Does any of this justify making the substances illegal? > but I worry that we’re underselling the risks Anyone with an ounce of sense knows exactly what bans

Does any of this justify making the substances illegal? > but I worry that we’re underselling the risks Anyone with an ounce of sense knows exactly what bans and prohibition lead to. I don't mean to take away any of the "I had a bad time" stories, my point is prohibiting leads to worse times, mandatory paranoia, decreased likelihood to reach out for help in even medical emergencies, and that's without going into how areas which attempt to maintain a market for prohibited substances are turned into no-go war zones. I would say the hand wavers are alluding to this reality. I am a proponent of licensing of therapists and subject for their suitability to the psychedelic experience. Not only is it not for everyone, it's suitable for a rare few who can take the whole thing seriously and understand the gravity of the experience. At best, anxiety and communication between participants in a therapeutic setting can override any positive value. At worst participants can experience long term negative effects, as OP outlines, or end up like Syd Barret. (https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2006/07/the-psychedelic-legacy-of-syd-barrett.html https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2006/07/the-psychedelic-...) That said, for those who do experience life-changing positive experiences, they are among the most valuable in their lives, and diminishing them as "fast" or "easy" is dishonorable. One of the greatest issues with the human race is the idea of "if I think it's bad, then it's bad for you, too." (yes, indeed, switch the polarity, it's the same issue.) We seem to be addicted to saying what is best or worst for everyone. In this age of ridiculous political polarization, driven primarily by complete imbeciles on both sides of the aisle. Psychedelics _can_ help some people see outside of their bubbles and reduce limitations in thinking. If only we can treat such substances with respect and stop wrapping them up in cheerleading or doom mongering, we could probably benefit from them more routinely.