Although psychedelic drugs are illegal in South Africa, many self-appointed healers and shamans based in Cape Town are openly advertising that they incorporate them in their therapies.
Anyone convicted of their commercial use faces a fine, a prison sentence of up to 25 years, or both.
Photographer Stuart Dods is one of those willing to take the treatment from a shaman.
In an elegant wooden cabin nestled in the forest on Cape Town's outskirts, he is about to undergo his second psychedelic experience to treat a series of mental health issues he has been suffering from. He has tried prescription medication but is convinced psychedelics hold the key to his healing.
Mum passed away suddenly, so that was a hell of a thing. And then my ex broke off a year after mum died as well. So that's kind of when the rug got pulled out a little bit, says the 53-year-old.
At a cost of around $2,000 (£1,500), the psychedelic experience he has chosen involves taking doses of psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms) and MDMA (also known as the party drug, ecstasy). The organisers say the fee also includes accommodation and a package of support services.
Despite a growing body of research into their effectiveness in treating mental health conditions, warnings remain about their use outside of controlled, clinical settings.
...
In 2022, one of the largest peer-reviewed studies on the therapeutic use of psychedelics involved giving 233 participants a synthetic formulation of psilocybin. It found that a 25mg dose administered alongside psychological support from trained therapists, resulted in improvement of a patient-reported measure of depression.
However, as the industry grows in South Africa, experts warn of the dangers within this unregulated market, highlighting ethical concerns and the challenges in ensuring patient safety amidst a desire for innovative mental health solutions.
