Why it matters: Harvard will be offering a new program of study focused on psychedelics thanks to a $16 million grant from the Gracias Family Foundation. This program will explore the impact of psychedelics on society and culture and aims to produce cutting-edge scholarship in the field.
What they are saying: Antonio Gracias, the founder of the Gracias Family Foundation and former Tesla employee, believes Harvard is the ideal place to study psychedelics and craft a framework for their safe and appropriate use in society. The program will be a joint effort between the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Divinity School.
The big picture: This marks a significant development in psychedelic education, particularly because Harvard is an Ivy League institution. While other American universities already offer psychedelic-based programs, Harvard’s reputation adds a level of credibility and legitimacy to the field of study.
What to watch: It is unclear when the program will be available to students and what the curriculum will look like. However, the news release mentions that the program will approach the field from various viewpoints, including law, policy, ethics, religion and spirituality, consciousness, and art and literature.
My take: The establishment of this program at Harvard is a positive step forward in acknowledging the potential benefits and applications of psychedelics. By exploring psychedelics from multidisciplinary perspectives, Harvard aims to transform the research landscape and generate valuable discussions and innovations in this emerging field. It also reflects the growing acceptance and recognition of the importance of psychedelics beyond just medicine.
