Dr Dean Wright
The Griffith Lab of Johns Hopkins, are one of the driving forces behind the current Psychedelic Renaissance. Their initial studies looked at how psilocybin can occasion Mystical Experiences. Mystical experiences are characterised by four primary domains, including:
- A sense of unity or profundity
- positive mood
- transcendence of time/space
- ineffability
Having a mystical experience seems to be essential for the therapeutic effects of psychedelics.
This interesting new study compares the intensity of Mystical Experiences occasioned by low, moderate and high dose psilocybin with venom from the Bufo Alvarius Toad. The primary active ingredient of Bufo venom is 5-Meo-DMT.
When smoked, bufo vemon produces a short, intense psychedelic experience, lasting approximately 20 minutes. The intensity of the mystical experience occasioned by bufo venom was larger than both low and moderate doses of psilocybin.
However, high dose psilocybin and bufo venom saw no difference in levels of Mystical Experience. A high dose psilocybin in this case represents approximately 3.5-7g of dried P. Cubensis mushrooms.
Many self reported experiences denote 5-Meo-DMT as their strongest, most profound experience. This study supports that self-report data.
Furthermore, given the short duration of its effects, 5-meo-DMT may be a more efficient therapeutic tool than psilocybin.
Comparison of psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT groups on the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30). 5-MeO-DMT results from current study and psilocybin ratings from the Griffiths et al., 2011 dose-related effects study. No significant differences are observed between the 5-MeO-DMT and 30 mg/70 kg Psilocybin group. Significant differences are observed between the 5-MeO-DMT and 20 mg/70 kg group. ∗p < 0.05, ∗∗p < 0.01. The 10 mg/70 kg, 5 mg/70 kg, and 0 mg placebo groups from Griffiths et al. (2011) are plotted for visual reference and were not statistically compared.
