A psychedelic primer for families
Here's what you need to know to explain magic mushrooms—and more—to young people
If you recently took my advice and watched My Old Ass with your kids, you might find yourself fielding some questions about psychedelics. The film’s heartfelt exploration of love, growth, and connection is intertwined with the story of a life-changing mushroom trip, leaving parents with the task of explaining a complex and often misunderstood topic.
So, where to begin?
They’re more than a trend
Psychedelics are more than just a buzzword in pop culture or a plot device in a movie. They are substances that have been used for centuries in spiritual ceremonies and are now being studied by scientists for their potential to treat mental health conditions. At the same time, they are also used recreationally by people seeking transcendent experiences.
Why should families talk about psychedelics?
Psychedelics are a rapidly evolving topic. So much has changed in the last five years. Increased research, shifting public perceptions, and growing discussions about their therapeutic potential have brought psychedelics into the mainstream conversation.
Teens and young adults are increasingly likely to encounter psychedelics, whether through media, friends or at parties or music festivals. Since we can’t predict when or how this will happen, being proactive ensures they’ll be equipped with accurate information and the confidence to make safe decisions when the time comes.
For adults who care for children and teens, knowing the basics—what they are, how they work, and their risks and benefits—can help create an open and informed dialogue.
If you’re an adult who was raised during the War on Drugs, some reeducation might be in order. Fear-based slogans and moralistic judgments can quickly shut down conversations with kids. Instead, it’s essential to approach the topic factually, calmly, and without moralistic judgments. Making oversimplified comments like 'This is your brain on drugs' or 'Just say no' only signals to a teen that your knowledge may need an update.
This guide is here to help. By breaking down what psychedelics are, how they work, why they’re used, and what makes them different from other common types of substances, you’ll have the tools to talk openly and honestly with your kids.
Whether they’re curious about the science, the risks, or the cultural significance, having language that makes sense to young people can help turn a complex topic into a thoughtful conversation.
What are psychedelics?
Psychedelics are a group of substances that can affect the way a person thinks, feels and sees the world around them. They create an altered state of mind that can cause people to think they are seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there. These experiences are known as hallucinations, which is why psychedelics are sometimes also called hallucinogens. Some of these substances exist naturally in certain plants, fungi and even animal venom; others are chemicals made in a lab.
How do psychedelics work?
When someone takes a psychedelic, the chemicals in the substance interact with their brain. Psychedelics are known to affect parts of the brain that help control mood, emotions, and perception.
These substances can make ordinary things, like colours, sounds, and shapes, seem different or more intense. For example, a tree might seem to “breathe,” or music might feel like it’s surrounding you. These experiences are sometimes called “trips” or “journeys.”
After a few minutes, hours, or in some cases, days, the body processes the substance, and the brain returns to its usual state.
Usually the person can remember most of what they experienced, but they may need time and help from others to understand it. Indigenous communities do this by talking with spiritual teachers or with other people in their communities. Modern Westerners do this with a therapist or by sharing their experiences with others who have done similar journeys.
What are some common psychedelics?
People use the term psychedelics to refer to a big group of substances, and they might also use the word hallucinogen. There are hundreds of examples. Some are plants, fungi or animal byproducts that occur in nature. Some are chemicals made in a lab.
But the truth is, different people use the term psychedelic in different ways. Scientists sometimes use the word in a narrower way, using it to refer to substances that affect particular part of the human brain, the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. Non-scientists use the term in a broader way, encompassing any substance that alters perception, mood, and cognition in a profound way.
Here are a few examples of psychedelic substances that affect that the 5-HT2A receptor, They’re sometimes called “classic” psychedelics:
Psilocybin: Found in certain types of fungi that are sometimes called “magic mushrooms,” psilocybin is one of the oldest known psychedelics, used by Indigenous cultures for thousands of years.
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide): Also sometimes called “acid,” LSD is a powerful chemical psychedelic first discovered in a lab in 1938.
Mescaline: Found in certain types of cacti like peyote and San Pedro, this psychedelic has been used for spiritual purposes by Native American peoples for thousands of years.
DMT (Dimethyltryptamine): Considered one of the most potent psychedelics known, DMT is found naturally in certain plants and is also produced synthetically for research or recreational use.
Here are a few examples of substances that non-scientists sometimes call psychedelic, even though they don’t affect the 5-HT2A receptor:
MDMA: Also sometimes called “Molly” or “Ecstasy”, MDMA is a chemical made in a lab and has a history of being used recreationally. It’s now being studied for its therapeutic benefits.
Ketamine: Also sometimes called “K” or “Special K,” ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic, and it’s made in a lab. It is used recreationally and is now being studied and used therapeutically.
Cannabis: Sometimes referred to as marijuana, weed, or pot, cannabis is a plant that produces a range of psychoactive effects. It has been used recreationally and medicinally for thousands of years.
Why do people use psychedelics?
People use psychedelics for different reasons. Some want to explore their minds or experience the world in a new way. Others use them in spiritual or religious ceremonies to feel closer to their community, nature, or a higher power. Some people use them recreationally in situations like parties and music festivals.
In recent years, scientists have started studying psychedelics to see how they can help people with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. For example, psilocybin mushrooms is being tested to see if it can help people with depression.
Psychedelics have unpredictable effects. Unlike alcohol or caffeine, where the effects are more consistent, they can produce a wide range of experiences depending on the individual, the specific substance, the dose, and the context.
This unpredictability makes them both intriguing and challenging to use responsibly. It also makes it difficult to achieve a particular outcome.
Can psychedelics be addictive?
Most “classic” psychedelics are not considered physically addictive. Unlike drugs such as opioids or nicotine, they don’t create a compulsive need to keep using them. They don’t lead to physical dependence and users build a tolerance quickly, which discourages frequent use.
MDMA has a moderate risk of psychological dependence with frequent recreational use. But tolerance builds quickly. If people use it too frequently, they stop feelings the effects, which can limit misuse.
When it’s used frequently, Ketamine has a moderate to high risk psychological dependence. Chronic misuse can lead to memory issues, bladder damage and other health problems.
Are psychedelics safe?
Psychedelics don’t usually cause serious short or long term harms, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely safe. The effects can be unpredictable, especially if someone takes too much or is in the wrong environment. This is why many experts talk about the importance of “set and setting.”
Set: Your mindset—how you’re feeling when you take it.
Setting: Your environment—where you are and who you’re with.
If someone is feeling scared or in a chaotic place, a psychedelic experience can feel overwhelming or even frightening. Some people might call it a “bad trip.” But experts use the phrase “challenging experience” instead. Some people report that unpleasant journeys can sometimes contain a message or lesson that they find useful.
Is it okay for kids to use psychedelics?
Doctors advise children not to use psychedelics. Their brains are still developing, and psychedelics can have unpredictable and potentially harmful effects, especially without proper guidance or in unsafe environments.
Most of what we know about how psychedelics affect humans comes from studies done on adults, and we don’t know what affect they can have on developing brains.
The human brain is fully developed by the time a person is in their early to mid 20s. While it is safer to use psychedelics after reaching this milestone, responsible use—considering dose size, appropriate setting, and a person’s mental health history—is essential at every stage of life.
Can you overdose on psychedelics?
It’s very rare to physically overdose on psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), or DMT. These substances don’t typically harm your body in the same way as drugs like alcohol, opioids, or stimulants. For example, they don’t stop you from breathing or slow down your heart in dangerous ways.
However, taking a very large amount of psychedelics can cause overwhelming experiences, such as intense confusion, fear, or hallucinations. In these cases, even though your body might not be in danger, your mind can become disconnected from reality. This could lead a person to act in risky ways, like wandering into traffic or thinking they can do something impossible, like fly.
Some other substances that are sometimes grouped with psychedelics—like MDMA or ketamine—do carry risks of overdose. Taking too much MDMA, for example, can cause your body to overheat or become dangerously dehydrated, while high doses of ketamine can slow down your breathing.
While most psychedelics aren’t physically toxic, it’s important to approach them responsibly. Taking too much or combining them with other drugs can lead to scary or dangerous situations.
Are psychedelics legal?
In most places, most psychedelic substances are illegal to sell and possess. However, some countries and cities are starting to change their laws because new scientific evidence shows they are relatively safe and can sometimes be helpful for a person’s mental health. For example, psilocybin is legal in some parts of the U.S. for people who use it for medical or ceremonial reasons. Scientists are also legally studying psychedelics in labs—with strict rules—to see if they might be used as medicine in the future.
What do psychedelics teach us?
Psychedelics are sometimes called “mind-expanding” because they can help people see themselves and the world in new ways, even after the high is over.
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have used psychedelics to gain wisdom, foster connection, and promote healing. Today, researchers are exploring how these substances might help people address modern challenges, from mental health struggles to questions about meaning and consciousness.
They offer a glimpse into uncharted territories, potentially leading to profound discoveries about the human mind, as well as our spiritual lives. For many, psychedelics open doors to deeply personal experiences, fostering a sense of connection to something greater—nature, a collective human consciousness, or a divine force.
How can families learn more about psychedelics?
Here are some recommended sources you and your family members can use to dive deeper into the science, culture and history of psychedelics, as well as their potential benefits and risks:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Psychedelics FAQs
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Drug Fact Sheets
John Hopkins University Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research
