Journal of Psychopharmacology
May 30, 2008
R. R. Griffiths, Wa Richards, Mw Johnson et al.
883 citations
A double-blind study of 36 hallucinogen-naïve adults who regularly participated in religious or spiritual activities found that a single high dose of psilocybin (30 mg/70 kg) produced experiences that, at a 14-month follow-up, were rated among the five most personally meaningful (58%) and spiritually significant (67%) experiences of their lives. 64% reported increased well-being or life satisfaction, and 58% met criteria for a complete mystical experience. The mystical experience assessed on the session day was central to the high ratings of personal meaning and spiritual significance at follow-up. Only a scale measuring mystical experience showed a difference from screening among measures of personality, affect, quality of life, and spirituality.
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
November 4, 2016
De Nichols, Mw Johnson, Cd Nichols
366 citations
Serotonergic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, which activate 5-HT2A receptors, show preliminary efficacy in treating anxiety, depression, and addiction to tobacco and alcohol when combined with psychotherapy. Recent research suggests these compounds may also combat inflammatory diseases through novel mechanisms, potentially offering advantages over existing anti-inflammatory drugs. The authors propose that psychedelics work by temporarily destabilizing brain network hubs and global connectivity via amplified neuronal avalanches, allowing the brain to reset after acute effects subside. Anti-inflammatory effects could benefit both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric inflammation-related conditions, warranting rigorous further research.
JAMA Network Open
March 10, 2026
Mw Johnson, Gideon P. Naudé, Peter S. Hendricks et al.
6 citations
A single high dose of psilocybin combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) led to significantly higher long-term smoking abstinence rates than nicotine patch treatment plus CBT. At six months, 40.5% of participants who received psilocybin had biochemically verified prolonged abstinence, compared to 10.0% of those using the nicotine patch. No serious adverse events were attributed to either treatment. The pilot trial randomized 82 psychiatrically healthy adult smokers and used an intention-to-treat analysis. The findings suggest psilocybin-assisted therapy may be a promising intervention for tobacco smoking cessation.