Shamans in South Africa Embrace Psychedelics for Healing Amid Legal Risks

Mon Oct 13 2025 23:16:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In Cape Town, shamans openly advertise psychedelic therapy despite strict laws against such substances, attracting individuals seeking alternative mental health treatments.

In South Africa, the illegal use of psychedelics by self-proclaimed shamans is on the rise as they offer these controversial therapies to individuals seeking treatment for mental health issues. With individuals like Stuart Dods seeking healing through psilocybin and MDMA, concerns arise among psychiatry professionals about the risks and ethics of unregulated psychedelic use. Despite the legal ramifications—fines and lengthy prison sentences—those involved in these practices assert their methods can unlock healing on a personal level, revealing a new facet of the mental health crisis in the region.

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.

There is a growing body of research and trials into their effectiveness in treating mental health conditions, but there are warnings about their use outside of controlled, clinical settings.

Megan Hardy, who refers to herself as a medicine woman and is in charge of the session with Mr. Dods, also takes a smaller dose of both drugs ahead of the ritual. She claims it helps her move into the same frequencies as the person she is treating.

Before the psychedelic ceremony begins, which Stuart has agreed for the BBC World Service to film, Ms. Hardy reassures her client he can stop at any time.

The two women move around the room, burning herbs and shaking shamanic rattles while singing and chanting in a purification ritual known as smudging. Ms. Hardy fans Mr. Dods's body using the wing of a bird, in what she says is an attempt at clearing negative energy.

Despite the lack of regulation and the risks involved, the demand for psychedelic therapies is growing in response to the rising prevalence of mental health issues worldwide. The industry continues to attract those seeking alternative healing methods, sparking debates about safety, legality, and effectiveness.