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

Erika Dyck examines whether the renewed interest in psychedelics will create another generational divide, as occurred in the 20th century. She notes that psychedelics' past—including unethical research and associations with violence—continues to shape their present. Psychedelics have been blamed for turning a generation against authority and postwar values. Dyck argues that psychedelics are not the problem but may be a symptom of deeper social tensions.

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.