As of March 26, we're $27,100 in the red for the quarter. Donate here to support this vital work
Subscribe here and join over 13,000 subscribers to our free weekly newsletter

Religious leaders get high on magic mushrooms ingredient for science
Key Excerpts from Article on Website of The Guardian (One of the UK's leading newspapers)


The Guardian (One of the UK's leading newspapers), July 8, 2017
Posted: July 17th, 2017
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jul/08/religious-le...

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore have enlisted two dozen religious leaders from a wide range of denominations, to participate in a study in which they will be given two powerful doses of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. Dr William Richards ... who is involved in the work, said: With psilocybin these profound mystical experiences are quite common. It seemed like a no-brainer that they might be of interest, if not valuable, to clergy. The experiment, which is currently under way, aims to assess whether a transcendental experience makes the leaders more effective and confident in their work and how it alters their religious thinking. Despite most organised religions frowning on the use of illicit substances, Catholic, Orthodox and Presbyterian priests, a Zen Buddhist and several rabbis were recruited. The team has yet to persuade a Muslim imam or Hindu priest to take part, but just about all the other bases are covered, according to Richards. The participants have been given two powerful doses of psilocybin in two sessions, one month apart. Their instruction is to go within and collect experiences, Richards said. So far everyone incredibly values their experience. No one has been confused or upset or regrets doing it. A full analysis of the outcomes will take place after a one-year follow-up with the participants, whose identities are being kept anonymous. It is too early to talk about results, but generally people seem to be getting a deeper appreciation of their own religious heritage, he said.

Note: In 1962, a similar experiment was conducted called the "Good Friday Experiment." Almost all of the members of the experimental group reported experiencing profound religious experiences. In 2002, a similar experiment at Johns Hopkins University yielded similar results. Learn about both of these in this Wikipedia article. Read more about the potentials of mind altering drugs now being explored by the scientific community.


Latest News


Key News Articles from Years Past