The psychedelic movement has long been associated with countercultural figures like Timothy Leary, Aldous Huxley, and Terence McKenna. But behind the scenes—and increasingly at the forefront—women have been instrumental in shaping the evolution of psychedelics. Whether through scientific research, advocacy, underground therapy, or preserving indigenous traditions, these women have helped push psychedelics into mainstream consciousness while ensuring their sacred and therapeutic values remain intact.
From pioneering therapists to policy reformers, this article celebrates women who have profoundly influenced the world of psychedelics: Amanda Feilding, Ann Shulgin, Valentina Wasson, Maria Sabina, and contemporary leaders driving today’s psychedelic renaissance.
Amanda Feilding: The Countess of Consciousness Expansion
If there’s one name that deserves more credit in modern psychedelic research, it’s Amanda Feilding. This British aristocrat-turned-visionary-researcher has spent decades funding and spearheading some of the most influential studies on the therapeutic use of psychedelics. As the founder of the Beckley Foundation, Feilding has helped push forward groundbreaking research on LSD, psilocybin, and ayahuasca.
Feilding’s fascination with altered states of consciousness began in the 1960s, when she personally experimented with LSD and even studied trepanation—a controversial practice of drilling a hole in the skull to enhance blood flow and consciousness. While that particular idea didn’t take off, her commitment to exploring and legitimizing psychedelics through science has been undeniable.
Through her foundation, Feilding has collaborated with world-renowned institutions, publishing studies that demonstrate psychedelics’ potential for treating depression, PTSD, and addiction. She’s also been a relentless advocate for drug policy reform, working to dismantle outdated laws that have long restricted psychedelic research and access.
Ann Shulgin: The Underground Therapist Who Revolutionized Psychedelic Healing
Ann Shulgin wasn’t just the wife of Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin—the legendary chemist who synthesized MDMA and hundreds of other compounds. She was a pioneering psychotherapist who explored the therapeutic potential of psychedelics long before mainstream science caught up.
With a background in Jungian psychology, Ann was among the first to use MDMA and 2C-B in guided therapy sessions, helping patients navigate their traumas and integrate their shadow selves. She strongly believed that psychedelics, when used with intention and expertise, could facilitate profound healing and self-awareness.Despite the criminalization of MDMA in the 1980s, Ann’s work laid the foundation for today’s resurgence of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Her contributions, alongside Sasha’s, were documented in PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved) and TiHKAL (Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved), books that remain essential reading for psychonauts and researchers alike.
Valentina Wasson: The Unsung Mycologist Who Brought Magic Mushrooms to the West
When people talk about the “discovery” of psilocybin mushrooms, Gordon Wasson usually gets the credit. But in reality, it was Valentina Pavlovna Wasson, a Russian pediatrician and mycology expert, who introduced her husband to the cultural and spiritual significance of mushrooms.
Valentina’s passion for fungi led the couple to Mexico in the 1950s, where they encountered the Mazatec tradition of psilocybin mushroom ceremonies. Her deep respect for these rituals helped shape their historic Life magazine article “Seeking the Magic Mushroom” (1957), which ignited Western interest in psychedelic mushrooms.
Without Valentina’s influence, the psychedelic movement might have taken a much longer path to recognizing the power of psilocybin. Though her contributions have often been overshadowed, her role in introducing magic mushrooms to the West remains undeniable.
Maria Sabina: The Indigenous Healer Who Opened the Psychedelic Gateway
Few figures have had as complex a legacy in psychedelics as Maria Sabina, a Mazatec curandera from Oaxaca, Mexico. For generations, her people had used Psilocybe mushrooms for healing and spiritual guidance. But when she agreed to share this sacred tradition with outsiders—most notably R. Gordon Wasson in 1955—it triggered a chain of events that would forever change the course of psychedelic history.
Maria Sabina’s ceremonies became the blueprint for the Western psychedelic experience, influencing researchers and seekers alike. However, her openness came at a cost—tourists flooded her village in search of mystical experiences, and her community ultimately rejected her for exposing their sacred knowledge.
Despite the hardships she faced, Maria Sabina’s influence is everlasting. Every modern discussion about psilocybin, ethical psychedelic use, and indigenous reciprocity traces back to her legacy.
Modern-Day Leaders: Paving the Future of Psychedelics and Cannabis
While these women laid the groundwork, the psychedelic movement is evolving, with new voices shaping its future. Two contemporary figures leading this charge are Dr. Julie Holland and Bia Labate.
Dr. Julie Holland: The Psychiatrist Bridging Psychedelics and Cannabis Medicine
Dr. Julie Holland is a psychiatrist, psychopharmacology expert, and one of the loudest voices advocating for the medical use of psychedelics. With decades of experience in emergency psychiatry and drug research, Holland has become a leading proponent of MDMA, psilocybin, and cannabis for mental health treatment.
She has authored books like Moody Bitches and Good Chemistry, breaking down the science of psychedelics in a way that resonates with both medical professionals and the general public. Holland has also worked closely with organizations like MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), supporting the movement to integrate psychedelics into therapeutic settings.
Bia Labate: The Anthropologist Championing Indigenous Psychedelic Traditions
Dr. Beatriz “Bia” Labate is a Brazilian anthropologist and activist dedicated to preserving the cultural integrity of psychedelic traditions. As the founder of the Chacruna Institute, she has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between Western psychedelic science and indigenous knowledge.
Labate’s work highlights the importance of reciprocity and ethical psychedelic use, ensuring that traditional practices are respected rather than exploited. By challenging Western-centric narratives, she’s helping shape a more inclusive, sustainable psychedelic future.
The Knox Family: Pioneers in Cannabis and Psychedelic Medicine
Dr. Rachel Knox, along with her sister Dr. Jessica Knox and their mother Dr. Janice Knox, has been at the forefront of integrative cannabinoid and psychedelic medicine. The Knox family, all physicians, are advocates for the therapeutic potential of plant-based medicine and work to educate healthcare providers on its benefits. Through their leadership in the Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM), they emphasize the importance of access, equity, and informed medical practices in both cannabis and psychedelic treatment. Their collective efforts ensure that these medicines are incorporated into healthcare with a focus on social justice and holistic well-being.
Knox has also emphasized the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, and racial justice, working to address disparities in drug policy and healthcare access. Her leadership ensures that these healing substances are not only scientifically validated but also distributed ethically and inclusively.
Dr. Michele Ross: Neuroscientist Bridging Cannabis and Psychedelics
Dr. Michele Ross is a neuroscientist, author, and wellness advocate dedicated to the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, and mental health. With a background in addiction research, she has played a key role in reshaping the conversation around plant medicine as a tool for healing rather than harm. Dr. Ross has written extensively about the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, cannabis, and ketamine for conditions like depression, PTSD, and chronic pain. She is also the founder of Infused Health, a platform dedicated to coaching individuals on integrating plant medicines into their wellness routines. Her work serves as a bridge between scientific research and practical application, ensuring that more people have access to plant-based healing methods.
Conclusion: Honoring the Women Who Made Psychedelic History
From Amanda Feilding’s scientific advocacy to Maria Sabina’s spiritual legacy, women have played a pivotal role in psychedelics—often without receiving the recognition they deserve. Today, pioneers like Julie Holland and Bia Labate continue this tradition, ensuring that psychedelics are not only validated by science but also honored for their cultural and healing significance.
As the psychedelic renaissance gains momentum, it’s crucial to acknowledge and uplift the women who have shaped this space. Their work reminds us that psychedelics aren’t just about altered states—they’re about transformation, healing, and a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.
