The Precipice Of A Psychedelic Renaissance 

We all remember the 'War On Drugs’. Just as psychiatrists, psychologists, and other researchers were making incredible headway on their studies of compounds like LSD and psilocybin (among others), the U.S. government criminalized these substances, blocking research across the globe for decades.  

In 1986, MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) was founded to develop medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. In 2000, Johns Hopkins was the first to obtain regulatory approval in the United States to resume research with psychedelics. They are currently studying treatments for mental illnesses such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety using psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ketamine as potential therapeutics – and the findings are significant. 

With more mainstream access to Ketamine (the only legal hallucinogenic) through local businesses such as Inner Path Wellness in Baltimore or national services like Mindbloom, and the decriminalization of mushrooms in Oregon, Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Washington DC, Cambridge, and Ann Arbor, the legal status of psychedelic substances is evolving rapidly. 

The health benefits and decriminalization of psychedelics allow us to support your healing journey as professionally trained psychedelic coaches, with four different service options described in detail below. Please click here for information on pricing, which varies depending on the amount of support you are looking for. 

Disclaimer: Ruffled Feathers, Inc does not provide any psychoactive or controlled substances, nor provides referrals to obtain them. Many controlled substances are illegal and the use of a controlled substance may result in criminal consequences. Though there has been a recent trend of decriminalization, decriminalizing a drug means that the police are no longer focused on arresting people for possession and consumption; however, this does not imply that any hallucinogens are legal for people to buy, sell, or possess. Use and possession varies greatly depending on the jurisdiction.  

 The use of psychedelics for medicinal purposes is still considered experimental and it is important to understand that there are risks associated with their use, such as psychological distress and unpredictable effects. Anyone considering the use of psychedelics for medicinal, educational, or recreational purposes should be fully informed of the potential risks and benefits and should consult with their healthcare provider before making any decisions. No psychedelic-assisted therapy has been approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities, no therapy works for everyone, and all therapies - even in safe and/or clinical settings - carry risks.

Ready To Explore?

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  • This two-hour workshop is designed to provide some background on the history and cultural significance of various hallucinogens. It will cover various potential risks and benefits and will include a Q&A. To see this workshop summary and others, please click here.

  • Preparing for the use of psychedelics is an important aspect for harm reduction and ensuring a positive experience. This typically starts by discussing goals and expectations, as well as any concerns a person may have. We work together to create a plan for the session, which may include setting intentions, preparing the physical space, and discussing how to manage potential challenges. We also highly recommend receiving an annual physical from your primary care provider.

    Overall, supporting someone's prep can promote a more meaningful and transformative experience, while also minimizing any potential risks.

  • The role of a psychedelic coach, or ‘trip sitter,’ is to provide a safe and supportive environment for the individual to have their personal experience. Our coaches are well-trained in the use of these substances and have experience in managing difficult situations in the unlikely event they arise. They are certified in First Aid and Trauma Informed Care.

    Once the session begins, the psychedelics coach remains present and attentive throughout the experience. They monitor the individual's physical and emotional state while providing guidance and support as needed. They may offer reassurance, calm physical discomfort or anxiety, and facilitate dialogue to help the individual process their experience. In the unlikely event of significant distress or emergency, the coach may intervene to ensure the safety of the individual and may also assist the individual in grounding and re-assimilating as the medicine wears off. Overall, we provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental container for individuals or couples seeking to explore their inner worlds with the assistance of psychedelics.

  • After your journey, it is vital to integrate what you have experienced. We will discuss the journey, explore insights, and prepare a plan to incorporate these insights into your life and goals. This process may also involve supporting any difficult emotions or experiences that arose during the psychedelic session. As such, it is an essential part of any responsible use of psychedelic substances and provides the most ongoing and long-term benefits. If something of significance surfaces, the coach will use their discretion to decide if the topic or processing need is out of scope. In this case, therapeutic resources will be provided.