The Essentials For Safe Psychedelic Trip In A Festival

What is a Psychedelic Trip?

A trip, or psychedelic experience, is a momentary altered state of consciousness brought on by the use of a psychedelic drug (most commonly LSD, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, or DMT). A psychedelic experience caused by the use of LSD is known as a “acid trip,” whereas a psychedelic experience caused by the use of psilocybin is known as a “mushroom trip.” A perceived loss of self-identity and changes in normal perception, frequently referred to as mystical experiences, are characteristics of psychedelic experiences.

Indigenous populations have used psychedelics for thousands of years in ritual, spirituality, and healing. Only in the past 70 years or so has Western interest begun to emerge, and use of the plants was quickly made illegal, driving many traditional plants to the periphery of society. Consumer and economic interest in psychedelics has grown naturally as a result of the decriminalization of natural substances like the mushroom extract psilocybin, as well as a revitalized respect for Indigenous wisdoms and a rising acceptance of alternative healing techniques in mainstream culture.

DURING THE TRIP

• Surender to the experience. Focus on the music, let your mind wonder, and allow yourself be taken along for the ride.
• If things are getting to intense, let your buddy know and then take a break from the crowds.
• Don’t accept any drugs from strangers, no matter how friendly they seem.
• Keep snacks and water on hand to keep your body nourished. Dancing uses up alot of energy!

DOSAGE

• Less is more! The setting of festivals can be chaotic and uncontrollable. The higher your dose is, the harder it will be to control your mental state.
• Bring your own substances so you can verify the authenticity. If purchasing substances at the festival, make sure to test them before ingesting.
• keep in mind that substances such as marijuana, MDMA, and ketamine will intensify the psychedelic experience. You can buy psychedelics online from Magic Mushrooms Depo.

SET AND SETTING

• Check in with your headspace before the trip. if you’re feeling anxious or upset, it’s best to hold off on taking psychedelics until you’re more comfortable.
• Identify a safe and calm area to retreat to if you’re feeling too overwhelmed in the crowds.
• Use the Buddy System. Whenever you go to dance, use the washroom, or explore, have a trusted buddy with you.

GENERAL TIPS

• Check out our posts on MDMA harm reduction, psychedelic set, setting, and intentions.
• Most festivals have a harm reduction tent/booth. locate this before you take any substances.
• Don’t use any substances for the first time at a festival. First use them in a controlled set/setting so you’re able to familiarize yourself with the experience.
• Plan out a schedule of what substances you want to consume each day, and stick to that.

PSYCHEDELICS & MDMA

• Take a lower dose of each than you normally would, as mixing these sunstances will potentiate the effects of both experiences.
• Consume the MDMA just as you’re starting to “peak” on the psychedelics. taking the MDMA too early will result in you coming down from it while still tripping, which can increase feelings of anxiety.
• Stay hydrated by consuming ~500mL of water and electrolytes per hour. Monitor your consumption to avoid dehydration/overhydration.

SOURCES

• “A Guide to Taking Drugs Safely and Responsibly at Music Festivals” https://www.vice.com/en/article/dyggvz/a-guide-to-taking-drugs-safely-and-responsibly-at-music-festivals
• “MDMA Impairs Response to Water Intake in Healthy Volunteers” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4923534/
• https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uq2451