💧 Demons in your psychedelic session?

Welcome back to The Drop In! DoubleBlind’s newsletter brings you the latest in psychedelic news, culture, and happenings. Today, we're discussing psychedelic therapy.

If you follow psychedelic Twitter, you know the corporadelia crowd has been defensive since an FDA panel recently advised against approving MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. The official decision will be announced the second week of August, meaning the Twitter debates about efficacy, ethics, and MAPS being an “MDMA-therapy cult” will likely rage on until then.

MDMA therapy aside, the underground scene features various styles of therapy, like Internal Family Systems (IFS). Despite limited research and mainstream acceptance, IFS is a common modality used in underground psychedelic therapy. A core concept in IFS is "Unattached Burdens" (UBs), referring to entities like demons or spirits. This raises the question: How suggestible are IFS clients to the idea of such entities, especially under the influence of psychedelics?

Our main feature is written by Jules Evans, who offers up a fascinating deep dive into IFS. But we also have stories about SB1012 getting axed in California, LAX being the drug smuggling capital of the world, and trippy theory about why we hallucinate on psychedelics.

You can also join us for a breathwork session on June 19 if you’re around. In the meantime, enjoy all of the steeping psychedelic tea.

Mary Carreón
Senior Editor

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Our Latest

California's effort to legalize psychedelic therapy has stalled. Senate Bill 1012, aimed at the therapeutic use of psychedelics, was cut due to budget constraints. However, Senator Scott Wiener and advocates remain determined.

Why do we trip? Neuroscientist Zeus Tipado from Maastricht University suggests that the vivid visuals during a psychedelic trip might originate in the retinas. According to his theory, psychedelics activate certain receptors, causing eye cells to change how they process light, leading to unique visuals.

Los Angeles has emerged as a major drug smuggling hub. An ABC7 investigation reveals LAX as a likely top global drug trafficking center, surpassing historic corridors in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, due to various complex factors.

& More Must-Reads

• “As a young queer Muslim using drugs, I struggled to reconcile all the parts of myself—until I realized where they unite and what they illuminate about our times.”

• For centuries, scholars have speculated that psychoactive substances like mushrooms influenced the extreme behavior of Viking berserkers.

• A mushroom trip was the major tipping point leading Ivy to "meet" her true self, and decide to come out to the world.

Trip Tales

Have you had a profound experience with psychedelics before? Share your story with us for a chance to be featured in The Drop In. Submit your entry here.

Join Us

Join our next DoubleBlind+ Breathwork Journey with Ellen Wong on June 19. Ellen's technique induces a naturally altered state to release tension, soften internal blocks, and clear your mind. Often compared to a psychedelic trip, it's unique for each person and can be deeply cathartic.

Sign up for a free trial to DoubleBlind+ to join the session on June 19 at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET.

Learn with Us

💫 The history of tarot cards dates back many centuries, but they weren't widely used for fortunetelling until more recently.

🍄 Growing truffles often marks the start of a grower’s journey into truffle-producing species like Psilocybe tampanensis and Psilocybe mexicana, with distinct methods needed for cultivating.

💊 Harm reduction time! When it comes to underground MDMA, the effects and safety vary from pill to pill, bag to bag. Coloring is often added for branding or disguise. 

💃 For advocates, the free-form movement practice of ecstatic dance offers a way to heal trauma, let go of shame, and come into your own body.

❓So, you’ve decided to take a guided journey. You’ve saved up your money. Now what? Get references. Ask critical questions. And most importantly, follow your gut.

DoubleBlind Supports

CONNECT: Hundreds of Psychedelic Societies worldwide offer peer education on psychedelics. The Global Psychedelic Society (GPS) supports these groups with resources for inclusive, safe, and effective advocacy and education. Find a local psychedelic community and learn more about GPS.

LEARN:  Registration for Chacruna’s course on Queering Psychedelics: Intersectionality, Healing, Spirituality, and Liberation is open! This course promotes diversity and inclusivity in psychedelic science, addressing heteronormative, sexist, and transphobic barriers. Topics include patriarchy, self-acceptance, conversion therapy, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapies, queer spirituality, and the needs of trans and BIPOC communities.

DONATE: Join the Heroic Hearts Project to end PTSD. Contributions fund scholarships for veterans and spouses, support research on psychedelic treatments, and foster advocacy for accessible and affordable care. Your support transforms the lives of veterans with PTSD. Learn more and donate here.

At DoubleBlind, we believe in reciprocity—the idea that everything in the world is interconnected and that we have a responsibility to uplift a psychedelic ecosystem that centers equity, inclusivity, and healing for all. Through our work, we hope to help our community participate in this effort with us.

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Have you ever heard of neurogenesis?

It’s key to enhancing your brain, helping you break bad habits, build good ones, and boost mental performance. 

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Each serving includes 50:1 Lion’s Mane, 100:1 Reishi, 100:1 Cordyceps, and 100:1 Chaga for increased focus, memory, energy, calmness, and a boosted immune system. 

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From the Magazine

While many associate the first psychedelic wave with Berkeley or New York, Cleveland and Detroit have a deep mushroom culture. Ayana Iyi, at the heart of Detroit's scene, continues her late husband Baba Kilindi Iyi's legacy of high-dose journeys. She hosts gatherings like the Women and Entheogen conference, empowering women through psychedelics. Her story blends personal transformation, community service, and dedication to healing, showcasing resilience and spiritual depth.

Read more about Ayana Iyi's remarkable journey and her efforts to uplift women through psychedelic practices in Issue No. 10.

Latest Youtube Video

We're finally diving into 4-AcO-DMT, a semi-synthetic psychedelic similar to shrooms, on our YouTube. This topic is hot, with many "magic mushroom" products on the market using 4-AcO instead of psilocybin. DB Co-founder Shelby Hartman covers its history, effects, safety tips, dosage, side effects, and legal status.

Tune in to learn about this trending substance.