"For me, the psychological off ramp from potential emotional misery has been this intentional cultivation of gratitude for the preciousness of the gift of life itself, of being conscious, of being awake for the mystery of the present moment.” - Roland Griffiths

Hi there,

This week the world bid a heartbreaking farewell to the remarkable intellect, pioneering spirit, shining light and compassionate humanity of Dr. Roland Griffiths. A psychopharmacologist by trade, it was his groundbreaking study in 2006 that is widely credited for reigniting scientific research in psychedelics today. Griffith's research addressing end-of-life concerns, depression, addiction, PTSD and other illnesses catalysed a revolution in mental healthcare.

But Griffiths left a mark on the field not only by reviving it but by placing the mystical experience and spirituality at the center of his research. They are the key, the one essential element, he argued. In pursuing mystical experiences, spiritual practice, and death anxiety, he opened non-obvious lines of inquiry for the field to pursue (you can watch our 2020 panel discussion with him here on the subject of death, dying, and psychedelics). Far beyond the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, it may just be these psychospiritual aspects that prove most fascinating, most transformative, and most consequential in the years to come.

So much of our work in our Psychedelic Science & Culture area follows the path Griffiths paved. We are deeply grateful to share what we have to offer there:

Learn the psychonaut essentials - from the history and science to set and setting- in Psychedelics 101 a new 3-week course
Dig into the data in this workshop on how SSRI or SNRI antidepressants really interact with psychedelics
Join two of the field's leading voices on whether psychedelic therapy can ever integrate with mainstream health systems
Should everyone take psychedelics at least once? Weigh in at our new Psychedelic Debates evening
Shatter urban legends and delve into the truth behind drug interactions at our first Psychedelic MythBusters session
Finally, experience psychedelics for yourself at our next psilocybin retreat in the Netherlands

Embodiment, Expression, & Creativity

Community & Social Change

Intimacy, Identity, and Connection

Ceremony & Ritual

Nature Connection

Adventures in Awareness

Join our community of members!

We fund our work in integration, education and harm reduction primarily through our membership program.

By becoming a member of The Psychedelic Society community, you get access to exclusive members-only events like the ones above, a discount on events, and support the development of this alternative cultural space. Membership starts from just £5/month!