Ann Shulgin

American author and psychedelic researcher

Ann Shulgin in 2011

Ann Shulgin (March 22, 1931 – July 9, 2022) was an American author and researcher known for her work in the field of psychedelic therapy. She was the wife of Alexander Shulgin, a renowned chemist and pharmacologist, and co-authored several books with him on the subject of psychoactive substances.

Early life

Ann Shulgin was born Ann Carol Gotlieb in Wellington, New Zealand, to American parents. Her father was a diplomat, and as a result, she spent much of her early life traveling and living in various countries. She eventually settled in the United States, where she pursued her education and career.

Career

Ann Shulgin worked as a lay therapist in the 1970s and 1980s, utilizing psychedelic substances in therapeutic settings. She believed in the potential of these substances to facilitate deep psychological healing and personal growth. Her work often focused on the use of MDMA and other entactogens in therapy.

Collaboration with Alexander Shulgin

Ann Shulgin met Alexander Shulgin in the late 1970s, and the two married in 1981. Together, they explored the effects of various psychoactive compounds, documenting their findings in a series of books. Their most notable works include PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story and TiHKAL: The Continuation, which detail the synthesis, effects, and potential therapeutic uses of numerous psychoactive substances.

Publications

Ann Shulgin co-authored several influential books with her husband, contributing to the understanding of psychedelics and their applications in therapy. Her writings often emphasized the importance of set and setting, as well as the ethical considerations involved in psychedelic therapy.

Legacy

Ann Shulgin is remembered as a pioneer in the field of psychedelic therapy. Her work, alongside that of her husband, has had a lasting impact on the study and application of psychoactive substances in therapeutic contexts. She is celebrated for her contributions to the understanding of the human psyche and the potential for psychedelics to aid in healing and personal development.

Related pages

• Alexander Shulgin
• Psychedelic therapy
• MDMA
• PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story
• TiHKAL: The Continuation