Here we have a site that manages to bridge the gap between counter culture and mainstream science while presenting a clear description (or should that be prescription) of every drug under the sun.

Erowid was set up five years ago as a non-profit psychoactive drug research organisation. Their web site is in essence a public library containing over 13,000 documents on all manner of issues relating to mind-altering substances – from chemistry to health.

The subject of drugs is always guaranteed to generate feverish interest, so it’s refreshing to encounter a site that takes such a measured approach. Taking the form of research abstracts, photographic collections and media articles, the site’s investigative and empirical reports offer an immersive introduction to a subject that is as fascinating as it is controversial. Of particular note are ‘The Erowid Experience Vaults’, a unique collection of first-hand testimonials indexed by type, and broken down into esoteric sub sections such as ‘Mystical Experiences’ and ‘Bad Trips’.

From factual to spiritual to legal – this comprehensive and conscientious collection is required reading for the open minded.