Roland Griffiths… led a renaissance in psychedelics research
Roland Griffiths, a professor of behavioral science and psychiatry whose pioneering work in the study of psychedelics helped usher in a new era of research into those once banned substances – and reintroduced the mystical into scientific discourse about them – died on Monday [10/16/2023] at his home in Baltimore. He was 77.
This work involved trained doctors administering high doses of psilocybin — the psychoactive, or mind-altering, component found in the psilocybe genus of mushrooms — to healthy people in a controlled, living room-like setting. Eighty percent of the participants described the experience as among the most revelatory and spiritually meaningful episodes of their lives, akin to the death of a parent or the birth of a child, as Dr. Griffiths often said. Their experience had all the attributes of a mystical event. They described profound feelings of joy, love and, yes, terror, along with a sense of interconnectedness and even an understanding of a sublime, sacred and ultimate reality. Such positive effects on their mood and behavior lasted for months and even years… over the years, Dr. Griffiths work has garnered substantial support through grants from the National Institute of Health, and he boasts a prolific publication record, with more than 400 journal articles and book chapters to his name. Additionally, Dr. Griffiths has played a pivotal role in training over 50 postdoctoral research fellows. His influence extends far beyond academia, as he has served as a consultant to the NIH and lent his expertise to numerous pharmaceutical companies, aiding in the development of new psychotropic drugs. Furthermore, Dr. Griffiths has contributed as a member of the Expert Advisory Panel on Drug Dependence for the World Health Organization.
Original Article (New York Times & The Dales Report):
Roland Griffiths is dead at 77; led a renaissance in psychedelics research & Psychedelic research pioneer Roland Griffiths passes at age 77
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