Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Perhaps the first clinical research in this country since the 1960s into the subject has shown that psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychadelic mushrooms, can induce a "mystical" experience in those who consume it. In a clinical trial, 2/3rds of those who tried the drug for the first time reported such a mystical experience. Moreover "One-third rated a session with psilocybin as the 'single most spiritually significant' experience of their lives. Another third put it in the top five."

Four people experienced paranoia. And get this: "Two months after a session, the people who had taken psilocybin reported small but significant positive changes in behavior and attitudes compared with those who had taken Ritalin."

Some of the stories that I've seen about this come off as really bitter- "We knew this all along, but the stupid fuzz wouldn't admit it!" But it's good to see neuroscience delving into this subject and the results, if not particularly surprising, are positive.

No comments: