Could Magic Mushrooms Be the Secret to Surviving Thanksgiving Drama?

As Thanksgiving looms amid divisive politics, global conflicts, and the ever-complicated dynamics of family gatherings, many Americans are bracing for a stressful holiday season. But in Maryland, some are beginning to wonder if a new solution could offer a smoother way forward: psychedelic mushrooms.

Earlier this year, Governor Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 1009, creating the Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances. This initiative is set to explore how Maryland might regulate and legalize substances like psilocybin, psilocin, and mescaline, with the aim of promoting equitable access and safe usage.

While Maryland is still in the research phase, experts like Gary Logan and Robert Grover of The Journeymen Collective believe that psilocybin, often referred to as "magic mushrooms," could help Americans navigate the emotional turbulence of holidays like Thanksgiving. Based in Canada, the duo specializes in guided psychedelic retreats designed to foster personal growth and well-being.

“Psychedelic mushrooms can help shift perspectives, making it easier to recognize the blessings around us,” said Logan. “They can promote greater appreciation for relationships, both personal and professional.”

With political tensions still high following what analysts called a “painful slog” of an election season, Thanksgiving could be more strained than usual. Families divided along partisan lines—or even those united under one political banner—may find themselves locked in heated debates about the future.

According to Flavio Hickel Jr., a political science professor at Washington College, even politically aligned groups can experience tension. “Discussions of why certain parties won or lost can invoke strong feelings,” he said, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries to keep discussions civil.

Logan, however, sees psychedelics as an opportunity to diffuse such conflicts. “While we don’t recommend slipping mushrooms into the mashed potatoes, a guided retreat beforehand could completely transform how people approach challenging conversations and relationships,” he said.

For Marylanders intrigued by this idea, the Task Force’s work is an exciting step. The group is examining not only the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics but also ways to ensure safe and equitable access. Advocates believe that legalizing these substances could pave the way for profound emotional healing and stress reduction.

Logan and Grover encourage those interested to research guided retreats and consider how psilocybin might improve their mental health over time. “If you start exploring this now, you might have an entirely different outlook by next Thanksgiving,” Logan said.

For those not ready to dive into the world of psychedelics just yet, experts offered practical advice for reducing Thanksgiving tensions:

Avoid Politics: Set ground rules to keep divisive topics off the table.

Focus on Connection: Remind yourself that your loved ones are more than their political beliefs.

Accept Differences: You won’t change someone’s mind over one dinner. Let go of the need to win arguments.

And if all else fails? "Bring pie, but leave the politics at home," advises Matt McDermott, a strategy expert based in Baltimore.

For Marylanders, the future of psychedelic therapy offers hope for calmer, more meaningful holidays. Whether through guided retreats or simply starting a family conversation about psilocybin’s benefits, the potential for transformation is as ripe as a holiday pumpkin pie.

Magic Mushrooms for a Mellow Thanksgiving? Would You Try Psychedelic Therapy to Handle Holiday Stress?