One important element is set and setting, which is beneficial for sex on acid, mushrooms, and other psychedelics.

Is MDMA the secret to having great sex? Or is it 2C-B? According to Julie Holland, MD, a psychiatrist and author of Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection, from Soul to Psychedelics, “Sasha Shulgin [an American scientist and psychopharmacologist renowned as the “godfather of ecstasy”] felt that 2C-B was the most sensual he would tried, and I would concur.” Molly is still very popular, though. Between 1980 and 1985, two psychiatrists utilized MDMA in couple’s therapy with 80 clients (until it was ruled illegal). The doctors said that it “decreases illogical anxiety responses to perceived emotional dangers,” according to The Atlantic.

Couples today carry on the custom independently. According to Delaware resident Shane, 40, “MDMA and 2C-B increase the physical and emotional feelings of intercourse.” Dr. Holland states that whereas MDMA has a direct pharmacological impact of raising oxytocin, other psychedelics might have an indirect effect due to potential interaction between the oxytocin receptor and the psychedelic receptor, 5HT2A. “Oxytocin helps us open up, trust, and bond by reducing the fear-based amygdala reaction.”

Research on psychedelics and sex is needed. Few studies have examined the effect of psychedelics in intimacy, despite the fact that there are currently dozens of studies examining their therapeutic potential. The majority of what we know about psychedelics and sex is anecdotal because sexuality in general is understudied. “MDMA significantly improved my relationship with the other individual. Harry Resin, an Oakland-based cannabis industry expert, says, “We were able to have a deep tantric connection.”

Others have similar experiences with LSD and mushrooms. According to Los Angeles resident Sami, 26, “the mixture brought heightened sensation and awareness.” She goes on to say that it improved her emotional bond with her boyfriend and significantly reduced her self-consciousness over appearance and performance. Even more important than the content is who we go with. According to Dr. Holland, “I believe any psychedelic might increase emotional intimacy depending on the situation.”

The opposite is also true. When using psychedelics, it is common to forget about sex or have sexual dysfunction. Dr. Holland states that while MDMA is undoubtedly excellent for emotional closeness and can make touch and love feel wonderful, it can also make it difficult for certain people to experience a full sexual reaction, such as climax or erections.

Read: Let us Take a Trip Together—I Love You

Your sexual experience is greatly influenced by the atmosphere and the psychedelic you are using. “The experience *is* them,” Dr. Holland asserts. “Aside from your internal state and the exterior environment around you, what else is there? You placed that small piece of paper on your tongue? You must feel completely protected in order to get the most enjoyment out of the event. Your physical environment, your relationship, and, of course, your attitude should all be part of that safe area.

According to psychotherapist and licensed psychedelic integrationist Dr. Denise Renye, “having open interactions and feeling calm and clear-headed beforehand is crucial.” Another important factor in having a profound and more aware experience is the environment. The location of the encounter has a significant impact on levels of presence and can provide the setting and container that may result in a more profound experience for each participant as well as for everyone else.

For example, going camping in a romantic location as a couple can be different than going to a music festival. Carly, 31, from Brooklyn, recalls, “I took the LSD with my partner at a music festival with the goal of having sex.” We have never had sex while on the road. When we returned to the tent, we wanted to act like monkeys and climb over everything, so I believe we took too much. To be honest, we kind of forgot about sex.

So go slowly and start low. “A sexual experience will probably not even be possible if the dose is too high,” says Dr. Denise Renye, a psychologist and licensed psychedelic integrationist.

See also: Psychedelics and Play Parties: Magic or Error?

Psychedelics have enormous therapeutic potential and can save lives (or save sex). However, they can influence your capacity to agree, just like any other substance. “Here, enthusiastic permission, birth control, and protection against sexually transmitted infections would be the same guidelines as for non-altered sex. Now, you have to account for the possibility of spreading or catching a virus that might be lethal at times, Dr. Holland explains. “That is a lot to impose on someone who has undergone such drastic change.”

To enjoy the safest sex, keep in mind that you can get a trance without using drugs. “I felt like we were peaking and tripping at the same moment when Jeremy proposed to me, but we had not consumed anything,” Dr. Holland recalls. The same thing happened during Molly’s birth. My own chemistry made me feel totally different. The key takeaway is that many of the same positive chemistries we seek in others may be created by connection, love, and unity.