Name

Carl Hart

Birth year – death year:

1966 –

Occupation

Neuroscientist and psychologist

Major contributions to psychedelic space

  • Testified before the U.S. Congress in state and federal courts, serving as an expert witness on the effects of psychoactive drugs
  • Advocate for drug decriminalization
  • Has published a variety of scientific literature focusing on drug use, behaviors, and effects

Career highlights

Dr. Carl Hart is a neuroscientist, psychologist, and chair of the psychology department at Columbia University. Hart is considered one of the world’s preeminent experts on the effects of psychoactive drugs on the human brain, body, and behavior. His current research is focused on investigating the behavioral and neuropharmacological effects of psychoactive drugs in humans.

Hart previously served as a member of the National Advisory Council of Drug Abuse and joined the MAPS board of directors in 2021. Hart has spoken out against psychedelic exceptionalism, or the glorification of certain substances over other psychoactive drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, that were implicated in the War on Drugs. One of Hart’s major focuses is developing more effective treatments for substance-dependent individuals.