Originally appearing here. The fifth annual conference Horizons Perspectives on Psychedelics will be held in New York City, October 14 to 16, with the stated aim of opening a fresh dialogue on the role of hallucinogens in history, culture, medicine, creativity and spirituality. The conference, hosted by Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village and billed as a “annual forum for learning about psychedelics,” lists a roster of presenters identified as writers, artists, scholars and researchers linked with a movement towards a “renaissance in psychedelic science and thought” that traces its roots to what the sponsors call the 1960s emergence of psychedelics into popular culture. Topics to be covered include: the state of research into psychedelics (including past accomplishments and future plans); anthropological perspectives on psychosis; going beyond conventional medicine (especially regarding hallucinations as a psychosis symptom); legal issues for churches using psychedelics in worship (particularly the Santo Daime Church); Ayahuasca controversies, debate and regulation; and creating art through psychedelic experience. The presentations will include scientists presenting research findings: Juan R. Sanchez-Ramos, M.D., Ph.D from the University of South Florida will speak on the impact of the hallucinogen psilocybin on cognition and Matthew W. Johnson, Ph.D. of John Hopkins Medicine will present his group’s most recent findings from their ongoing hallucinogen research, which recently was reported about by ScienceDaily. In April 2010 Digital Journal reported about scientific psychedelics research and the work a psychedelic research organization that will be represented by speakers at this year’s Horizon conference, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) The fifth annual Horizons Conference in New York City featured talks about the current state of psychedelic research, creating psychedelic art, debates, and more. Scientists presented the latest in psychedelic research progress and MAPS was there to participate and help make it happen.