Advancing psychedelic discovery for the public good.
News and Features
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PLASTICITY Study Launches to Explore Psilocybin and Healthy Aging
Researchers are enrolling participants in a new study investigating how psilocybin may affect memory, perception, emotion, and brain structure and function in healthy older adults.
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Can Psilocybin Promote Successful Aging? Q&A with BCSP Researchers
A Q&A with the principal researchers behind a study exploring a promising potential use of psilocybin: to promote successful aging of healthy older adults.
About the BCSP
The UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics is a leading academic research center focused on four pillars of work.
Learn more about our mission and vision and values.
Basic Science
Through our basic science research, we obtain insights into how brain function is affected by psychedelics, including the relationships among the brain, the mind, emotion, and consciousness.
Applied Research and Policy
The BCSP creates and shares rigorous, accessible, and relevant applied psychedelics research and policy development work, particularly for decision-makers at the state and local levels.
Journalism
The BCSP is a trusted source for credible journalism that sheds light on the complexities of psychedelic research, culture, business, and policy. Our journalism fellows report with complete editorial independence from the BCSP, publishing with external news outlets who select, fact-check, and publish their work.
Culture and Community
We actively educate and connect people from all walks of life through our programs, events, courses, and communication channels, which serve as a vital resource for knowledge about psychedelics.
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Keep up with the latest news by subscribing to our email newsletters.
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A monthly email featuring our news, research, programs, and events.
Subscribe to The Microdose
A twice-weekly newsletter from our journalism pillar, covering the field of psychedelics—from scientific research and policy to business and culture.
BCSP in the media
The BCSP is a trusted source for media seeking reliable information and expert perspectives on psychedelics.
Scientific American
Americans are increasingly open to using psychedelics for medical reasons
“A survey found that more than 60 percent of respondents “strongly support” making psychedelics easier to study, reflecting a growing consensus that some could have therapeutic use.”
May 13, 2026
KQED Forum
What RFK Jr.’s support for psychedelic therapy means for its future
BCSP Faculty Director Michael Silver and Program Coordinator Marlena Robbins discuss how state and federal governments can influence the momentum of the psychedelics field and what it all means for the future of psychedelic research and therapy.
November 6, 2025
SFGATE
Bay Area embraces new era in psychedelic therapy
“The center aims to provide clear-eyed research and education about how psychedelics may be used to help humanity. ‘We have an enormous mental health crisis, and we need new and better treatments.’ said Silver.”
Mar 29, 2025
KQED
UC Berkeley launches landmark study: how exactly do magic mushrooms alter the brain?
“Amid mounting efforts to legalize psychedelic drugs, UC Berkeley researchers will use neuroimaging to observe how psilocybin alters the brain — the university’s first human study involving a Schedule 1 substance.”
September 10, 2024
Tools
Our trusted data and interactive tools are freely available to everyone.
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Law and Policy Map
Real-time updates on state-level bills and local initiatives focused on decriminalization and legal access to psychedelic therapies.
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UC Berkeley Psychedelics Survey
The UC Berkeley Psychedelics Survey is an evidence-based resource about attitudes toward psychedelics in the U.S. during a period of rapid legal, scientific, political, and cultural change.
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Clinical Trials Map
Clinical trials have provided growing evidence that psychedelics can work in combination with therapy to help alleviate a range of mental disorders. BCSP’s clinical trials map, featuring data from ClinicalTrials.gov, provides a way to navigate past, ongoing, and future trials.
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Patent Tracker
BCSP has created a patent tracker that uses publicly available data gathered by Psychedelic Alpha, an independent community working in the psychedelic space.
Resources
Primers for those seeking more information on psychedelics.
The BCSP does not recommend or encourage use of psychedelics, or offer instructions in the use of psychedelics. These primers are provided for informational purposes only.
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What Are Psychedelics?
Our primer on classic and non-classic psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and more.
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Microdosing—Does It Work?
Microdosing is the practice of taking a small amount of a psychedelic substance on a regular basis. While advocates argue that the practice delivers benefits, scientific studies are inconclusive.
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Therapy
Today, there are few places in the United States where it is legal to access psychedelic-assisted therapy outside of clinical trials. But this is starting to change.
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What Are the Risks? Ask Experts.
As part of a commitment to risk reduction, BCSP has assembled a group of experts to answer frequently asked questions about psychedelics, including safety considerations and the potential risks involved in their use.