Welcome To OPS!
Lovely that you’ve found your way to the oxford psychedelic society! whether you’re a student, researcher, artist or simply curious about life’s mysteries, you might be wondering what our community is all about. After all, why are we all so fascinated by these substances that get our serotonin systems excited? There’s no short answer to this – but I’m sure you’ll soon be just as captivated as we are.
Psychedelics have shaped the world for as long as we can remember. Humans have used them since the curtain rose on the historical record – across the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia – and they’ve redefined our understanding of culture and community ever since. We explore their role in history and science through lecture series we organise each term.
In ancient rituals, recreational settings and psychotherapists’ offices, they’ve also helped humans heal – reconciling us to a world we may find confusing or unfair at times. Through our shared experiences, such as meditation, nature walks, music performances or more, we also hope to make a small step in that same direction.
And of course, psychedelics have also helped us connect with one another and celebrate the fact that we’ve all landed in this strange little place at the same strange time. So come dance with us, too – I hear our parties are among the best in town. 🌞
We hope some (or all) of this gets you excited. please join us on the journey soon – we can’t wait to meet you!
- Mario Stepanik, OPS President 🍭
Manifesto
We work to secure these rights in collaboration with allies within social, political and scientific institutions.
We support changes to existing national and international laws and governmental policies which would decriminalize and reschedule psychedelics, allowing for proper research and safe regulated access, to stop pushing people into clandestine practices and the risks of the black market and the penal system.
We resolve to change the cultural dialogue surrounding psychedelic substances to accurately reflect what is known, and steer it towards more productive and compassionate conclusions through education and information.
Like mushrooms emerging after the rain, the global network of psychedelic societies is rising up as a public forum and voice for all the people who appreciate psychedelics.
Things We Do
Lecture Series
We organise talks about the effects of psychedelia, medical applications and policy, and have had a range of exciting speakers in person and online.
Recordings of previous lectures can be found on the Oxford Psychedelic Society YouTube channel.
Social Events
Throughout the academic year, we organise social events such as social gatherings and movie nights. Everyone is welcome!
Our biggest social event yet took place in June 2024. We organised Duality, an immersive music, dance, and art event in Cowley Workers Social Club. We explored the concept of duality through a party packed full of psychedelic visuals, live music, DJ sets, decor, and performances, spanning two rooms.
Healing Events
We organise healing events such as Psychedelic Breathwork or a Cacao Ceremony. These events are more spiritual and have led to some amazingly wholesome experiences.
Merchandise
Show your OPS love! We have psychedelic T-shirts, sweatshirts, buttons and posters. Our merchandise is proudly designed by one of the UK's most famous psychedelic artist Pinky Vision. We usually sell them after our events, and have a subset available in our webshop. Do get in touch if you're interested!
Gallery
Our previous president Raven
OddBall Launch Party at The Bullingdon
Summer Solstice Celebrations at Stonehenge
Prof David Nutt with OPS swag
Ken & Lucian representing OPS ♡
△▽△ OddBall △▽△
Donate
As a student-run society, we rely on donations for ensuring the continued organisation of talks, events, and spreading of our message within the wider community.
If you like what we do and would like to support us, please consider donating to us via PayPal or BTC.
BTC
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