Systemic culture problems of the psychedelics “industry”
The movement to normalize and destigmatize psychedelics is not one of blind commodification. The psychedelics “industry” is possible because of an underground network of courageous people who have literally been risking their lives, their homes, their freedoms in order to make the truth about their healing potential available. The capitalist commodification of psychedelics disregards that entire struggle…
…and it also fails to acknowledge the long-term demonization and intentional attacks on indigenous peoples who have always used and protected these medicines. It is an attitude of conquer and destroy. It is the same attitude that has led to the depletion of the planet’s resources and global climate crises we currently witness. And it goes directly against the teachings these plants and other medicines offer… It’s 2020, and I live in a society where access to healthcare, education, housing and truth is limited. Where I live, and in most of the world, exploration of one’s consciousness is stigmatized and criminalized… Patriarchy and rape culture create particular division and separation in psychedelic ecosystems. They create the conditions that keep certain voices quiet while other voices are permitted to bellow above the rest. They create the conditions that lead to platforming individuals as speakers and panelists with associations that have led to a few raised eyebrows. Christian Angermayer, one of the co-founders of ATAI Life Sciences, noted that he is a member of the Presidential Advisory Council of Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda. Kagame has been repeatedly flagged by Human Rights Watch for numerous human rights abuses. ATAI has helped fund COMPASS Pathways and other companies developing psychedelic therapies… It’s so troubling to watch capitalism take hold, and to watch talks that frame psychedelics as a commodity, or a way to make more money… Why are we working to bring psychedelics to the mainstream at all, if so many people who care about psychedelics cannot lead the way to represent forward-thinking, inclusive and compassionate attitudes and values?
Original Article (Lucid News):
The systemic culture problems of the psychedelics industry
Artwork Fair Use: Public domain
