Psychedelic substances have been used for centuries for various purposes, including spiritual and medicinal practices. Over the years, many researchers and enthusiasts have attempted to categorize these substances based on their potency and effects. One such attempt was made by Timothy Leary, who proposed a hierarchy of psychedelic substances based on their intensity of experience. In this blog post, we will explore Leary's 5 levels of psychedelic experience and the hierarchy of psychedelic substances from least potent to most potent to help you decide how detached from reality you want to be and the easiest way to get there.
Level 1:
The Sensory Level
The sensory level is the lowest level of psychedelic experience according to Leary. It involves mild sensory changes, such as enhanced colors and sounds, but no significant changes in perception or consciousness. Substances that fall into this category include cannabis, low doses of psilocybin mushrooms, and low doses of LSD.
Level 2:
The Emotional Level
The emotional level involves a heightened sense of emotions and feelings. It may involve feelings of euphoria, happiness, and well-being. This level is characterized by a more significant change in perception and consciousness compared to the sensory level. Substances that fall into this category include MDMA, higher doses of psilocybin mushrooms, and moderate doses of LSD.
Level 3:
The Perceptual Level
The perceptual level involves significant changes in perception, such as altered shapes, colors, and patterns. This level is characterized by a sense of unity and oneness with the universe. Substances that fall into this category include higher doses of LSD, DMT, and ayahuasca.
Level 4:
The Archetypal Level
The archetypal level involves a sense of transcendence beyond the physical world. It involves an encounter with archetypal beings and entities that may be personal or universal. This level is characterized by a sense of awe and reverence. Substances that fall into this category include high doses of DMT and ayahuasca.
Level 5:
The Cosmic Level
The cosmic level involves a complete dissolution of the ego and a sense of oneness with the universe. It involves an encounter with the divine and a feeling of transcendence beyond time and space. This level is characterized by a sense of ultimate unity and interconnectedness. Substances that fall into this category include extremely high doses of DMT and ayahuasca.
Hierarchy of Psychedelic Substances
Based on Leary's hierarchy of psychedelic experiences, we can categorize different substances according to their potency and effects. Here is a hierarchy of psychedelic substances from least potent to most potent. The further down the list the easier it is to get to the Cosmic Level:
- Cannabis
- Low doses of psilocybin mushrooms
- Low doses of LSD
- MDMA
- Mescaline
- Moderate doses of LSD
- Higher doses of psilocybin mushrooms
- Higher doses of LSD
- DMT
- Ayahuasca
Additional lesser known Psychedelics like salvia divinorum and Ibogane are extremely potent and fall at the level of DMT and Ayahuasca, however, they are known to produce a less pleasant experience and should be approached with additional caution.
It is essential to note that this hierarchy is not definitive, and different individuals may have different experiences with these substances. Additionally, the effects of these substances may vary depending on the dosage, set and setting, and individual differences. Therefore, it is crucial to approach these substances with caution and respect and to research extensively before using them for therapeutic or spiritual purposes.
In conclusion, the hierarchy of psychedelic substances proposed by Timothy Leary provides a useful framework for understanding the potency and effects of different substances. While this hierarchy is not definitive, it can be helpful in guiding experiences and expectations with these powerful substances.
