The Misconception of Psychedelic Drugs

In his book, The Doors of Perception, Aldous Huxley writes about the Mind at Large. Mind at Large is capable of remembering all that has ever happened to it and of perceiving everything that is happening everywhere in the universe. Mind at Large exists within everyone, but the brain filters the useless information in an attempt to put survival at the utmost importance. Huxley gives an accurate philosophical description of the psychedelic experience by relating it to his Mind at Large. Psychedelics offer an experience of something more than, and above all something different from, the carefully selected utilitarian material which our narrowed, individual minds regard as a complete, or at least sufficient, picture of reality (Huxley 24). This profound experience of surpassing normal consciousness has been a part of certain indigenous cultures for centuries. However, not until the mid-1900s did psychedelics gain the attention of researchers and the public, fueling the counter-culture movement of the 1960s and 70s. The continuing scientific research into the physical and psychological effects of psychedelics has shown that there are little to no negative effects, and much potential for psychotherapeutic use. Yet, despite this advancing knowledge, psychedelics are still viewed negatively by lawmakers. The use of outdated propaganda to cover the underlying reason for the prohibition of psychedelic drugs has led to the unquestioned belief by most of the public that the use of these drugs is morally wrong. Lawmakers continue to defame and stigmatize the use of psychedelics because of their ability to transform the users social values and open the mind to ways of thinking beyond the influence of cultural behaviors.

The word psychedelic comes from the Greek psyche and delein, literally meaning mindmanifesting (Savage et. al. 111). Psychedelics are part of a wider classification known as hallucinogens; however they are separated from dissociatives and deliriants, such as Phencyclidine (PCP) and Nutmeg, respectively. Hallucinogens separate themselves from other substances like opiates and stimulants by producing subjective effects that are different from ordinary consciousness, often compared to meditation, trance or dreaming. Common effects of hallucinogens include changes in cognition and perception, hallucinations and alteration of senses (Ebbitt). Specifically, psychedelics provide mystical experiences, defined by feelings of unity and interconnectedness with all people and things, a sense of sacredness, feelings of peace and joy, a sense of transcending normal time and space, ineffability, and an intuitive belief that the experience is a source of objective truth about the nature of reality (Gale 471474). There are many different examples of psychedelic drugs, both natural and synthetic, yet few are used widely. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or simply acid, was chemically synthesized in 1938. Dr. Albert Hofmann accidentally discovered its mind-altering effects in 1943 and it has since become one of the most well-known and popular psychedelic drugs (Lee and Shlain xvii). Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is one of the most powerful known psychedelics, capable of inducing states of complete transcendence of body, time, and space. This substance is found in the Ayahuasca brew which is used by Central and South American cultures in spiritual ceremonies (Rivier and Lindgren 102-111). Other common psychedelics include Psilocybin, which can be found in over 200 species of mushrooms (commonly labeled as magic mushrooms), and Mescaline, which can be found in the cacti such as Peyote. Since 1965, most known psychedelic drugs have been federally regulated and made illegal to possess in the
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United States (as well as most countries), restricting not only recreational use, but research as well (U.S. Drug Control Timeline). Psychedelics have a long history of spiritual use in many different cultures. Mescaline has been used by Native American cultures such has the Huichol for thousands of years in what is now southwestern United States and Mexico. Peyote specimens found in an archaeological site in Texas date back approximately 5700 years through carbon dating and were found to contain Mescaline (El-Seedi et. al. 238). Carvings found in Peru that date back to 1300 BCE depict mythological beings holding the San Pedro Cactus, a plant containing Mescaline. In addition, mushroom statues dating back to 1000 BCE found in Guatemala are believed to depict psilocybin mushrooms. A pictograph created before the Spanish conquest of Mexico, known as the Vienna Codex, depicts the ritual use of mushrooms by the gods. It is clear through evidence that these natural psychedelics and their associated states of mind were valued religiously by multiple cultures. When Spanish explorers defeated the Aztecs in 1521, the use of non-alcohol intoxicants was forbidden and the long-standing reverence of psychedelic plants and mushrooms was driven underground (Psilocybe Mushroom History). A modern example of the cultural use of psychedelics is the use of Ayahuasca by the peoples of Peru, notably the Culinas. Ayahuasca is a mixture of plants containing DMT, among other chemicals, as well as plants containing an enzyme allowing DMT to be orally active. In 1972, Rivier and Lindgren observed and participated with the Culinas and their cultural use of Ayahuasca. Not all in the society participate, as the use is not necessarily considered prestigious. However, some drink the Ayahuasca up to ten times a month (101-102). Physical health in this culture is seen to mimic psychological well-being and repeated use of Ayahuasca is known to strain out erroneous
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conceptions, selfish vices and unworthy thoughts (Henman). Cultures that have traditionally used psychedelics fundamentally differ from most modern cultures in their collective individual and communal values. Spirituality and community are viewed with higher importance than many of the values in most modern cultures. The proliferation of European culture through the Americas has caused a drift away from this spiritual nature toward more tightly-regulated, nationalistic societies. The effects of psychedelics on the brain are chemically complex and are not fully understood scientifically; however, many continuous psychological effects of the experience have been shown to occur. In a study conducted by MacLean, Johnson and Griffiths at Johns Hopkins University, psilocybin mushrooms were shown to produce psychological effects for up to one year. Lasting change was found in openness, one of the five core traits of personality, which includes characteristics related to imagination, aesthetics, feelings, abstract ideas and general openness to new ideas and concepts (1-8). Personality change is generally nonexistent in adults, with divorce and career success/failure being the only common causes. The only experimental, discrete event other than Psilocybin use shown to produce personality change involves hundreds of hours of solitary meditation over three months (Sahdra et. al. 299). Psilocybin mushrooms have also been shown to help reduce anxiety in advanced-stage cancer patients by helping them deal with the existential demoralization that comes with the realization of death (Grob, Bossis and Griffiths 304). The mental experiences gained through consumption of Psilocybin have been shown to have large subjective meaning. At 2 months, the volunteers rated the psilocybin experience as having substantial personal meaning and spiritual significance and attributed to the experience sustained positive changes in attitudes
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and behavior consistent with changes rated by community observers (Griffiths et. al. 268). LSD has also been shown to have many beneficial effects. A single dose of LSD along with alcohol treatment is associated with a decrease in alcohol misuse. Compared to a control group, the group of individuals in the study given a single dose of LSD was 21 percent more likely to improve at follow-up using a standardized assessment of alcohol misuse (Krebs and Johansen 994). In a large-scale study conducted in 1964, 113 patients were given a single dose of LSD. Among these patients, 66% or more noted the following 12 months after their dosage: more frequent and persistent feelings of happiness, more ability to handle hostility creatively and get over it, more ability to love in general, generally decreased anxiety, increased self-esteem, improved ability to communicate with others, less dependence on others' opinions, increased interest in universal concepts (i.e., meaning of life, relation to the rest of life) and generally improved relations with persons they work and live with. Seventy eight percent of subjects noted their LSD experience as the greatest thing that ever happened to me. There were a small amount of negative effects recorded. Twenty percent or less of patients noted more tendency toward feelings of depression, more intense swings in feeling from high to low, more daydreaming and introspection which interferes with getting things done and more dissatisfaction with their present work (Savage et. al. 112-114). Savage et. al. summarizes their study by noting that used wisely, it may be that the psychedelic experience offers us new hope of enlightenment, new hope of self-realization, and new hopes of alleviating the unhappiness displayed most obviously in the mentally ill (120). Studies continue to show the wide range of opportunities for psychotherapeutic use of psychedelics and their ability to

produce significant, lasting psychological effects in not only the mentally ill, but healthy subjects as well. The physiological effects of both psilocybin mushrooms and LSD have been studied extensively and are generally minor. The side effects of mushrooms are not signicant and may include dizziness, nausea, weakness, changes in blood pressure, abdominal pain and dilation of pupils. Psilocybin is rapidly metabolized (inactivated) by the enzyme MAO (mono amine oxidase). Acetaldehyde, the primary metabolite of ethanol, produces MAO-inhibitors. Thus, the combination of psilocybin mushrooms and alcohol may enhance both the desired effects of mushrooms as well as the side effects. Most cases of hospitalization due to psilocybin are the cause of combinations with other drugs, notably alcohol. The toxicity of psilocybin is low, with an LD50 (amount that produced fatalities in 50% of subjects) of 280mg/kg. About 17kg of mushrooms must be consumed by the average adult to reach this limit (Jerome 3-18). LSD is also harmless except at extremely high doses. The estimate for the lethal dose of LSD is around 10mg, which is over 100 times the typical dose of 100g. Possible side effects include prolonged psychosis, flashbacks and continuing perceptual changes. A bad trip can result from improper care and social setting during the experience, causing major fluctuations between different moods and emotions. However, these effects are neither harmful nor lasting and are rare. Neither psilocybin nor LSD show any signs of addiction or withdrawal symptoms, either physically or psychologically (Abraham and Aldridge 1328-1332). Knowing the physiological effects of these psychedelics forces one to question why they are outlawed when much more harmful drugs like nicotine, alcohol and many pharmaceuticals

have become such a normal part of todays society. 51.5% of people over the age of 21 in the U.S. are regular consumers of alcohol, and nearly 26,000 die every year as a direct result of consumption (not including accidents and homicides caused by alcohol) (Alcohol Use). Cigarettes are the direct cause of 443,000 deaths per year in the U.S. (Tobacco Related Mortality). 100,000 people each year die from taking pharmaceutical drugs as prescribed (Perdomo). These deaths arent including the deaths due to abuse and overdose. The horrifying reality is that the corporations that produce these drugs are significant contributors to political campaigns and have large influence via federal lobbying. Alcohol producers contributed a total of nearly $20 million dollars to federal lobbying pursuits in 2012 (Beer, Wine & Liquor). The tobacco industry contributes even more with $78 million in 1998; however their lobbying has dropped to $26.7 million in 2012 (Tobacco). The pharmaceutical industry has the most influence of the three, totaling more than $234 million in federal lobbying in 2012 (Pharmaceuticals/Health Products). These numbers make it clear and obvious that these industries have a large influence in federal policy, thus taking power over public opinion. Their influence has spread beyond governmental policymaking and has created cultural values that guide certain behaviors and beliefs. Psychedelics have the ability to change an individuals view on cultural behaviors and social norms. Savage et. al. noted in their 1964 study that LSD, properly administered, provides an encounter which brings a sudden and profound liberation or enlightenment, a dramatic freeing of the self from its habitual ways of viewing the world, an opportunity to see clearly without distortion, without a defensive structure which limits and filters perception (119). The relationship between the psychedelic user and societal values is further explored in the
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observations of the Culinas culture. Rivier and Lindgren note that the Culina Ayahuasca user notices that his way of life is changing while the traditional obligations of society are still weighing upon him (102). Simply by examining the psychological effects of a mystical experience, one can determine the significant social effect of psychedelics on both the individual and society as a whole. Psychedelics and the ability to explore consciousness have instilled paranoia into governments and those that influence the regulation of the drug market. The capability of psychedelics to open the mind is a threat to institutional values relating to economics, individual aspirations and political beliefs. The man who comes back through the Door in the Wall will never be quite the same as the man who went out (Huxley 191). Huxleys description of the psychedelic experience in The Doors of Perception helped to publicize the knowledge of psychedelics. When LSD began its first stages of research in the 1940s and 50s, the excitement in psychology was continuing to grow. Mysteries of mental illnesses and consciousness could finally be unlocked through the studying of the new drug. Continuing research has shown the variety of psychotherapeutic benefits of psychedelic usage, in addition to the few and insignificant health effects. Unlike legal drugs like nicotine and alcohol, psychedelics do not cause addiction and do not contribute to lifethreatening health problems. It can be seen through analysis of their psychological effects and cultural use that psychedelics have the ability to transform views relating to cultural behaviors and open the mind to ways of thinking beyond institutional values. Both government and the institutions that have the power to influence the regulation of psychedelics including alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical corporations are threatened by the widespread use of

psychedelics. This has led to their regulation and condemnation, creating an irrational public belief that the use of these drugs is morally wrong.

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