Harvard University has a new research project: psychedelics.

What’s happening:

• Harvard University has received $16M USD in new philanthropic funding to research psychedelic compounds
  
• The donation comes from the family foundation of Antonio Gracias, founder of Valor Equity Partners and former director of Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA)
  

Why it matters:

• Psychedelics have been picking up momentum for their therapeutic potential and are closer than ever to a formal approval from the FDA
  
• This is one of the first ever donations focused on exploring the cultural aspects of psychedelic medicines and the implications for the future
  

Going deeper:

• The donation will fund a collaboration between Harvard Law School, the Faculty Of Art and Science and Harvard Divinity School
  
• The aim of the research is to better understand the impact of psychedelics on law, spirituality, culture, religion and spirituality
  

What they’re saying:

• “This is a visionary gift, in that it is the first to take the so-called psychedelic renaissance beyond medicine, by recognizing the importance of the humanities in exploring the impact and potential of these remarkable substances” commented Michael Pollan, critically acclaimed author of ‘How To Change Your Mind’

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