Will psychedelic research and the ‘psychedelic renaissance’ create another generational divide?

Summary

The discussion explores whether the resurgence of psychedelics in research and culture will lead to a new generational divide. It highlights the historical stigma associated with psychedelics, including their ties to unethical medical practices and societal issues like violence. The author argues that while psychedelics are often blamed for social divisions, they may actually reflect deeper underlying problems rather than being the root cause.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Will psychedelic research and the ‘psychedelic renaissance’ create another generational divide? Erika Dyck, Canada Research Chair in History of Health & Social Justice at the University of Saskatchewan, discusses changing attitudes to psychedelics and the challenges in forming a strong evidence base from available psychedelic research. As psychedelics re-emerge in the 21st century, their storied past continues to haunt their future. Tales have circulated of their entanglement in unethical medical research and implication in violent behaviours, including suicides and homicides. Psychedelics have even been blamed for turning an entire generation of young people to question authority and the values of a post-World War culture. Are psychedelics really to blame for these social divisions? I do not think that psychedelics are the problem, but they may be a symptom.