The Beckley Foundation is a charitable trust that promotes the scientific investigation of consciousness and its modulation from a multidisciplinary perspective. We also seek to change global drugs policy to reflect a more rational, evidence-based approach, shifting the emphasis from criminalisation to health.
CONTACT:
The Beckley Foundation
Beckley Park
Oxford
OX3 9SY
United Kingdom
Tel +44 1865351209
Tel +44 1865351019
Fax +44 1865351219
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Drug policy and the public good: evidence for Effective interventions
The drug laws are counter-productive, and David Cameron knows it
Amanda Feilding & the Beckley in the Guardian, February 2012
The Beckley Foundation Submits Evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee, February 2012
Exciting new findings produced through the Beckley-Imperial College Psychedelic Research Programme
Mexican Cartels and Illicit Trafficking in Guatemala’s Border Communities, February 2012
Press Release: The Beckley Foundation-Imperial College Psychedelic Research Programme
Polarization and Sustained Violence in Mexico’s Cartel War
Drugs mule terms cut in new sentencing guidelines
Expert Seminar on the Future of the UN Drug Control Treaties, 25-26 January 2012, Prague
Cannabis in Pain and Palliative Care
Throughout much of the last century, scientists studying drug abuse [...]
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. Chemicals play [...]
Violence is amongst the primary concerns of communities around the [...]
The drug known as ecstasy has been used by 12 [...]
Psychedelics can trigger insight, but behavior change takes time and a changed environment to take root. Through personal stories, participants will explore the concept and process of change in psychedelic therapy. How do psychedelics redefine medicine and science, and how can we effectively reintegrate them into contemporary society?
Speakers:
Neal Goldsmith
Psychotherapist and Counselor
Rick Doblin
Executive Director
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
Jim Fadiman
Co-Founder
Institute for Transpersonal Psychology
Marilyn Howell
Author, Honor Thy Daughter
Amanda Feilding
Executive Director
Beckley Foundation
Julie Holland
Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
NYU School of Medicine
Amanda Feilding on Global Solidarity Podcast
Click to download Amanda Feilding on Michael Fitzgerald’s Global Solidarity podcast From nearpodcast.org: Amanda Fielding, Countess of Wemyss of The Beckley Foundation joins Michael FitzGerald on Global Solidarity where she proposes that any discussion of changing drug policy is a taboo subject. We hate taboos here and so proceeded to look at the recommendations by [...]
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{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello,
As a Cognitive Science student studying at University of Leeds, I am truly fascinated by the Foundation and would love to get involved. I wonder if you would require an intern to provide enthusiastic support in any area?
If so I am eager to pass on my academic details!
Kind Regards
Jane Bradbury
I am fascinated by the research being done by your foundation and would love to contribute to your foundation in any way possible.
Esteemed Beckey Foundation,
I am Vanni Santoni, a journalist and writer especially focused on the themes of drug policy and human consciousness.
I am a long-time member of MAPS and Erowid, in my articles I covered events both official and underground such as the 2008 Basel World Psychedelic Forum, the 2010 Boom Festival or the 2007 Pinerolo “teknival”.
As a writer, I wrote a novel, “Gli interessi in comune”, published by Feltrinelli, one of Italy´s major publishing houses, about a group of young psychonauts seeking transcendence in the wasteland of contemporary italian industrial districts, and I am working on a new novel set in the free party subculture and based on the real experience of myself and of many fellow tribes.
I co-created the website sostanze.info which has been recognized as the first italian official drug info website focused on providing objective information and granting anonimity to its users.
I share your view on the subject of drug policy in general and psychedelic drugs in particular, and would like to put my experience and skills at your service. As a volunteer, and eventually, in the future (I might one day move to England for literary reasons) even by working with you, if possible.
Best regards,
Vanni Santoni
Dear Marie
Thank you for pointing out the broken link
It is fixed now
Best
BF
Hi,
I am writing to you following our phone conversation.
I am interested in coming to the Breaking Conventions conference that you are involved in co- hosting at the University of Kent on the 2nd -3rd of April.
I am diagnosed as Bipolar type 1 & as such in receipt of state benefits,I would like to know if I am eligible for a concessionary rate ticket.
As I said in our phone conversation I am particularly interested in the endogenous production of DMT & it’s congeners & their role in the disassociative states reached during a manic episode,as I believe them to be the causal mechanism.
I further believe that the therapeutic use of psychedelics can be very helpful in the management of a mental health disorder.I utilize vaporised cannabis as a means of dealing with the mood swings that are a so very problematic part of Bipolar disorder.I am able to enter into mild trance states in which I am able to self program/hypnotize myself & perform cognative programming,this was self taught,& I was deemed to have a good enough grasp of the concept that a CBT practioner I was sent to found treating me intimidating as my grasp of the subject was so thorough,I was suprised by this admission from him.I have found that the current obsession with the antipsychotic properties of CBD interesting & tend to use types that have a good amount of CBD,I think that it’s important to realize that it is the psychedelic nature of the THC that is so useful to me in my self programing,so an anti psychotic such as GW Pharmaceuticals are developing misses the point.
I am unfortunate not to be able to utilize most antidepressants as they cause me to become manic,I am lucky enough to be treated by a psychiatrist who has a pragmatic approach & an open mind & who has facillitated my being treated with 3 grams daily of Maxepa(Omega 3 fish oils) & St Johns Wort.I believe that the MAOI effect that the hypericum perforatum causes may be similar to the effect of the Bannisteriopsis caapi in ayahuasca.Namely that it causes the development of more receptor sites for serotonin in the brain.I believe the recent study by Dr Calloway,Dr Mckenna etc into the members of the Union De Vegetal has revealed this,but I would like to know more about this & anything about how we think MAOI’s work
I look forward to hearing from you & would be interested in being involved in any studies that you are aware of in this field.
Yours Martin
Dear Beckely Foundation,
I think I am a signed up memeber, (should be), and I wanted to foreward a most interesting interview with Catherine Austin Fitts; amongst other things, she an economist in the US and was Minister for Housing in the Bush admin. She has some real insights into the links between the economy and the illicit global drug trade, is highly articulate and a ‘fighter’.
I have not been able to detect your email address, so, can I direct you to go on line and look for Catherine Austin Fitts’s interview, as her revelations about the significance of the drug trade / economy / pharmaceuticles and the political insiders are worth understanding. It may help to see why there are those who would have different reasons, other than the usually accepted ones, to keep the trade illicit.
Wishing you an insightful and very happy year ahead,
Caroline Kenneil
I was astonished when the UK classified psilocybin mushrooms as a Class A drug, putting it in the same category as cocaine and heroine. I have had some very profound and wonderful experiences with these and would happily volunteer in any research projects or share my experiences. I definitely think they could help to alleviate clinical depression, especially for people stuck in very fixed mindset patterns. I applaud your work.
Para : Vivian Garrido
Estimada Vivian: soy un trabajador publico chileno y tengo una serie de iniciativas para afrontar el problema del consumo de drogas, desde una optica de la meditacion.
Atentamente
Muchas gracias
Hola Vivian:
Me pareció muy interesante tu estrevista dada para canal 13 cultura, te felicito por tus logros; acá en la ciudad de Rancagua me dedico a apoyar a personas que tienen problemas con el alcohol, y coincido con la mirada de la fundación acerca de las drogas, pretendemos impulsar la descrimización del porte y consumo de drogas blandas, especificamente la marihuana, y establecer como drogas de inicio al tabaco y al alcohol.
Me parecería importante comunicarme con usted para intercambiar información acerca de este tema que como usted sabe en este país esta en pañales; le reitero mis felicitaciones y espero su respuesta.
Un Abrazo.
Dear Beckley Foundation!
I just wanted to ask if you could insert “http://www.leap.cc”, the URL
of “Law Enforcement Against Prohibition”´s page, into your link list?
I think that this NGO absolutely has a common goal with the BF:
No more uncontrolled and untaxed Mafia market monopoly,
instead Access, Age and Quality Control for the profit of us all!
Best regards,
VectorNectar
Dear Sirs
My name is Paulo Jorge Abilio Cecilia, I’m 28 years old and I’m Portuguese.
I attend the civil engineering course in my city, more specifically at the University of Évora. In the past I used some drugs like LSD, MDMA, Cannabys (Sativa) and I was diagnosed with schizophrenia 8 years ago. I spend 1 month in a pstchiatric hospital and I made a treatment with Leponex (clozapine) for 6 years. I do not think that I’m a crazy person. I read some articles by Aldous Huxley and Terence McKenna and I agree with them but psychiatrists here in Portugal are still very conventional. I searched the Internet and I found your foundation. I would like to work with you as volunteer if possible.
Best Regards!
Paulo
Hello Paulo. We are pleased to hear of your support, and we think that the best way that you could help us is by publicizing the Beckley website, sharing it on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. I suggest adding us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BeckleyFoundation and suggesting us to your friends who are interested in drug policy reform and Consciousness studies. I would also say that promoting the Global Initiative, our upcoming project with a website about to be announced, would be helpful.
Thanks
Hi there
Loved the conference at the weekend, thanks so much for organising. We made a short film about it which we thought you might like to see.
http://www.knowdrugs.net/blog/?p=501
Regards
Cara and the Know Drugs Team
Many thanks for the link
It was a great conference to bring people together
BF
Hi, I just wanted to comment on your drug use survey I came across on erowid. When it asks for favorite drug it only allows for you to choose the one you use most, even if it’s not the one you like the most. I use alcohol most because it’s legal, easy to take and convenient, however it’s far from my first or second choice, so I wasn’t able to answer the question accurately.
Thanks.
Hi there,
I had been using some of the Beckley Reports in a research paper and one of the briefing papers, number 18 on the Swiss Four Pillar Policy from May 2009 seems to have disappeared. I’m wondering whether the link is broken or is is no longer available online: http://www.idpc.net/php-bin/documents/Beckley_Briefing_18.pdf
Thanks,
Taramin
Hello,
I think the IDPC must have moved the location of the file. It is available from the following URL
http://www.idpc.net/sites/default/files/library/Beckley_Briefing_18.pdf
I hope this arrives in time to help with your research paper.
FROM THE HUFFINGTON POST “I recommend an excellent documentary film, “What if Cannabis Cured Cancer,” by Len Richmond, which summarizes the remarkable research findings of recent years about the cancer-protective effects of novel compounds in marijuana. Most medical doctors are not aware of this information and its implications for cancer prevention and treatment.”- ANDREW WEIL, M.D.
“A Hugely Important Film”– JULIE HOLLAND, M.D. NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
“A Must See Film”– MARIJUANA POLICY PROJECT, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Using original and archival footage, the 60 minute documentary presents highly convincing evidence that this forbidden herb has healing properties beyond any other plant on the planet— interacting as it does with the body’s own “endocannabinoid system” to keep us fit and disease-free. “What if Cannabis Cured Cancer” explains how we are all born with a form of marijuana already in our bodies, and when pot is consumed, the “endocannabinoids” inside us—along with any cannabinoids we ingest—fit together like a key in a lock, thereby promoting the death of cancer cells without harming the body’s healthy cells. A powerful and eye-opening film about the future of cannabis—and perhaps even the future of medicine. Narrated by Emmy-winning actor, PETER COYOTE.
Featuring interviews with DR, ROBERT MELAMEDE, DR. SEAN MCALLISTER, DR. JEFFREY HERGENRATHER, DR. DAVID BEARMAN, DR. MANUEL GUZMAN, DR. RAPHAEL MECHOULAM, and DR. DONALD ABRAMS
Winner at the Los Angeles Film Festival, the Williamsburg Film Festival, and the Berkeley Film Festival.
DVD’s have been hand-delivered to every member of the Los Angeles City Council, the Kansas State Legislature, the Marin County Board of Supervisors, Las Vegas City Council, and 100 selected members of Congress in Washington D.C.
Consistently in Amazon’s “100 Bestselling Documentaries”.
Comedy Puppet Short included on DVD: “Kurt Cannabis Meets Connie Cancer” – an outrageous bit of puppet theater, imagining a comical meeting, somewhere in the liver, between the mean, bitchy, diva, “Connie Cancer” (voiced by Roseanne Barr), and the cool, hip, and rather wise, Kurt Cannabis (Malcolm McDowell).
YouTube Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnP8IugJCHM&feature=channel
Film Website: http://lenrichmondfilms.com/
Available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/What-if-Cannabis-Cured-Cancer/dp/B003SSBSQQ
Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/What-if-Cannabis-Cured-Cancer-Official-Site/125858817470315
Profile on Cannabis Planet TV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6jpOe_hX0I&feature=mfu_in_order&playnext=1&videos=LHG7pchb1Gk
Panel Discussion at the Sausalito Film Festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jd_N7MqcQs&feature=mfu_in_order&playnext=1&videos=Ty4PrvfDPSU
Profile in Whole Life Times Magazine: http://www.wholelifemagazine.com/blog/?p=1321
Interview in Cannabis Culture Magazine:
http://cannabisculture.com/v2/content/2011/01/27/Chemo-or-Cannabis-How-Would-You-Treat-Your-Cancer
Dr. Andrew Weil on the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/can-cannabis-treat-cancer_b_701005.html
“Stony Award” ceremony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43DtrcMy5ak
I tried to take part in your international drug survey but decided to quit it in the middle because in my opinion the available choices were unsatisfactory, and many meaningful options were missing.
For example, the list of drugs is ambiguous: first you speak of “amphetamine/methamphetamine” and then, below, of “prescribed stimulants (dexedrine, ritalin…)”. Do you mean that the first, but not the second, were “illicit” amphetamines ? What about heroin or morphine: do you consider licit (prescribed) and illicit use together?
Also, the list of available choices (never heard of …. tried it… occasional user… ex-user…) should be much more precise: e.g. “current occasional user” “former occasional user”…. The length of time over which a drug has been used should also be considered. Also, a choice of “medical use” should be given for drugs that are frequently used for such purposes.
Some common reasons for trying drugs (curiosity, imitation, boredom, escape from anxiety/pain/suffering, participation in a group activity, scientific research…) are not mentioned. In the risk from hallucinogens section, “long-term use” is unclear: I think having used LSD 30 times over 30 years should be defined “long-term use”, but also 30 times over 2 months. However such different behaviors have very different implications, also regarding risks.
Hi I’m a 19 year old student with bi-polar disorder and I’d gladly volunteer for any study of the effects of psychedelics on manic/depressive states as well as simply aiding this foundations initiative as best as I can. I’d be comfortable working anywhere in the world and would love to hear back from any administration of the BF for volunteer/employment opportunities.
hi my name is daniel and i am very interested on the research your labs are doing with psilocybin.I have used psilocybin many times and i would like to know if indeed it activates other portions of the brain that are normally dormant ? i believe it does when i use it , it allows so much info. to come through my brain i would be willing in assisting you in further learning about this amazing chemical psilocybin . so please write back i would love to know more about your latest research
We are currently funding research into psilocybin and fMRIs, led by David Nutt, Prof of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London. We hypothesize that psilocybin increases cerebral bloodflow and therefore increasing functioning in certain areas, similar to your suggestion.
A list of our articles on psilocybin for more research: http://www.beckleyfoundation.org/psylocybin-featured/
I recently graduated from Kent State University with my BA in Political Science. Currently, I am working to narrow down my research interests before I apply for graduate school. Over the past few years, I have developed a keen interest as to how various psychotropic substances lead to altered states of consciousness and effect one’s view of the self and his/her place in society with relation to the “Other.” While I have come across research that studies these effects within the biological sciences, I was curious as to where I could find research conducted from a social sciences perspective. Particularly, I would like to find universities that take an interdisciplinary approach to psychedelic phenomena, where the effects brought onto the user can be viewed from political, sociological, and philosophical standpoints. If the Beckley Foundation is familiar with any institutions that support such research, I would be very interested and thankful!
I am an amateur psychedelic researcher. I consider my research crucial and unique to the field of psychedelic drug research, as well as to promoting a modern understanding of mysticism and schizophrenia.
I would like to correspond with professional researchers, and submit a brief essay detailing the nature and justification of my findings, and would appreciate emails inviting the distribution of such information.
I consider my research important and groundbreaking, and unprofessional. I have no college education nor credibility with which to complete a research paper, and would appreciate an opportunity to correspond professionally with a college educated researcher.
The essay I intend to submit will be brief, and details what I consider plausible neurotransmitter explanations as to the nature of Schizophrenia, the Nirvana Conscious State, and the kind of experience induced by hallucinogenic drugs.
Please email kaybe@mail.com
Currently I am writing a PhD of philosophy proposal. I aim to research connections between phenomenological (Husserlian) approach towards objects of mind and hallucinogen induced state of mind.
I look for people and organizations to collaborate with.
Feel free to email me aidiss@gmail.com
Hello, I am looking to support this foundation as well (m.a.p.s./& The Heffter Research Institute) I’m in America and I really want to help promote organizations like this, and psychedelic research results throughtout the World I am looking for ways to ”pass the message on” fliers, articles, papers, documents, cards, buisiness cards, post cards, etc., anything I could circulate to the masses would be wonderful to take part In. Please, contact me via e-mail If there’s anything such, that I can help with, circulation data, clinical trials, or any thing pressing the research you help fund to everyone possible detailing what you do, how , where conctact info, donation info, address, website, phone, fax, e-mail., etc all in one card or paper that explains it all ”in a nutshell” would be excellent to have. Well good day, and good bye. –Jae Elapidae Pseudae
New England, America.
Hello
I am an American student located in Santa Cruz, California.
I was wondering if you have done any research concerning Depersonalization/De-realization Disorder?
I was just wondering why you dont have an email address for contact ? Could you tell me what the peer reviewed publications that the research has been published in? Thank you
I thank you for your attention to these studies, I am Dr. Mohamed from Libya and is interested in programs to combat drug and Engage National Committee Chairman to raise awareness against drug abuse I would like to belong to your organization for the exchange of information and studies on the drug, and to contribute with the international community in the drug situation in my country of Libya
Thank you
Send to my address _DR_ME_201030@YAHOO.COM
Thank you so much for your good work. Groups like ours have felt isolated and alone for so long in our campaign to raise awareness about how much taxpayers money is wasted prosecuting recreational drug users.
from
Legalise Cannabis Campaign Scotland
Greetings
I thank all of your institutions and individuals interested in Ba awareness against drug abuse
I am Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Rahman from Libya, I hope with all the comrades and specialists that work together and write some of the campaigns to increase awareness and activation and acquaintance with each other to increase the public relations
Mailing your
dr_me_201030@yahoo.com
I have just signed the on-line petition calling for a change in governments’ policy to the drugs problem.
I would like to ask – does the Foundation have a view on the opium poppy issue in Afghanistan. A lot of (probably wasted) effort has gone into trying to persuade farmers to stop growing poppies and often the crops have been destroyed, even though it is the people’s only reliable source of income. I have heard it argued that it would be better if we (the west who are fighting the war) bought the crops to avoid its sale to criminal gangs. Could it be used in the production of morphine? What is the Foundation’s policy?
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am looking to test UK Home office personal illicit drug licencing rules http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/licensing/personal/ by obtaining an import licence for cannabis. However, I need a Doctor or Drug Worker to write a letter;
“a letter from your prescribing doctor or drug worker, which must confirm your name, travel itinerary, names of prescribed controlled drugs, dosages and total amounts of each to be carried”.
I’m seeking medical cannabis to treat my depression for which I am currently prescribed venlafaxing 225 mg and Agomelatine 25mg daily.
Can you put me in contact with a sympathetic Doctor or social worker to this end?
Home Affairs Committee launches new inquiry into Drugs:
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/home-affairs-committee/news/drugs-call-for-ev/
I hope The Beckley Foundation know about this and will submit some evidence.
Please try and be more specific (otherwise, send mail to: beckley@beckleyfoundation.org). Thank you.