Substances

Deep-dives into psilocybin, LSD, DMT, MDMA, and other psychedelic compounds — their chemistry, effects, history, and science.

What Is MDMA? The Science, Therapy, and Future of Ecstasy
12 min read

What Is MDMA? The Science, Therapy, and Future of Ecstasy

In 1976, a chemist named Alexander Shulgin synthesized a molecule that had been sitting in a patent filing since 1912 and decided to try it himself. What he experienced over the next several hours would eventually reshape psychiatric medicine.

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What Is LSD? From Bicycle Day to Clinical Trials
15 min read

What Is LSD? From Bicycle Day to Clinical Trials

On April 19, 1943, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann climbed onto his bicycle and began the most consequential commute in pharmacological history. This is the full story of LSD, from ergot fungus to CIA mind control to Johns Hopkins.

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What Is DMT? The Spirit Molecule, Explained
12 min read

What Is DMT? The Spirit Molecule, Explained

In 1990, Rick Strassman injected DMT into volunteers under a federal research approval at the University of New Mexico. The subjects reported interdimensional beings, alternate realities, and experiences more vivid than waking life, then ate lunch. The complete story of the spirit molecule.

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What Is Psilocybin? The Complete Guide to Magic Mushrooms
12 min read

What Is Psilocybin? The Complete Guide to Magic Mushrooms

A Wall Street banker, a healer in Oaxaca, and a mushroom growing guide written under fake names. The complete story of psilocybin, history, brain chemistry, effects, and what the science actually says.

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