Soma Research Association and Avalon Botanicals papers

Comprises files regarding the formation, administration, activities and membership of Soma Research Association along with files regarding the administration of Avalon Botanicals. Some papers also concern the Times advert and Abrams' other interests.

c.1952-2002

4 boxes

The first 19 files concern Soma and the final 3 concern Avalon Botanicals.

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.