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2008 Vol. 72(1) 77-107

Editor:
John A. Palmer, Ph.D.
Copyright: 
Parapsychology Press

Citation

Luke, P. D. (2008). (Article). Psychedelic Substances and Paranormal Phenomena: A Review of the Research. Journal of Parapsychology, 72(1), 77-107.

Article

Psychedelic Substances and Paranormal Phenomena: A Review of the Research

David P. Luke

This paper reviews the research on psychedelic substances in relation to so-called paranormal phenomena, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition (i.e., ESP), as well as out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and near-death experiences (NDEs). Reference is made to the age-old shamanic use of these substances to specifically induce such experiences, and to contemporary reports from within academia and psychotherapy bearing witness to such phenomena. However, the review focuses primarily on describing and critically evaluating the contribution of controlled experiments that have attempted to induce ESP using psychedelics, and of surveys, which have either directly or indirectly investigated the belief in, and experience of, the paranormal in relation to the use of such substances. Furthermore, a methodological critique of the experimental research is offered alongside some recommendations for further research in this field.

Keywords:

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