Event Title

The Community Impact of Research Abuses in Early Psychedelic Research

Presenter Information

Kellen Saxberg
Dana Strauss

Abstract

Western psychedelic research has a history of systematic mistreatment of marginalized and racialized groups, particularly incarcerated Black Americans. The Addictions Research Center in Lexington, Kentucky conducted unethical experiments using Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and other psychedelics on people of colour for almost 30 years from 1947 to 1974. During this time, Black prisoners with substance abuse issues were routinely exploited. This study aims to understand the impacts of this unethical human experimentation on the victims, their descendants, and the broader Black communities in Lexington. The study will take a community-based participatory research approach using 90-minute focus groups consisting of 5-10 participants each with the goal to discuss the details of the abuse and the ways in which it has impacted participants, their families, and their community. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. We expect the individuals and communities exposed either directly or indirectly to suffer from racial trauma and demand reparations. The affected individuals and communities have largely been ignored by researchers and the United States government. As a result, we also expect this study to provide a sense of validation and closure for the participants. This study will help to contextualize the underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous and people of colour in psychedelic research by highlighting how racial abuse, systemic racism, and Whiteness influences research. By centering the study on the experiences and desires of Black Americans, this research will empower the victims of these past abuses, moving psychedelic research in a more equitable direction.

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

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The Community Impact of Research Abuses in Early Psychedelic Research

Western psychedelic research has a history of systematic mistreatment of marginalized and racialized groups, particularly incarcerated Black Americans. The Addictions Research Center in Lexington, Kentucky conducted unethical experiments using Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and other psychedelics on people of colour for almost 30 years from 1947 to 1974. During this time, Black prisoners with substance abuse issues were routinely exploited. This study aims to understand the impacts of this unethical human experimentation on the victims, their descendants, and the broader Black communities in Lexington. The study will take a community-based participatory research approach using 90-minute focus groups consisting of 5-10 participants each with the goal to discuss the details of the abuse and the ways in which it has impacted participants, their families, and their community. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. We expect the individuals and communities exposed either directly or indirectly to suffer from racial trauma and demand reparations. The affected individuals and communities have largely been ignored by researchers and the United States government. As a result, we also expect this study to provide a sense of validation and closure for the participants. This study will help to contextualize the underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous and people of colour in psychedelic research by highlighting how racial abuse, systemic racism, and Whiteness influences research. By centering the study on the experiences and desires of Black Americans, this research will empower the victims of these past abuses, moving psychedelic research in a more equitable direction.