One Kind of Knowing: Reports From a Hallucinogen Research Volunteer by Estevez, Maria (2013) Paperback

by Maria Estevez

As hallucinogen research resumes under strict guidelines, following the excesses of the 1960s, most research institutions are concentrating on practical therapeutic applications. However the Johns Hopkins States of Consciousness studies have focused solely on measures of spirituality. Here is a unique first-person look into such a program from one of the volunteers. A remarkable 72% of these volunteers, including the author, reported a mystical experience after ingesting one or more of the four varying doses of psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms. In a readable narrative style Maria Estevez introduces the primary researchers, outlines the stringent qualifying exams and preparation for volunteers, and gives personal examples of the changes in consciousness that can occur with the substance. Familiar spiritual principles “seen from the inside” during the activity of psilocybin took on a powerful new reality for her as she learned to integrate these insights into everyday life.

Paperback

First published August 15, 2013

About the author

María Estévez nació en Madrid y estudió en la Universidad Complutense de la capital española. Es una periodista trotamundos especializada en cine. Empezó a trabajar en la revista Tiempo y de ahí se marchó a Londres. Después vivió en Nueva York y ahora reside en Los Ángeles, donde colabora desde hace más de una década con las revistas Vogue y Glamour, además de ser corresponsal en esta ciudad de la Agencia Colpisa y el periódico ABC. Es miembro del Women Film Critics Circle. Enamorada del flamenco, María Estévez pertenece a la familia Ortega: su abuela era la bailaora Regla Ortega, sobrina de Rafael el Gallo.