# Brain Scans Reveal Voluntary Psychedelic-Like Trance Without Drugs > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/neuroimaging-study-drug-free-altered-states/ > **Published:** 2026-04-05T01:01:36-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-29T00:12:09-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** This neuroimaging study drug-free altered states reveals brain mechanisms behind voluntary psychedelic-like trance without substances. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance  #70Notable Clinical Interest  Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. ⚒ Cannabis News  |  CED Clinic PsychedelicsNeuroscienceConsciousness[Mental Health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-psychiatric-research-findings-depression-anxiety/)Research Why This Matters This neuroimaging study of drug-free altered states provides mechanistic insights into consciousness modulation that may inform our understanding of how psychedelics work therapeutically. Understanding endogenous pathways to altered consciousness could help identify biomarkers for psychedelic response and potentially guide non-pharmacological interventions. Clinical Summary Researchers used fMRI to study a woman who can voluntarily enter trance-like states without substances, finding brain activity patterns that share similarities with psychedelic-induced states. The study identified specific neural network changes during these self-induced altered states, particularly involving default mode network modulation. While intriguing, this represents a single case study of an individual with unusual abilities, limiting generalizability to typical patients or therapeutic applications. Dr. Caplan’s Take “This is fascinating neuroscience, but it’s one extraordinary individual — not a treatment pathway I can recommend to patients. What it does give us is a clearer picture of the brain mechanisms underlying altered states, which helps me understand what we’re actually targeting when we use psychedelic medicines therapeutically.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should view this as mechanistic research rather than therapeutic guidance. The study reinforces that altered states involve measurable, consistent neural changes rather than subjective experiences alone. For patients interested in psychedelic medicine, this type of research helps validate that these treatments work through specific, identifiable brain mechanisms. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Brain%20scans%20reveal%20how%20a%20woman%20voluntarily%20enters%20a%20psychedelic-like%20trance%20with...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//www.psypost.org/brain-scans-reveal-how-a-woman-voluntarily-enters-a-psychedelic-like-trance-without-drugs/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//www.psypost.org/brain-scans-reveal-how-a-woman-voluntarily-enters-a-psychedelic-like-trance-without-drugs/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Brain%20scans%20reveal%20how%20a%20woman%20voluntarily%20enters%20a%20psychedelic-like%20trance%20with...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//www.psypost.org/brain-scans-reveal-how-a-woman-voluntarily-enters-a-psychedelic-like-trance-without-drugs/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://www.psypost.org/brain-scans-reveal-how-a-woman-voluntarily-enters-a-psychedelic-like-trance-without-drugs/](https://www.psypost.org/brain-scans-reveal-how-a-woman-voluntarily-enters-a-psychedelic-like-trance-without-drugs/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What is the clinical relevance rating of this psychedelics research?](#What_is_the_clinical_relevance_rating_of_this_psychedelics_research) - [What therapeutic areas do psychedelics research typically focus on?](#What_therapeutic_areas_do_psychedelics_research_typically_focus_on) - [Why are psychedelics considered noteworthy in clinical settings?](#Why_are_psychedelics_considered_noteworthy_in_clinical_settings) - [What makes this psychedelics news particularly relevant for clinicians?](#What_makes_this_psychedelics_news_particularly_relevant_for_clinicians) - [How do psychedelics relate to neuroscience and consciousness research?](#How_do_psychedelics_relate_to_neuroscience_and_consciousness_research) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What is the clinical relevance rating of this psychedelics research? This research has been assigned a CED Clinical Relevance rating of #70, indicating “Notable Clinical Interest.” This classification means the findings represent emerging developments or policy changes that warrant close monitoring by [healthcare professionals](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-reproductive-health-women-clinical-evidence/). #### What therapeutic areas do psychedelics research typically focus on? Psychedelics research primarily focuses on [mental health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-psychiatric-research-findings-depression-anxiety/) applications, neuroscience, and consciousness studies. These compounds are being investigated for their potential to treat various psychiatric conditions and expand our understanding of brain function. #### Why are psychedelics considered noteworthy in clinical settings? Psychedelics are gaining clinical attention due to their unique mechanisms of action on consciousness and neural pathways. They represent a potentially transformative approach to treating mental health conditions that have been resistant to traditional therapies. #### What makes this psychedelics news particularly relevant for clinicians? The classification as “Notable Clinical Interest” suggests this represents emerging findings or policy developments in the psychedelics field. Clinicians should monitor these developments as they may impact future treatment options and regulatory frameworks. #### How do psychedelics relate to neuroscience and consciousness research? Psychedelics offer unique insights into brain function and consciousness by temporarily altering neural connectivity patterns. This makes them valuable research tools for understanding both normal brain function and potential therapeutic mechanisms for [mental health disorders](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-receptor-type-2-schizophrenia/). 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[Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/digital-wellness-memory-impairment-short-videos/) Can a psychedelic journey change what you value most? – PsyPost Discover research on how psychedelic experiences may influence personal values and consciousness. Read Article Fast-Tracking Psychedelics Research – YouTube Watch a video overview of accelerated research into psychedelics and their therapeutic potential. Watch Now ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).