The starter course explains the importance of set and setting, what psychedelics are, why people take them, their safety profile, and the differences in dosage (microdose, macrodose, therapeutic dose). Psychedelics (from the Greek psyche: mind, delos: make visible, reveal) are substances that induce a heightened state of consciousness characterized by a hyperconnected brain state. The best-known psychedelics are psilocybin (found in Magic Mushrooms), DMT (found in Ayahuasca), mescaline (found in Peyote and San Pedro Cacti), LSD, and 2C-B. Studies suggest psychedelics could be a breakthrough therapy for mental health issues including depression, anxiety, addiction, OCD, and PTSD through their ability to work on a deep emotional as well as biological level. Psychedelics can also bring about profoundly positive and meaningful experiences for people who aren't facing any particular issue or difficulty. Psychedelics may also improve creativity and problem-solving abilities. The classical psychedelics are not addictive and, whilst they can temporarily induce powerful mental effects, they are not toxic to the body like alcohol is. A 2010 study published in top medical journal The Lancet rated LSD and magic mushrooms as among the safest of 19 commonly used psychoactive substances; twelve times safer than alcohol and four times safer than tobacco. As for longer-term safety, an unprecedented 2013 study of more than 130,000 people found that psychedelic use was not indicative of increased mental health problems. In fact, some use of psychedelics corresponded with lower rates of psychological distress.