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Psychonauts are referred to as individuals who dedicate their lives to exploring and investigating their consciousness with the use of psychoactive substances. The term ‘psychonaut’ originated from the Greek language, in which it means ‘mind-sailor.’

Psychonauts have gained recognition throughout human history. However, in the last half-century, these individuals have received more popularity in terms of the spiritual significance that comes with this experience. Additionally, psychonauts claim that exploring the unconscious through the use of mind-altering substances has improved their social and mental well-being. Hence, by gaining popularity and the support of the internet, research in psychonautics has increased drastically in recent years.

The most common substances used by psychonauts to carry out their mission, in the modern-day, are LSD, Psilocybin/Psilocin (“magic” mushrooms), MDMA (“ecstasy”), DMT, and mescaline (peyote).

The accidental discovery of LSD

The increased use of LSD started in 1934, when a Swiss chemist, Albert Hoffman accidentally came across the influence of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) on the human mind. At the time, Albert Hoffman was working on developing a drug for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals. In the process, he accidentally consumed the drug in an indefinite amount, which introduced him to an unreal experience. Following this discovery, he administered a small dose on himself to test the effects of the synthesised drug. After experiencing another astounding journey, he concluded that the drug could be used in the field of psychiatry. Hence, Sandoz Pharmaceuticals started to manufacture and market LSD for the next twenty years, which led to its popularity today.

Robert Gordon Wasson and the Magic Mushrooms

Psilocybin, which is a compound found in magic mushrooms, became famous later when Robert Gordon Wasson- a banker, published an article in Life Magazine titled “Seeking the Magic Mushroom”.

During the mid-1950’s the banker went on a quest to find the ‘magic’ mushrooms which were prophesied to create visions. He eventually made his discovery in a village in Mexico, where the locals regularly consumed them in religious and cultural ceremonies. After trying out the mushrooms himself, Wasson experienced intense visions which made him curious to learn about their mechanisms. As a result, he published his article, which inspired several researchers to visit the village to study the magic mushrooms in detail.

Timothy Leary- The Most Dangerous Man In America

Timothy Leary, a Harvard psychologist, was titled as ‘the most dangerous man in America’ by President Richard Nixon. Timothy Leary spent years of his life studying the effects and potential of psilocybin in the treatment of mental disorders. Through his investigations, he concluded that the use of psychoactive substances could potentially make society better. However, as he promoted the use of psychedelic substances, he was let go from Harvard in 1963. Following his termination, he spent the rest of his life travelling the country and writing about his discoveries. He also empowered people to use psychoactive substances and promoted his propaganda against the government authorities and wars. Although he was able to influence a lot of people, the negative effects of drugs came to light as a result of his encouragement to use drugs. Timothy Leary’s reforms led the US government to ban the use of psychoactive substances.

Currently, researching this field has become difficult due to the war on drugs. However, with the internet, many platforms are allowing people to share their experiences, thereby contributing to research. You can also write your dissertation about psychonauts by hiring a dissertation help online UK!