Good Chemistry

Good Chemistry approaches psychedelics from an unusual and compelling angle: connection. Holland, a psychiatrist who has edited both The Complete Guide to Ecstasy (MDMA) and The Pot Book, and who serves as medical monitor for MAPS MDMA-therapy clinical trials, argues that disconnection — from self, others, and nature — is the root cause of most modern mental health crises. She then explores how oxytocin, endocannabinoids, serotonin, and psychedelic medicines can restore the neural pathways of trust and bonding. Gabor Maté endorsed the book as a "reader-friendly antidote to the estrangement from ourselves and others so endemic in modern society."

What makes this book unique is its integrative framework. Holland doesn't just advocate for psychedelics — she places them within a broader toolkit that includes meditation, breathwork, nature exposure, physical touch, and community. The neuroscience is accessible and well-explained, covering the default mode network, mirror neurons, and the parasympathetic nervous system. The limitation is that the book tries to cover a very wide range of topics (from octopus empathy to Palestinian-Israeli dialogue) and sometimes sacrifices depth for breadth. Kirkus called it "an intriguing invitation to tune into the therapeutic experience of psychedelic connectivity."

For microdosing practitioners, Holland's framework is particularly relevant because it explains why microdosing often makes people feel more connected — to themselves, to others, and to their environment. The oxytocin and serotonin pathways she describes are precisely the systems that psilocybin and LSD modulate at sub-perceptual doses. Understanding these mechanisms helps microdosers set meaningful intentions and track the most relevant outcomes in their practice.