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Psychedelics have had a significant impact on literature. Many writers, including Aldous Huxley and Hunter S. Thompson, experimented with psychedelics and incorporated their experiences into their work. Huxley’s “The Doors of Perception” is a classic example, where he wrote about his experience with mescaline and the insights it gave him into the nature of reality. Similarly, Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” reflects his experiences with LSD and other drugs. Psychedelics have also influenced the themes explored in literature, with writers exploring concepts such as mysticism, spirituality, and altered states of consciousness. Overall, psychedelics have played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape, giving rise to a new genre of literature.
 
Here are some of the best books from the most influential people on the topic of psychedelics. 
 
“The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead” by Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner, and Richard Alpert – This classic book offers a guide to using psychedelic substances as a tool for spiritual exploration and personal transformation. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Psychedelic-Experience-Tibetan-Book-Dead/dp/0806516526
 

“LSD: My Problem Child” by Albert Hofmann – This book is an autobiographical account of the discovery of LSD, as well as Hofmann’s experiences with the substance. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/LSD-Problem-Child-Reflections-Mysticism/dp/0979862221

“The Doors of Perception” by Aldous Huxley – This classic essay explores Huxley’s experiences with mescaline and offers insights into the nature of perception and consciousness. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Doors-Perception-Heaven-Hell-Classics/dp/0061729078

“The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test” by Tom Wolfe – This book is a nonfiction account of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters’ experiments with LSD in the 1960s. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Kool-Aid-Acid-Test/dp/031242759X

“DMT: The Spirit Molecule: A Doctor’s Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences” by Rick Strassman – This book explores the role of DMT, a powerful psychedelic substance, in spiritual experiences and near-death experiences. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/DMT-Molecule-Revolutionary-Near-Death-Experiences/dp/0892819278

“Acid Dreams: The Complete Social History of LSD: The CIA, the Sixties, and Beyond” by Martin A. Lee and Bruce Shlain – This book offers a comprehensive history of LSD, including its role in counterculture movements and government experiments. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Acid-Dreams-Complete-History-CIA/dp/0802130623

“Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower’s Guide: A Handbook for Psilocybin Enthusiasts” by O.T. Oss and O.N. Oeric – This book offers practical advice on growing and using psilocybin-containing mushrooms. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Psilocybin-Mushroom-Growers-Guide-Enthusiasts/dp/0932551068
 
 “Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge: A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution” by Terence McKenna – This book offers a radical perspective on the history of human evolution and the role that psychedelic plants have played in shaping our consciousness. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Food-Gods-Original-Knowledge-Evolution/dp/0553371304/
 
“The Invisible Landscape: Mind, Hallucinogens, and the I Ching” by Terence McKenna and Dennis McKenna – This book offers a deep exploration of the connections between consciousness, psychedelic substances, and ancient divination systems like the I Ching. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Landscape-Hallucinogens-I-Ching/dp/0062506358/
 
“The Healing Journey: Pioneering Approaches to Psychedelic Therapy” by Claudio Naranjo – This book offers insights into the use of psychedelic substances in psychotherapy, drawing on the author’s experiences working with clients. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Journey-Pioneering-Approaches-Psychedelic/dp/0979862280/
 
“The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss: My Life with Terence McKenna” by Dennis McKenna – This book is a personal memoir by the brother of Terence McKenna, offering insights into the life and work of one of the most influential figures in the psychedelic movement. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brotherhood-Screaming-Abyss-Terrence-McKenna/dp/1957869011
 
“Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences” by William A. Richards – This book offers a scientific and spiritual exploration of the use of psychedelics in religious and spiritual contexts, drawing on the author’s experiences as a researcher and participant in psychedelic studies. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Knowledge-William-Richards-audiobook/dp/B0751XCK7J
 

“The Psychedelic Renaissance: Reassessing the Role of Psychedelic Drugs in 21st Century Psychiatry and Society” edited by Ben Sessa – This book offers a collection of essays by leading researchers, activists, and thinkers in the field of psychedelic research, exploring the potential of these substances for healing and transformation. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Psychedelic-Renaissance-Reassessing-Century-Psychiatry/dp/1913274276

“The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys” by James Fadiman – This book is a guidebook for individuals interested in exploring the use of psychedelics for therapeutic, spiritual, or personal growth purposes. It offers practical advice on how to prepare for a psychedelic experience, how to navigate the experience itself, and how to integrate the insights and lessons gained into one’s everyday life. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Psychedelic-Explorers-Guide-Therapeutic-Journeys/dp/1594774021

“The Ayahuasca Test Pilots Handbook: The Essential Guide to Ayahuasca Journeying” by Chris Kilham – This book offers practical advice and insights into the use of ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic brew used in shamanic traditions in South America. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ayahuasca-Test-Pilots-Handbook-Journeying/dp/0369314034
 

“Breaking Open the Head: A Psychedelic Journey into the Heart of Contemporary Shamanism” by Daniel Pinchbeck – This book is a personal account of the author’s experiences with various psychedelic substances and his exploration of shamanic traditions around the world. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Open-Head-Psychedelic-Contemporary/dp/0767907434/

“Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca” by Dr. Richard Louis Miller – This book offers a comprehensive overview of the science, history, and potential therapeutic applications of various psychedelic substances. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Psychedelic-Medicine-Healing-Powers-Psilocybin/dp/1620556979/

“How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence” by Michael Pollan – This book is a comprehensive exploration of the history, science, and personal experiences of using psychedelic substances. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Change-Your-Mind-Consciousness-Transcendence/dp/1594204225/
 

“The Harvard Psychedelic Club: How Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil Killed the Fifties and Ushered in a New Age for America” by Don Lattin – This book chronicles the lives and work of four influential figures in the psychedelic movement, and their impact on American culture in the 1960s and beyond. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Harvard-Psychedelic-Club-Timothy-Huston/dp/0061655937/

“PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story” by Alexander Shulgin, Ann Shulgin  – This book offers a personal account of Alexander Shulgin’s experiences with psychoactive substances, particularly phenethylamines, which he synthesized and tested on himself, his wife Ann, and a small group of trusted friends. You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pihkal-Chemical-Story-Alexander-Shulgin/dp/0963009605

Our film ‘DOSED: The Trip of a Lifetime’ follows one woman’s journey as one of the first people in decades to receive legal access to psychedelics. The film’s Academy Award-qualifying theatrical tour will debut on April 21, 2023. Watch the first teaser trailer and see screenings times for more info. Scroll below to  sign up to our mailing list – and hit the buttons to share to your socials!