Mindset over molecule: comparing self-transcendent and mystical experiences across recreational psilocybin, MDMA, and cannabis use
Christina Chwyl, Angelica Spata, Will Lucas, Jason B. Luoma
BMC Psychology January 21, 2026 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-025-03921-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Recreational users of psilocybin, MDMA, and cannabis |
| Topics | Cannabis Mysticism MDMA Mystical experience Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Mindset Context archaeology Psychological research Substance use Recreational use Psychotherapist Experience sampling method Applied psychology Clinical psychology |
| Key findings | Psychological context ('set') is more strongly associated with psychedelic outcomes than substance type alone. |
Abstract
Findings indicate a "mindset-over-molecule" pattern wherein psychological context ("set") is more strongly associated with psychedelic outcomes than substance type alone.