- Where Is the Psychedelic Movement Headed Next? - October 15, 2024
- The FDA’s Rejection on MDMA-Assisted Therapy: What is Next for the Psychedelic Movement? - August 16, 2024
- Queering Psychedelics: An Introduction - August 7, 2024
Last week we were struck with terrible news: The FDA has decided to require another phase 3 study of MDMA-Assisted Therapy, delaying approval by years.
This was an unpredicted outcome for the mainstream psychedelic field, as the FDA seemed to be in alignment with the research until very recently. This outcome seems to be the result of a combination of multiple factors: the predominance of biomedical reductionism by the FDA, the lack of understanding of the role of therapy in conjunction with MDMA, and challenges around blinding in psychedelic research, followed by concerns around sexual abuse and a wave of misinformation challenging the fidelity of the research spread by mainstream media. Further, there are still a lot of social taboos and prejudice around psychedelics grounded in years of religious, moral, and cultural dogma. The result is a complex political scenario to digest, understand, and navigate.
While this decision will set the integration of psychedelics into mainstream health care protocols back by years, the science and research done so far will continue to influence the world. And there is much more research on the way. The truth is that we are already in a new world, and there is no going back. Let’s not forget that there is a longer trajectory of historical setbacks; however, as before, these temporary obstacles will slow down but not reverse an inevitable outcome: psychedelics can be a useful tool to provide a variety of ailments and care for those in need, especially those who do not find relief in current medical and therapeutic protocols.
It is undeniable that biomedical scientific research has influenced public perception and opened up space for drug reform initiatives, such as the emergence of regulated access in states like Oregon and Colorado.
Even though Chacruna has its own mission and medicalizing psychedelics is not our priority—we actually have been critics of its challenges—we recognize the value in continuing that research. And, in this crucial moment we want to express our unequivocal support for continuing that work. We further express our solidarity to all those involved in the effort to relieve the suffering of many living with PTSD, especially those who suffer as a result of injustices.
The psychedelic universe is vast and goes beyond the medical realm. It encompasses a living psychedelic culture, and our commitment is to fight for the freedom and safeguard the well-being of plant medicines and Indigenous people, attesting to the historical, cultural, and environmental value of traditional knowledge from the Global South.
The psychedelic universe is vast and goes beyond the medical realm. It encompasses a living psychedelic culture, and our commitment is to fight for the freedom and safeguard the well-being of plant medicines and Indigenous people, attesting to the historical, cultural, and environmental value of traditional knowledge from the Global South.
We support the potential benefits of biomedical knowledge and medicalization. We also stress once again our commitment to knowledge from anthropology, social sciences, and the humanities as fundamental tools for the understanding and legitimization of sacred plant medicines and traditions in society.
Chacruna’s mission continues to be vital, and we need to step up as leaders in advocacy for the protection of sacred plants and uplift marginalized voices and communities. We must continue advocating for cultural, minority, religious, and Indigenous rights, supporting biocultural conservation, the right to healing, the autonomy over our bodies and minds, and the right to self-determination.
Discover the Indigenous Reciprocity Initiative of the Americas
Notwithstanding the major setback of the FDA’s decision for those suffering with PTSD, this is an opportunity to ask ourselves critical questions: What are the psychedelic futures we envision? How can we advance the right to use psychedelics outside medicalization? What are the benefits and shortcomings of the medical model? What are the roles of shared uses and religious uses of psychedelics? Can we move beyond models like Oregon and Colorado, and what would this look like? How can we advance issues such as access, equity, justice, conservation, reciprocity, ethics, and accountability in the psychedelic movement?
Our goal is to continue to make sure that the voices outside of the mainstream—and the voices being silenced—are heard. We also strive to keep advancing cutting edge and critical conversations, such as the ones we advanced around sexual abuse.
The FDA, DEA, and all the mighty powers of the American government will not keep people from continuing to use these medicines in therapeutic, religious, and social settings. The real world extends far beyond institutional powers.
The medicines from the forests and deserts have already spread all over the world, and people are hungry for their healing, beauty, and wisdom. The FDA, DEA, and all the mighty powers of the American government will not keep people from continuing to use these medicines in therapeutic, religious, and social settings. The real world extends far beyond institutional powers. Self-regulation, education, awareness, cultural sensitivity and safety are more important than ever, and Chacruna is incredibly well-positioned to offer support and expertise in all of these topics.
Despite the current challenges with the FDA news, this moment is also a chance for deep learning and growth. Psychedelic science is still a new area of research, and that is how knowledge is built and passed on to future generations. As a community, this represents an important moment for critical reflection and dialogue, and an opportunity to better integrate other forms of knowledge into scientific research, and to pay more attention to non-medical factors.
We need to continue centering culture, and educating the world about the power, benefits, and risks of psychedelics. Onwards to the next phase of the psychedelic movement, with Chacruna at the forefront and in allyship with the Global South, BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ voices, in dialogue and synergy with our partners and colleagues in the global psychedelic ecosystem, where each one advances their piece of this intricate puzzle.
As Chacruna, we continue reaffirming our values, now and always. We also do not have all the answers. We have to build this movement together.
To help our mission, consider donating to our latest initiatives, and please save these dates and join us if you can:
- March 29-30, 2025 – Psychedelic Culture 2025, our annual conference (the largest conference on psychedelics in California), in the Brava Theater, San Francisco.
- April-October 2025 – Our pioneering training, Ethics and Safety for Plant Medicine Facilitators and Ceremonial Leaders. Explore justice-informed, risk reduction initiatives to promote connection, support, ongoing ethics education, and safety for psychedelic communities;
With love and gratitude to our community.
Disclosure Note: Dr. Beatriz Caiuby Labate (Bia Labate), Chacruna’s co-founder and executive director, is a part-time employee of MAPS.
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