Anthropology

In Sweden, Europe’s most LGBT-friendly country, admitting use of cannabis or psychedelics carries a big social stigma

“I find that in the contemporary Swedish context it would, in many cases, be more stigmatizing and have more negative social implications to come out of the closet as a psychedelic user than as a homosexual or bisexual.” One cannot talk about psychedelics or cannabis as separate from other drugs. All illegal drugs are bundled…

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Anthropology

The end of an era in cannabis prosecutions?

“The new guidelines decriminalize the possession of small amounts of Marijuana, reversing a long-standing previous policy. The new guidelines are based on the successful experience of Portugal and were presented by the Chief Scientist of the Drug Enforcement Authority, Dr. Yossi Harel-Fisch.” “I heard about his model from my colleagues in Portugal. We learned a…

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Anthropology

Could ancient remedies hold the answer to the looming antibiotics crisis?

“Botanical medicine, Quave learned, not only predates civilization — it is older than humanity itself. Our earliest human ancestors continued such traditions, and until relatively recently, plants were our primary source of medicine. Although ethnobotany and the longstanding co-evolution with plants that preceded it have provided us with some of our most essential medicines, their…

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Anthropology

How psychedelic[s] could help treat addiction

“For those of us who work in addiction, our existing treatments are not impressive, they’re disappointing, and at a minimum, why not give this a try?” said Peter Hendricks, an addictions psychologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He’s in the middle of running a double blind clinical trial treating cocaine users with therapy coupled…

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Anthropology

Hallucinogenic lichen — chromatography investigates

“LC-MS revealed that psilocybin, tryptamine and several other compounds having hallucinogenic properties were in the lichen — making this lichen a unique specimen. A species of lichen found in the Ecuadorian Amazon region is thought to contain psilocybin — one of the first species outside of ‘magic mushrooms’ to contain psilocybin. Lichens are a species…

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Anthropology

“Psychedelic Supervisor” could be upcoming profession

If Health Canada approves Haden’s research, psychedelic drugs could be legal in Canada within the next five years.” “Haden described the job as “somebody that oversees a psychedelic session, and provides a context for an experience that somebody has with psychedelics.” In layman’s terms, the supervisor essentially makes sure the trippee has a good trip.”…

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Anthropology

Cannabis sales set to surpass alcohol profits after Canada legalises it next year

“Canada is set to legalise cannabis next year – sparking a multi-billion dollar industry that will overtake alcohol sales, a new study suggests.” The decision could kick-start the economy and eclipse the combined sales of beer, wine and spirits, according to the report from consulting firm Deloitte. The report, titled Recreational Marijuana: Insights and Opportunities,…

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