Pineal Gland, DMT & Altered State of Consciousness

Abstract

Endogenous and synthetic DMT and their relation to pineal function have been the subject matter of numerous popular and scientific articles, crossing many disciplines. Correlations for visionary and psi-conducive states have been widely suggested. Numerous spiritual technologies have been retrieved from traditional cultures and new technologies based in frequencies and resonance have been concocted and sold to the public. Yet, in 2010, even the leading researcher Rick Strassman says that “we don't know if DMT does appear in the pineal…[or, if] endogenous DMT activity increases during particular non-drug altered states, such as dreams and near-death experiences.” If it were, it would help explain the psychedelic characteristics of those altered states."

This strongly suggests that new assays for low levels of endogenous DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, bufotenine, and metabolites in different tissues would be very useful. Such experiments were conducted in 2012 with positive results. Nevertheless, a review of the history and speculation on the psychoactive compounds remains of great interest to both researchers and the general public. What do these things mean?  The jury remains out, and we are wise to remember that theories remain just that. Baselines need to be established for normal waking consciousness, and comparisons made for a variety of states of consciousness. But perhaps the greatest result of such research is new understanding of what it means to be fully human.