Are people who have taken psychadelic drugs more intelligent?

Question

Can you generalize about the difference between people you know you have and have not experimented with drugs?

Answer 1

I think it differs between those who may have taken it once or those who have used it as habit.

I understand that those who have tried it have a different view on reality to those who have not tried it. I do not know whether their IQ has gone up, but maybe their emotional dimensions have been stretched further.

Answer 2

I'm an old hippie who delved deep into hallucinogens for a few years. In college it was often thought of as a way to gain insight into the unknown recesses of our minds. At least, that's how it started out for most of us, with the umm...highest intentions. Then it simply became the sort of high that anyone who enjoyed mind games and did drugs was drawn to instinctively. So in a way, yes, many of the more intelligent young people were drawn to the hallucinogens - they were, literally, mind-expanding. But I also believe that they were much more damaging than any of us ever would have believed.

I have noticed one significant thing about those of us in my generation who dabbled in chemical hallucinogens on a regular basis. Many of us suffer from health problems that shouldn't be plaguing us for another twenty or thirty years.

Answer 3

I know plenty of people who have never used psychedelics who are very smart, and vice versa. I think pschedelic use creates a different kind of awareness though, not really superior intelligence per se.

I think pschedelic use in your past, makes you notice different things, and makes you laugh at different situations than those who haven't used.

A quick example. There's a little known movie called "Rubin & Ed". I've showed it to many people, and some think it is absolutely hilarious, and some think it's the stupidest movie they've ever seen. I'm in the hilarious camp, and I think previous psychedelic use may be an important factor in how you view the movie.

In general people who've used psychedelics seem to be more calm in stressful situations.

So I guess I would say, in general, not more but different

Answer 4

no they have become more informed they now have data on alternative dimensions and have gone trough a few doors that remain closed for those who have not traveled in to psychedelics

intelligence is something else ,it has nothing to do with experience, it is relates to the quality of the brain ,and whats in it comes under education.
kids from a jungle village may be more intelligent ,but they lack data,compared to the kids from New York .(education)
they know a lot of other stuff that applies to a civilized world

Answer 5

Curiosity is a major component of intelligence, so I think the desire to experiment with drugs shows intelligence.

Answer 6

Drugs actually kill brain cells and the IQ does certainly no increase after the absorption thereof. Many people feel real smart when on drugs but they appear pretty dumb to the rest of us.

Answer 7

working in the med field I have seen the effects of drug use over a long period of time....they have burned up cells in the brain to the point that then they are having to be treated for major issues...I know most say whats the difference in drinking and a joint....well both are harmful......one damages the liver and the other the brain cells & lungs ....most all heavy drug users have talked with said they began with just a joint then graduated to regain the high the one use to do....depends on usage....frankly I don't want to live dangerously or take the chance

Answer 8

Does the term "burnout" ring any bells?
Anyone who would "experiment" with drugs is anything but "more intelligent."
I have worked with people whose attention span and short term memory will prohibit them from ever holding a job or position with any responsibility, probably for the rest of their lives.
Judging from their position on legalizing marijuana and their attitude concerning illegal substances, I strongly suspect there is a definite cause and effect going on here.

Answer 9

I wouldn't make any sweepng generalizations. I know many intelligent people who smoke weed. My riend Tim was 8th in our class of over 500, I played tennis with two smokers that were twins, one was salutatorian, the other 5th. I smoke all the time, I made all A's takin 15 hours. So I would have to assert, not all dope smokers are your stereotypical slow-minded morons. But as far as cocaine, heroine, acid etc. I would have to say no. I think these regular users are often referred to as "homeless."

Answer 10

I doubt if I gained any intelligence, perhaps lost some. I am grateful for the experience and memories however~~(I do not recommend drug use...in fact, I suggest church these days)...... maybe my statement alone shows a bit of multi-personality now that I look at it ..LOL