Why Normalize Psychedelics
Our Personal Stories
Can Save Lives
Addiction
David had powerful experiences with psilocybin that helped him get clean from an opiate addiction and later grieve the loss of his sister. David is currently a psychedelic advocate and the organizer of the OP Fungi Festival in Washington.
Redefining Wellness
Redefining wellness means empowering people to become their own healers, giving them the tools to make lasting change in their lives. It’s about creating real support systems around these medicines, transforming how we approach mental health, trauma, and personal growth. With the personal stories we share, it demonstrates that true healing isn’t just possible—it’s happening.
At Normalize Psychedelics, we’re challenging outdated stigmas around psychedelics by sharing personal testimonial of healing. For too long, these powerful medicines have been misunderstood. Through personal stories, we’re showing how psychedelics can help restore balance in mind, body, and spirit.
This isn’t just about ideas. It’s about people taking control of their healing journeys and finding lasting relief. It’s time we replace fear with understanding, stigma with acceptance, and show that real, lasting change is within reach for everyone.
Depression
Lorri was introduced to psychedelics by her son and daughter. After her experience with Bufo Alvarius (5MeO-DMT), Lorri realized that she was able to find happiness after a life time of depression.
Risk Reduction
Historically, psychedelics were used in community settings with experienced facilitators ensuring safety. As these medicines re-enter modern society, it’s crucial to prioritize education, preparation, and responsibility. At Normalize Psychedelics, we believe sharing real experiences is one of the best ways to reduce risk.
By highlighting stories of preparation, integration, and safety, we create a blueprint for others to follow. Personal stories show what works, what doesn’t, and how to make informed choices. Risk reduction isn’t just about rules—it’s about learning from each other. Together, we can ensure these powerful medicines are used responsibly, unlocking their true potential for healing while minimizing harm.
PTSD
Lauren ‘Lolo’ was suicidal and with PTSD after her deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan. With the help of psychedelic medicine and stellate ganglion blocks, she was able to find peace in her life. She now has 2 children and started ‘Hippie And A Veteran’, a non-profit to help veterans.
Our Impact
Real stories, told firsthand
We’ve collected over 100 personal testimonials from people navigating real, often difficult terrain, including veterans living with PTSD, individuals with chronic illness, people recovering from addiction, and those who have faced suicidal thoughts. These aren’t polished success stories. They’re honest accounts of what healing has actually looked like for people.
Growing reach, meaningful visibility
Across Instagram and YouTube, our videos have been viewed more than 1.1 million times, with a community of over 10,000 followers across platforms. For us, reach matters because it helps normalize conversations that are often hidden or stigmatized.
Responses that remind us why this matters
Many viewers share that these stories helped them feel less alone, gave them language for their own experiences, or offered hope during moments when they were struggling. A small selection of those comments is shared below.
Working alongside aligned organizations
We collaborate with grassroots groups including Decriminalize Nature and Psychedelic States of America to help amplify lived experience and support broader cultural change around psychedelic policy and education.
Recognized by trusted outlets
Our work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, Psychedelic Pathways Magazine, and by Psychedelic States of America, including coverage focused on veterans and first responders navigating healing beyond conventional approaches.
Our Team
Jamie Blazquez
My journey with psychedelics began in 2019 after a kitchen conversation with a friend, leading me to read How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan. This unearthed deep emotions and inspired my commitment to mental health advocacy. This passion stems from the tragic loss of my uncle to suicide and my own healing journey through depression, anxiety, and autoimmune disease with the help of plant medicine. In 2022, I co-founded Normalize Psychedelics, a project aimed at sharing 1,000 healing stories to reduce stigma and promote open conversations about psychedelic therapies, with the hope of making them central to human culture once again.
Artem Smirnov
My journey with psychedelics began unexpectedly at 23, awakening a deeper sense of awe, curiosity, and trust in my intuition. Over the next decade, I approached these experiences intentionally, often in nature, using them to reconnect with myself and move through life with greater clarity and compassion. After being diagnosed with psoriasis in my mid-twenties, I began exploring the connection between emotional health and physical symptoms, recognizing how unresolved experiences were shaping my well-being. In 2022, I co-founded Normalize Psychedelics to share the stories and perspectives I wish I’d had, with the goal of reducing stigma, opening honest conversations, and expanding how we think about healing.
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Power The Next Story.
Normalize Psychedelics is a global storytelling movement making healing visible and changing culture through lived experience. Each story reduces stigma, restores dignity, and reminds people they are not alone. Your support helps these stories reach the lives that need them most.