Welcome. We believe that the transformation of consciousness is a fundamental human right, so wherever you are in your psychedelic healing journey, we’re glad you’re here.
Although it’s the most commonly reported type of psychedelic healing, psychedelic-assisted therapy is not yet available to the public. The reason lies in the word therapy. Therapy implies a mental health professional licensed by their state government, and since psychedelics are illegal in all states (with the exception of Oregon in February), therapists could lose their license if they use these medicines in their practice.
However, therapeutic simply means “to have a beneficial effect on the body or mind.” A practitioner trained with sacred medicines can provide a therapeutic psychedelic experience without the same legal repercussions as a therapist.
What qualifies a practitioner if not a license? At Psychedelic Passage, we take this question seriously. All of our facilitators have extensive training with various psychedelic medicines, but most importantly, we operate with integrity— we hold safety as our number one priority, we work with mentors, and we’re honest about our limitations.
In this article, we’ll be going over the legal landscape of psychedelics in Pennsylvania and how you can have a safe, supportive psychedelic experience in your area.
Benefits of Having a Therapeutic Psychedelic Experience
People are calling psychedelics “revolutionary” for a reason. Psilocybin, the active chemical in “magic” mushrooms, has been shown to be as good as pharmaceutical antidepressants in treating depression, but without any of the side effects that often exacerbate the condition.
MDMA, the active chemical in ecstasy, will be a legal treatment for PTSD by as early as 2023 for its ability to eliminate the disorder in one to three sessions. These mental health benefits get the most news— however, the benefits of psychedelics should not be restricted to a medical context.
These substances have the ability to redefine our relationship to ourselves and the world around us. Instead of consciousness that operates out of separation, hatred, greed, or coercion, they allow us to operate from consciousness that is rooted in love, compassion, forgiveness, and interbeing.
Psychedelics can also be used to optimize performance. Microdosing is the practice of taking small amounts of a psychedelic substance several times a week. Through microdosing, you can enhance your focus, broaden your creativity, or more easily get into flow. Many people, from business owners to mothers, microdose to elevate their impact on the world.
The Current Legislation on Psychedelics in Pennsylvania
Although Pennsylvania has been known to have some pretty strict drug laws, a bill is currently passing through the House of Representatives that could pave the way for psychedelic science in the state.
The Public Health Benefits of Psilocybin Act, or HB 1959, would allow research into the use of psilocybin for mental health disorders, ranging from PTSD to substance-use disorder. Inspired by a similar bill passed in Texas, HB 1959 will prioritize veterans and retired first responders.
In Philadelphia, there is a clinic called SoulMind that is preparing for the eventual legalization of psychedelics, in particular MDMA. In addition, the Decriminalize Nature movement in the city is strong.
As the wave of psychedelic reform moves through the Northeast in states like Massachusetts and the District of Columbia, it’s only a matter of time before Pennsylvania follows suite. Unlike cannabis, psychedelics herald a truly revolutionary potential for rapid transformation, and for this reason, they are predicted to be legalized much more quickly.
Legal Options for Psychedelic Experiences in Pennsylvania 2023
In Pennsylvania, you have two options for a therapeutic psychedelic experience: ketamine clinics and guided psychedelic journeys. It’s important to note that if you do decide to pursue a guided psychedelic journey, you are responsible for sourcing your own medicine. If you have questions or concerns about this process, check out our Resources page for more information.
1. Ketamine Clinics
Ketamine is not considered to be a conventional psychedelic, but it does have one major advantage: it’s legal to use for medicinal purposes. Most known for its rapid antidepressant effects, ketamine is being offered in hundreds of clinics all across the country. Typically, the medicine is administered through an IV, but some clinics use oral lozenges.
The most important thing to think about when looking for a ketamine clinic is support. Ketamine journeys can be intense, and you want to make sure that clinics provide you with a therapist or other mental health professional to guide you through the experience, especially with integration.
Check out our article on how to find a ketamine clinic near you. If you can’t find one that offers adequate support, then see if you can find a psychedelic integration specialist or seek out a therapist that is knowledgeable of psychedelics.
2. Guided Psychedelic Journeys with Psychedelic Passage
No matter where you live in Pennsylvania, our network of pre-vetted psychedelic guides will sit for you. At Psychedelic Passage, our network of facilitators offer comprehensive containers of support. Our programs are usually five weeks long, with two virtual preparation sessions, an in-person ceremony, and two virtual integration sessions.
If you aren’t ready for a full dose experience, our network can coach you in a microdosing protocol to get you familiar with the process of psychedelic journeying. Facilitators have trained with most psychedelics, from LSD to DMT to mescaline.
Most clients elect to sit with psilocybin mushrooms, as they are easier than ever to access and hardest to fake. Although not as common, if you would like to journey with cannabis, we facilitate that as well.
Our Network of Guides Service Every Major Pennsylvania City
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Allentown
- Erie
- Reading
- Upper Darby
- Scranton
- Bensalem
- Lancaster
- Lower Merion
- Bethlehem
- Abington
- Bristol
- Millcreek
- Haverford
Speak With a Psychedelic Guide Today
We can tell you, from both our own experiences and those of our clients, that a therapeutic psychedelic journey can be one of the most profoundly life-changing events in a person’s life.
In a world that is increasingly chaotic, it may feel as though change is the last thing you need. But the external world is a reflection of the internal— if you can transform your consciousness to one of love and compassion, you will create more love and compassion in the world no matter what you do.
This inner transformation is the potential that psychedelics offer. If you made it this far and want to take the next steps into psychedelic journeying, book a consultation with our psychedelic concierges to get connected with our pre-vetted network of local, U.S guides. For more informative articles like this one, check out our resources page!
Frequently Asked Questions: Psychedelics in Pennsylvania
Q: How are psychedelics being used in mental health treatment?
Psychedelics are being explored as potential tools for mental health treatment in clinical settings. Research and clinical trials are investigating their efficacy in addressing conditions such as treatment-resistant depression and anxiety disorders. Psychedelics, when administered under professional supervision, may offer transformative experiences that can promote healing and personal growth.
Q: What is psychedelic research, and what is its significance in Pennsylvania?
Psychedelic research involves scientific investigations into the effects and therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances. In Pennsylvania, psychedelic research is gaining attention for its potential to revolutionize mental health treatment.
Clinical studies and trials are being conducted to explore the safety and effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapies, aiming to provide alternative options for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Q: What is transformative psychedelic treatment?
Transformative psychedelic treatment refers to the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances to facilitate profound experiences that can lead to significant shifts in perspective, emotional healing, and personal growth. These experiences, when combined with appropriate therapy and support, have the potential to create lasting positive changes in individuals’ lives.
Q: Are there clinical trials or studies involving psychedelics in Pennsylvania?
Republican state Rep. Tracy Pennycuick from Montgomery County is sponsoring a bill in Pennsylvania to authorize clinical studies using psilocybin mushrooms for mental health treatment, with a focus on veterans and retired EMS first-responders with PTSD.
Pennycuick, a former U.S. Army member, believes that psilocybin’s classification as a Schedule I substance is outdated and that clinical trials are necessary to explore its efficacy in treating specific mental health issues. She also mentions the success of psilocybin treatment for veterans in Texas and expresses the need for similar options in Pennsylvania.
The bill aims to conduct research on psilocybin while addressing concerns about potential abuse and the outdated classification of the substance.
Q: Are shamanic group therapy sessions available in Pennsylvania?
Shamanic group therapy sessions, which often involve the ceremonial use of psychedelics, are not widely available in the traditional sense within Pennsylvania. However, Psychedelic Passage’s network of guides offer shamanic-inspired or facilitated group experiences that incorporate mindfulness, spiritual exploration, and transformative practices for personal growth.
Q: What is the importance of clinical studies in advancing psychedelic-assisted therapies?
Clinical studies play a crucial role in advancing psychedelic-assisted therapies by providing scientific evidence of their safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential. These studies help refine protocols, determine optimal dosages, explore different administration methods, and expand our understanding of how psychedelics can be integrated into existing mental health treatment frameworks.
