Renowned for inducing powerful and transformational states of consciousness, 5-MeO-DMT is a natural mystery. Scientific research has now shown the molecule's capacity beyond the effects on the psyche, deep inside the brain to a neurochemical level where the compound has been shown capable of building new brain (nerve) cells.

In 2017 we began The Psychedelic Renaissance project in an attempt to destigmatize psychedelic use. Through mass education, we hope to contribute towards a more open and balanced conversation about psychedelics, a re-evaluation of outdated laws and bring forward strategies to overcome our current mental health epidemic. With a new partnership from MAPS, we now have the increased support to achieve these goals.

Could our beloved jolly St. Nick, the bearer of gifts, coca-cola and Black Friday sales, be the encapsulation of a sacred arctic mushroom?

The usefulness of psychedelic drugs in creating inner peace, resolving inner conflict, and overcoming trauma has been well-documented. However, what about the usefulness of these drugs in creating peace beyond the self? Peace between two groups in conflict? Could psychedelics offer healing for intergenerational traumas faced by different cultures and ethnic groups due to historical oppression? Or ongoing trauma experienced by those suffering because of political battles and war?

We are delighted to be sending the first of our ongoing monthly newsletters. Here, we will share highlights from this month’s psychedelic news and science with our like-minded followers, as well as updates on the project, a dedication to one of our project contributors, and exciting upcoming events.

At a street corner in the charming Clifton village, Bristol, I stand in front of a half-demolished building, of what used to be an Indian restaurant, under reconstruction. This once quaint meeting place for poppadom-eating and mindless dinner chats is now a hub standing at the forefront of a revolution in both psychiatry and the war on drugs.