Sunday, March 19, 2023

Natural Psychedelic Plant Medicines, The medical & pharmaceutical industry is noticing, will they ruin it?

The fear of Big Pharma and the FDA ruining natural psychedelic plant medicines is not without merit. Colorado and Oregon have taken significant strides in the legalization of natural psychedelics, but even still, there are concerns about how these plants could be co-opted by Big Pharma for their own economic gain. It's important to note that while these states have made great progress in normalizing access to a variety of plant-based psychedelics, they also have strict regulations in place regarding what types of products can be sold, who is allowed to use them, and where they can be consumed. The potential pitfalls associated with the commercialization of natural psychedelics cannot go ignored. Natural psychedelics may become exclusively available as prescription medications once put under the purview of Big Pharma, creating a system by which only those who can afford the cost of prescriptions can access them. Additionally, if natural psychedelics are over-regulated, their potential therapeutic benefits may be limited within the clinical setting. Ultimately, it is up to consumers to ensure that these plant medicines remain in their original form and out of the hands of corporate interests. It's important to understand how Big Pharma and the FDA could impact the landscape of psychedelic use and make sure that any efforts taken toward legalization are mindful of this potential danger. Natural psychedelics should be respected as sacred medicines and not allowed to become another way for companies to make money off people’s suffering.​​​​​ ​​​​​​ In Oregon and Colorado, natural psychedelic plant medicines are becoming increasingly accepted by their respective governments. Both states have taken steps towards decriminalizing psilocybin, the main psychedelic compound found in so-called “magic mushrooms”. In 2020, Oregon became the first US state to decriminalize the substance while Colorado followed suit with Proposition 122 a few months later. In Colorado Proposition 122 does not allow for the sale of psilocybin. Rather, it allows Coloradans to possess and use it as well as grow the mushrooms from which it’s extracted without fear of prosecution and to be able to share these substances at cost. Additionally, this bill provides a framework for how mental healthcare professionals can legally incorporate psilocybin into therapeutic practices. The fact that two US states are now decriminalizing psilocybin is a major milestone in the movement toward greater acceptance of natural psychedelics. This shift has been welcomed by many people who believe that these substances can have positive impacts on mental health, creativity, and self-discovery. With Oregon and Colorado leading the way, we can expect more states to follow suit in the near future. It is clear that the tides are turning with regard to natural psychedelic plant medicines. Colorado and Oregon have taken bold steps towards decriminalizing psilocybin, giving people greater access to this powerful tool for personal growth. It will be interesting to see how other states respond to these changes and if there will ultimately be a shift in the legal landscape of psychedelics throughout the US. Personally, I believe it will and we are already seeing other states taking action. Just like I predicted with Cannabis in 2009 it will be the same with psychedelics, it will have a domino effect from state to state. To learn more about the law in Colorado and Oregon regarding psilocybin, please consult your local government or visit the website of a psychedelic advocacy organization such as the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) or Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP). It is important to stay informed and understand the legal complexities associated with these substances. With proper education and understanding, we can move forward toward a healthier, happier society. By empowering people to explore the potential of natural psychedelics, we can create a world where mental health and well-being are prioritized.