Getting high: New ways to experience a unique buzz are in the pipeline

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• December 7, 2021

Insight summary

The exploration of consciousness is taking a technological turn, with researchers using virtual reality (VR) to simulate hallucinations, aiming to understand how our brains create visual experiences. This approach could lead to personalized, non-pharmaceutical alternatives to treat mental disorders that could reduce reliance on traditional medications. However, as this trend could lead to a new industry around digital highs and genetically modified plants, it also raises concerns about potential misuse, addiction, and the need for careful regulation.

Getting high context

The human fascination with exploring different states of consciousness has now found a new avenue through the lens of technology. Researchers have turned to the immersive world of virtual reality (VR) to construct a device that can induce hallucinations without the use of any mind-altering substances. The primary objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the brain's mechanisms in creating visual experiences. By simulating hallucinations, scientists hope to unlock the secrets of how our minds interpret and generate the images we see.

Participants were exposed to a series of videos depicting various natural scenes. These videos were carefully designed and presented through a VR headset. The headset was equipped with a specially developed visualization algorithm. The algorithm was designed to stimulate the brain in a way that is biologically similar to the process that occurs when one experiences a hallucination.

The hallucinations induced by the machine were found to bear a striking resemblance to those brought about by psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms. This similarity suggests that the machine was successful in replicating the visual distortions typically associated with a psychedelic experience. The findings of this study not only provide valuable insights into the workings of the human brain but also open up new possibilities for non-drug therapies for mental health conditions.

Disruptive impact

The development of designer drugs that can simulate specific brain chemistry could offer a new approach to managing mental health. For instance, people suffering from mood disorders or depression could potentially use these devices to regulate their emotional states, similar to how cochlear implants can restore hearing. This development could lead to a significant reduction in the reliance on pharmaceutical treatments, offering a more personalized and potentially less side-effect laden alternative.

For businesses, particularly those in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors, this trend could open up new markets and opportunities. The creation of a next-generation recreational drug industry, driven by genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and digital highs, could redefine the landscape of mental health and recreational therapy. Companies that can successfully navigate this emerging field could find themselves at the forefront of a new industry, providing products and services that enhance focus, performance, and overall well-being. However, they will also need to be mindful of potential ethical considerations and the risk of misuse.

The deregulation of recreational drugs could lead to increased acceptance and use of these new technologies, potentially reducing the stigma associated with mental health treatment. However, the possibility of an increasingly drug-dependent culture raises serious questions about societal health and well-being. Governments may need to balance the potential benefits of these advancements with the need for regulations to prevent misuse and ensure public safety.

Implications of designer drugs

Wider implications of designer drugs may include:

• Enhancing the mood of chronically depressed people through brain implants.


• Improving the mental performance of athletes, students, and white-collar workers.


• Creating GMO drugs that are safer and less addictive.


• Use in the formation of future religions, rituals, or new cultural activities.


• The development of non-pharmaceutical mental health treatments could lead to a decrease in healthcare costs, making mental health care more accessible and affordable for a wider demographic.


• The rise of a new industry centered around digital highs and genetically engineered plants could stimulate economic growth, creating new jobs and contributing to technological advancements.


• An increase in addiction rates, putting additional strain on healthcare systems and potentially leading to negative social consequences.


• The deregulation of recreational drugs leading to political debates and controversies, potentially polarizing societies and leading to changes in voting patterns and political affiliations.


• The production of genetically engineered plants with psychoactive properties leading to changes in farming practices and the need for new regulations to protect biodiversity.

Questions to consider

• What do you think would be the best use of digital drugs to improve the health of society?


• Do you think digital highs can genuinely replace the chemistry of natural highs?