About the Foundation

Since its creation by Amanda Feilding in 1998, the Beckley Foundation has been at the forefront of global drug policy reform and scientific research into psychoactive substances. We collaborate with leading scientific and political institutions worldwide to design and develop ground-breaking research and global policy initiatives.

The Beckley Foundation’s purpose is two-fold:

1. To scientifically investigate the effects of psychoactive substances on the brain and consciousness in order to harness their potential benefits and minimise their potential harms; learn more about consciousness and brain function; and discover and explore new avenues for the treatment of illnesses.
2. To achieve evidence-based changes in global drug policies in order to reduce the harms brought about by the unintended negative consequences of current drug policies; and develop improved policies based on health, harm reduction, cost-effectiveness, and human rights.

Scientific Programme

Through the Scientific Programme – led by Amanda – we collaborate with leading experts and institutions to design, initiate, and direct scientific research projects, including clinical trials. The studies focus on cannabis, MDMA, and psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT), and explore how these substances act upon the human brain, using the latest developments in neuroscience and brain imaging technology. The purpose of the research is to increase our scientific understanding of consciousness itself, and to explore new avenues for treatment and well-being.

Policy Programme

Through the Policy Programme, we collaborate with a network of political leaders and drug policy analysts to develop evidence-based global drug policies. Our policy initiatives open up discussion on taboo issues surrounding the complex subject of drug policy, and they explore new regulatory models which aim to reduce the disastrous collateral harms caused by the policies of prohibition.