Throughout history people have used mind expanding substances to explore consciousness and enhance their lives. Our purpose at the Albert Hofmann Foundation is to gather the records of these endeavors and to further the understanding and responsible application of psychedelic substances in the investigation of both individual and collective consciousness.
This newsletter is the first Report of The Albert Hofmann Foundation (referred to as AHF or, simply, the Foundation), which is contained in alternate issues of the MAPS quarterly Bulletin. Through this report, we will keep you abreast of the activities of The Foundation, and report on developments of interest to all of those concerned with the field of psychedelics.
Who We Are
The Albert Hofmann Foundation was founded in 1988, named after the famous Swiss chemist, author, and philosopher. In addition to discovering d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), Dr. Hofmann isolated the psychoactive ingredients of psilocybin mushrooms and ololiuqui seeds, and crafted many other mind-manifesting chemical substances and medicinal compounds. Several of these, including hydergine, are still widely in use. Dr. Hofmann has authored more than 100 articles in the field, and several books including LSD - My Problem Child and, with others, Plants of the Gods and The Road to Eleusis.
The remarkable psychic properties of LSD, which induces dramatic changes in consciousness at microscopic doses, have inspired millions of people through life-changing transcendent experiences. The intense interest in psychedelic drug research following the discovery of LSD revolutionized the scientific study of the human mind and produced a wealth of new data. The resulting exploration of possibilities within the human mind/body helped fuel the human potential movement in the Sixties, a movement reflected worldwide in new perspectives in business, medicine, ecology, the arts, and politics.
The Foundation is a nonprofit, educational and research organization, originally chartered to preserve the earliest records of psychedelic activity. Since early work suggests that these consciousness-revealing substances, both natural and synthetic, can be judiciously used for the betterment of humankind, our mission includes encouraging research and increasing public awareness and understanding of the potential such substances may offer.
The Foundation does not support irresponsible use of psychedelics for casual purposes, and we do not encourage public use of illicit substances. We aim to provide accurate and unbiased information not only about the psychedelic substances and the experiences that attend their use, but also about the hazards inherent in the irresponsible use of these drugs.
The Foundation is administered by a board of directors and supported by an advisory board (see listing here on our Masthead) drawn from scientific, scholarly and cultural communities around the world, including almost all of the pioneering psychedelic researchers and explorers. We look forward to introducing you to this accomplished group of advisors in future issues of the Hofmann Report.
The AHF maintains an office on the West side of Los Angeles, which houses a portion of our archives and provides computer facilities and a meeting place for the group of volunteer staff and directors who oversee and administer the Foundation. We are funded entirely by donations from private sources, including grants, wills and trust funds, as well as through non-cash contributions, such as volunteer work and equipment donations.
Our Current Status
A Note from Michael Gilbert, president of The Albert Hofmann
Foundation
As provided in our mission statement above, gathering in, classifying and facilitating the public availability of psychedelic archives is our first and preeminent mandate. We have recently centralized these holdings, have obtained the relevant hardware and are developing programs to convert our archives to an electronic database (in conjunction with computer consultants assisting the Foundation). Accordingly we are on our way to developing a comprehensive, unique and accessible database. In cooperation with MAPS and the Heffter Institute, we are supporting a project conducted by Eric Katt to provide a complete on-line psychedelic bibliography.
Also over the past eighteen months, we have strengthened our board of directors, enlarged the Foundation advisory board of distinguished researchers and authors, and reorganized editorial review procedures. We have exciting plans for the future.
However, in assessing the educational effort necessary to bring public understanding to the field of psychedelics, and the importance of accomplishing this, we feel it is essential to achieve some vital, fundamental objectives which will not be possible without a substantial financial base.
A successful fund-raising drive will provide, among other things, the resources to acquire additional collections for our archives, host relevant gatherings designed to enhance understanding in the field, and support and encourage research in order to gain a better knowledge of these remarkable substances and encourage their accurate portrayal in the media. In particular, our fund raising campaign will pursue the following goals:
As regular readers of MAPS periodicals know, limited psychedelic research has now resumed. Cracks increasingly appear in a "Drug War" that has not only failed, but has swept aside most rational thinking regarding these complex and important issues. Accordingly, this is a very crucial time for the Foundation. The pursuit of research and education in this vital area becomes increasingly important as the fallout of rampant technology and unrestrained avarice drive us ever closer to a disastrous precipice. All of us at the Albert Hofmann Foundation are pleased to have this opportunity to communicate with you. We invite your continuing moral, financial and volunteer support.
The Importance of Our Work
An editorial by Myron Stolaroff
As we look at our world today, fraught as it is with myriad difficulties, it is hard for most people to realize that a radically different way of existence is possible. The world that we accept as the real world, and the way things really are, is embedded within a vast range of possibilities to which we all have access, whether we know it or not.
The wise men and women of all times have discovered that innately, within all of us, is unlimited potential for increased wisdom, compassion, and creativity, thus the potential for turning our lives into fulfilling, joyous adventures.
Most persons, particularly in the West, are unfamiliar with such possibilities. Our scientists have largely neglected this area, but the Perennial Philosophers, including the Buddhists, have long known that experience of such remarkable possibilities can be obtained through skillful means.
Many thousands of individuals in modern times have discovered that psychedelic drugs used with serious intent, integrity and knowledge can yield many of these same understandings. Those who have worked with them sufficiently to become adept in their use, often find them a source of mental and physical rejuvenation or freedom from afflictions, a path to increased clarity, and a means to reach their full potential.
A common shared realization growing out of these experiences is that life can be joyful and exciting as one becomes contented and appreciative of oneself and others. The current dilemma in our nation and many parts of the world with regard to this matter is that most of the substances that can aid in such discoveries are illegal to possess. Yet those aware of the potential of psychedelic substances suggest that few if any other means can demonstrate as rapidly for the serious seeker the paths to resolving many of the problems we face.
Experienced researchers have reported that an informed program of properly conducted psychedelic experiences can help reveal our own personal psycho-dynamics, provide greater understanding and improve relationships as they reveal the harmony of all creation. Accordingly, they are able to explore other dimensions of existence and realize that dedication to positive work can bring self-fulfillment even as it raises the welfare of others. To many, it is apparent that the proper knowledge and application of psychedelic substances can help accelerate the evolution of humankind towards a higher degree of wisdom, compassion and productivity.
At the present time only those with direct experience seem to be aware of this important potential. Many elements of our government, our society and much of the psychiatric community view these substances as toxic and harmful. We believe these misconceptions arise primarily from ignorance of drug effects, from uninformed use and from the pervasive fear aroused by encountering unfamiliar behavior. Consequently a vigorous program of education is required to bring about general understanding, and open the door to more widespread, carefully conducted research and exploration.
We can do no less.
Inquiries and communications regarding our organization and activities may be sent to:
The Albert Hofmann FoundationInformation on items of interest for future issues of the Hofmann Report will be much appreciated. Send to the same address, attention of: Myron Stolaroff Editor, The Hofmann Report.
P.O. Box 341589
Los Angeles, CA 90034
The Advisors to the Albert Hofmann Foundation
Frank Barron, Ph.D.
Jan Bastiaans, M.D.
Peter Baumann, M.D.
John Beresford, M.D.
John Buckman, M.D.
Walter Clark, Ph.D. (deceased)
Ram Dass (Richard Alpert, Ph.D.)
Betty G. Eisner, Ph.D.
James Fadiman, Ph.D.
Allen Ginsberg
George Greer, M.D.
Lester Grinspoon, M.D.
Charles Grob, M.D.
Stanislav Grof, M.D., Ph.D.
Willis Harman, Ph.D.
Milan Hausner, M.D.
Abram Hoffer, M.D., Ph.D.
Albert Hofmann, Ph.D.
Bo Holmstedt, Ph.D.
Jean Houston, Ph.D.
Laura Huxley
Oscar Janiger, M.D.
Stanley Krippner, Ph.D.
Igor Kungurtsev, M.D.
John Lilly, M.D.
Olga Luchakova, M.D., Ph.D.
Arnold J. Mandell, M.D.
Robert Masters, Ph.D.
Dennis McKenna, Ph.D.
Terence McKenna
Ralph Metzner, Ph.D.
Claudio Naranjo, M.D.
David Nichols, Ph.D.
Humphry Osmond, M.D.
Jonathan Ott
Christian Ratsch, Ph.D.
Ronald Sandison, M.D.
Michael Schlichting, M.D.
Richard Evans Schultes, Ph.D.
Alexander Shulgin, Ph.D.
Ronald Siegel, Ph.D.
David Smith, M.D.
Huston Smith, Ph.D.
Myron Stolaroff, M.A.
Charles Tart, Ph.D.
Thomas Ungerleider, M.D.
Andrew Weil, M.D.
Richard Yensen, Ph.D.