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Let's Put Things Into Historical Perspective - 1950s's 'Housewife' On LSD

Morninggloryseed

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGf2loLAwVE


One of my favorite videos…and a great example of illustrating what ‘set’ and ‘setting’ really mean. See, LSD and the other psychedelics were not ‘dangerous and illegal drugs’ until 1970 at the Federal level, here in the USA. So understand that this video of a suburban woman from the 1950s taking LSD in the LA office of Sydney Cohen shows us what it is like for a ‘normal, regular’ person to take a psychedelic in a safe and constructive setting, with a trusted (and trained) therapist to assist the initiate; without any preconceived notions about it.


Nobody outside of the scientific or psychological community had heard of LSD at this point or any psychedelics 1956 outside peyote, iboga in France, and the article on mushrooms in Life magazine from Gordon Wasson. Therefore, if a person signed up for an LSD experiment in 1956 they did not think of themselves as volunteering for something that was ‘dangerous’ or ‘illegal’ because they weren’t. People never for a moment worried about the idea that they might think they ‘can fly’ and then might jump out a window and then have a ‘bad trip’ or whatever nonsense people now think.

[editorial rant]
None of those lies (or people believing them) existed in1956 because there were no bad trips on dangerous, illegal LSD because the 'concept' did not exist. Remember, today the majority of people become aware of psychedelics when their ‘friends’ buy some ‘acid’ from their ‘dealer’ and they are handed it with such detailed instructions as, “Here take this, we are gonna ‘trip balls” and if a difficult issue arises on this trip, their friend may say, ‘dude you are just wigging out, it will wear off later.’ This video illustrates that there is another way!
[/editorial rant]

Morning glory seeds, peyote, mushrooms, tryptamine snuffs, iboga have always been tools used by men outside the west…still are…since men existed. After the 1950s…..LSD, mescaline, MDA, psilocin, DMT, DET, etc (the synthetic cousins to magic plants) were tools for the psychotherapist (and the patient) to explore the mental process, the relation between the self and the outer-world, and the (self) perceptions related to these concepts…. together without any (incorrect) mental associations between the experience and breaking the law, or partaking in a ‘dangerous’ activity.


The psychedelic experience IS for every one who is seeking it......and it already is NOW in cultures that have always had them....ayahuasca land, pedro mountains, mushroom hills, iboga land, etc Many people don’t know they are seeking the type of experience magic spiritual plants offer because we have no concept for knowing what they really can offer. Most people in the West cannot take part in such an experience...in a safe and supportive setting...with a truly knowledgeable guide, facilitator, and/or Shaman because they don’t know where to find it. Most never know it is there to begin with.

Magic plants and their synthetic variants offer knowledge of the self and the greater oneness around them.becoming aware of things from outside of one’s own reference points. Perhaps even becoming aware that the self, the world around and everything in it, the Universe, time and space, and even the loaded word “God” can all mean the same thing.and in fact are all the same thing even to most major religions.

Don’t believe me? Take a look a recent study that use the scientific method to study and verify that these tools DO have 'mystical' and 'spiritual' benefits to 'regular' everyday people. You need not have longhair, a grateful dead shirt, or be named “Leaf” to apply. The study referenced is from Psychopharmacology, as covered in this Hopkins press release. This work is the real deal....published data in a well respected peer reviewed journal.

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press_releases/2006/07_11_06.html

HOPKINS SCIENTISTS SHOW HALLUCINOGEN IN MUSHROOMS CREATES UNIVERSAL“MYSTICAL” EXPERIENCE

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Media Relations and Public Affairs
Media Contact: Eric Vohr
410-955-8665; [email protected]
July 11, 2006


Rigorous study hailed as landmark

Using unusually rigorous scientific conditions and measures, Johns Hopkins researchers have shown that the active agent in “sacred mushrooms” can induce mystical/spiritual experiences descriptively identical to spontaneous ones people have reported for centuries.


The resulting experiences apparently prompt positive changes in behavior and attitude that last several months, at least.


The agent, a plant alkaloid called psilocybin, mimics the effect of serotonin on brain receptors-as do some other hallucinogens-but precisely where in the brain and in what manner are unknown.

An account of the study, accompanied by an editorial and four experts’ commentaries, appears online today in the journal Psychopharmacology.

Or how about a different angle from News Scientist

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9522-magic-mushrooms-really-cause-spiritual-experiences.html

Magic mushrooms really cause 'spiritual' experiences

05:01 11 July 2006 by Roxanne Khamsi

"Magic" mushrooms really do have a spiritual effect on people, according to the most rigorous look yet at this aspect of the fungus's active ingredient.

About one-third of volunteers in the carefully controlled new study had a "complete" mystical experience after taking psilocybin, with half of them describing their encounter as the single most spiritually significant experience in their lifetimes.

This is just one.....in just the past 5 years there is SO much going on in the way of new data on LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, etc....

[more editorial comments]

Beyond the new data, there are already thousands of publications from before psychedelics were ‘dangerous and illegal drugs’ to ‘prove’ to the uninitiated that these tools are worth the time of every able bodied mind…and that the experience is not a ‘poisonous intoxication’ from a ‘drug’ but rather it is another level of consciousness, like dreaming or the trance. Further, the experience is related to a chain of events in the brain that is…here we go…completely ‘normal’ since the granddaddy spirit molecules (DMT, bufotenine, and 5-MeO-DMT), aka three POWERFUL psychedelics, are already found in your brain! If you didn’t know this, be aware that your brain already makes dangerous and illegal psychedelic drugs. Nobody really knows what they do there, but there are are a lot of compelling theories!

[/editorial comments]
One thing is for sure. The ingredients for a ‘mystical psychedelic experience’ are already made by our brains and whatever reason they are there…there are there! The psychedelic experience is not a factor of some external ‘drug’ that poisons the mind...it is a normal part of the human experience ...and our brain already makes the ingredients to provide this experience! Psychedelics show us ourselves by activating a chain of events in the brain...it changes the perception of space, time, and the self. In other words, psychedelics don’t do anything but change the way we look at ourselves and the world around (and inside) us....for a few hours. That experience will be eye-opening to anyone who is able to undertake it under the right set (mental state) and setting (where you take it and who you take it with). Now the hard science is there to back up these ideas!

Now take this knowledge...think about, make a pithy comment here, then spread it to the next person you meet!
 
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I love that video too and I agree with your views on a lot of these things... thing is... what kind of discussion can be brought from this?
 
what kind of discussion? new ways to explore and discover the human psyche, new ways to deal with pathologies. as in: revolutionary new.
but this time the research is not conducted by esoteric, narcissistic nutjobs (sorry tim ;) ) but is deeply grounded in the academics (psychology, medicine, culture science...). the evidence is simply too strong by now - the potentials cannot be ignored anymore.

-

(takes a drug fiend to identify the voice sample they used in the beginning.. ;) )
 
Great post MGS, though you're preaching to the choir here :) Interesting though what this might hold for the future of psychedelic research, now with Cannabis getting legal and such a lot of people will change their views on drugs and hopefully support research on psychedelics. Actual use is still so far away, but I'm not doubting that I'll see it in my lifetime
 
I love that video too and I agree with your views on a lot of these things... thing is... what kind of discussion can be brought from this?

Thanks man, I see it helps to have talking points at the end to help the discussion along....

* What are you thoughts on the video?

* What do you feel regarding the use of psychedelics by 'normal' and 'regular' folks? Remember, the lady is introduced to us as a 'normal' individual (Cohen even went so far as to say he gave her 'psychological tests').

* Do you have any internal emotions when you think about LSD in the terms it was in 1956 (I heard Cohen call it a 'strange compound') vs a 'dangerous, illegal drug' as it is labeled now.

The idea that in this forum especially, a video and commentary like this, has 200 hits and one or two posts in response tells me, "Ya'll ain't using yo brains' very often. Harm reduction starts with educating your own mind and being able to intellectualize this knowledge to others.

This is the PSYCHEDELIC forum guys....stop being complacent.....most people around you label your activity as that of a criminal. The only way to change is to change 'hearts and minds' of the people around you and (assuming you live in the West and can elect your leaders) change the way people vote.

This is elementary deprogramming 101. There are those who 'trip' and will walk away from this....I am not trying to reach them....but those who take psychedelics for the experiences they can open....who get what it's all about, and who get on the bus. It starts by walking the walk, talking the talk, and (in this case) being able to think about why, why, and why it MUST be the way it was in this movie..and the only way is to spread the knowledge.

So exercise that thinking cap and make a 'pithy' comment to keep my faith going in the good folks at PD.
 
Great post MGS, though you're preaching to the choir here :) Interesting though what this might hold for the future of psychedelic research, now with Cannabis getting legal and such a lot of people will change their views on drugs and hopefully support research on psychedelics. Actual use is still so far away, but I'm not doubting that I'll see it in my lifetime

Marijuana became legal because marijuana became normal. Joe Americana is often in a "cannabis closet", smoking it secretly. Enough of them are, in fact, to where full legalization will happen in most states, I'm sure.

I sadly can't see that happening for psychedelics anytime soon (unless a psychedelic becomes popular at low doses, which is not too common these days, or shamanism works its way a little more into the mainstream). But who knows?

In America, the biggest drug problem right now is prescription drug abuse (particularly prescription opioid abuse). That's honestly a big bit of "deprogramming" right there -- no shady drug dealer (just sham doctors), no weird foreign country of origin, and no wildly exaggerated effects are reported (you might receive that same drug after surgery after all). It seems to have changed the talk of "drugs" a little away from sensationalism. (At least until they get to the "bath salts" coverage. :p)
 
A friend told me he wanted to try shrooms, I could only get acid but he wouldn't do that because "I don't want to ruin my life thanks!"
I don't actually have much else to say but this statement made me realise how misinformed the general public are about drug, especially their safety
* What are you thoughts on the video?
Well, while she seems to be in absolute bliss and very happy, to any antidrug person she may seem to be off her rocker - 'look see that' 'i wish i could talk in technicolour' etc. But from my point of view, it's taken her into nature - stripped her of her ego and made her part of the universe, part of everything, "at one" if you will. We often see ourselves as observers of the universe and not really with it, alien lifeforms watching nature taking it's course, and that part of us has just stopped from her. Inexplicable 'sightings'

* What do you feel regarding the use of psychedelics by 'normal' and 'regular' folks? Remember, the lady is introduced to us as a 'normal' individual (Cohen even went so far as to say he gave her 'psychological tests').
Everyone should have the chance to trip on a strong psychedelic at least once in their life, but to be honest it doesn't matter that much. Those that seek mystical/spiritual experiences have their own way of achieving it whether through drug, religion or lies. Those that seek it, will get it.

* Do you have any internal emotions when you think about LSD in the terms it was in 1956 (I heard Cohen call it a 'strange compound') vs a 'dangerous, illegal drug' as it is labeled now.
As I said above, a friend of mine claimed it would "ruin his life", when in fact it's highly unlikely to physically, and just as unlikely to mentally. Although some might say that the inspirations, life changing moments could well and truly 'ruin' their thoughts on life pre-psychedelic. Psychoactive compounds must be treated as molecules and with the respect that they can change you - or good and for better and ignorance doesn't help anything.
 
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Thanks man, I see it helps to have talking points at the end to help the discussion along....

* What are you thoughts on the video?

* What do you feel regarding the use of psychedelics by 'normal' and 'regular' folks? Remember, the lady is introduced to us as a 'normal' individual (Cohen even went so far as to say he gave her 'psychological tests').

* Do you have any internal emotions when you think about LSD in the terms it was in 1956 (I heard Cohen call it a 'strange compound') vs a 'dangerous, illegal drug' as it is labeled now.

The idea that in this forum especially, a video and commentary like this, has 200 hits and one or two posts in response tells me, "Ya'll ain't using yo brains' very often. Harm reduction starts with educating your own mind and being able to intellectualize this knowledge to others.

This is the PSYCHEDELIC forum guys....stop being complacent.....most people around you label your activity as that of a criminal. The only way to change is to change 'hearts and minds' of the people around you and (assuming you live in the West and can elect your leaders) change the way people vote.

This is elementary deprogramming 101. There are those who 'trip' and will walk away from this....I am not trying to reach them....but those who take psychedelics for the experiences they can open....who get what it's all about, and who get on the bus. It starts by walking the walk, talking the talk, and (in this case) being able to think about why, why, and why it MUST be the way it was in this movie..and the only way is to spread the knowledge.

So exercise that thinking cap and make a 'pithy' comment to keep my faith going in the good folks at PD.

I love your mindset, if only more thought like you the world would be much different. My thoughts on the video... I thought it was amazing really... it blew my mind, a young person born in 1992. I grew up right in the midst of the worst form of drug propaganda and then when I see a video like this from 50 years prior it puts things in a new perspective. I realize that humans change mass opinions all the time and in 50 more years the world will be a very different place. I wonder what direction it's headed?

In my opinion, psychedelics will be more widely used in the future if things go smoothly... if some dramatic world event happens this might change. I think eventually if true mental evolution occurs then there will be no lines between psychedelic users and normal people, drug users and 'clean' people.
 
..and the only way is to spread the knowledge.

Indeed... Just tonight, i watched this recent documentary about LSD with my girlfriend.

And thanks to what's shown and calmly described in it, i heard her say for the first time about any substance: "Maybe i should try this one day".

Scientific experiences, widely broadcasted through non propagandist documentaries such as this one, may be our best shot at reaching -deprogramming- all kind of people. Amazing how people listen to scientists sometimes.
 
Marijuana became legal because marijuana became normal. Joe Americana is often in a "cannabis closet", smoking it secretly. Enough of them are, in fact, to where full legalization will happen in most states, I'm sure.

I sadly can't see that happening for psychedelics anytime soon (unless a psychedelic becomes popular at low doses, which is not too common these days, or shamanism works its way a little more into the mainstream). But who knows?

In America, the biggest drug problem right now is prescription drug abuse (particularly prescription opioid abuse). That's honestly a big bit of "deprogramming" right there -- no shady drug dealer (just sham doctors), no weird foreign country of origin, and no wildly exaggerated effects are reported (you might receive that same drug after surgery after all). It seems to have changed the talk of "drugs" a little away from sensationalism. (At least until they get to the "bath salts" coverage. :p)

I specifically said "research" because in the short term I don't see widespread LSD use happening any time soon either. What I do see happening, however, is "Joe Americana" being able to listen to the positive effect because of legislation. (and thus supporting research) Joe might support Ibogaine for opiate addiction or MDMA for PTSD. Once those 2 things happen, I can see a more shamanistic form of psychotherapy happen. Growth is often exponential, or at least it is if you're an optimist :D

P.s Might show my mom this. We had a good talk about my drug use the other day and she's becoming more and more interested in to the psychedelic experience. Would do her a lot of good too and I'm less apprehensive of giving her a psychedelic given this thread. Always thought it would be too strange for her, but probably not
 
With unbiased information, the psychedelic experience sells itself. Regarding family, parents, etc....yeah I never thought on my end she would want to find out more but after seeing what came out on the other end after my ibogaine experience...and then wondering why I had to break the law to fix what was broken....she had her eyes open...and now is seeking herself. As I said the experience sells themselves. %)

P.s Might show my mom this. We had a good talk about my drug use the other day and she's becoming more and more interested in to the psychedelic experience. Would do her a lot of good too and I'm less apprehensive of giving her a psychedelic given this thread. Always thought it would be too strange for her, but probably not
 
The experince does sell itself, my mom has become interested in ayahuasca after hearing of my experinces with it. I have seen this video before, I even posted it to my f.b. I dont belive every adult should have psycedelic experinces, but I do belive it should be part of an comming of age rites. Like performed still in indeginoius tribs, slowly start to open minds while old enuf to handle it but young enuf for a developing mind to intigrate the experince before compleatly set in egotistical ways.
 
Awesome video, had never seen that one.

As far as for the future of drug laws, I'm not very optimistic that the world as a whole is headed to a more psychedelic-friendly environment. As long as power exists, substances that lead people to question those in power will always be a high priority to eliminate. And we know in the US the government is easily losing the war on drugs, but being the stubborn, corporation based land it is we live in they aren't going to ease up anytime soon. Some states may be more easy on offenses than others, but the world is heading in a more greedy and power hungry direction. And that doesn't look good for personal freedom. Not to be negative, just callin it like I see's em.

BUT, as the great Jeff Goldblum once so elegantly put it: "Life..uuhhhhh... finds a way".
 
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