A study has found that a low dose of the psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT produces brain activity patterns in an advanced Tibetan Buddhist meditator similar to those during meditation. Researchers compared the drug's effects to the lama's practiced non-dual meditation states. The findings suggest overlaps in neural responses linked to reduced self-perception.
In a novel experiment, scientists explored how the powerful psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT affects the brain of a highly experienced meditator. The participant, a lama from the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism with over 54,000 hours of meditation practice spanning 15 years, underwent brain scans in three separate sessions at a lab. Each time, he meditated for 30 to 60 minutes before receiving either a placebo, a low dose of 5 milligrams of 5-MeO-DMT, or a high dose of 12 milligrams.
The low dose revealed striking similarities to his meditation state. Both conditions increased alpha power, associated with relaxed wakefulness and internal focus, while reducing gamma activity tied to cognitive engagement and attention. Christopher Timmermann at University College London noted, “There seems to be, with that low dose [of the psychedelic], a significant overlap in terms of brain activity with what’s happening in non-dual meditation state [a style of practice that makes no distinction between the self and the rest of the world].” The lama reported a sense of equanimity in both, where thoughts would arise and dissolve quickly, though meditation fostered greater interconnectedness and clarity.
In contrast, the high dose elevated gamma activity, neuronal firing, and brain entropy, leading to complete disconnection. The lama described, “There are no thoughts. There’s totally a loss of perception of the body, the room, everything,” accompanied by an overwhelming white light.
These results connect specific neural pathways to experiences of ego dissolution and contentless awareness. However, the study involves just one participant, and psychedelic research faces challenges like unreliable brain-activity measures and difficulty in blinding due to noticeable effects. Timmermann suggests further work could aid beginners in meditation, but warns against self-use as 5-MeO-DMT is illegal in many countries. Matthew Sacchet at Harvard Medical School recommends meditation as a safer alternative for similar benefits without toxicity risks.
The research, detailed in a PsyArXiv preprint (DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/whqdp_v2), advances understanding of how psychedelics like this toad-derived compound might intersect with spiritual practices.
