Telus World of Science – Edmonton is taking a page out of your high-school best friend’s weird older brother’s playbook by teaching you all about the world of mind-altering substances. But instead of a dingy basement adorned with tie-dye tapestries and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard blaring through cheap speakers, you can enjoy an “elevated experience,” so to speak, with a 420-themed laser show in the Zeidler Dome and other exhibitions dedicated to plants, pills and other vices.
Billed as Science is Dope, the adults-only event on May 22 is part of its popular “Dark Matters” series exploring taboo subjects like Science of Sex which took place in March.
“There’s growing interest in mental health and research around the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics,” says Brett Nestman, manager of marketing and community relations. “All of the activities are really focused on being hands-on, hoping for a thought-provoking night, whether it’s a unique kind of different date night or you want to get together with a group of friends.”
From illicit psychedelics and stimulants to socially acceptable mind-altering substances like caffeine and alcohol, visiting scientists like Dr. Matt Gibbs will be on hand to demonstrate ancient beer-making techniques and Dr. Raimar Löbenberg to explain psychedelic drugs in a clinical setting and even discuss drug safety. After all, one-fifth of Canadians have tried illegal drugs in their lifetime, according to the most recent Canadian Substance Use Survey.
“It’s kind of all about having a safe space to learn and ask questions and maybe make some fun memories with your friends — and hopefully learn some things as well.”
Don’t expect to sample the goods (and please leave the drugs at home), but you’re welcome to enjoy the cash bar while you try your hand at building a lava lamp (the narcotics theme is a little loose). There’s also liquid nitrogen ice cream mixed with salty potato chips — a science-focused twist on a classic combo — because nothing hits the tastebuds quite like something sweet and salty when you’ve got the munchies.
If you fancy yourself a cannabis connoisseur, prove it — try the terpene aroma challenge and sniff out the differences between a strain full of floral linalool or musky myrcene. And if you don’t know what those mean, you’ll have to come out to Science is Dope — or ask your friend’s weird older brother.
Tickets for Dark Matters: Science is Dope are $32.95 for non-members and $27.95 for Telus World of Science members. The event runs May 22, 2025.
