Dr. Alexander Shulgin, an immensely impactful American chemist and psychopharmacologist, deserves greater recognition for his contributions to the field. While many may remember him primarily for his link to the party drug MDMA, his role in advancing psychotherapy is unparalleled. His groundbreaking work in this area has largely been overlooked in both educational settings and popular discourse.

Shulgin passed away in 2014 at the age of 88, but not before he synthesized and personally tested hundreds of novel psychedelic substances, often alongside his wife Ann and their friends. His extensive research and experiences are chronicled in two influential books: Pihkal: A Chemical Love Story (1991) and Tihkal: the Continuation (1997), which helped catalyze the global psychonaut movement.

Contrary to popular belief, Shulgin was not the originator of MDMA, often referred to as ‘Ecstasy.’ The pharmaceutical company Merck first synthesized this compound in 1912 as a precursor in chemical manufacturing. Furthermore, it was the U.S. Army that first explored its psychoactive properties, considering it for military applications—an endeavor that ultimately missed the mark.

Despite not being the true inventor, Shulgin earned the ‘Godfather of Ecstasy’ title due to his 1976 synthesis of MDMA. He meticulously documented both the production process and the profound emotional responses it elicited. "How long will this last? This delicious feeling of being alive," he noted, marking a pivotal moment in the drug's transition from scientific curiosity to a widespread spiritual experience in various social settings worldwide.

Experiencing ecstasy often evokes feelings of peace, love, empathy, and respect—sentiments that can be validated through scientific research. Take domestic violence, for example, a significant societal issue. According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2015, two women were murdered weekly by their partners in the UK. Additionally, a 2016 House of Commons report revealed that 27.1% of women and 13.2% of men reported experiencing some form of domestic abuse since turning 16, translating to millions of victims.

A study from the University of British Columbia, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, found that MDMA could potentially help reduce instances of intimate partner violence. The research indicated that 42% of male inmates who avoided psychedelics were re-arrested for domestic violence within six years of release, compared to 27% for those who had used MDMA or psilocybin.

This aligns with findings from a 1994 study titled Football and Drugs: Two Cultures Clash, which highlighted a notable decline in football-related violence alongside the rise of MDMA use. Sociologist Mark Gilman remarked, "By the start of the 1991–1992 season, many of the ‘lads’ had become confirmed ‘Ravers’."

If you're skeptical about MDMA's effects on societal violence, consider your acquaintances involved in rave culture. Rarely do they engage in fights or violence.

While Shulgin was not the creator of MDMA, he was pivotal in its therapeutic application. Recognizing its ability to foster openness and honesty, he introduced it to a notable clinical psychologist, referred to as ‘Dr. Adam’ in his writings. Shulgin believed this compound could help overcome the barriers that often hinder therapeutic communication.

Today, there is growing evidence that MDMA-assisted therapy could significantly benefit society. Its potential has been linked to alleviating anxiety in autistic individuals, enhancing emotional empathy, and treating conditions like PTSD and depression. It is perplexing that Shulgin has not received any prestigious accolades for his monumental contributions to health.

Shulgin expressed, "What biochemical reactions I choose to cause within the territorial boundaries of my own skin are not subject to the beliefs, morals, laws, or preferences of any other person." Although he disapproved of the recreational use of MDMA, viewing it as a misuse of its therapeutic potential, he staunchly advocated for human rights concerning drug research and recreational use.

Critics may argue that Shulgin's work led to the dangerous misuse of MDMA and associated violence from gangs competing in the illegal drug trade. However, attributing such societal issues solely to him overlooks the broader context of drug prohibition and its consequences.

Regrettably, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences prohibits posthumous Nobel Prizes, meaning Shulgin's innovative work and its contributions to social peace will never receive official recognition. The existing stigmas surrounding his research prevented any consideration for accolades during his lifetime, making it even more crucial to celebrate his accomplishments and ensure his legacy endures.

RIP Alexander ‘Sasha’ Shulgin (1925 ~ 2014)

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