Dr George Greer - MDMA and the Rebirth of Psychedelic Research in the 1980′s

Psychedelic research experienced a significant but often overlooked period of activity during the 1970s and 1980s, bridging the gap between early LSD studies and the current renaissance of the field. This era was marked by independent researchers continuing to explore therapeutic possibilities using MDMA, which was then a legal, unscheduled substance, until its eventual criminalization in the mid-1980s. Foundational work during this time helped establish key protocols for psychedelic-assisted sessions. These efforts emphasized the importance of intention setting and used methods like the Stan Grof model, which incorporated specific music and eye shades. While this period faced intense regulatory pressure from the Drug Enforcement Administration, it was instrumental in laying the groundwork for established organizations that lead clinical efforts today.