Modern Culture

Berkeley might become second city in the country to decriminalize… [all entheogenic plants and fungi on schedule 1]

“It is time to end the war on entheogenic plants and fungi.” Under Berkeley’s proposed resolution, police would still be able to enforce criminal penalties against people who are under 21, as well as anyone found to be commercially manufacturing or selling these entheogenic substances. Berkeley City Council will consider a measure that would forbid city…

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Spirituality

Ayahuasca: tradition versus tourism

The ayahuasca tourist in search of a deep cosmic insight often fails to understand the importance of the cultural context in which the… [plants are] used. This parallels with the European discovery of tobacco in the sixteenth century; an attitude of disregard and criticism of the intended herbal ritualistic use. The traditional uses of tobacco…

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Science

…psilocybin producing E. coli

…engineered bacteria to produce psilocybin in their cells and poop it out. This is a biosynthesis process that relies on changing cells so they will produce compounds they don’t naturally produce, or in quantities they don’t naturally produce. Original Article (Science Alert):Scientists Engineered a Bacterium That Poops Out Huge Amounts of Psilocybin Artwork Fair Use:…

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Science

…E. coli producing psilocybin

…engineered bacteria to produce psilocybin in their cells and poop it out. This is a biosynthesis process that relies on changing cells so they will produce compounds they don’t naturally produce, or in quantities they don’t naturally produce. Original Article (Science Alert):Scientists Engineered a Bacterium That Poops Out Huge Amounts of Psilocybin Artwork Fair Use:…

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Biography/Memoir

Marijuana companies urged Governor to ban… home cultivation, document shows. [are… psilocybin companies doing the same, now?]

Home growing – seen by many as a commonsense policy that ensures access to cannabis for individuals who can’t afford retail prices, live too far… or just want to flex their green thumbs– …a chapter titled “The Fallacy of Home Grow” makes very specific—and, in the eyes of advocates, misleading—arguments against allowing… cultivation for personal use.…

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Biography/Memoir

Purdue Pharma family profits from sale of resorts in regions plagued by opioid crisis

Richard Sackler did not comment for this story. Family representatives declined to comment publicly. Purdue Pharma, which created vast wealth for the family, filed for bankruptcy Sept. 15.  Some members of the billionaire Sackler family — the owners of Purdue Pharma, the company widely blamed for fueling America’s opioid crisis — will reap about $60…

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Politics

…Governor will pardon thousands of former cannabis offenders

Unlike the expungement process, which must be handled by the court system, executive clemency allows the governor to pardon or exonerate anyone who’s committed a crime. After the pardons are issued… Attorney General… will ask a circuit court judge to expunge the criminal records for every individual who’s been granted clemency. As a result, hundreds…

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Biography/Memoir

…looking to decriminalize

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, stated, “The potential harms associated with any of these drugs is worsened when people are pushed into a position where they have to produce, obtain and consume those drugs illegally.” Trudeau was asked whether he would be open to decriminalization in the context of the opioid overdose…

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