The Science of Psychedelics with Dr David Luke
- Ralph Quinlan Forde BSc Hons MA
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
The traditional use of psychoactive plants and fungi for spiritual and shamanic rituals has occurred for thousands of years, whereas the Western scientific research of these substances has only been explored in the last 100 years, and prohibition stalled the last 50 years of this.
Dr David Luke gave a great talk in Limerick on The Science of Psychedelics.
In his talk he introduced to the science of these traditional psychedelics along with their modern counterparts first synthesised in the 20th century. Dr. Luke will also touched upon the mental health applications for these drugs.
Now that scientific research is resuming, what do psychedelics tell us about the weirder side of human consciousness? What can be learned from the traditional shamanic practices with these substances?
These substances are sometimes referred to as ethnogens.
They have been studied in the use of treating PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder and even in palliative care.
Most heartening was a contribution from a member of the public who had long covid and who took some 'mushrooms' to help with his condition. Not only did it heal the long covid it also 'gave me back to myself'. This gave everyone a happy smile for both healing he got and the insight.
Dr David Luke is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich. His research focuses on transpersonal experiences, anomalous phenomena and altered states of consciousness, especially via psychedelics, having published more than 100 academic papers in this area, including ten books, most recently Otherworlds: Psychedelics and Exceptional Human Experience. When he is not running clinical drug trials with LSD, conducting DMT field experiments or observing apparent weather control with Mexican shamans he directs the Ecology, Cosmos and Consciousness salon and is a cofounder and director of Breaking Convention: International Conference on Psychedelic Consciousness.
Testimonials from recent lectures
⭐ The talk was well paced, funny and engaging. I left with several book suggestions and was very happy with the talk. - Bobby R
⭐ Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S
⭐ His excellent oratory skills, sense of humour and the subject matter made for a highly enjoyable two hours - Andrew I
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