Access to psychedelics legally is very restricted. Here are 3 ways how to access them in Europe

Psychedelics are not widely available, though there are three ways to access them in Europe.

Getting a hold of psychedelics, legally, can be your next step in a self-development or healing process. The different routes, from retreats to clinical trials offer benefits to both clinical populations and the general public.

Unfortunately, many are not aware yet of the options – and roadblocks – that come with the different options.

1. Visit a clinic that is offering psychedelic-assisted therapy

In the US there are over 300 ketamine-assisted clinics operating. Within Europe, the number is closer to 30. Regulations on what clinics can offer – what they can advertise – are more restrictive.

Still, clinics such as OVID in Germany and Hive in Malta might be the best option for someone dealing with mental health issues.

More costly than retreats, clinics offer more support and medical supervision.

2. Join a psychedelic retreat

The Netherlands is well-known for its progressive drug policies. This makes it the best place to join a self-development retreat like Synthesis or Essence.

Sometimes cheaper than clinics, retreats can facilitate a great communal learning experience. But because of the rising popularity of psychedelics, and a long covid backlog, some have waiting times of months.

Retreats, also operating in varying shades of grey in other European countries, can be the most accessible route to experiencing psychedelics.

3. Become a research participant

Dozens of psychedelic research trials are recruiting participants. You can find them in Blossom’s trial database.

A research trial may provide you with the latest and most comprehensive care. Though it will also ask a lot of participants, all with the chance of being in the placebo group. Researchers are aware of this and most studies now also offer a therapeutic dose of psychedelics to these participants at a later date.

If you make it through the selection process, a research trial may be the best solution for a specific mental health issue.

Next to these three legal and guided routes, one could also cultivate their own psilocybin-containing mushrooms in a handful of European countries, from Greece to The Netherlands.

Access to psychedelics will be dramatically expanded within 5 years. For now, the clinic, retreat, and trial are your best options.