While discussing the contents of his memoir “Spare” on an international livestream event, Harry told Dr. Gabor Maté that psychedelics are responsible for changing his perspective on life, Vanity Fair reported. In the book, the Duke of Sussex goes into lengthy detail about his experimentations with numerous drugs, and how they helped him cope with the trauma of losing his beloved mother, the late Princess Diana.

The British royal, who admits to trying marijuana, cocaine, and psilocybin mushrooms, revealed that he was introduced to cocaine at the age of 17. Though he claims to have done it a few more times since, Harry says that his preference is marijuana.

“Marijuana is different [to cocaine]. It did really help me,” Prince Harry explained. “I started doing it recreationally and then started to realize how good it was for me. I would say it is one of the fundamental parts of my life that changed me and helped me deal with the traumas and the pains of the past. They’re unlocking so much of what we’ve suppressed.”

In the memoir highlighting the sacrifices made to improve his mental health, that has since caused controversy, reflects on his decision to step down as a senior royal and move with his wife Meghan Markle and their son to California in 2020. He intends to turn his pain into purpose by sharing his experiences.

“This book and its truths are in many ways a continuation of my own mental health journey. It’s a raw account of my life: the good, the bad, and everything in between.”