It's for psychology class. The main thing that I want to focus on is how it works in the brain, and you know, psychology-type things. I've been googling for awhile, and of course I'll use erowid. But I wanted to ask you guys if there is anything else that could be a good point to discuss in the paper? *such as things like the pineal gland, and how its so mysterious, dmt&dreaming, etc, things like that kinda. Ya know? Btw, I've never done DMT, just LSD and shrooms, so I can't really talk in the paper from personal experience, just what I read, so thats why I'm asking for help.
well you can probably make reference to Rick Strassman's book DMT: The Spirit Molecule since alot of the pineal gland and it being released during birth and death is where that stuff either originated or became kinda popularize. I don't think either of those things have been proven conclusively as fact yet though. You could also talk about the role DMT has played in traditional cultures via Ayahuasca and snuffs. Talk about how oral DMT needs an Maoi to have any significant effects and how it's amazing that was discovered by 'primitive' cultures thousands of years ago and stuff.
Yes, DMT: The Spirit Molecule is a good start. Also, TIHKAL (Tryptamines I Have Known And Loved) by Dr. Shulgin has a chapter titled, "DMT is Everywhere." You may have trouble writing a paper on how it works in the brain unless you are a graduate level neuropsychologist, . . . depends on how deep you want the information to go. You could begin by describing its known and theorized role(s) as a human neurotransmitter. If you want to focus on psychedelic effects, you may need to be more general, maybe focusing on Serotonin receptor 5H2A, . . . i' don't know. As far as psychology type things, you have a HUGE field to work with. As GB suggests, focusing on traditional cultures is a very, very rich field. There are also the socially-accepted cults such as Santo Daime or União de Vegetal. If you want to get really risque, . . . there are a number of people who have been converted and/or healed by so-called "recreational" use of DMT. There are even a few famous people (Joe Rogan) who are "outted" users and believers . . . i caution you though, you will already have a point against you by focusing on a scheduled substance. It's like turning the assessment switch in a teacher/professor's mind to the "Closed" or "Off" position when one writes on psychedelics, such that they can no longer grade or judge the paper on its actual merit. Thus, i would suggest, doing the absolute best job possible, taking your time to do your research, write the paper and explain your points very well, proof-read it, re-write it and reference it up the wazoo. Don't give them any wiggle room to do anything other than put "A" on it. Good luck!
For psychology class often most the drugs we talked about and reported on were illicit drugs, so you should be cool if that's the current chapters you are on. But heed Spicey's advice if this is just kind of a random paper you decided to write. I wrote an open topic paper on mephedrone when it initially became illegal in the U.K. and I felt I wrote it really well and got dinged on alot of little insignificant points probably for the reason Spicey mentioned.
For a human biology class while discussing the brain I wrote a 20 page research paper on lsd, I just listed the theories of what parts of the brain it effected and the effects of each. Discuss things such as perception, sensation, the brain chemistry, the near death effect, the loss of the ego (if applicable to dmt) the changing of peoples life's effect, etc etc. Maybe you can describe a sort of a timeline of a typical user's experience and thoughts about the molecule. Pretty much just write about DMT, these entheogens are pretty much a psychology baby. Have fun! I know I had a lot of fun writing mine. and btw you could also relate the substance to other entheogens or substances, there is a theory that DMT is always in your brain and used in REM (dream) sleep. Again, theories are a good start, like some paragraphs and sources in the beginning, maybe even interviews if it's that detailed a paper. Then you could head into the hard facts, brain and dmt relationship, etc. Thats about it. Ill be sure to post if I have any good ideas for you.
even if you know the theories are complete bullshit, if the source is legit you can use them to bulk or go into further review in your paper.
