Psychedelic Safety Institute (PSI)

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Field Intelligence

A strategy is only as strong as the information behind it. PSI gathers field insights, synthesizes academic and institutional data, and turns this knowledge into practical resources for those who need it most.

Field Intelligence

Disclaimer

This document outlines important disclaimers and limitations regarding PSI's educational resources on psychedelic public health and safety. PSI does not endorse, encourage, or facilitate the use of illicit substances. All our information is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with qualified healthcare providers.

Our content is based on publicly available information, non-representative surveys, and stakeholder interviews, with inherent limitations in scope and representation. Data analysis involved AI assistance and is subject to human error and interpretation variability. Individual psychedelic experiences vary greatly and may not be fully represented in our resources.

Users should be aware that some content may be triggering, particularly materials addressing harm and misconduct. We acknowledge that our resources provide a partial view of the rapidly evolving psychedelic ecosystem and welcome community feedback for improvements.

For a full list of disclaimers and limitations, click here.

These materials have limitations. Some analysis was AI-assisted and may contain errors. Literature reviews were based on nearly a thousand accessible papers, though not all relevant publications could be included. These resources are intended for educational purposes to inform the psychedelic community. Always consult qualified healthcare providers for medical concerns and follow local laws. While these materials aim to support safer experiences, psychedelic experiences carry inherent unpredictability that cannot be fully eliminated.

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Use and Attribution

For guidelines on referencing, sharing, using, and building upon the materials developed by the Psychedelic Safety Institute (PSI), click here.

Knowledge Base

PSI has developed a knowledge base of information related to psychedelic psychedelic safety, harm reduction, and public health. A field can only align if it has shared knowledge and language. PSI synthesizes insights from peer-reviewed research, clinical trials, case reports, government datasets, harm reduction field reports, and practitioner guidance — making the best available evidence accessible and actionable across the psychedelic ecosystem.

Literature

Review

Summary of the state of academic knowledge on 9 psychedelic substances’ risks & mitigations.

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Epidemiological Profile Summary

Global patterns of psychedelic use and public health implications.

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Risk and Harm

Typology

A framework to identifying and understanding psychedelic-related risks and harms.

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Misconduct Typology

A framework to identify and understand types of practitioner misconduct to support ethical behavior.

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Case Book

37 documented real-world incidents highlighting safety challenges and lessons learned.

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The Ethics Toolkit

A practical framework for ethical risks management for practitioners

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Field Research

PSI has conducted systematic field research across legal, therapeutic, underground, and campus contexts to understand real-world needs, challenges, and safety priorities in the psychedelic space. This collection represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to map the psychedelic landscape through direct engagement with stakeholders across legal, therapeutic, underground, and campus contexts

These resources document what we learned by going directly to the field — not just published literature, but lived experience from those working at the frontlines of psychedelic access, harm reduction, and policy reform. We share these resources publicly to benefit the entire field and support evidence-based advocacy, harm reduction programming, policy development, and further research.

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Stakeholder Interviews

159 hour-long interviews with ecosystem leaders revealing critical needs, gaps, and priorities across the psychedelic landscape.

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Stakeholder Interviews

159 hour-long interviews with ecosystem leaders revealing critical needs, gaps, and priorities across the psychedelic landscape.

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Stakeholder Interviews

159 hour-long interviews with ecosystem leaders revealing critical needs, gaps, and priorities across the psychedelic landscape.

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Underground Manufacturers

Surveys from hard-to-access supply networks uncovering hidden public health challenges that shape real-world safety outcomes. See Public Health Findings

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Underground Manufacturers

Surveys from hard-to-access supply networks uncovering hidden public health challenges that shape real-world safety outcomes. See Public Health Findings

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Underground Manufacturers

Surveys from hard-to-access supply networks uncovering hidden public health challenges that shape real-world safety outcomes. See Public Health Findings

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Psychedelic Societies & Campus Leaders

GPS and SSDP surveys capturing on-the-ground perspectives from community organizers and student leaders.

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Psychedelic Societies & Campus Leaders

GPS and SSDP surveys capturing on-the-ground perspectives from community organizers and student leaders.

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Psychedelic Societies & Campus Leaders

GPS and SSDP surveys capturing on-the-ground perspectives from community organizers and student leaders.

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Colorado Market Research

Analysis of Colorado's emerging legal psilocybin market and early regulatory implementation.

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Colorado Market Research

Analysis of Colorado's emerging legal psilocybin market and early regulatory implementation.

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Colorado Market Research

Analysis of Colorado's emerging legal psilocybin market and early regulatory implementation.

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Evidence-Based Guidance

for Safer Psychedelic Experiences

Psychedelic use is happening across diverse contexts — from clinical trials and regulated frameworks to underground ceremonies and personal exploration. To support safety across this spectrum, we've developed comprehensive educational guides that synthesize research, case reports, and field expertise into practical, evidence-based resources.

Each guide is designed for a specific audience but shares a common foundation: preparing thoughtfully, recognizing risks early, responding compassionately, and supporting meaningful integration.

Educational Guides

For First Responders

Essential protocols for paramedics, police, and emergency personnel.

When responding to psychedelic-related calls, strangeness ≠ emergency. This guide provides:

Recognition patterns for psychedelic presentations vs. medical emergencies.

De-escalation techniques proven to calm psychological crises.

Medical priorities: when to intervene, when to wait, when to transport.

Legal considerations including Good Samaritan protections.

Collaboration strategies with harm reduction services.

Most psychedelic crises resolve with calm presence and compassionate communication—not aggressive intervention. Learn how your approach shapes outcomes.

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For First Responders

Essential protocols for paramedics, police, and emergency personnel.

When responding to psychedelic-related calls, strangeness ≠ emergency. This guide provides:

Recognition patterns for psychedelic presentations vs. medical emergencies.

De-escalation techniques proven to calm psychological crises.

Medical priorities: when to intervene, when to wait, when to transport.

Legal considerations including Good Samaritan protections.

Collaboration strategies with harm reduction services.

Most psychedelic crises resolve with calm presence and compassionate communication—not aggressive intervention. Learn how your approach shapes outcomes.

Explore

For First Responders

Essential protocols for paramedics, police, and emergency personnel.

When responding to psychedelic-related calls, strangeness ≠ emergency. This guide provides:

Recognition patterns for psychedelic presentations vs. medical emergencies.

De-escalation techniques proven to calm psychological crises.

Medical priorities: when to intervene, when to wait, when to transport.

Legal considerations including Good Samaritan protections.

Collaboration strategies with harm reduction services.

Most psychedelic crises resolve with calm presence and compassionate communication—not aggressive intervention. Learn how your approach shapes outcomes.

Explore

For First Responders

Essential protocols for paramedics, police, and emergency personnel.

When responding to psychedelic-related calls, strangeness ≠ emergency. This guide provides:

Recognition patterns for psychedelic presentations vs. medical emergencies.

De-escalation techniques proven to calm psychological crises.

Medical priorities: when to intervene, when to wait, when to transport.

Legal considerations including Good Samaritan protections.

Collaboration strategies with harm reduction services.

Most psychedelic crises resolve with calm presence and compassionate communication—not aggressive intervention. Learn how your approach shapes outcomes.

Explore

For Practitioners

Comprehensive safety framework for therapists, facilitators, and guides interested in or actively working with psychedelics.

Whether you work in licensed clinics, ceremonial settings, or underground contexts, this guide addresses your unique responsibilities:

Preparation: Screening for contraindications, setting boundaries, obtaining informed consent.

During sessions: Recognizing harm domains, managing crises, preserving autonomy

Integration: Supporting meaning-making, monitoring for delayed issues, ethical follow-up.

Ethics & misconduct prevention: Power dynamics, dual relationships, trauma-informed care.

Includes specific guidance for clinical therapists, ceremonial facilitators, underground guides, and integration coaches.

Explore

For Practitioners

Comprehensive safety framework for therapists, facilitators, and guides interested in or actively working with psychedelics.

Whether you work in licensed clinics, ceremonial settings, or underground contexts, this guide addresses your unique responsibilities:

Preparation: Screening for contraindications, setting boundaries, obtaining informed consent.

During sessions: Recognizing harm domains, managing crises, preserving autonomy

Integration: Supporting meaning-making, monitoring for delayed issues, ethical follow-up.

Ethics & misconduct prevention: Power dynamics, dual relationships, trauma-informed care.

Includes specific guidance for clinical therapists, ceremonial facilitators, underground guides, and integration coaches.

Explore

For Practitioners

Comprehensive safety framework for therapists, facilitators, and guides interested in or actively working with psychedelics.

Whether you work in licensed clinics, ceremonial settings, or underground contexts, this guide addresses your unique responsibilities:

Preparation: Screening for contraindications, setting boundaries, obtaining informed consent.

During sessions: Recognizing harm domains, managing crises, preserving autonomy

Integration: Supporting meaning-making, monitoring for delayed issues, ethical follow-up.

Ethics & misconduct prevention: Power dynamics, dual relationships, trauma-informed care.

Includes specific guidance for clinical therapists, ceremonial facilitators, underground guides, and integration coaches.

Explore

For Practitioners

Comprehensive safety framework for therapists, facilitators, and guides interested in or actively working with psychedelics.

Whether you work in licensed clinics, ceremonial settings, or underground contexts, this guide addresses your unique responsibilities:

Preparation: Screening for contraindications, setting boundaries, obtaining informed consent.

During sessions: Recognizing harm domains, managing crises, preserving autonomy

Integration: Supporting meaning-making, monitoring for delayed issues, ethical follow-up.

Ethics & misconduct prevention: Power dynamics, dual relationships, trauma-informed care.

Includes specific guidance for clinical therapists, ceremonial facilitators, underground guides, and integration coaches.

Explore

For Family & Peers

Supporting loved ones through psychedelic experiences and integration.

When someone you care about is exploring

psychedelics — or struggling after a difficult experience — this guide helps you:

Understand what they're going through without judgment.

Provide effective support during acute experiences.

Recognize when professional help is needed.

Navigate challenging conversations about risk and safety.

Support integration and meaning-making afterward.

Designed for parents, partners, friends, and anyone in a supportive role.

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For Family & Peers

Supporting loved ones through psychedelic experiences and integration.

When someone you care about is exploring

psychedelics — or struggling after a difficult experience — this guide helps you:

Understand what they're going through without judgment.

Provide effective support during acute experiences.

Recognize when professional help is needed.

Navigate challenging conversations about risk and safety.

Support integration and meaning-making afterward.

Designed for parents, partners, friends, and anyone in a supportive role.

Explore

For Family & Peers

Supporting loved ones through psychedelic experiences and integration.

When someone you care about is exploring

psychedelics — or struggling after a difficult experience — this guide helps you:

Understand what they're going through without judgment.

Provide effective support during acute experiences.

Recognize when professional help is needed.

Navigate challenging conversations about risk and safety.

Support integration and meaning-making afterward.

Designed for parents, partners, friends, and anyone in a supportive role.

Explore

For Family & Peers

Supporting loved ones through psychedelic experiences and integration.

When someone you care about is exploring

psychedelics — or struggling after a difficult experience — this guide helps you:

Understand what they're going through without judgment.

Provide effective support during acute experiences.

Recognize when professional help is needed.

Navigate challenging conversations about risk and safety.

Support integration and meaning-making afterward.

Designed for parents, partners, friends, and anyone in a supportive role.

Explore

For Non-Clinical Users

Practical harm reduction for individuals using psychedelics outside medical settings.

This guide helps you reduce risks and make informed decisions:

The Four S's: Set, Setting, Substance, and Support—preparing each dimension.

Recognizing warning signs: When intensity becomes emergency.

Managing difficult experiences: Grounding techniques, breathing practices, when to call for help.

Working with facilitators: Vetting guides, establishing boundaries, recognizing misconduct.

Integration: Processing challenging trips, monitoring for persistent issues

Includes substance-specific considerations and links to crisis support resources like Fireside Project.