Ayahuasca

Psychedelic experiences' impact on long-term outcomes in mood and wellbeing varies based on the nature of the experience, set and setting, and individual variables. Data from a psilocybin clinical trial

Tomáš Páleníček

Brain organoids, resembling miniature brains, are grown from iPS cells for studying brain formation, diseases, and drug effects. Recent research explores psychedelics' therapeutic potential and mechanisms on brain organoids.

Stevens Rehen

Psychedelic drugs may enhance creative thinking and empathy, supported by anecdotal reports and some scientific evidence. Studies show time- and construct-dependent effects on flexible cognition, with brain imaging linking changes

Natasha Mason

Ayahuasca shows promise as a treatment for major depression, with a trial indicating significant reduction in symptoms and improvements in physiological systems linked to depression. Research on psychedelics for depression

Nicole Galvão-Coelho

Studies since 2005 show ayahuasca impacts memory, vision, introspection in the brain. Changes in hippocampus, visual cortex, frontopolar regions, default mode network observed during acute effects.

Four sources of data explore scientific findings on psychedelic-mediated personality change. Results from meta-analytic project, clinical trial, observational findings, and qualitative reports are discussed, along with underlying mechanisms and limitations.

Brandon Weiss

Dennis J. McKenna, Ph.D., a prominent ethnopharmacologist, co-founded the Heffter Research Institute and played a pivotal role in the Hoasca Project. He also taught Ethnopharmacology at the University of Minnesota.

Dennis J McKenna

Religious groups União do Vegetal and Santo Daime import, possess, and use ayahuasca in religious practice, navigating legal complexities to secure religious freedom for psychedelic use in the United States.

Jack Silver, Martha Hartney, Allison Hoots, Sara Gael

Ayahuasca's mainstream rise brings dilemmas like abuse and commodification, alongside legitimate Indigenous initiatives and religious freedom advocacy. Presentation highlights history, cultural aspects, research perspectives, controversies, and challenges faced.

Henrique Fernandes Antunes

Huni Kuin Indigenous representative discusses traditional use of ayahuasca, expressing concerns about globalization and potential loss of cultural significance with expanding Western interest in the plant.

Leopardo Yawa Bane