Old Trips, New Destinations - Recent Advances in the Study of Psychoactive Drugs

Explore groundbreaking research on psychoactive substances in this hour-long Harper Lecture from the University of Chicago, where Professor Harriet de Wit examines the evolving scientific understanding of psychedelic drugs. Learn how substances like THC, MDMA, and LSD, once dismissed as having little societal value, are now being investigated for their potential to address psychiatric conditions and enhance quality of life. Delve into de Wit's laboratory findings on how these compounds affect human emotion and perception, challenging traditional views of brain function and opening new frontiers in neuroscience research. Recorded in Chicago as part of the Winter 2022 Alumni and Friends Harper Lecture Series, discover how this renaissance in psychedelic research is reshaping our approach to mental health treatment and expanding our knowledge of human consciousness.