Psychedelic Medicine Guide — What Each Medicine Does and How to Access It
A complete guide to the five main psychedelic medicines used in therapeutic contexts: psilocybin, MDMA, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and ketamine. Each entry covers how it works, what conditions it treats, the evidence base, safety profile, and current legal access pathways.
Psilocybin is found in over 200 species of mushrooms and has been studied extensively at Johns Hopkins and NYU for treatment-resistant depression, end-of-life anxiety, and addiction. MDMA-assisted therapy has completed Phase 3 trials for PTSD through MAPS. Ayahuasca combines DMT with MAOIs and is used ceremonially and therapeutically in many countries. Ibogaine, derived from the iboga plant, shows remarkable results for opioid addiction and veteran PTSD. Ketamine is the only legally available psychedelic-adjacent medicine in the US, approved for treatment-resistant depression.
Each medicine has a distinct mechanism, risk profile, and legal status. This guide covers all five in detail.