The Apps Designed for Psychedelic Trips

From dating apps, to virtual pimple-popping apps, to even an app that comes up with ‘there’s an app for that’ jokes, such as the eye-wateringly meta — “If you want to write an app that makes fun of apps, there’s an app for that.”

You get the picture. Without our realizing, it’s become an app-eat-app world, and we’re just swiping through it. Or something. 

Psychedelics and Apps – the Perfect Match?

So it’s no surprise that psychedelic-related apps have begun to fall thick and fast from the sky. In the past couple of years there have been a significant number created that aim to be a companion for those navigating their way through the psychedelic sphere. 

This combination is especially appropriate. The tech-world has vocally benefitted from the influence of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin and LSD for years. From 1950s computer scientists using LSD to help visualize microchip patterns, to Apple founder himself Steve Jobs who famously dubbed his psychedelic trips ‘one of the most important things in my life’, to the tech-kids of Silicon Valley evangelically microdosing today, our technological landscape is inextricable from its psychedelic influences. 

So, it makes sense that those with the skills might want to ‘give back’ as such, by demystifying psychedelics with a handy tool in your phone. It also makes sense that this is happening now, with the Psychedelic Renaissance booming as it is — there’s a lot of dollar to be made if you design an app that taps into this zeitgeist. But it’s not just big companies who are getting involved. There’s also a slew of apps from users of psychedelics themselves, who’ve noticed a need and decided to answer it. There are also apps that inhabit a more medical space, to be used in conjunction with proper psychedelic therapy. 

As we speak, there may be an app in development to help you find the best psychedelic app for you. It’s possible! But until then, there’s a Wholecelium for that. We check out the best apps by category, so you can decide which one(s) are right for you. <3

Apps To Help With Your Microdose Routine 

Houston

Houston is one of the newer psychedelic apps on the market. Its name is a reference to space exploration. Though of course, when it comes to psilocybin, its inner space rather than outer space we’re traversing — geddit? But, Houston makes sure we don’t have a problem. It has options to track which days you microdose, as well as chosen dosage, your mood, your intentions and your reflections on your experience. There is also a community feed and even music suggestions under the banner “dose day radio”. 

Microdose.me 

Microdose.me was launched in 2019 and has since become one of the most popular psychedelic apps. But, when you use it, you are not just tracking your microdose routine. You are also contributing to a first-of-its-kind database for microdosing — posed to benefit us all in the future. Advocated by mycologist Paul Stamets, this app was launched by MAPS Canada, to both collect data for future research and to disseminate advice for those who are taking up microdosing. When you download the app you will be asked to fill in some questions about your demographic, medical history and microdosing routine. You then take a cognitive performance test. For the next 3 months you will answer a daily one minute question about your progress, thus helping yourself and others. Wow!

Microtracker 

Microtracker is a classic microdosing tracker app. Enter your microdose schedule, your intentions, progress and general wellbeing (how much sleep did you get? etc). You can set reminders to go off on the days you need to microdose and create charts to help you visualize your progress. You can share these with your friends too!

Apps To Guide You Through A Trip

PsycheDev

PsycheDev has got you covered head-to-toe for your next psychedelic trip. Whether a newbie looking for virtual guidance, or an old hand who wants to get a bit deeper, this app creates a tailor-made experience. It is organized into several sections including Intention Setting, Questioning and Meditation. The app factors in your emotional well-being and mindset by asking simple questions and giving you some easy exercises to follow. It’s all with the aim of helping you get to know yourself better via your trips, and making the most of psychedelic magic! 

Trip

Field Trip Health is a big name in the growing psychedelic arena. You may have heard of their first-of-its-kind psilocybin research center in Jamaica, and its ketamine clinics located in Canada and America. Trip, their first technology outing, aims to be key to your personal psychedelic experience. First you choose your dose level — which will then provide you with either 4, 6 or 8 hour experiences. In the preparation section of your trip you can set your intention (e.g. grow, heal, transform) and be provided music options to accompany it.

You are then guided through your trip, ending with a series of therapeutic questions to help with the integration process. Field Trip Health founder Ronan Levy is aware that the growing popularity of psychedelics will mean people will be taking them outside of the therapeutic setting his company usually advocates. Trip will work as a friendly guide for the at-home explorer. Levy explains; “I like to say we’re like Home Depot for self-exploration. You can do it, we can help.”

Mydelica 

Mydelica has not yet been released, but it’s already generating buzz due to its scientific pedigree. It is being developed at Imperial College London, with Dr Robin Carhart-Harris at the helm, who together have generated some of the biggest advancements in psychedelic research in recent years. You can currently subscribe for early access to the app which promises “Guidance on how to safely and effectively plan, execute and integrate a journey.”

Homecoming

Homecoming focuses on the therapeutic aspect of psychedelics. Calling itself a ‘companion’ app, this patient-first platform is supposed to be used alongside therapy sessions. It partners with therapists, clinics and retreats to provide these services before, after and in between sessions. Head of Newly Institute, Marshall Ross explains;

“Homecoming allows our therapists to streamline preparation, self-reporting and follow up protocols for our patients. It saves our medical team a lot of time and allows us to set and maintain the highest standards of care as we grow.”

Lumenate 

Lumenate, launched last year, was predominantly advertised as an app that would make you trip, minus the psychedelic substances. As with most of these apps, you can use them as a handy tool to track your mental health and emotions regardless of whether you’ve had a dose of shrooms or not. So you can use it either way really. But your psychedelic trip will rise to the next level if you utilize Lumenate’s immersive light experience. The app promises you will be transported “effortlessly into a calming and immersive journey through a constantly shifting kaleidoscope of colors created by your subconscious.” Yes please!

Apps To Help You in a Tough Spot 

Fireside Project 

The Fireside Project is a first of its kind psychedelic peer-support app. What does that mean? Well, it’s pretty cool actually. Just press a button, and you are put through to a volunteer support worker to help you through your psychedelic experience. Yes, a real person! Launched in August 2021, you can use the app at any point, but ⅔ of users are usually post-trip, hoping to digest, make sense of, and integrate their experience. The other ⅓ are tripping at that moment, and needing to hear a friendly voice. That’s one of the great things about Fireside Project, its staffed by volunteers who ‘get it’. Who understand, or are experienced with psychedelics themselves. Co-founder Hanifa Nayo Washington explained to mashable.com;

“We want to be the thing that everybody knows, at the very least, you will not fall, you will not be alone.”

Apps for Trippy Sounds and Visuals 

Wavepaths

This psychedelic music app has credentials right out the gate. Just mention Brian Eno (who developed this app with neuroscientist Dr Mendel Kaelen) and even the snobbiest muso-snob’s ears will start twitching. Wavepaths uses adaptive therapeutic music to accompany and enhance your psychedelic experience. Using groundbreaking AI technology, the app aims to focus on the introspective and emotional side of a trip. It does this by generating a tranquil atmosphere through infinitely generated ambient music and sounds. This is for trippers who desire a truly immersive experience. 

Hypnoglyph 

Hypnoglyph is for those with hungry eyes. If the fractals generated by a shroom trip aren’t quite enough, this fun little tool will create visuals that will keep you engrossed for hours. Easy to use (which is handy for those tripping!) with this app you are able to manipulate and metamorphose a cube endlessly, creating mind-bending colorful patterns. 

Polyfauna 

Another app with music cred, Polyfauna is co-developed by Thom Yorke from Radiohead. This audio-visual app allows you to explore a world of trippy shapes and colors simply with your fingers. These bizarre and beautiful landscapes are soundtracked by soothing music composed by Radiohead, and due to groundbreaking technology, no two sessions on this app are ever the same. This immersive and creative experience will add a whole new meaning to the word ‘trip’. 

Fraksyl

Fraksyl is an app that helps you create psychedelic art to match your trip. Creating groovy fractals is easy with the wealth of tools, filters and effects at your fingertips. Another cool feature is that you can use your phone or tablet camera to customize your designs further. You can save your art-works for future use (i.e. your next magic mushroom adventure) or even send them to your friends! They do say psychedelics inspire great art!

Have a ‘Appy Trip

These apps are all super exciting! But, we do also believe that there is no substitute for real life contact during or after a psychedelic experience. They are all about true connection after all. These apps are a great tool, but we also advise a trip sitter, friend or therapist nearby to cover all bases. 

However you choose to trip, be safe, and aim for the stars!