This is part of FJN’s Topic Briefs for Journalists series.
From ancient rituals to modern rediscovery and cultural impact
PHOTO Pexels/Merlin
In the history of science and culture only few topics bridge spirituality, medicine and controversy as deeply as psychedelia. Psychedelic substances have accompanied humankind for millennia—used by shamans, mystics, healers, and, more recently, scientists and artists.
Their story intertwines biology, psychology, religion, and rebellion. Today, as clinical research reawakens after decades of prohibition, we are once again rediscovering what ancient peoples already knew: that these compounds can profoundly alter consciousness and, when used responsibly, heal the human mind.
We’d like to make it easier to editorial professionals to understand this topic by overviewing its scope, providing context of how it’s been regarded, and sharing key resources.
The following guides are an objective starting point to covering consciousness. We feel this is necessary because so much of mainstream science and mainstream media categorically dismiss the topic, sometimes to the point of bias and censorship. We welcome input as the guides are evergreen works-in-progress.
Covering Psychedelics
Compiled by Jesper Madsen for FJN
- Overview: Context on psychedelics
- Tip Sheet: List of key concepts and historic figures on topic*
- Research on Psychedelics (history, highlights, key contributors)
- Cultural and Scientific History of Psychedelics
- Sources*
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Are you an editorial professional with knowledge of a particular aspect of human phenomena? If you may be interested in penning a Topic Brief for the FJN, please contact us via and we’ll share guidelines and terms.
