As the rates of suicide, overdoses, and depression continue to skyrocket, our society is desperate for improved systems of support. It’s time to normalize the conversation around psychedelics and plant medicines which have been central to human culture from the very beginning.
Every day more scientific evidence emerges proving the incredible powers of psychedelics to heal, but we noticed something disheartening. The vast majority of society is still trapped in the mindset that all drugs are bad and harmful. We believe that now is the perfect time to share our own transformational stories involving psychedelics to change the public narrative both for us and for future generations.
David had powerful experiences with psilocybin that helped him get clean from an opiate addiction and later grieve the loss of his sister. David is currently a psychedelic advocate and the organizer of the OP Fungi Festival in Washington. Read David’s Story: Opiate Addiction, Grieving Loss, & Psychedelics.
Redefining wellness means empowering people to become their own healers, giving them the tools to make lasting change in their lives. It’s about creating real support systems around these medicines, transforming how we approach mental health, trauma, and personal growth. With the personal stories we share, it demonstrates that true healing isn’t just possible—it’s happening.
At Normalize Psychedelics, we’re challenging outdated stigmas around psychedelics by sharing personal testimonial of healing. For too long, these powerful medicines have been misunderstood. Through personal stories, we’re showing how psychedelics can help restore balance in mind, body, and spirit.
This isn’t just about ideas. It’s about people taking control of their healing journeys and finding lasting relief. It’s time we replace fear with understanding, stigma with acceptance, and show that real, lasting change is within reach for everyone.
Lorri was introduced to psychedelics by her son and daughter. After her experience with Bufo Alvarius (5MeO-DMT), Lorri realized that she was able to find happiness after a life time of depression. Read Lorri’s Story: Bufo Alvarius, Discovering Psychedelics After 60.
Historically, psychedelics were used in community settings with experienced facilitators ensuring safety. As these medicines re-enter modern society, it’s crucial to prioritize education, preparation, and responsibility. At Normalize Psychedelics, we believe sharing real experiences is one of the best ways to reduce risk.
By highlighting stories of preparation, integration, and safety, we create a blueprint for others to follow. Personal stories show what works, what doesn’t, and how to make informed choices. Risk reduction isn’t just about rules—it’s about learning from each other. Together, we can ensure these powerful medicines are used responsibly, unlocking their true potential for healing while minimizing harm.
Lauren ‘Lolo’ was suicidal and with PTSD after her deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan. With the help of psychedelic medicine and stellate ganglion blocks, she was able to find peace in her life. She now has 2 children and started ‘Hippie And A Veteran’, a non-profit to help veterans. Read Lauren’s Story: Veteran Healing From PTSD with Psilocybin and Stellate Ganglion Blocks.
Captured Testimonials: Over 70 testimonials from people experiencing profound transformations, including veterans with PTSD, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those overcoming addiction.
Published Content: More than 25 testimonials shared across social media and the website, reaching over 400,000 views on Instagram, with 3,600+ followers.
Highlighting Leaders: Our platform elevates change-makers by showcasing their stories, bringing their voices to the forefront and introducing them to the world.
YouTube Success: Our YouTube channel has accumulated over 70,000 views and over 1,000 subscribers.
Partnership with Sensi Magazine: Wrote an article for Sensi Magazine about meeting with Healing Frontline Heroes, an organization working towards helping veterans recover from PTSD – A Journey of Hope and Transformation
Featured in the San Francisco Chronicle: No hallucination: Hundreds back magic mushrooms at Oakland psychedelic wellness conference
Co-Founder & Head Writer
My journey with psychedelics began in 2019 after a kitchen conversation with a friend, leading me to read How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan. This unearthed deep emotions and inspired my commitment to mental health advocacy. This passion stems from the tragic loss of my uncle to suicide and my own healing journey through depression, anxiety, and autoimmune disease with the help of plant medicine. In 2022, I co-founded Normalize Psychedelics, a project aimed at sharing 1,000 healing stories to reduce stigma and promote open conversations about psychedelic therapies, with the hope of making them central to human culture once again.
Co-Founder & Creative Director
My name is Artem Smirnov, I’m the co-founder of the Normalize Psychedelics project. As we embarked on our journey across the West Coast I was inspired by the people that we met and how strongly they were called to share their own healing testimonials with the world. Witnessing the excitement and necessity of open dialogue surrounding psychedelics, my passion for this project emerged. I realized that now is the perfect time for the world to hear these stories.
