Although both psilocybin and LSD are considered safe substances, there are both general cautions and particular reasons not to embark on a psychedelic journey.

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Do not take psychedelics if you:

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• Have a very serious heart disease (great emotional stress can be dangerous)

• Are pregnant (convulsions can harm the fetus/initiate premature labor)

• Taking lithium for bipolar disorder (lithium can, together with e.g. psilocybin, cause dangerous convulsions)

• Have a history of psychotic episodes in recent years

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Be careful with taking psychedelics if you:

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• Have had psychotic episodes way back in time (15-20 years)

• Are very young (under 25)

• Have strong anxiety about the unknown and the unexplainable

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General precautions:

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• Know why you're taking psychedelics, and don't take them on impulse

• Be mentally prepared for what you may experience (set)

• Make sure you are in a safe, secure environment (setting)

• Start with a low dose

• Never take psychedelics alone if you are not experienced. Make sure to have a person with your own experience present during the entire trip, and make arrangements to be able to talk about your experiences afterwards

• Never accept a drug from someone you don't trust 100%

• Know which drug you are taking and why you choose to take this particular drug