Scientists Create Plant That Produces Psychedelics

Researchers have engineered a tobacco plant to produce psilocybin, DMT, and other psychedelic compounds, potentially reducing pressure on wild species and preserving Indigenous traditions.

Details

In a groundbreaking development, scientists have successfully engineered a tobacco plant to produce a range of psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin, DMT, and compounds found in the venom of the Bufo toad. This proof-of-concept system demonstrates the potential to cultivate psychedelics in a controlled, sustainable manner, reducing the need to harvest from wild plant and animal sources. The engineered plant could help preserve Indigenous traditions that rely on these psychoactive substances, while also making them more accessible for medical and scientific research.