'LUCY IN THE SKY' WITH DMT (TODAY'S LSD)

Dear Straight Talk: Can you tell me if DMT is safe? Articles I've read in
Spirituality & Health magazine seem to indicate it is probably OK to use
for a mind-expanding, healing experience. But I'm wary. I've heard there
are different types of DMT and that some are hard to recover from.

I took sacred mushrooms in Mexico and it was an extremely healing and
helpful experience, but the dose was small. I'm an elder. I know
wisdom can be obtained from sacred plants with a qualified guide, but
it's not worth having a bad reaction or messing up my mind.

What do you advise? Also, what should I say to young people curious
about DMT? - Caite Mathis, Nevada

Leif, 21, Berkeley: I did ayahuasca (a traditional drink containing
DMT-rich plants) in a formal setting with two experienced shamans in Peru.
I did it four times over a five-month period following strict dietary
guidelines between ceremonies. Overall, my experience was excellent, but
that was because I was with two very experienced guides. Those experiences
still guide me today, and the shamans' words ring truer as time passes.

That said, be very careful. Ayahuasca is potent stuff. Beyond the
stories of permanent damage, it can be terrifying. The shamans see it
as a way to confront your deepest fears or psychological illnesses. It
was certainly scary at times for me. You seem to be approaching things
correctly (not just looking for a good time), but I would only do this
with experienced guides. These substances are sacred and deserve respect.

Nicole, 20, Grass Valley: I was fine taking DMT. It helps one search
within, distinguish what is positive in life and what is holding you back.
Using it without purpose just pollutes your brain.

Katelyn, 16, Huntington Beach: Don't use DMT. If you want enlightenment and
wisdom, live life!

Molly, 18, Fair Oaks: I don't know anyone who has done DMT, but I know
quite a few who have used salvia. Hallucinogens can result in amazing
spiritual experiences if done in the proper environment with proper
preparation. Learn everything you can about the drug, be responsible, take
care of your body.

Winter, 18, Carmichael: I've never heard of DMT but I know people who have
done salvia. Some say it was the scariest experience of their lives, others
say it was fun. It seems to depend on mindset and intention.

Dear Caite: DMT, or dimethyltryptamine, is a refined, natural hallucinogen.
It is also a Schedule 1 illegal drug. Most teens and young adults use DMT
for kicks. Their "guides" are friends from school. (Ditto for other natural
hallucinogens, such as salvia and mushrooms.) This manner of use is
dangerous and disrespectful.

Quite simply, teenagers (and most young adults) haven't put in enough
hours on this planet to attain the mental and spiritual preparedness
needed to use these drugs safely. Teens may think they have, but
they're mistaken. Many people are never ready. I'm very stern about
this and, if asked, I hope you will be, too.

The damaging experiences from sophomoric use of these drugs is what
has fueled prohibition and inhibited scientific study. These drugs
have enormous medical and evolutionary potential. They are known as
entheogens ("generating the experience of God within"). DMT is
arguably the most potent of the entheogens. Even in the best of
circumstances, I can't possibly predict its safety for you.

Contemplate this: Say you do have a positive peak experience. Will it
cause an actual shift in how you show up for life? It could. But for
almost everyone else, things slowly go back to normal with no lasting
change. Why risk your health when you can find enlightenment through
inner work - and be a better role model?

Just for the record, when the Beatles produced "Lucy in the Sky with
Diamonds" (marking their LSD phase), they were all over age 25. Drugs,
sex and rock 'n roll really are happening younger and younger - it's
not our imagination. This is important to note when parents sigh, "But
didn't we do that when we were young, too?"

Actually, most youth who used drugs during the boomer era were pretty
clean until after high school. Experimenting started, on average, four
to five years later than it does now - and the brain is considerably
more developed at these older ages.

The hallucinogens discussed today, DMT and salvia, are new to most
parents' awareness. Sacred plants had a role in the ancient origins of
every world religion. Their capacity to "generate the experience of
God within" has huge potential for healing mental illnesses and for
evolving consciousness.

But the "bright light" can both illuminate and blind. These drugs are not
for children (of any age), nor for kicks. While DMT is a Schedule 1 drug,
salvia and ayahuasca are legal. Parents: Please discourage your teenager or
college student from using these drugs. - Lauren

Lauren Forcella co-writes Straight Talk with a panel of 30 teens and
young adults. To ask a question or become a panelist, click
www.StraightTalkForTeens.com or write to P.O. Box 963, Fair Oaks, CA
95628.