SXSW 2022
The Ethics of "Mainstreaming" Psychedelics
Description:
We’re at a pivotal moment in psychedelic history. The interest in psychedelics among the general population is growing exponentially. Meanwhile, hundreds of millions of dollars are pouring into psychedelic drug development, with some projecting the industry is less than five years behind cannabis. But psychedelics aren’t just any other industry. Since they’ve been used ceremonially for millennia, the industrialization of these powerful compounds brings up unique ethical considerations. What does it look like to create a psychedelic “industry” that’s truly inclusive? How can we engage in reciprocity and uphold reverence for the Indigenous stewards of psychedelic plants and fungi? And should anyone be profiting from psychedelics at all?
Other Resources / Information
Takeaways
- The unique ethical considerations around commodifying psychedelics, from their ceremonial use to attempts by pharmaceutical companies to patent them
- What business models that have the capital they need to survive might look like, while prioritizing access to psychedelic medicine for healing
- The moral obligation of psychedelic companies to give back to Indigenous stewards of psychedelic medicines, and what that looks like
Speakers
- Shelby Hartman, Co-Founder/ CEO, DoubleBlind Mag
- Ismail Ali, Policy & Advocacy Counsel, The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
- Sutton King, Co-Founder and President of Urban Indigenous Collective; Head of Impact at Journey Colab; Co-Founder of ShockTalk, Urban Indigenous Collective; Journey Colab; ShockTalk
- Bennet Zelner, Associate Professor, University of Maryland, Smith School of Business
Organizer
Shelby Hartman, Co-Founder/ CEO, DoubleBlind Magazine
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