The term "psychedelics" refers to a group of compounds that produce similar subjective effects, but work pharmacologically in different ways. Some examples include PCP, ketamine, MDMA, and ibogaine. These compounds are generally safe at the physiological level.
This podcast episode provides a brief but informative overview of psychedelics, including the different types and how they differ from one another, such as in their pharmacological pathways and subjective effects. The safety of some of the more commonly discussed psychedelics is also touched upon.