Psychopharmacology
December 1, 2011
Roland R Griffiths, Matthew W Johnson, William A Richards et al.
938 citations
Psilocybin can produce mystical-type experiences that lead to lasting positive changes in attitudes, mood, and behavior. In a double-blind study, 18 adults (17 with no prior hallucinogen use) received 0, 5, 10, 20, or 30 mg/70 kg psilocybin in five sessions under supportive conditions. At the two highest doses, 72% of volunteers reported a mystical-type experience, and 39% experienced extreme anxiety or fear. One month later, participants rated these sessions as having substantial personal and spiritual significance, with the ascending dose sequence showing greater positive effects. At 14 months, these positive ratings remained undiminished and were consistent with observer reports. The effects generally increased with dose.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
April 1, 2004
Huston Smith, Charles Grob, Robert Jesse et al.
29 citations
Huston Smith revisits his influential article on whether drugs have religious import. Drawing on personal experience, he discusses how psychedelic experiences have shaped religious traditions and contemplative practices, citing the ancient Vedic tradition, the Eleusinian mysteries, and the contemporary Native American Church. He reflects on why the 1960s psychedelic movement failed to produce lasting social change, critiques current drug policy and culture, and emphasizes the role of elders in society.
Journal of psychoactive drugs
January 1, 2024
Kelan L Thomas, Robert Jesse, Nicky J Mehtani et al.
4 citations
Policymakers are increasingly using clinical trial data to justify deprioritizing, decriminalizing, or legalizing psychedelic substances, but personal possession limits written into law often lack scientific grounding. This commentary argues that allowable amounts should be based on moderate-high doses shown safe and effective in clinical trials, common naturalistic use, and dose-equivalence studies. The authors provide a table of evidence-informed moderate-high doses for seven psychedelics to guide consistent and equitable policy limits, aiming to replace arbitrary thresholds with scientifically justified ones.