Politics

China is blaming Canada for its cannabis problem but is producing 50% of the world’s supply

You won’t hear any talk of legalization in China soon. China’s history, drug wars, and communist control have left citizens convinced that drugs are personally and socially evil … China still bans cultivation, transport, sale, and possession … [The Chinese Government] holds over 600 patents on cannabis applications.  In Hong Kong, manufacturing cannabis or any other drug…

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Anthropology

Why psychedelic community is so white [and male]

The psychedelic movement could be more inclusive for women and people of color… Because racism is at the core of the war on drugs, it would benefit the psychedelic movement to fight against oppressive institutions. It would benefit everyone in the drug policy world, from people who work on policy to bud-tenders in the cannabis…

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Modern Culture

Which U.S. state will be the first to legalize shrooms?

Oregon is also stepping into the spotlight in this movement. A 2017 bill passed by the legislature moved toward decriminalizing heroin, cocaine, and a host of other substances, including psychedelics. The governor signed it shortly afterward, making these drugs a misdemeanor instead of a felony. Intention matters as well. Treating psilocybin as a party drug can result in unexpected and…

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Science

Outdoor-grown weed is not only better for the environment…

The state wasn’t going to allow outdoor farming until… people successfully convinced the regulators to allow sun-grown weed. It’s also the more environmentally friendly choice. Outdoor farming will always use less energy. Indoor farmers need a lot of power to run their lights and fans. Just like the grape vines for winemaking, pot plants absorb…

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Spirituality

Psychedelics’ buddhist revival

…psychedelics are controversial in Buddhist circles. But she has found that entheogens like ayahuasca function as spiritual accelerants and can actually reduce addiction to intoxicants.  “I’m still a Buddhist,” Washam [who combines Buddhist mindfulness techniques with indigenous shamanic ayahuasca ceremonies] said, describing ayahuasca ceremonies as a type of “ultimate meditation” that can enhance Buddhist practice and provide personal insights…

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Science

How psychedelic microdosing might help ease anxiety and sharpen focus

Qualitative data from the survey revealed that microdosers reported positive effects of the practice including migraine reduction, improved focus and productivity, and better connection with others. In quantitative results, microdosers scored lower than non-microdosing respondents on negative emotionality and dysfunctional attitude.  The data yielded interesting results, including important information about how much of the drug…

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Science

Ayahuasca may help patients with treatment-resistant depression, study finds

In this new study, a large group of Brazilian scientists carried out the first randomized placebo-controlled trial with ayahuasca, treating 29 patients with treatment-resistant depression.​ Half of the patients were treated with ayahuasca, and the other half with placebo. “We observed a significant placebo effect, but the effects of ayahuasca were superior, and lasted longer,”…

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