International Journal for the Study of New Religions
August 14, 2023
Petter Grahl Johnstad
This article presents an interview study of self-dissolution experiences induced by entheogenic or psychedelic drugs, with the aim of broadening our understanding of the nature and characteristics of such experiences. Respondents (N=37) were recruited at various online fora for individual interviews via private messaging. They reported a wide variety of experiences that involved some form of...
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
May 27, 2021
Petter Grahl Johnstad
53 citations
Abstract Background and aims This article presents a mixed methods study of challenging psychedelic experiences or “bad trips”, with the aim of exploring the nature and characteristics of such experiences. While challenging psychedelic experiences have been studied in previous research, the article posits that the focus of this research has been overly narrow in terms of the characteristics and...
Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
February 1, 2021
Petter Grahl Johnstad
44 citations
Aims: This article argues that despite a resurgence in research on psychedelics over the last two decades, we still have little insight into the psychedelics user population. Furthermore, there is currently little agreement between researchers as to the long-term mental health consequences of psychedelics use. Design: In a methodological review of a range of studies in psychedelics use, it is...
Method & Theory in the Study of Religion
December 17, 2020
Petter Grahl Johnstad
11 citations
Abstract Spiritual experiences with entheogens have usually been studied as a form of mystical experiences. However, entheogen users have also reported less intense experiences that they refer to as spiritual experiences. Using data from the Cannabis and Psychedelics User Survey, this study analyzed the characteristics of such experiences in 319 participants. It found evidence of two types of...
J Cannabis Res
September 22, 2020
Petter Grahl Johnstad
29 citations
BACKGROUND: While cannabis has a long history of spiritual use, its normalization in Western societies during the last decades has led to more recreational use. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of spiritual cannabis use as compared to recreational use and to the use of psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin. METHODS: The study employed a mixed methods research design that...
Journal of Scientific Exploration
September 15, 2020
Petter Grahl Johnstad
4 citations
This article presents an interview study of telepathic experiences induced by psychedelic drugs, with the aim of broadening our understanding of the nature and characteristics of such experiences. Of 40 psychedelics users interviewed about their experiences, 16 reported some form of psychedelic telepathy. Respondents were recruited at various online fora for individual interviews via private...
Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
February 1, 2018
Petter Grahl Johnstad
156 citations
AIMS: This article presents a qualitative interview study of people who microdose with psychedelic drugs, which means that the user takes about one tenth of an ordinary recreational dose. DESIGN: = 21) were recruited at several Internet fora for individual interviews via private messaging. Every participant was male, and the median respondent was in his 30s with a stable job and relationship...