The WHO reports that 1 in 4 people globally suffer from a mental disorder, with 350 million affected by depression alone. The current health system is struggling to meet the demand for mental health care, and these numbers are expected only to increase.
Many researchers say the hope can be in psychedelics: substances such as psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA or ibogaine, show very promising therapeutic benefits and relatively rare side effects. In the Netherlands, the use of psilocybin-containing truffles is legal, including in therapeutic settings, and the psychedelic industry is thriving: services include spiritual coaching, group retreats, smart shops, microdosing parties, modern clinics offering ketamine therapies, and more. Psychiatrist Stan Grof said that psychedelics are for psychiatry the same as the microscope in biology and telescope in astronomy.

In this project, I document the evolving landscape of psychedelic medicine in the Netherlands through personal stories of patients as well as of people shaping the industry. Who are these people, what drives them? Are psychedelics for everyone? With the mix of personal stories, science and current affairs, I aim to show the various approaches and opinions on what have been considered as drugs.

This is an ongoing project, started in 2023 and still continues.