This presentation summarizes past and ongoing studies from the Johns Hopkins Psilocybin Research Project, which started about 15 years ago.
Laboratory research includes administering psilocybin to healthy volunteers, psychologically distressed cancer patients, cigarette smokers seeking abstinence, ordained clergy, and beginning and long-term meditators.
The results from several studies suggest that mystical-type experiences appear to mediate sustained positive changes in attitudes, moods, and behavior.
Individuals responding to recruitment for a “bad trip” survey on the internet affirmed concerns about psilocybin ingestion in uncontrolled circumstances potentially leading to acute psychological distress, risky behavior, or enduring psychological symptoms.
However, when psilocybin is given in laboratory studies to screened, prepared, and supported participants the incidence of risky behavior or enduring psychological distress is extremely low.
