💧 A pilot, shrooms, and a near-disaster

Happy Thursday, and thanks for checking out The Drop In! This week is moving FAST — bless this four-day work week 🥳 — so we’re going to keep things pushing and dive right into the juicy center of today’s newsletter.

Our featured story is a (lightly updated) gem from Issue No. 11 of DoubleBlind Mag about how psychedelics are faring in Washington DC. Will a Trump or Harris White House usher in meaningful change on drug policy? Should we be looking to the president as the arbiter of change for drug laws? All of that and more is discussed in the feature written by Reilly Capps immediately below! 

Keep scrolling, and you’ll find updates on why the Shipibo are worried about the future of ayahuasca, the history of Psilocybe cyanescens, and what happened when an off-duty pilot had a mental health crisis mid-air two days after eating mushrooms. So much to unpack.

We have a trip-sitting workshop hosted by the inimitable Erica Siegal of NEST and SHINE Collective. You can learn more about it and sign up here.

Stay hydrated 🧜‍♀️,

Mary Carreón
Senior Editor

Our Latest

The New York Times just released a documentary on the story of off-duty pilot Joseph Emerson, who almost crashed a plane two days after eating psilocybin mushrooms. Since the incident, his doctors say Emerson was experiencing the effects of a rare condition called HPPD, which is characterized by a number of symptoms, including extended hallucinations and feelings of derealization. Click here to read the story.

Psychedelic retreats in Costa Rica are facing increased scrutiny from the media and government authorities after the recent death of a 40-year-old American woman. According to local news outlet CR Hoy, the woman died from a cardiac arrest on August 5 while receiving treatment at Soul Centro, an iboga retreat center in the city of Puntarenas. Click here to read the story.

The global demand for ayahuasca is voracious — and Shipibo-Conibo Onanyabo say it’s much greater than what the Amazon Forest can supply. In July, Indigenous leaders from the Ucayali region of Peru held an urgent meeting to address how spiritual tourism, pharmaceutical interests, and environmental and cultural extraction are gravely threatening the future of ayahuasca and life in the forest. What is the solution? Click here to read the story.

& More Must-Reads

• Rebecca Martinez explains how hope, belonging, purpose, and joy are integral to decolonization, even in a movement predominantly associated with Western researchers and the hippie counterculture.

• What does swords mean in tarot? The suit of swords represents intellect and power, but also reminds us that the heart can suffer under the mind’s sharp edge.

• Since 2022, nine shamans have been arrested for possessing ayahuasca, sparking debate on its classification as a drug and the necessity of legal religious protections.

Breathe With Us

Feeling stressed and looking for a moment to reset?

Join us for a free breathwork session with renowned facilitator Ellen Wong, designed to help you release tension, find inner calm, and connect more deeply with yourself.

Imagine creating space for healing, clarity, and peace—all with the power of your breath. Whether you’re new to breathwork or seeking to enhance your practice, this session is your opportunity to experience transformative techniques firsthand.

Don’t miss out! Reserve your spot now with a 1-month free trial to DoubleBlind+ and breathe your way to balance with us on September 24.

Learn with Us

🍄 Wavy Caps may grow by the hundreds on a pile of wood chips—but are they really as potent as they’re made out to be? Here’s the history and science of Psilocybe cyanescens.

⚠️ Explore with Caution: While 2C-I offers enchanting experiences, it's not without risks. From cardiovascular effects to legal implications, understanding is key.

🦁 Looking for Lion’s Mane? We had expert herbalists weigh in on their favorite brain-boosting products for you to try.

🌵 This trippy cactus might grow in your garden—but where does it actually come from? Find out everything you need to know about San Pedro from history to effects here.

DoubleBlind Digs

Here are today’s recommendations to help you live more psychedelically… 

1. You really can tell when a product is made with intention and care. That’s why we love Anima Mundi. They are deeply committed to ethical sourcing and preserving the integrity of traditional plant medicine. They work directly with small farms and indigenous communities to ensure every ingredient is cultivated with care and respect for the Earth. We invite you to explore their plant offerings here.*

2. Growing your own shrooms is an empowering way to reconnect with nature, cultivate self-reliance, and take control of your wellness. In a world where many feel disconnected from the earth and disillusioned by big pharma, mushroom cultivation is an amazing way to nurture life and reap the benefits of their incredible healing properties. Click here to learn how to grow mushrooms with us.

3. Cooler days are coming which means it's just about time to curl up and get cozy with a good book. We’ve put together a list of 14 of our favorite psychedelic books of all time. These trippy reads are perfect for any occasion. May the transformative power of words forever expand your mind. Click here to get the list.

4. Want to try a (legal) euphoric mood booster? Look no further than our favorite plant medicine at the moment: Kanna. We like to take it alongside our microdose but it’ll also open your heart and mind when taken on its own. Get Kanna here and experience the magic of this plant for yourself.

*We may make a small commission from purchases using this link. Proceeds through advertising help to fund our independent journalism.

Together With…

Experience the Beckley Retreats Difference: A Journey Backed by Science and Heart

Imagine a place where ancient wisdom meets cutting-edge science. Beckley Retreats, backed by 25 years of research, offers transformative psychedelic experiences in the Netherlands and Jamaica.

Rooted in the expertise of the Beckley Foundation—a global leader in psychedelic research—their programs provide a path to personal growth, healing, and lasting transformation.

Ready to embark on a journey? Use code BRAP500 for $500 off your first retreat and take the first step today

Latest Podcast Episode

Hot Goss with East Forest: Composing for Psychedelic Trips & The Power of Music

Join us in a profound dialogue with East Forest, a visionary musician known for blending ambient soundscapes with deep spiritual insights. In this episode, East Forest discusses his unique approach to creating music that facilitates personal and collective healing, especially in psychedelic therapy.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, Youtube, and more.