Can Recreational Psychedelic Use Also Be Healing?

By Madison Margolin

In the evolving world of psychedelics, one of the most persistent and limiting narratives is the stark division between "medicinal" and "recreational" use. This dichotomy—so prominent in the cannabis legalization movement, for example—has fostered a false paradigm: that healing and fun are mutually exclusive. But that dichotomy doesn’t just oversimplify the truth; it obscures the rich complexity of human experience with these substances.

Think about it: in the cannabis movement, we saw the emergence of “medical marijuana”—a label that implied a serious, health-oriented use—coexisting with "adult-use" or recreational legalization, which is often associated with leisure, socializing, and enjoyment. The boundary between healing and having fun was artificially constructed, creating a narrative that you could only do one or the other.

And that, simply put, is just plain wrong.

The reality is far more nuanced. Healing can happen in spaces of joy, community, and celebration, just as fun can be a conduit for transformation. The opposite extreme—claiming that both are equally true—also misses the mark. Instead, I propose we explore the middle ground: the both-and perspective.

The Both-And: Dispelling the False Dichotomy

The false dichotomy between "medicinal" and "recreational" use has been useful for marketing, policy, and cultural narratives, but it doesn't reflect the lived reality of many people. Psychedelic experiences are deeply personal and context-dependent. They can be spontaneous or planned, ceremonial or casual, and still carry powerful healing potential.

This brings us to an important concept in both psychedelic culture and the broader healing world: "doing the work." You’ve probably heard this phrase a lot—"you can't just trip and expect to heal your deepest wounds, you also have to integrate and do the work," or, "tripping isn’t only about gazing at fractals, but about doing the work to investigate your deepest traumas."

But what does "doing the work" really mean? And can it be compatible with having fun?

Doing the Work: The Myth and the Reality

In many ways, "doing the work" has become a platitude—something that sounds profound but can feel abstract or even intimidating. It suggests grit, and perhaps struggle. And in our Western capitalist paradigm, "work" often connotes hustle, grind, and sacrifice. But what if "doing the work" was reframed as gentle effort, compassionate care, and energetic dynamism?

What if healing, in its deepest sense, isn’t solely about slogging through pain but also about cultivating joy, curiosity, and play? Could we imagine a paradigm where the therapeutic process includes fun—where having fun is part of the healing process?

Fun and Healing: A Paradigm Already at Work

Guess what? This isn't just an abstract idea. It’s already happening—in indigenous ceremonial contexts that seamlessly weave spirituality, community, and joy into the healing process. Many traditional cultures have long understood that sacred healing practices involve music, dance, shared rituals, and celebration. These elements are not mere entertainment; they are integral to releasing trauma, fostering connection, and facilitating transcendence.

Similarly, outdoor festivals, camping trips with friends, or even legendary Grateful Dead concerts have been described as life-changing, healing, or deeply meaningful experiences. In these settings, psychedelics are often part of a communal, ceremonial framework that emphasizes respect, intention, and shared exploration.

Of course, this isn’t to suggest that every fun experience with psychedelics will be healing or that it’s risk-free. Recreational contexts can also be unsupported, overwhelming, or destabilizing. But when set and setting are cultivated—good friends, held environment, respectful attitude—fun experiences can serve as powerful catalysts for emotional shifts and personal growth.

What Makes an Experience Healing? The Science of Relaxation

Here's a simple yet profound insight: what's so "healing" or "therapeutic" about recreational psychedelic use? On some level, it might be as straightforward as affecting the nervous system. When you're relaxed, enjoying yourself, and feeling safe, you're operating within the parasympathetic nervous system—your body's "rest and digest" mode. This state promotes healing, repair, and emotional regulation.

In contrast, stress, fear, or chaos activate the sympathetic nervous system—the "fight, flight, or freeze" response—which can exacerbate trauma or overwhelm. So, in a way, fun and relaxation can help shift your nervous system into a state conducive to healing, even if unintentionally.

Spending time in the parasympathetic mode—whether through laughter, dancing, or simply being in nature—can help regulate your emotional and physiological systems. This is why, in many indigenous and ceremonial contexts, joy, music, and community are not separate from healing—they are part of the process.

The Role of Intention and Mindset

That said, it's crucial to acknowledge that intention matters. Approaching psychedelics with curiosity, respect, and openness can make a big difference. Even in recreational settings, having an intention—such as seeking connection, insight, or emotional release—can steer the experience toward healing.

But what if you don’t have a specific goal? What if you’re just there to have fun or enjoy the moment? Well, that’s not necessarily a barrier. Sometimes, the most profound healing happens when you're simply relaxed, present, and receptive—qualities that often flourish in a playful, joyful environment.

Risks and Limitations: When Fun Doesn’t Equal Healing

Of course, recreational use is not without risks. Overwhelming experiences, unsupported environments, or underlying mental health issues can turn fun into distress. Psychedelics can amplify whatever is present—positive or negative—and without proper support, they can be destabilizing.

So, while fun experiences can be healing, they are not a guaranteed or universal pathway. Responsible use—understanding your set and setting, having trusted friends, and knowing your limits—is essential.

Bridging the Gap: Fun, Effort, and Healing as a Unified Approach

The bottom line is this: healing is not solely a solemn or arduous process. It can be infused with joy, playfulness, and compassion. In fact, the most enduring transformations often occur when we approach ourselves with kindness and curiosity—both during and after the experience in the integration phase.

Imagine a world where psychedelic healing isn't confined to clinical settings or dry self-help routines but extends into social gatherings, music festivals, nature retreats, and everyday life—where "doing the work" means not only confronting wounds but also celebrating life.

The Both-And of Psychedelic Use

So, can "recreational" psychedelic use also be "healing"? The answer is a resounding yes, but with important caveats. Healing and fun are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they often go hand in hand.

The false dichotomy between "medicinal" and "recreational" use—like the divide between "medical marijuana" and "recreational weed"—has served to limit our understanding and appreciation of these substances. Instead, embracing the both-and perspective allows us to see the richness of human experience with psychedelics: moments of joy intertwined with moments of insight, effort, and care.

Healing can happen through gentle effort, compassionate presence, energetic dynamism, and yes—fun. When set and setting are cultivated—good friends, music, nature, respect—the boundaries between recreation and healing dissolve, revealing the profound truth: that we are, at our core, capable of growth, transformation, and joy—all at once.

Madison Margolin is a journalist and educator who cofounded the psychedelic magazine DoubleBlind. She is the author of Exile and Ecstasy: Growing up with Ram Dass and Coming of Age in the Jewish Psychedelic Underground. Her writing has been featured in outlets like Rolling Stone, VICE, and Playboy.