MAPS Bridges Psychedelics and Mental Health Through Music

To enhance psychedelic experiences, MAPS’ ‘Music is the Bridge’ marries educational resources and curated playlists from stars including CloZee, Reggie Watts, Lil Yachty, and more!

MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) has released its ‘Music Is The Bridge’ campaign in an effort to bring more meaningful psychedelic experiences to the masses. The campaign offers several resources, including an online introductory course for newcomers, a psychedelics workbook, and several curated playlists from bold-faced names in the music and psychedelic scene. Just a few of those submitting playlists to the program so far are Melissa Etheridge, Brandon Boyd, Boreta, and Dr. Bronner’s.

Contributors to this program all believe that when psychedelics are used with proper intention, growth, and learning can come from the experience. Combining existing MAPS resources with playlists that help build the right setting can be critical steps in minimizing potential challenges and maximizing gains. Of his experience, Lil Yachty says, “Whenever I take a trip, I often spend the end of it reflecting and integrating my experiences—trying to understand why certain things are happening, what I’m doing well, and whether there’s anything I could be doing differently, or whatever else comes up.”

This campaign unites the medical, mystical, mainstream, and marginalized through the power of music, offering individuals transformative tools for self-discovery. Education is most effective when it meets people where they are on their journey. Music is a universal bridge, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of psychedelics while encouraging responsible and intentional exploration. This initiative reflects MAPS’ mission to create impactful, accessible change by blending cultural connection with purposeful education.
Devon Phillips, MAPS Community and Partnership Officer

Experienced psychedelic users will often note that “set and setting” are so critical to a positive experience. Choosing the right time and place (set) for your journey is the first part of this equation. Then, creating the setting with things like music, movies, or time in nature completes the picture.

I listened to these playlists through the lens of someone with experience on these journeys. What impressed me most was the music’s diversity and the curator’s personality, which was evident in each one. My only caveat is that playlists are highly individual, so I’d recommend you listen through these before your journey so you know what to expect. Some of the songs selected may not appeal to one individual but may be perfect for another.

It’s great to see MAPS encouraging psychedelics outside of the club and festival scene. Psychedelics at a rave can be terrific but are also not for the faint of heart due to potential overstimulation or anxiety. (If you are going to trip at a show, be sure to follow these safety tips, too!) Some psychedelic veterans will suggest a “calibration trip” in a low-stimulus environment, and ‘Music Is The Bridge’ provides terrific tools for this!

Sign up now for all the resources and playlists, including those released in future weeks.

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