be long-lasting. For those of you seeking a legitimate ketamine clinic, we invite you to check out our guide here.
2. Guided Psychedelic Experiences
Having a positive experience on psychedelics can be the difference between psycho-spiritual healing and spiraling further into unhealthy patterns. It is important to highlight the distinction between a positive experience and a pleasant one.
A positive psychedelic trip is one that helps facilitate healing and consciousness expansion, and sometimes is achieved through unpleasant or intense experiences. The difference between a negative trip—if there is such a thing—and a challenging yet ultimately positive one, is that you emerge from a hard but meaningful trip feeling a sense of growth, support, catharsis, and resolution.
The presence of a guide or “trip-sitter” can provide a sense of safety and insurance during your profound experience as well as help you prepare beforehand and integrate afterwards. Lasting change comes from being able to integrate what you learned during your trip, instead of being left with more questions than when you started.
At Psychedelic Passage, we provide professional facilitators with an emphasis on harm reduction, and while we are not licensed mental health professionals, we are trained and experienced guides. Do note that we do not provide any psychedelic substances, but do provide preparation, harm reduction and integration services during your psychedelic experience. While the majority of our clients choose to work with psilocybin, we can sit for other psychedelic medicines as well.
We Provide Guided Psychedelic Journeys in Every Major Kansas City
- Wichita
- Kansas City
- Overland Park
- Topeka
- Olathe
- Shawnee
- Lawrence
- Topeka
- Lenexa
- Manhattan
- Salina
- Hutchinson
- Leavenworth
- Leawood
- Dodge City
- Garden City
- Emporia
- Derby
- Prairie Village
- Junction City
Benefits of Having a Therapeutic Psychedelic Experience
Psychedelics are showing promise as a treatment for various mood and psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. As noted above, psychedelics also have a rich history as a tool for healing, along with positive findings from recent clinical studies. Still, you may be wondering whether having an experienced guide during your trip is necessary at all. Why would you need a guide if science is proving that psychedelics have so much healing potential?
There are a few reasons why the presence of a guide can be beneficial to you. First, working with a guide before your trip can help you prepare for your ceremony so that you can get the most out of it. This prep work may include setting clear intentions for the experience, or, in other words, acknowledging why you have been called to it and what you are hoping to take away from it.
During your ceremony, your guide can help you remain calm and support you in whatever ways you may need so that you can dive inward and let go without having to worry about what’s happening around you. And, after your ceremony, being able to discuss and integrate your journey with a guide can help you make sense of what you have learned, answer any lingering questions you may have, and continue to reap the benefits of the medicine as you return to your day-to-day activities.
Having a veteran trip sitter who has experience working with psychedelic substances can help ensure your safety, calmness, and well-being throughout your trip, enabling you to fully release and go further. While psychedelics can invoke ecstatic and beautiful moments, they can also be frightening or anxiety-inducing at times, so it is extremely beneficial to have someone support you. For more information on the benefits of having a guide, you can schedule a consultation with one of our facilitators here.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Healing Journey?
If you’re considering a therapeutic psychedelic experience in Kansas, but aren’t sure what next steps to take, we are here to help. At Psychedelic Passage, we specialize in guiding your therapeutic journey as well as provide professionals and resources. We have local facilitators on the ground ready to assist your ceremonial psychedelic experience in the comfort of your own home—book a consult to learn more!
