I'm glad I did it when I was a teen.

I've always been very empathetic, but a few imperfect acid/mushroom experiences deepened my understanding of empathy and highlighted the significant energy expenditure that comes with it—an aspect I continue to manage carefully to this day. I also realized through these experiences that nothing affects my emotional state more than witnessing someone share their passion for absolutely anything.

These are just a couple examples, and I realize they may seem trivial, but the experiences changed the course of my life. And perhaps I would've reached similar conclusions otherwise, but I was deeply unhappy too, so...

I think we have a tendency to over-inflate the importance of our place here on this planet. It's cool that we get to do this, but it's not important. I wish it were 'ok' for me to introduce my teen children to these experiences in a safe, controlled environment. Especially the 100% of them with worse anxiety than I experienced when I was their age wondering whether I'd make it.

If your concern is collective social wellness, perhaps we should gatekeep religion till 25+, with psychedelics as a prerequisite.