Modern Culture

You can now consume, cultivate non-commercial psychedelics without arrest in Seattle

The city had already taken decriminalization steps when it comes to personal drug possession, having a policy to not arrest or prosecute in those situations. The new resolution aims to protect those who cultivate and share psychedelics for “religious, spiritual, healing or personal growth practices.” While the resolution passed, it is not an ordinance, which…

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Spirituality

Seattle becomes largest U.S. city to decriminalize psychedelics

Further, it expresses the council’s intent “to determine what changes would be necessary to protect from arrest or prosecution individuals who cultivate entheogens” [ie, cultivating ayahuasca/iboga/psilocybe/san pedro, etc] and to make those changes through a subsequent ordinance. The legislation, passed by a unanimous vote, declares “that the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of anyone engaging in…

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Science

…health and epigenetic outcomes from a six-month naturalistic study

…these findings are the first of their kind and consolidate indications that SIGMAR1 expression is regulated via an epigenetic process. results suggest that ayahuasca exposure affects the epigenetic regulation of SIGMAR1. However, the mean increase (2.1% increase) in DNA methylation is small, and it remains unclear if this change in DNA methylation has biological impacts…

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Science

…psychedelics boost brain growth factor levels?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates neuronal development and survival and triggers adaptive neuroplasticity… animal studies have reported that acute and chronic administration of various psychedelic compounds, including LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and other ayahuasca-derived alkaloids, can increase BDNF production and neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons). Importantly, threats to our well-being such as stress, ageing and…

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Anthropology

Colorado springs city council president, stands up for psychedelic mushrooms’ during decriminalization…

The president of the Colorado Springs City Council recently surprised everyone when he commended the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms during a City Council regular meeting, sharing a personal story about how… has positively affected his life. Decriminalize Nature is a national movement with chapters in cities across the US , all dedicated to the…

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Modern Culture

Michigan prosecutor won’t pursue most marijuana or psychedelics cases, ‘regardless of the amount’

A county prosecutor in Michigan announced on Tuesday [Jan 12, 2020] that his office will not be pursuing charges over possessing marijuana or entheogenic substances like psilocybin and ayahuasca — “regardless of the amount at issue.” For entheogenic substances, [Prosecuting Attorney] Savit’s notice similarly says it is ending prosecutions for possession or use of the…

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Psychology

How psychedelics could become the “new weed”

Although weed currently remains the preferred non-prescribed drug to people who suffer from different mental & physical illnesses, psychedelics are on their way to taking its place.  The same could be said about psychedelics, as well – numerous studies and personal stories so far have shown that substances such as ayahuasca… and… “magic mushrooms”… have…

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Politics

…decriminalize psychedelics under new state and local proposals

Behind the decriminalization measures emerging across the country is a growing sense that the decades-long war on drugs has failed… reform passed in Oregon is likely to fuel efforts elsewhere. Activists in more than 100 cities have expressed interest in enacting [decriminalize nature] reforms. …[at the state-level]… California’s forthcoming decriminalization bill would apply only to psychedelics, including psilocybin…

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