Destigmatizing the Word Synthetic as it Pertains to Psychedelics

What is a drug?

For our purposes, let’s define a drug as any substance that produces a physiological effect when introduced into the body. The effect(s) can be desired or unwanted; if it causes a change in how the body functions, it qualifies as a drug. For example, caffeine, your favorite morning hero, qualifies as a drug. 

Psychedelics, then, are drugs. Let’s move away from the general next step, labeling substances as “good” or “bad.” All drugs—regardless of origin—are simply tools. They may be naturally occurring, semi-synthetic, or fully synthetic, but their classification doesn’t inherently determine their safety or usefulness. Rather, let’s dive into different kinds of drugs without arbitrary opinionated labels.

What are the different kinds of drugs?

Drugs are typically grouped by their medical applications, mechanisms of action, or effects on the body. But another important way to categorize them is by their origin:

• Naturally Occurring: Derived directly from nature.

  • Examples: Psilocybin (from mushrooms), mescaline (from peyote), DMT (from plants like chacruna)

• Semi-Synthetic: Modified versions of natural substances.

  • Example: LSD (can be derived from ergot fungus, but also man-made)

• Synthetic: Fully man-made compounds.

  • Example: MDMA 

    
    

Fighting The “Natural = Safe” & “Synthetic = Dangerous” Bias

When people hear about “shrooms,” they often react with more curiosity than caution. But when the conversation shifts to MDMA or LSD, reactions can become skeptical or even fearful. A major reason for this is the assumption that natural substances are inherently safer or healthier as they “come from the ground”.

In reality, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA all act on similar pathways in the brain, specifically the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors. While these substances differ in strength, therapeutic index, duration, and subjective effects, they share a fundamental similarity: they interact with systems already present in the human brain.

Often, semi-synthetic drugs are just lab-grown/manufactured natural drugs. In the case of psilocybin, often when it is reproduced in the lab, it receives criticism for not being natural. It is important to understand that chemists synthesize this drug simply to increase their quantity and have better control over dosage, along with several other drugs. 

These drugs specifically mimic neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—chemicals that naturally regulate mood, cognition, and perception. Although other drugs mimic different things, the concept is the same. Drugs do not introduce something alien into the body; rather, they enhance or alter systems that already exist within us. They do not introduce something entirely unnatural.

Reframing Our Understanding

Recognizing that these substances interact with natural neural pathways can reduce stigma and increase openness. Psychedelic drugs are not inherently dangerous because they are synthetic, nor are they automatically safe because they are natural. The truth is that what makes drugs good or bad for a person has a lot to do with responsible use, informed decisions, and compassion.

The fear of synthetic psychedelics is not based on their pharmacology but often on cultural narratives shaped by decades of misinformation. Overcoming this fear starts with education: understanding that these substances—natural or synthetic—can be powerful tools for healing and insight when used intentionally.