Then (1990s), True Hallucinations
The Pineal Gland as DMT Source: Was Strassman Right?
The pineal gland produces DMT endogenously, particularly at birth, death, and during deep meditation or near-death experiences. This endogenous DMT mediates mystical and anomalous experiences.
It's Complicated
Confirmed: DMT is present in human blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, an endogenous compound. The pineal as primary production site: not confirmed. The pineal contains the enzyme machinery required for DMT synthesis, but measurement data showing it produces DMT in pharmacologically significant quantities does not yet exist. The broader hypothesis (endogenous DMT mediates naturally occurring mystical states) remains open and scientifically interesting.
Sources
- Nichols, Pharmacological Reviews (2016)
- Roney-Dougal in Paranthropology Vol.2 No.2 (2011)