Meditation and Psychedelics: Research Pointer

Some researchers study meditation together with psychedelic substances such as psilocybin. This page only points to what that research is and how early it is. It is information only, not advice to use any substance, and it does not describe how to take one. Psychedelic substances carry real risks, and their legal status differs by country. For that side of the topic, the Psychedelics library owns the detail: start with psychedelic clinical trials and research limits, adverse effects and contraindications and legal status by country.

Why researchers link the two

Reviews describe a proposed overlap: several authors suggest neurophysiological and phenomenological parallels between psychedelic and meditative states, and suggest the two might work together. [1] That is a proposal, not a finding. The same review says more theoretical accounts and methodologically sound research are needed before the idea can be used in clinical practice. [1] Another review says early results hold promise but require replication in bigger samples and better controlled methods. [2]

What the small studies found

1. Psilocybin with spiritual practice (US, 2018)

   The researchers reported that the strength of the mystical-type experience and the amount of meditation and spiritual practice were linked with lasting effects at 6 months. [3]

   Who and what: Healthy volunteers, in three groups of 25 given different psilocybin doses and levels of support for a program of meditation and spiritual practices. [3]Limits: All groups had a practice program, so the study cannot separate psilocybin from practice. One author is on the board of directors of the Heffter Research Institute. [3]

2. DMT-harmine in a 3-day mindfulness retreat (Switzerland, 2024)

   The group given DMT and harmine reported more mystical-type experiences, non-dual awareness and emotional breakthrough. [4] Mindfulness and compassion scores did not differ from placebo. [4]

   Who and what: 40 experienced meditators, double-blind, placebo-controlled. [4]Limits: Based on questionnaires; small group. [4] Two authors co-founded a company developing psychedelic medicines for mental health. [4]

3. Same retreat, brain scans (2025)

   Meditation alone reduced connectivity between brain networks, while DMT-harmine increased connectivity within and between networks. [5]

   Who and what: The 40 meditators scanned before and after. [5]Limits: A brain-connectivity measure, not a health outcome.

Evidence label: insufficient evidence for any health benefit from combining the two; early research on experience and brain measures only. These studies took place in research settings, which is not the same as using a substance at home or at a retreat.

What this does not tell you

• It does not show that adding a psychedelic improves meditation, or that meditation prevents a bad experience with a psychedelic.
• Nothing here supports meditation as a replacement for medical or mental-health care.
• Psychedelic experiences can be distressing. If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, in the US call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency. See when to seek urgent help.

Reading these studies

Studies like these raise extra design questions. See how to read a meditation study and, for the psychedelic side (blinding, expectancy, support and follow-up), how to read a psychedelic clinical trial. For meditation on its own, see what meditation and mindfulness are.