Ceremonial Entheogen Use in Puerto Rico

About the Study

The practice of psychedelic-assisted spiritual ceremonies, or ceremonial entheogen use, has gained increased visibility and interest in recent years. Research has documented the potential for these practices to offer therapeutic and psycho-spiritual benefits, such as reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety. The use of entheogens in spiritual contexts is not a new phenomenon, with historical roots in shamanic rituals across many cultures. In Puerto Rico, events like hurricanes, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic have created a significant impact on the population’s mental health, which may have led to a greater exploration of alternative healing and spiritual paths, including these ceremonies. The island's religious syncretism, where various traditions have intertwined over time, suggests a cultural backdrop that is uniquely receptive to the integration of such practices.

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However, there is a notable lack of systematic, evidence-based knowledge about the nature of these practices in Puerto Rico. Our research, led by our Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Yamil O. Ortiz Ortiz, Ph.D. from the University of Puerto Rico, along with a team of committed co-investigators, including Dr. Paulina Rullán, Dr. Juliana Millán, and Carolina Riollano, seeks to address these gaps. We aim to contribute valuable data that can inform public health policies, health interventions, and harm reduction strategies for communities involved in these practices.

Our Approach: Methodology and Design

This study employs a cross-sectional epidemiological design, which is an observational methodology selected for its ability to evaluate various variables and the frequency of certain effects simultaneously. This approach is an initial step, designed to describe and investigate the practice of ceremonial entheogen use and its relationship to health in Puerto Rico.

The core of our data collection will be a secure and anonymous online questionnaire. This method is intentional, as it provides a safe and private space for participants to respond and helps us reach a population that might be difficult to access through other means. Our study population will consist of residents of Puerto Rico who are 21 years of age or older and have participated in a ceremonial entheogen use event. Participants will be recruited through digital promotion on social media platforms and through announcements at the University of Puerto Rico. By not collecting any personal identifiers, we are ensuring the anonymity and confidentiality of all participants.

Project Timeline and Status

This project is part of a larger, long-term initiative to build a robust body of knowledge on psychedelic science in Puerto Rico. Our research is grounded in a methodical and deliberate process to ensure scientific integrity and ethical standards are met at every stage. We are currently in the initial phase of the project, which involves securing formal approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This step is critical for any research involving human subjects. Once IRB approval is secured, we anticipate moving forward with the following tentative timeline:

Months 1-3: Securing IRB approval
Months 4-6: Data collection is underway.
Month 7-9: Data analysis is conducted.
Months 10-12: We will communicate the study results and prepare a research article for submission.

We are committed to providing transparent updates on our progress and look forward to sharing our findings with you and the broader community.