Peak Experiences of Psilocybin Users and Non-Users
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs April 1, 2013 Christina Cummins, Jennifer Lyke 16 citations
Nearly half of psilocybin users reported that their most wonderful life experience occurred while under the influence of the drug. Maslow defined peak experiences as moments of awe, well-being, or transcendence, and psilocybin is known to produce subjectively meaningful states. In a survey of 101 participants divided into three groups—those who had a peak experience on psilocybin, those who used psilocybin but had peak experiences elsewhere, and non-users—the three groups differed significantly on all measures of altered consciousness during their peak experience. The findings suggest psilocybin can facilitate or shape peak experiences, though more research is needed on naturalistic factors.