Mitchell Horner, “LSD Prohibition in America: A Timeline, 1965-1967”
Mentor: Jocelyn Szczepaniak-Gillece, English
An understanding of the legal background behind the prohibition of drugs, particularly hallucinogens, is essential to understanding contemporary American society. The “War on Drugs” contributed heavily to the American incarceration state in which we now live, and to understand this world, one must understand the conditions and events which led to its creation. Accessing both primary and secondary sources through the use of digital archives, I have constructed a timeline of the prohibition of LSD in New York and California. These timelines show the efforts in both states behind the push for LSD prohibition, and details some of the essential players in these legal proceedings which unfolded in the mid-1960s. I expect to have two full timelines by this project’s conclusion, detailing the legal efforts in both states. This research will be used by my project supervisor, Dr. Jocelyn Szczepaniak-Gillece, for a book to be published relating to this topic.
Hello, I hope that you’ve enjoyed my presentation. I am a Senior in the College of Letters and Sciences, and I will be graduating in May with 2 degrees, in English and Film Studies.
I was priviledged to experience the opportunities of a SURF grant, which allowed me to expand my knowledge as a historian, and hone my skills as a researcher.