Breaking Convention: Psychedelics in the UK

Last weekend, Know Drugs attended the University of Kent Psychedelic Society’s ‘Breaking Convention’. And no, this is not to be confused with the hip hop dance convention – that one has no ‘g’ in breaking.

Billed as a multi-disciplinary conference on psychedelic consciousness, a host of academics and speakers from all over the world gathered to share information about their research. Subject covered included MDMA, LSD, psylocybin, ayahuasca, psychotherapy, neuroscience, evolution and consciousness.

We grabbed a few of the attendees and asked them why they were there and what they’d learned – and the film above shows what they said.  Thanks to all who took part.

Links to sites of some of the people featured in this video

• The Ritual and Religious Use of Ayahuasca in Contemporary Brazil – by Edward MacRae

• Gregory Sams‘ own website

• Charlotte Walsh’s academic credentials and biography.

• An interview with Andy Roberts about his book ‘Albion Dreaming – A cultural history of LSD in Britain’ on the Psychedelic Press UK website.

• Alex Beiner’s comments on drug use and spiritual practice can be read here.