Friends of Erowid,

This month Earth & Fire were invited to write the lead essay for the Cato Institute's online publication, Cato Unbound. The article, titled "Towards a Culture of Responsible Psychoactive Drug Use" was then replied to by three invited experts, Jacob Sullum, Jonathan Caulkins, and Mark Kleiman. While the discussion that followed was steered towards a debate of drug legalization by the respondents, it was nonetheless an excellent opportunity to share with a new audience some of the principles that shape Erowid's development and further the discussion regarding high-quality, freely accessible information about psychoactives. Check it out at:

http://www.cato-unbound.org/2008/09/08/

We welcome submissions, suggestions, criticisms, or corrections at submissions@erowid.org.

peace,
fire & earth


Women's Visionary Congress (WVC)
October 10-12, 2008: Wilbur Springs, CA
http://www.visionarycongress.org

The upcoming Women's Visionary Congress is a gathering of healers, activists, researchers and artists who study the traditional and contemporary uses of entheogens. Both women and men are invited to Wilbur Hot Springs for a healing soak and a series of conversations with visionary women.

Speakers will include Ann and Sasha Shulgin, Nicki Scully, Val Corral, Carolyn (Mountain Girl) Garcia, Allyson Grey, Cindy Palmer, Annie Mithoefer, Ilsa Jerome, June May Ruse, Debby Goldsberry, Sandra Harner, Mariavittoria Mangini, Angel Raich, Jane Straight, and Lisa Rein.

1. Alex Grey & Allyson Grey Vaults
   Erowid.org/culture/characters/grey_alex/grey_alex.shtml
   Erowid.org/culture/characters/grey_allyson/grey_allyson.shtml
   
   Extensive new vaults for these two visionary artists, including books authored, links to articles and interviews, and more.
   
   
2. Cestrum nocturnum Health Concerns
   Erowid.org/plants/cestrum/cestrum_health1.shtml
   
   The most commonly-reported problems associated with night-blooming jasmine are respiratory problems from the scent, and feverish symptoms following ingestion.
   
   
3. Chanting Vault
   Erowid.org/spirit/chanting/chanting.shtml
   
   Information about chanting as a spiritual practice, including links to many external resources.
   
   
4. Two new images were added:
   
   Venlafaxine (Effexor) Capsules
   Erowid.org/pharms/show_image.php?i=venlafaxine/venlafaxine_capsule__i2007e1998_disp.jpg
   
   Acacia phlebophylla Seeds and Seedpod
   Erowid.org/plants/show_image.php?i=acacia/acacia_phlebophylla_seed__i2005e0342_disp.jpg
   
   
5. Library/Bookstore - two books added:
   Erowid.org/library/books/
   
   Inner Paths to Outer Space, by Strassman, Wojtowicz, Luna and Frecska
   Erowid.org/library/books/inner_paths_outer.shtml
   
   The Chemical Muse, by D.C.A. Hillman
   Erowid.org/library/books/chemical_muse.shtml
   
   
6. The Erowid Review, two reviews added:
   Erowid.org/review/
   
   The Chemical Muse, reviewed by Thomas B. Roberts
   Erowid.org/library/review/review.php?p=267
   
   The Cacahuatl Eater, reviewed by Lux
   Erowid.org/library/review/review.php?p=268
   
   
7. 247 New Experience Reports
   Erowid.org/experiences/exp.cgi?DateRange&Y1=2008&M1=08&D1=26&M2=09&D2=25
   
   One of the top rated experiences published was:
   "Exotic Recreation" (CP 55,940, 2C-B & Cannabis), by LucidStudies
   Erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=68504
   
   

For a more complete listing of What's New at Erowid go to:
Erowid.org/new.php

Conducts laboratory testing of street Ecstasy tablets.

Between Aug 26 and Sep 25, no new results were posted.

If you find Erowid a useful resource and are interested in supporting its future development, please consider donating or becoming a member. Erowid.org/donations/

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