Psychedelic Drugs

Preparing ● Goal: For students to have an understanding of psychedelic drugs

and how they’re being used today to treat a variety of neurological
disorders. Determine for themselves whether it is proper treatment
for one’s mental health.
● Skills Required: Vulnerability, open-mindedness, critical thinking,
active engagement in a discussion.
● Classroom Layout: Students should be seated in a desk next to a
partner, with another desk and 2 other students directly in front of
them. This should extend down through the classroom so there are
several small groups of 4.
● Video: Students should view “Microdosing Psychedelics” video prior
to participating in the discussion.
● Tools: Powerpoint, projector.

Opening* ● Opening Question: What did the class learn from the video?
● Review: Definitions & Psychedelics Worksheet.
● Focus Question: Should psychedelic drugs be used as therapeutic
tools for treating mental health? (2-3 minutes)

Sustaining* ● Frame the classroom as a Safe Space to encourage honest

discussion of what has long been a taboo subject.
● Group Discussion #1: Have you ever tried a psychedelic /
psychoactive substance? (cannabis, psylocybin, lsd, mdma,
ketamine, etc.) If so, describe your experience. If not (and that's ok!)
- why?
● Activity: Describing a visual psychedelic experience through
YouTube video ‘LSD effect’. (7-9 mins)
● Fun Facts: Which of these surprise you the most?
○ Serotonin is structurally similar to LSD, psilocybin, and DMT.
○ Ketamine can be an incredibly effective treatment for anxiety,
depression and PTSD.
○ MDMA mimics what happens in the brain during the
honeymoon phase of a relationship.
○ A baby’s brain looks like an adult’s brain on LSD.
○ Many psychedelic users have reported increased feelings of
empathy or sympathy.

Closing ● Transition to emerging questions and criticisms.

● Group Discussion #2: Why are psychedelic drugs illegal?
● Legality overview and current development. (11-13 mins)

Reflecting** ● Activity: Sli.do

○ Question 1 (Word Cloud poll): In one word, describe how
you feel after learning about psychedelic drugs. (17-20 mins)
○ Question 2 (Multiple Choice): If decriminalized in your state,
how likely are you to consider psychedelic therapy for yourself
or a loved one?
 ○ Question 3 (Open Text poll): Should psychedelic
substances be decriminalized for medicinal and/or
recreational use? Why/why not?
● Reflect on Psychedelic Worksheet & focus question.
○ Did you learn something? Did your opinion change?
● Feedback: Was this information helpful? Is there something we did
not discuss?