Soma Research Association and Avalon Botanicals papers
- Date:
- c.1952-2002
- Reference:
- PP/SAB/B/1/3
- Part of:
- Stephen Abrams (1938-2012): archive
- Archives and manuscripts
Collection contents
About this work
Description
Publication/Creation
Physical description
Arrangement
Biographical note
Soma was initially founded by Abrams as SOMA (Society for Mental Awareness), an informal drug research project, in 1967. After The Times advert was published and the Sub-Committee on Hallucinogens (Wootton Committee) was appointed, Abrams dropped the acronym and incorporate SOMA as the Soma Research Association. It counted Francis Crick, R.D. Laing and Francis Huxley amongst its directors and initiated a research programme to manufacture and investigate the effects of synthetic THC (a cannabinoid).
Avalon Botanicals was also founded by Abrams and was another research company closely associated with Soma. It was originally called Accadem Ltd. It was pursued a THC research programme and also investigated the possible use of cannabis in the treatment of heroin and alcohol addiction.
Both companies were wound up in 1970.