Why Are So Many Psychonauts Attracted to the Simulation Hypothesis?

The simulation hypothesis – the proposal that we live in a computer-generated reality – is a philosophical idea that many psychonauts embrace. While tripping, or post-trip, this hypothesis can seem a lot more likely to be true; in fact, it can appear undeniably true. On the subreddit r/SimulationTheory, psychedelic experiences are often discussed and viewed…

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Psychedelic Decriminalisation vs Legalisation: Which Approach is Safer?

Not everyone in favour of changes to psychedelic drug policy has the same policy outcomes in mind. While the basis for this desire to end the criminalisation of psychedelic use may be the same – such as the defence of cognitive liberty – there can be disagreements about the best way to grant this right,…

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How Risky Are Psychedelics for People With Bipolar Disorder?

People with a personal or family history of bipolar disorder (a condition marked by extreme mood swings) are typically excluded from being participants in psychedelic clinical trials. While research continues to show that psychedelic therapy, such as psilocybin therapy, is helpful for depression (which is an aspect of bipolar disorder), the mania that bipolar patients…

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Some Psychedelic Users Are Unbothered by HPPD (and Might Even Enjoy It)

Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is a condition – characterised by chronic visual distortions – that can be triggered by psychedelics. It is considered a rare risk of psychedelic use, although the actual incidence of it is unknown (studies are limited and offer differing incidence rates). Many psychedelic users experience post-trip visual changes, but these…

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The Psychedelic Nature of Meshuggah’s Music

I want to make a case for why Meshuggah should rightly be considered a psychedelic band – and this goes beyond the music itself; it extends to their album cover artwork and live shows as well. Their psychedelic nature as a band makes them unique in the world of metal, as there aren’t too many…

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