📔 Psychedelics 101: Terms Everyone Should Know

The Default Mode Network (DMN) 🧠

The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a network of brain regions associated with self-referential thinking, the ego, and the sense of self.

Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD have been shown to temporarily quiet the DMN, leading to a dissolution of the ego and a heightened sense of interconnectedness…

Disrupting the DMN is thought to play a role in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, helping individuals break free from rigid thought patterns linked to depression, anxiety, and trauma.

This effect may facilitate cognitive flexibility, emotional processing, and profound introspective insights.

🎧️ The Webdelics Podcast

📜 Top Article

Curious about MDMA? Here's How to Safely Explore It...

MDMA, also known as “Ecstasy” or “Molly,” is a synthetic drug with both stimulant and psychedelic effects.

Since the 1980s, it has been a popular recreational substance, known for inducing euphoria, emotional connectedness, and energy boosts.

More recently, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has demonstrated clinical efficacy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with FDA approval for therapeutic use expected soon.

However, MDMA is not without risks, and harm reduction practices are essential for ensuring a safe and positive experience.

By understanding proper dosing, avoiding dangerous drug interactions, and creating the right setting, users can minimize harm and maximize benefits.

📑 MDMA - Effects, Risks, and Harm Reduction

MDMA was first synthesized by Dr. Anton Köllisch at Merck for hemostatic purposes, despite false claims that Merck intended to market it as an appetite suppressant.

It belongs to the phenethylamine class of drugs and is considered an “empathogen” or “entactogen”, meaning it promotes empathy, emotional warmth, and deep interpersonal connections.

While MDMA has therapeutic potential, harm reduction is key to safe usage…

Some risks include:

• Overheating (Hyperthermia) – MDMA affects body temperature regulation, and in hot, crowded environments (e.g., raves, clubs), it can lead to dangerous overheating.

• Overhydration (Hyponatremia) – While hydration is important, excessive water intake can dilute sodium levels, leading to a potentially fatal condition.

• Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure – This is especially concerning for individuals with cardiovascular issues.

• Drug Interactions – MDMA primarily affects serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, meaning it can interact dangerously with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and other serotonergic drugs.

💊 Suggestions for How to Safely Take MDMA

MDMA is commonly available in crystals, powder, or pill form.

Powder MDMA is simply crushed crystals, and both can be swallowed or snorted…

While the effects vary between individuals, following best practices can greatly improve the experience.

⏲️ Dosage and Timing

• Clinical trials administer 80-150mg of MDMA, sometimes followed by a booster dose (90-150 minutes later).

• Effects begin 30-60 minutes after ingestion, peaking within 90-150 minutes.

• Avoid re-dosing if no effects are felt initially, as this can increase risks.

🖼️ The Importance of “Set and Setting”

MDMA’s effects are highly influenced by set (mindset) and setting (environment). To reduce anxiety or bad experiences, users should:

• Be in a comfortable, familiar environment with trusted people.

• Have a positive mindset before taking MDMA.

• Ensure adequate rest and nutrition beforehand.

☠️ Risks of MDMA Use

Although MDMA is considered relatively safe compared to other drugs, certain risks must be managed:

1. Temperature Regulation & Hydration

• Take breaks from dancing or exertion to avoid overheating.

• Drink 250-500ml of water per hour—no more—to avoid hyponatremia.

2. Drug Interactions & Contraindications

Mixing MDMA with alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications can be dangerous:

• Alcohol can reduce MDMA’s effects and contribute to dehydration.

• SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs may reduce or eliminate MDMA’s effects and increase serotonin syndrome risk.

• Heart or blood pressure conditions increase the cardiovascular risks of MDMA.

🦺 Ensuring Safe MDMA Consumption

To reduce risks, users should take precautionary steps before consuming MDMA:

1. Test Your MDMA for Purity

Because illegal substances are unregulated, MDMA is often cut with dangerous adulterants like paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), which can be life-threatening.

To verify authenticity:

• Use reagent test kits – These chemicals react with MDMA, changing color to indicate purity.

• Purchase a milligram scale – Even slight variations in dose can have major effects.

• Start with a small dose – If using a pill, begin with ¼ or ½ before increasing.

2. Be Mindful of Your Activity Level

• Excess movement + MDMA = increased heart rate and overheating.

• Monitor your exertion to prevent overstimulation and fatigue.

3. Avoid Re-Dosing Too Soon

Taking more MDMA too quickly can increase the risk of negative effects without significantly enhancing the experience… So don’t do it!

❤️‍🩹 MDMA is a Powerful Tool That Requires Responsibility

MDMA is widely used for recreational and therapeutic purposes due to its ability to enhance mood, increase sociability, and foster emotional connections.

However, as you’ve seen, informed and responsible use is essential for reducing harm…

By implementing harm reduction measures, including proper dosing, hydration, and drug testing, users can enjoy MDMA safely while minimizing risks.

🎉 Top Weekly Blog!

Our Top Psychedelic and Plant Medicine Blog from Webdelics

The Webdelics website has over 160+ evidence-based, research-backed blogs that were intentionally written to give you the facts, not just our opinions. 

📚️ Here is this week’s top blog on our site, rated by our readers:

• A Look At MDMA-Assisted Couple Therapy

💥 Couple’s therapy can provide breakthrough benefits for those struggling with their relationship, and it seems as though MDMA-assisted therapy can further facilitate honest discussions and long-term growth in supervised settings.

👉️ Check this one out and let us know what you think!

💬 We will leave you with this…

Hippocrates has been quoted saying, “There are in fact two things, science and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance.”

Challenging our beliefs and knowledge is essential for finding the truth, especially in a crowded space like plant medicine and psychedelics.

Until next time…

🧠 The Guide - by Webdelics

Disclaimer: Webdelics does not support or promote any illegal activities, including the use of substances that may be mentioned in this newsletter. We encourage all readers to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the laws in their region. Please note that Webdelics does not offer mental health, medical, or clinical services and should not be used as a replacement for professional medical, psychological, or psychiatric care, diagnosis, or treatment.