In the real world, where people choose to use psychoactive drugs, we need to explore what choices lead to positive, beneficial experiences.

Erowid Center's "Wisdom Cycle" project is gathering the views of elders who have used psychedelics, recording what they think about their lifetime experiences with psychoactive plants and chemicals. Our goals are to compile statistical data, to collect first-hand stories that provide the world with more in-depth and personalized understanding of the risks and rewards of psychedelic use, and to distill the collected knowledge into practical lessons for younger generations.

Those who first had wide access to psychedelics back in the 1960s are now society's seniors. Erowid Center is gathering the views of these elders, recording what they think about their lifetime experiences with psychoactive plants and chemicals. The time is now to capture their wisdom about integrating psychoactive use into a healthy life, and to communicate that knowledge to younger generations.

The goals of the Wisdom Cycle Project are:

• to compile statistical data about the experiences of elders through print and online surveys. The results will be submitted to scientific journals to help spread knowledge about what differentiates healthy and unhealthy models of use.
• to collect first-hand stories from elders, in writing and on video, to provide the world with more in-depth and personalized understanding of the risks and rewards of psychedelic use.
• to distill the collected wisdom and knowledge into practical lessons for younger generations.

Stage One is Underway! In April, the Erowid team launched a six-page pilot survey targeting those over fifty. Participants were asked about levels and types of lifetime use, benefits and problems experienced, and how psychedelics, empathogens, and cannabis have affected their lives. We also gathered feedback on what topics are important to include in future surveys and how privacy concerns affect respondents' willingness to answer questions. We will begin collating and analyzing results this month to be written up for publication and used to inform Stage Two of the project.

While there are many surveys about drug use, most focus on problems and abuse. In the real world, where people choose to use psychoactive drugs, we need to explore what choices lead to positive, beneficial experiences. By spreading awareness of responsible and intentional use of psychoactive plants and chemicals, this project will have a positive impact on young people, on the legacy of the 1960s generation, and on drug policy reform.

Thanks to everyone who contributed during the August 2013 matching challenge in support of the Wisdom Cycle project!