Vision

In 2010 journalist Steve Cotler coined the term “Psychedelic Renaissance” to refer to the renewed interest that the field of psychiatry and psychotherapy was showing towards psychedelic drugs.

After some 40 years of ostracism, these drugs were returning to scientific laboratories to explore their therapeutic potential and study their neurobiological mechanisms of action. A decade after the so-called psychedelic renaissance, there are already two substances very close to obtaining their authorization for use for medical purposes (i.e., MDMA and psilocybin), many others are in different phases of clinical trials (e.g., DMT, 5-Meo-DMT, ibogaine, LSD), there are popular initiatives to decriminalize psychedelics of plant origin (Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico). In countries like Canada or Switzerland, the use of psychedelic drugs is allowed in therapeutic treatments. The production of scientific literature is so abundant that it can hardly be followed, there are multimillion-dollar investments for the development of psychedelic drugs, ceremonies with plants for traditional use such as ayahuasca or peyote have become globalized and, in general, there is an interest on the part of the general public in exploring the eventual benefits of these substances.

Faced with this new overwhelming reality, it is time to stop and reflect on the current situation and where we are going. It’s time to move from the psychedelic Renaissance to the Enlightenment. Society is becoming psychedelic, so it is imperative to offer evidence-based information to enlighten people interested in this renewed social phenomenon.

The prohibitionist experiment in drug policy has been a resounding failure, poisoning our relationship with plants, fungi, and other medicinal species once venerated by our ancestors. Today, with a critical and reflective perspective, we are learning from these mistakes, leaving behind an outdated and dusty model that inevitably collapses under its own weight.

Comprehensive cannabis regulation is imminent, and the Psychedelic Renaissance is an unstoppable phenomenon. At this transitional point, where practices involving ancestral medicines are becoming globalized, our role is to accompany and facilitate this integration process, understand its implications, and embrace its potential safely and responsibly, minimizing risks and harms. We aim to establish models of good practices, agree on ethical codes, and thoroughly investigate its multiple dimensions, ineffable lessons, and varied applications.

A vision of the future

Fuertedélica, the international conference on psychedelics and mental health in Fuerteventura, stands as a beacon of knowledge and collaboration. We gather experts, researchers, and enthusiasts to share advancements, establish connections, debate challenges, and build a future where ancestral medicines are harmoniously and respectfully integrated into our society. We believe in a holistic approach that respects cultural traditions, promotes environmental sustainability, and advocates for positive transformation in mental health and well-being.

With this vision, we aspire to be a fundamental part of this Psychedelic Renaissance, promoting inclusive dialogue based on scientific evidence and fostering a deep and respectful understanding of ancestral practices. We find ourselves at a historic inflection point, determined to significantly contribute to building a more just, conscious, and healthy future.