Understanding Your Risk Factors

Designing for a safer experience begins with honest self-awareness.

A Note on Use, Legality & Responsibility

As interest in psychedelics continues to grow — in design studios, research labs, creative circles, and beyond — so do the questions: Is it safe? Is it for me? How do I prepare?

Let’s be clear: Most psychedelics remain illegal in the UK and many other countries, with substances like psilocybin and LSD classified as Class A drugs. Legal consequences are serious — and we do not encourage or advise illegal activity. We also do not provide instructions for use.

What we do offer is evidence-informed, design-conscious content for harm reduction — because people are using these substances, legally or not, and deserve access to tools that help minimize risk and maximize care.

So Why Talk About Risk?

Because these substances are powerful. And like any powerful tool — their impact depends on how they’re used, who’s using them, and in what context.

Risk isn’t just about legal consequences. It’s also about mental, emotional, and physiological readiness — and about recognizing that psychedelic experiences can be profound, beautiful, destabilizing, or all of the above.

That’s why we recommend starting here: with your own internal audit.

A Personal Audit — Things to Consider

• Mental Health History
  If you or close family members have experienced psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe anxiety, psychedelics may increase the risk of adverse outcomes. A clinician trained in psychedelic safety is the best person to help you assess this.

• Medications
  Psychedelics can interact with SSRIs, MAOIs, antipsychotics, and other medications in unpredictable or dangerous ways. Always research thoroughly — and consult a physician if you’re on medication.

• Current State of Mind
  Are you stable? Supported? In a period of upheaval or growth? Psychedelics often surface what's under the surface. Your emotional baseline matters. Psychedelics are also known to be non specific amplifiers, meaning they amplify whatever state you are in.

• Environment & Support
  Set and setting aren’t just buzzwords — they’re active components of your experience. Who you’re with, what’s around you, and how much support is available makes all the difference.

• Expectations
  Not every trip is a fun, insightful ride. Some are confusing, difficult, terrifying or quiet. Managing expectations — especially in an era of Instagram visuals and TikTok optimism — is part of staying grounded.

Go Deeper: Erowid

If you’re researching a substance and want real, first-person data — not just clinical stats — Erowid.org is the OG resource. It offers:

• Substance summaries

• User experience reports (positive, neutral, and challenging)

• Dosage guidance

• Onset/duration timelines

• Legal and pharmacological info

It’s raw and real — and that’s why it’s still one of the most respected resources in the psychedelic world.

Curiosity is not a crime. But real courage starts with understanding the full picture — including your own readiness.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about creating a container for whatever may unfold.