An Elon Musk Supporter Invests Millions in Psychedelic Research at Harvard University
An Elon Musk loyalist is making a significant investment in researching the potential therapeutic use of hallucinogenic drugs at one of America’s most esteemed academic institutions. Antonio Gracias, CEO and chief investment officer of Valor Equity Partners, has pledged $16 million to Harvard University through the Gracias Family Foundation. The funds will support a multidisciplinary effort across various departments, including Arts and Sciences, Law, and Divinity, to explore the impact of psychedelics in society and culture.
In a statement, Gracias, who served as a director at Tesla, expressed his belief that Harvard is the perfect place to delve into the subject of psychedelics and develop a framework for their safe and appropriate integration into society. This conversation has even reached the highest levels of government, with discussions about including funding for psychedelic research in the national defense bill.
The research will approach psychedelics from multiple perspectives, such as law, policy, ethics, religion, consciousness, and the arts. The aim is to understand the full potential and implications of these substances beyond their medical applications.
Quotable: A Revolutionary Donation
“This is a visionary gift, as it is the first to explore the impact and potential of these remarkable substances beyond medicine, by recognizing the importance of humanities in the so-called psychedelic renaissance.” – Michael Pollan, professor at Harvard
Harvard has outlined some of the key initiatives that will be funded by Gracias’ generous donation:
- Establishing an endowed professorship to further advance psychedelic research and education
- Organizing seminars, public events, and a world-class conference to share findings and foster dialogue
- Supporting existing programs, including the Center for the Study of World Religions’ Transcendence and Transformation Initiative and Harvard Law School’s Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation
- Creating fellowships between Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange
It’s worth noting that Gracias has a close relationship with Elon Musk that goes beyond business. During a testimony in 2022, Gracias revealed that he has vacationed with Musk’s family and spent countless holidays with them over the years. While it remains a mystery whether Gracias consulted with Musk before making this donation, there is evidence that Musk himself supports the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Reports suggest that Musk uses ketamine to treat depression and has publicly endorsed the potential benefits of psychedelics in therapeutic contexts.
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