Magic Mushroom holidays are a new way for people to get away and rediscover themselves.

People of all ages and from all walks of life are finding themselves inspired to try such experiences after reading books like Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind

Silo Wellness in Jamaica’s Montego Bay is one such resort offering these psychedelic retreats, which in this instance has sessions led by local Rastafarians who act as spirit guides.

Often set in luxurious locations with good food and comfortable rooms, it’s not only magic mushrooms used. Soltara Healing Center near the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica offers ayahuasca ceremonies, which are led by native Shipibo healers. A trip of this kind could cost between $2,600 and $8,900, depending on the length of stay and quality of room.

There are also retreats aimed at a more corporate world rather than just holidaymakers. Journeymen Collective in Canada’s Vancouver invites business owners and executive teams to take a 2 to 5 gram dose of psychoactive fungi and take a spiritual journey to help align their companies with a greater purpose.

Gary Logan is a founder of the Journeymen Collective, and talking about his service, he said, “We want to cradle you, nurture you, and guide you through this process,” then continuing: “We want people to relax and rest into the medicine, not worry if there’s a tarantula on their face.”

In recent times, psychedelics have undergone a profound shift in public opinion, and many are more open-minded to exploring their potential for enlightenment and spiritual healing. There are also studies into how they could be used to treat depression and other mental illnesses.

DMT and LSD are other psychedelic drugs that are being researched for medical use whereas previously they had only been seen as recreational in western society. Michael Pollan’s book, How to Change Your Mind was published in 2018, and it touches on some of the research done into these substances.

Apparently, there is already a booming psychedelic market within the wellness industry. According to Data Bridge Market Research, the psychedelic market is projected to reach $10.7 billion by 2027, which in 2020 was valued at $3.8 billion.

There are lots more of these retreats in many different parts of the world, and it seems clear that cultural changes are only going to see an increase in this type of holiday retreat.

H/T: Bloomberg