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.
The evidence around using psychedelics as medicine may be nascent, but the online market of self-proclaimed healers offering curated journeys involving various illegal substances is booming.
Back in the forest cabin in Cape Town, the effects of Stuart Dod's journey begin to wear off. He says he does not feel healed, but he believes he is on his way there.
