Psilocybin Occasioned Mystical-Type Experiences: Immediate and Persisting Dose-Related Effects

Record summary

Roland Griffiths and colleagues at Johns Hopkins studied dose-related subjective effects of psilocybin in carefully screened volunteers, including experiences rated as mystical-type states and later changes in attitudes or behavior. This is a valuable comparison point for consciousness research because it operationalizes ineffable, unity-like, and noetic experiences within a controlled pharmacological design. The findings concern reported phenomenology and follow-up measures, not proof that mystical interpretations are objectively true. Participants, expectancy, setting, and selection criteria are central to interpretation.