The Science of Psychedelics with Dr Sam Gandy

Psychedelics are having a moment, with a research renaissance exploring their effects and potential in full swing. While these substances have been used as agents of healing and divination in a shamanic and spiritual context by some indigenous cultures for many centuries, their intersection with Western culture is much more recent. Psychedelics have a tumultuous history, with an initial wave of scientific research into their potential being cut short by a vicious countercultural backlash in the 1960’s, although scientific research is once again picking up pace.

While psilocybin has taken centre stage in this modern research revival, other psychedelics such as LSD, ayahuasca, DMT and 5-MeO-DMT are also gaining increasing scientific attention. What has research revealed about how psychedelics impart their powerful effects on the human psyche? And what promise might psychedelics hold in the treatment of various mental health afflictions, and the betterment of well people?

Doors open at 5pm, talk starts at 5:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

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Sam is a PhD ecologist and independent researcher. He has varied experience of working within the psychedelic field, including as a past scientific assistant to the director of the Beckley Foundation and as a research assistant with the Synthesis Institute. His work has also involved science communication, including a past role as a senior science writer for Wavepaths. A lifelong nature lover, he has a research interest in the capacity of psychedelics to influence human relationships with nature, and is a collaborator with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. His main work focus is within the ecological field, working as Innovation Team Leader with environmental consultancy Ecosulis.

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