subject: Cancer/Entheogen Study
New Scientist, April 1 2009
In recent years scientists around the world have been conducting studies using entheogens, including peyote, psilocybin and ayahuasca. While these studies have demonstrated many positive effects, there is a backlash brewing among some researchers.
"We've been noticing a frightening increase in the number of people walking around in a state of complete euphoria, unable to deal with the complex realities of environmental and economic collapse. Some of our patients claim to feel the vibrations of distant planets and many are making incoherent claims about quantum mechanics, while others are unable to fill out a simple job application without consulting a book on numerology. It all seems to be connected with use of entheogens. We decided to do something about it", said Dr. Ulrike Gedanken-Scheiss at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Cognitive Dissonance in Ulm, Germany.
Dr. Gedanken-Scheiss is the designer of an unusual experiment whose purpose, she says, is to counter the unintended side effects of psychotropic substances: in early summer of 2009. 57 patients will be injected with benzene in an attempt to induce cancer. "We will be studying the effects of cancer in adjusting the psychology of chronic users of entheogens. Hopefully the participants will develop a more realistic view of things. We also hope to gather information on the most effective methods of cancer induction."
Dr. Gedanken-Scheiss is the author of 17 papers and three books, the latest being the widely cited "Too Perky By Half: Re-introducing Reality With Serotonin Antagonists".
The study is still looking for volunteers. "Currently we have several slots open, and we hope to find people who are chronic entheogen users before May. Anyone who feels they may qualify should contact the Institute", says Dr. Gedanken-Scheiss.