Cultural Considerations in Psychedelic Medicine

We are amidst a psychedelic renaissance where medicines like psilocybin-containing mushrooms, peyote, and ayahuasca are being touted as innovative approaches to alleviate depression, illness, and trauma. Stories of relief and spiritual growth show up in mainstream media. Pharmaceutical corporations are working to synthesize what they see as the active component of these medicines – but at what cost?

As novel as psychedelic medicine feels to Western medicine scene, we must not forget that many of these medicines have been shepherded and carried forth through rich lineages from various cultures across the globe. What do these wisdom keepers know that may not be explainable through chemistry alone? How do we develop a synergetic relationship between cultural knowledge and the scientific community? What happens to the sacred when it’s made profitable?

This workshop will cover important historical moments in the early psychedelic movement, current cultural concerns in the psychedelic renaissance, research supporting the inclusion of cultural elements in psychedelic therapy, and personal exploration into one’s own participation in the psychedelia.

Participants will also:

1. Be able to describe examples of psychedelic exploitation.

2. Develop an awareness of appropriation vs. appreciation.

3. Understand the cultural concerns with decriminalization and legalization.

This workshop satisfies the State of Illinois cultural competence requirement for social workers, professional counselors, clinical psychologists, and marriage and family thera