Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later
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.