Articles from the WVC

Susi’s Tram Ride: Recognizing the First Woman to Take LSD 5

On June 12, 1943, 22-year-old Susi Ramstein became the first woman to take LSD. Although she was also the youngest person yet to have tried it, she took 100 micrograms, a larger dose than Dr. Hofmann’s male colleagues. She found the experience enjoyable, and the effects pleasant. After her first experiment in the lab, she […]

Published June 10, 2024

By Kristina Soriano

BICYCLE DAY with Hofmann Quotes

In appreciation for the people and cultures throughout history who have cherished psychedelic experiences, and helped to bring us to where we are able to undertake this kind of serious study, I would like to introduce you to a holiday that has been celebrated in my community for almost 40 years. In 1984, educational psychology […]

Published March 7, 2024

By Mariavittoria Mangini, PhD, FNP

Psychic Self-Defense by Maria Mangini

It is not uncommon in modern life to find oneself daily exposed to various kinds of mental and psychic manipulation. Sales techniques, ways of fascinating sexual partners, attempts to make oneself popular and dominant, and schemes for attracting money and success are all commonplace in our daily exposure to media and to other peoples’ ideas […]

Published March 7, 2024

By Mariavittoria Mangini, PhD, FNP

How Does the WVC Champion Elders?

The WVC has a strong reputation for careful stewardship of funds and of service as a nonprofit fiscal sponsor. For thirteen years, the WVC has awarded Laura Huxley grants to elders in psychedelic communities. These awards have only one requirement: that the recipient use the grant funds in support of their personal health, pleasure or […]

Published January 16, 2024

By mgillespiedesign@gmail.com

What Elders Offer To Psychedelic Communities

Psychedelic communities in the Western world are often comprised largely of younger people. In traditional cultures, elders are central members of the community. They advise, teach, and guide the transfer of knowledge to support the well-being of all. Especially in times of conflict and confusion, elders bring balance, insight, patience, and clarity. They possess the […]

Published February 2, 2023

By Kristina Soriano

Ann Shulgin, Forerunner of Today’s Psychedelic Re- Emergence, Dies at 91

Ann Shulgin, Forerunner of Today’s Psychedelic Re Emergence, Dies at 91  BY: David Presti, Maria Mangini, and Bob Jesse  [NOTE: Outlets may elect to omit or to include the byline, according to their policies for obituaries]  Ann Shulgin, one of the foremost thinkers and authors to have guided the current  resurgence of interest in psychedelics, […]

Published July 14, 2022

By Kristina Soriano

WVC Statement on Racial Justice

The WVC was founded in 2008 to amplify the voices of all women in psychedelic communities. Our gatherings were created because we saw that psychedelic conferences and other events did not fairly represent women or recognize their work.  We also see the Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in the U.S. and other countries […]

Published July 7, 2020

By Kristina Soriano

Safety Protocols for Event and Community Organizers

The #MeToo civil rights movement is creating an opportunity for communities of all types to develop new ways to resolve conflict. As more people feel empowered to speak out against sexual coercion, harassment and assault, many social groups are reflecting on their collective values about safety and how to uphold them. Radical Risk Reduction is […]

Published November 15, 2018

By Annie Oak

Manual of Best Practices for Radical Risk Reduction

Communities of all types can become stronger by developing new ways to resolve conflict. As more people feel empowered to speak out against sexual coercion, harassment and assault, many social groups are reflecting on their collective values about safety and how to uphold them. Radical Risk Reduction is an approach which makes the most of […]

Published March 9, 2018

By Annie Oak

20 Safety Tips for Those Participating in Ceremonies That Use Psychoactive Substances

The WVC acknowledges that a growing number of people throughout the world are participating in ceremonies that use psychoactive substances. We recognize that these rituals can offer participants opportunities for deep healing and self-knowledge. Our community is also troubled by the fact that women who participate in these ceremonies have sometimes been the targets of […]

Published December 7, 2014

By Annie Oak