Guest Host Hilly Rose (email) talked with Dr. Rick Strassman about his research into the psychedelic substance dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Strassman said DMT was discovered in hallucinogenic snuffs from the Amazon, and is related to the chemical melatonin. Strassman spent five years investigating the effects of DMT on 60 human volunteers at the University of New Mexico's School of Medicine.
A confluence of problems eventually ended his study, however Strassman indicated a major factor was that his research subjects began seeing other-worldly beings while on DMT -- something he calls "lifting the veil." Strassman said at least half of the volunteers reported meeting intelligent, often malevolent, creatures. Commonly encountered entities, according to Strassman, included aliens, insects, crocodiles, clowns, and elves. These unnerving experiences led some of the volunteers to form support groups to deal with what they saw.
Despite some disturbing results, Strassman said "the more [his research subjects] let go, the more pleasant the experiences became." He also said he thought the implications of his study were too alarming for mainstream science, and have scared off American researchers. Currently, Strassman believes DMT interacts with the soul, and is studying ancient Hebrew scriptures and commentaries to learn about the evolutionary role of DMT.
Remembering 9-11
In the first hour, Open Lines featured callers who shared their personal stories and feelings relating to the anniversary of 9/11. Guest Host Hilly Rose recounted his own experiences on that day, when he heard about the tragedy while in Prague.