We are researchers from the University of Hawai'i and are trained in ethnobiology, philosophy, and political science. We have a collective interest in learning about local innovations with psychoactive biotechnology. As we define it, "psychoactive biotechnology" involves "the discovery, experimentation, and utilization of biological organisms to alter consciousness." The development of this biological technology encompasses many species of plants, but it includes tea and coffee as well as marijuana and magic mushrooms. In order to learn about psychoactive biotechnology, we are conducting a survey designed to gather information about the kinds of psychoactive plants that people recognize locally, and the cultural contexts these plants are serving. The survey will ask you to:

1. Tell us a little about yourself,
2. Share your knowledge of psychoactive plants,
3. Help identify important and specifically influential plants,
4. Document the intentions that these most influential plants support,
5. Document the variety and effectiveness of influential experiences,
6. Chart changes in intention over time,
7. Assist in identifying the plants that are associated with life-changing experiences,
8. Assist in determining whether or not psychoactive plants transform images and attitudes of the future,
9. Assess psychoactive biotechnology as a future cultural phenomenon,
10. Provide some final reflections.

Participation is completely voluntary, and you may stop anytime or skip any questions that you do not wish to answer. Information that is recorded will be anonymous. Your name will not be requested. If at any time during the course of the survey you face a question that you don't feel is appropriate, or, which makes you feel uncomfortable, please feel free to skip that question. Only answer what you personally know, and feel truthfully comfortable sharing.

The research project based on this survey will also invite interviews and hold group meetings. After finishing our report, the information in it will be verified, when possible, by those who participated in the study. After corrections are made, the results will be published in a non-profit scientific journal. Copies of the final report will be provided to you upon request.

If you have any questions about your rights as a participant in the research, you may contact the University of Hawaii Committee on Human Studies, 2540 Maile Way / Spalding 253; (808) 956-5007.

For reference purposes a survey number is assigned below. Should you later decide that you wish to retract any of your information, you may contact us and the survey responses will be removed and destroyed.

If you are 18 years of age or older and are willing to participate in a survey of knowledge of psychoactive plants, click here.

[Please note that this research involves a detailed multi-page questionnaire and will take approximately fifteen minutes to complete. At the end of the survey you will be given contact information--should you further decide to help with a confidential interview by phone or in person. We wish to thank you in advance for your time and your knowledge and for supporting research dedicated to building tolerance and gaining insight into the modern use of these biotechnologies.]