Importance of set and setting?

Jim O'Shaughnessy emphasizes the critical importance of 'set and setting' — the mindset of the individual and the physical or social environment — especially when engaging with psychedelics. He underlines that historically, psychedelic experiences were often mediated by skilled individuals like shamans, who played a key role in ensuring safety and the right ceremonial context. Jim stresses that despite the argument for unrestricted access to psychedelics, he believes in a controlled approach where experienced guides or facilitators manage the experience to minimize risks and maximize the therapeutic or insightful potential of psychedelics 1.