Science
April 30, 1971
Norman I. Dishotsky, William D. Loughman, Robert E. Mogar et al.
145 citations
Pure LSD ingested in moderate doses does not damage chromosomes in vivo, cause detectable genetic damage, or act as a teratogen or carcinogen in humans. In vitro studies showed chromatid breakage only at concentrations and exposure durations unachievable in humans, with no dose-response relation. Among 126 subjects given pure LSD, only 14.29% had elevated chromosome aberrations, versus 48.91% of 184 users of illicit LSD. Chromosome damage correlated with general drug abuse, not LSD alone. LSD is a weak mutagen effective only at extremely high doses. No cause-and-effect relation with neoplasia has been demonstrated, and case reports of leukemia are rare. Pure LSD is not teratogenic in humans, though illicit LSD use was linked to spontaneous abortions.
Psychological Reports
August 1, 1966
Willis W. Harman, Robert H. Mckim, Robert E. Mogar et al.
140 citations
A preliminary study explored whether psychedelic agents (LSD-25, mescaline) can facilitate creative problem-solving. Twenty-seven professionally employed males received a single psychedelic experience in small groups after extensive selection and preparation. The session was carefully structured to shape participants' expectations and create a supportive social environment. Tentative findings from creativity tests, subjective reports, self-ratings, and the usefulness of problem solutions suggested that, under this regimen, psychedelic agents seem to facilitate creative problem-solving, especially during the “illumination phase.” The results also suggested that various degrees of increased creative ability may persist for at least some weeks after the session.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
October 1, 1967
Robert E. Klavetter, Robert E. Mogar
28 citations
No Summary
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
October 1, 1965
Robert E. Mogar
23 citations
Since LSD's discovery in 1943, extensive research has documented its powerful effects on brain processes and autonomic functions, including lowered arousal thresholds and heightened sensory sensitivity. These psychopharmacological changes align with clinical findings of pronounced perceptual, affective, and ideational alterations. However, beyond these broad patterns, results have been inconsistent and often contradictory, even in simpler animal species. Methodological problems—especially in human studies—such as organic complexity, measurement shortcomings, individual differences, lack of adequate theoretical models, and non-drug variables like set and setting, have hindered progress. Additionally, a medico-legal-social controversy has obscured empirical questions and inhibited objective investigation.