A Psychedelic Yoga Class in Los Angeles
On a scorching Saturday afternoon in June, a handful of people slipped into a nondescript downtown L.A. studio with tinted windows, just across the way from Walt Disney Concert Hall. In the lobby, shelves displayed serums, candles, and natural deodorants next to black boxes filled with magic mushroom gummies. A greeter ushered attendees into a dark windowless room with yoga mats on the carpeted floor, asking each person: “Would you like some mushroom tea?”
A New Trend in Wellness
They were there for a yoga class hosted by Personalized Wellbeing, a Los Angeles-based company that provides a range of wellness-based services that support psychedelic experiences. The mushrooms were provided by Psilouette, a brand under the Personalized Wellbeing umbrella with a line of gummies, teas, and cacao butter squares containing magic mushrooms. Psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, remains illegal federally and in the state of California. But in Los Angeles’ growing illicit market, Personalized Wellbeing and Psilouette are notable for their sleek branding and brazenness. Tickets to the mushrooms-enhanced yoga class were offered online for $100 per person, and a publicist for the company invited journalists to cover the event, two of whom were in attendance.
A Risky Business
Personalized Wellbeing’s shroom yoga class is part of a broader trend of psychedelic-enhanced experiences catering to the curious and health-conscious; in Colorado, where psilocybin has been decriminalized at the state level, wellness center 4 Winds Farm offers psychedelic retreats for women. In the 2020 Netflix docu-series "The Goop Lab," staffers from Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness company went on a retreat in Jamaica to eat, pray, and drink mushroom tea. It’s not uncommon to see the cryptic phrase "gummy optional" when signing up for a sound bath in certain parts of Los Angeles.
But are companies like Personalized Wellbeing putting themselves and their customers at risk by acting as if magic mushrooms are legal? In recent years, California lawmakers’ attempts to legalize psychedelics have repeatedly failed. In August, the FDA also rejected Lykos Therapeutics’ proposal to legalize MDMA-assisted therapy, citing concerns over clinical trial designs. The decision sent shock waves through the psychedelic industry, suggesting substances might not be legalized for the masses as soon as a growing number of companies and investors in the space would like.
A Growing Industry
Consumer demand for psychedelic experiences remains, and players in an illegal market who were once cautiously discreet are becoming bolder. Chase, who started Personalized Wellbeing and Psilouette in 2022 after leaving his corporate job at L’Oreal, finds confidence in what he sees as the growing usage of magic mushrooms in Los Angeles.
"The psychedelic community is huge now," he said. "Everyone is acting like it’s legal. It’s a herd mentality. The more people are doing it, the less repercussions there are."
A Conclusion
Personalized Wellbeing’s mushroom yoga class is just one example of the growing trend of psychedelic-enhanced experiences. While the legality of psychedelics remains uncertain, companies like Personalized Wellbeing and Psilouette are taking risks to provide high-quality products to customers. But as the industry grows, so do concerns over safety and regulation. Only time will tell if the psychedelic community will continue to operate in the shadows or push for legalization.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to participate in a psychedelic yoga class?
A: While Personalized Wellbeing takes safety precautions, such as providing guidance on dosage and having trained facilitators on hand, there are still risks involved with using psychedelics.
Q: Can I get in trouble with the law for participating in a psychedelic yoga class?
A: Yes, magic mushrooms are illegal federally and in the state of California, and participating in a psychedelic yoga class could be considered illegal.
Q: How do I know if a psychedelic yoga class is legitimate?
A: Research the company and read reviews from previous participants to ensure that the class is well-regulated and safe.
Q: Can I still experience the benefits of a psychedelic yoga class without using psychedelics?
A: Yes, many of the benefits of a psychedelic yoga class, such as increased self-awareness and emotional release, can be achieved through other means, such as meditation or sound baths.
