Product ReviewsDMT - The Spirit Molecule : A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences by Rick Strassman (2000, Paperback)

A thrilling trip through clinical entheogenic research

This book was not at all what I expected. I'm now thankful for that. I began this book hoping (probably like most entheogen-enthusiasts) for an authoritative, glowing affirmation of the power of entheogens to expand our consciousness and improve our society, and a rallying call to drag this socially criminalized taboo back under the clinical microscope for scrutiny. 24 hours later, I put the book down- truly amazed at the ride I had just taken. First and foremost, the subject matter is extraordinary- clinical investigations using high doses of intravenous DMT. (WOW!) Owing to this fact alone, much of this book reads like out-of-this-world fiction, which is highly entertaining and immersive, and because of the incredible improbability of the research's existence in the context of the omnipresent "Drug War" and an increasingly oppressive government, following Dr. Strassman's progression from the historical and personal seeds of interest, through the labyrinth of paralyzing bureaucracy, and ultimately out the tip of a syringe into a volunteer's arm leading to mind-blowing highs and the resultant repercussions... this format of a journey added immensely to the book's readability and ability to pull the reader in. Finally, this book is above all things honest. While it's clear that Dr. Strassman began as a bit of an idealist (as does the reader, no doubt), he objectively assesses events as they unfold and ultimately leads the reader to his critical and forward-thinking understandings about entheogens and the potential for renewal of clinical studies, especially those with tangibly positive ramifications. I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and it caused me to critically evaluate my own preconceptions about clinical psychedelic research. The only disappointment I had was that Dr. Strassman fell far short of providing convincing evidence that DMT is indeed the "Spirit Molecule." While his theories are reasonable and testable, there was little in the form of evidence supporting his connections between DMT and the pineal, and ultimately DMT and the "mystical experience" which seems to overcome individuals during periods of intense bodily stress (such as at death) or during intense introspection, such as cultivated by religious/meditative practice. Considering the title of the book and my assumption that the brunt of it was dedicated to purely scientific elucidation of Dr. Strassman's theories (indeed I had a hard time stomaching the "new-agey" feel of the words "spirit molecule" interchanged indiscriminately with "DMT" throughout the book, especially since it was made clear in the first few chapters that the pineal/DMT/"spirit" molecule theory was interesting but unproven)- you can see by my five-star rating that the book as a whole was enough to allow me to forgive Dr. Strassman for his overt convictions. In short: a great read. Highly recommended. PEACE!Read full review...

DMT - the natural gateway to spiritual lands

The spiritual seekers of truth will certainly appreciate this research by Dr Strassman. What if we would excavate the ingredient of spirituality embedded in every human that is responsible for several phenomena, such as OBE?

Strassman explains that we humans possess a certain molecule, called DMT, that is found to play the main role in the spiritual arena. Strassman tested several patients by injecting a small amount of DMT in them and the result was surprising. Many patients experienced vivid sensory images, mild hallucinations, and a few had OBE's. Important to mention is also the fact that DMT is produced naturally in our system.

The research the book displays is important for a few reasons. First of all, we begin to understand that spirituality has much more to do with chemicals than conceived notions. Second discovery is that while we learn to tap in to the world of "spirits", we embark on a real spiritual journey, which requires a humble mind.

Thus to sum uo, this book is scientifically spiritual and a great book to posssess for anyone interested examining the spiritual field.Read full review...

A fun read, but...

I enjoyed reading about Dr. Strassman's journey though the red tape to successfully revive DMT research in the US. I also enjoyed reading the "trip reports" and experience summaries. But ultimately the conclusion was pretty anti-climactic, and most of the speculations are questionable. Unfortunately many lay people have taken the ideas presented here as truths instead of just wild speculations, and in my opinion this has become an annoyance. For example, there is still no evidence as of 2018 that the human pineal gland produces DMT (it produces melatonin), there is also no evidence that the body produces DMT upon death or near death experiences. And maybe the dumbest speculation of all which seems a big theme of the book is that DMT can send you to another dimension that is actually a real physical place that exists outside of your own mind. It was goofy when Terrance McKenna promoted the idea, and its still goofy today - this idea can easily be disproven, the DMT state is a dream like state, it is influenced by intent, and can be manipulated just like a lucid dream. It all happens in your own mind, and your own beliefs, thoughts, and biases often show up in the experience.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: dreambooks_co

Classic Studies in DMT Research

This is a very interesting review of studies into the effects of DMT. The control of psychedelia, in particular LSD-25 was hijacked early on in Europe and later by the CIA in US military tests and on the public. True scientific studies of this field were stonewalled in the private sector by the Govt. DMT however, being a naturally occurring hormone produced in the pituitary gland was granted permissions to proceed with a control study. This book is a gem of documentation written by Rick Strassmen about his research with this extraordinary compound in his NM pharmaceutical grade DMT study groups. Highly recommended. Classic, not to technical, well written.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: IucLFdTlT8G@Del...

DMT The Soul Molecule

I enjoyed reading the material, I found it be very interesting. What I disliked was that I had to download the material unto my computer. I would've rather read it in a book content.
Would I recommend this material to someone else?? It is a tough subject that is dicussed and only those who have an "open mind" I would then recommend it to.Read full review...

DMT The Spirit Molecule

Very good book!!
Highly recommended!!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: probuzzard

Best book I’ve ever read

Stop debating and read it

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: randomstuff2891

Must read

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: second.sale

Very Informational Book

This book gives lots of first hand accounts with DMT and how it has been used in medical/experimental ways.

DMT-The Spirit Molecule

Really interesting book that sheds light on the naturally occurring (endogenous) psychedelic, DMT, that is inside every human beings brain.