According to Gael, one thing you might ask yourself before taking psychedelics is whether you are using them with the intent to “escape” a particular emotion or situation. “That is typically a good indication that you may want to focus on tending to your emotional and psychological health through therapy or other types of support…

But as festivals around the world attract more and more people, Sara Gael hopes that calls for broader social cohesion—and harm reduction—will prevail in the United States, too.