Q&A
THE EXPLAINER PSYCHEDELICS
WARNING
Psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms and LSD, are Class A drugs according to UK law. Anyone caught in possession of such substances can face up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Information and support for those affected by substance abuse can be found at bit.ly/drug_support
WHAT ARE PSYCHEDELICS?
Psychedelics are psychoactive substances (ones which alter the brain’s functioning) that are part of the ‘hallucinogens’ family.
When ingested, they bring about an altered state of consciousness, involving temporary mental, visual and auditory changes, also known as a ‘trip’, or ‘tripping’.
Humans have known about psychedelics for much of history. Many are naturally occurring, like psilocybin (the active compound found in magic mushrooms), or mescaline (found in the peyote cactus), and have been incorporated into tribal and spiritual rituals in many cultures.