UROP Project

Psychedelics, law, religion, spirituality, drug policy
Marks_Headshot.jpg
Research Mentor: Mason Marks, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: College of Law, Law
Contact Email: mmarks@law.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors but may be of particular interest to students of religion, political science, criminal justice, anthropology, and history.
Project Location: Online
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote
Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5 - 10 depending on student preferences and availability,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Friday, September 6, 4 - 4:30pm and 6-6:30pm.

Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95904316476
Meeting ID: 959 0431 6476

Please email mmarks@law.fsu.edu if you have any difficulty joining the meeting.

Project Description

With support from a professor at the FSU College of Law, students will research state and federal laws regarding the spiritual and religious use of psychedelic substances such as mescaline, ibogaine, psilocybin, and LSD. Indigenous communities around the world have long used plants and fungi containing psychedelics in healing and religious ceremonies. Recently, with the increasing popularity of psychedelics and psychedelic research, states have started decriminalizing or regulating these substances despite their federally prohibited status as Schedule I controlled substances. Research assistants will compile, review, analyze, and summarize historic and contemporary materials regarding law and the religious use of psychedelics, including legal opinions, legislative materials, news stories, academic articles, and historical documents.

Research Tasks: Literature search and review, data analysis (non-quantitative), data summary, and potentially preliminary drafting.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Experience conducting literature searches and summarizing the results or motivation to learn. Strong organizational and writing skills. Interest in learning about drug policy, regulation, and/or the religious use of psychedelic substances.
Recommended: Interest in or knowledge of drug policy, drug law, criminal justice, religion, psychedelic history, or psychedelic anthropology.

Mentoring Philosophy

I aim to create a supportive work environment where mentees feel comfortable learning new things and developing new skills. I learn about mentees’ strengths and career goals and attempt to tailor assignments to their strengths and preferences. I share my experience as a former student and current researcher with mentees to illustrate common challenges and how they might be overcome. I can also serve as a resource to help mentees clarify and achieve their educational, academic, and professional goals.

Additional Information


Link to Publications

https://law.fsu.edu/faculty-staff/mason-marks