Genetic Testing for Psychedelic Response
My DNA Report from the EntheoDNA Kit
This post is a followup to one I wrote recently titled, “The Genetic Tapestry of Psychedelic Experiences”. You can find it here: https://kykeon23.substack.com/p/the-genetic-tapestry-of-psychedelic.
An individual’s psychedelic experience is heavily impacted by the Source – Set – Setting paradigm. ‘Set’ is a complex and crucial component that is focused on what an individual brings to a session. Included is a wide range of variables such as mood, expectations, intentions, personality, beliefs, personal history, physical health, diet, and a myriad of other individual factors, including genetics.
In the numerous interviews I have conducted in the past year with psychedelic retreat leaders, facilitators, guides, and sitters there is one question that I always ask is: “Do you ever work with someone who has such a minimal response to the psychedelic that, even with increased doses, they have difficulty escaping the gravitational pull of the ego”. The answer is invariably, “Yes”. When I ask why this might be, responses have ranged from “inability to give up control” to “probable use of SSRIs (antidepressants)” to “I have no idea”.
The role of genetics must be considered and the field of pharmacogenetics can give insight into an individual’s genetic makeup and their response to psychedelics. Rev. Hooman, founder at the Entheology Project, recently offered to send me a EntheoDNA Kit from Dynamic Labs (“Using a simple, painless cheek swab, this test analyzes how your DNA may influence your sensitivity to substances like Psilocybin, MDMA, DMT (Ayahuasca), Mescaline, Ketamine, Ibogaine, LSD, Salvia divinorum, and Cannabis.”). How could I say no?
I received the kit, followed the instructions, and received the report about 3 weeks later. Below is the report I received for your review. In the real world of retreats there will not be genetic testing as it is much simpler to just give an initial low dose to determine responsiveness. Nonetheless, I find it interesting that this type of precision testing is now available and could be of value to those who want to gain a deeper understanding of one aspect of their personal Set.
Feel that this was accurate compared to your experiences? With these substances