Q: “I am a successful, stable, satisfied man in his late 70s who has just been given a terminal diagnosis from an aggressive brain cancer. I am reasonably disappointed with the situation but also feel satisfied with what I have accomplished in my life and accepting that it may be my time to go. I have no major regrets or unresolved business. My son is urging me to seek out psychedelic therapy for end of life, and I’m not certain even what that means. I’m not a very spiritual person and I don’t have any fear of death, so I don’t understand what psychedelics would do for me. I’ve never been attracted to hard drugs, and I don’t see why I would want to start now. am I missing something?
A: First and foremost, I want to honor the clarity and acceptance you’ve expressed about your situation—a terminal diagnosis is rarely easy to receive, and yet your reflections convey a sense of groundedness and peace. This is a profound gift. It is important to say psychedelic therapy is not for everyone or every situation. There is no formula, no universal prescription for how to face one’s end. It’s entirely possible that you’re not missing anything. That is perfectly valid.
Second, I’d like to gently push back on the term “hard drugs” as a basis for evaluating the potential value or harm of psychedelics. That language stems from cultural messaging shaped during decades of prohibition and stigma—and lumped very different substances into the same category without fully considering their therapeutic potential or their impact on consciousness. Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA have been shown, in both research and lived experience, to be profoundly transformative when used intentionally and in supportive settings.
While these medicines undoubtedly hold specific value and purposes, there’s no Universal requirement to “try them.”
That said, many have found unique benefits in psychedelic end-of-life therapy. Below, I’ve outlined ways psychedelics have supported others in similar transitions, which might help you better understand your son’s perspective..
1. Transforming existential pain or grief
Even those at peace with their mortality can find themselves struggling with unspoken fears, regrets, or emotional heaviness. Psychedelics, such as psilocybin, have been shown to offer profound clarity or emotional release.
2. Exploring meaning, legacy, and purpose
Psychedelic journeys often help individuals connect with a broader sense of meaning—whether spiritual, relational, or entirely personal. Some describe experiencing deep gratitude and a clearer sense of the legacy they leave behind.
3. Acceptance of physical discomfort or bodily decline
For individuals navigating end of life, psychedelics have been shown to build greater acceptance of the necessary transitions the body goes through. This can deeply change how one relates to pain or discomfort, shifting fear or resistance.
4. Greater presence with loved ones
These therapies have the potential to enhance connection, with oneself and those closest to you, often yielding profound insights about relationships, reconciling unresolved conflicts or expressing love and gratitude in ways that enrich the final days spent with family.
5. A sense of transcendence or wonder
Psychedelic therapy can often elicit awe, interconnectedness, or transcendence. For some, this supports a deeper sense of calm; while for others, it reframes mortality as a continuation opposed to an end.
6. Peaceful preparation for the unknown
Even those without a fear of death can find that psychedelics help develop a sense of readiness, allowing them to approach their passing with curiosity, openness, and even reverence.
7. Supporting loved ones through grief
Whether these benefits resonate with you, they may hold meaning for others close to you. It can help loved ones process anticipatory grief and become more present during this sacred and raw chapter of life. Your son’s suggestion may come as much from his own emotional terrain as it does from his desire to support you.
Your sincere engagement in this conversation—whether you embrace or decline your son’s suggestion—reflects the profound care between you both. Whatever path you choose, I honor your inner wisdom, and I wish you peace and love on your journey ahead.
—Questions are encouraged to be sent to mary@myco.vision More information about Mary and her practice can be found at https://myco.vision
This article appears in Source Weekly May 22, 2025.
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