The Racial Equity and Access Committee is a branch of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines that endeavors to ensure that traditionally marginalized racial, ethnic, and indigenous communities have access to these healing medicines and are actively included in the field of psychedelic studies at all levels. This consortium of researchers, advocates, and activists aims to center social justice-related values in the field of psychedelic studies, broadly defined; give visibility to indigenous people’s legacies and knowledge around psychedelic plant medicines; promote the presence of people of color in the field (in conferences, events, documentaries, media interviews etc); hold the field accountable for the inclusion of diverse people in research studies, treatment trials, and policy initiatives; increase access to and availability of psychedelics in diverse communities; raise awareness of the benefits of psychedelics in diverse communities; advise providers on culturally-responsive uses of psychedelics and collaborate with researchers to design protocols that are inclusive and culturally-responsive.

The Women, Gender Diversity, and Sexual Minorities Working Group is an initiative of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines. We are dedicated to fostering accessibility and diversity in psychedelic science, practice, and discourses, addressing and dismantling sexist, heteronormative, transphobic and homophobic forms of oppression, and allying with other under-represented communities to combat oppressive practices in psychedelic communities and science. We envision collective practices where people who have been traditionally marginalized may share a seat at the table and have their voices heard to ensure equitable access to the benefits that psychedelics and plant medicine offer. We cover social, political, ethical, and therapeutic perspectives affecting women and sexual and gender minority people. We are committed to promoting the presence of people of color, women and LGBTQI+ people in the field (conferences, events, documentaries, media interviews etc.,) and to further psychedelic research of, by, and for sexual and gender minority people, as well as advising providers on LGBTQI+ affirmative practices in psychedelic medicine research, policy, and practice.

Chacruna’s Inclusion, Diversity and Psychedelics Call for Articles

Chacruna’s Inclusion, Diversity and Psychedelics series addresses historic and contemporary challenges to access and inclusion in the psychedelic community, leadership, and research. In this series we explore individual, structural, and sociocultural factors that act as barriers to full inclusion, identify strategies to transform the field, and highlight calls to action for ensuring equity, dismantling oppression, and creating sustained systemic change. The series features research summaries, reflections, and strategies for increasing the inclusion of diverse people at all levels of the psychedelic revolution. The series seeks submission for original articles related to this topic.

For more information, and submissions write at: [email protected]

To read the articles of this series, click here.

Call for Articles: Exploring Power Dynamics and Discrimination

Plant medicines have long been associated with profound healing experiences, yet they also exist within broader societal structures that can perpetuate inequality and marginalization and block access to these therapies.

Chacruna in its mission to educate and ensure access to plant medicines, therefore must also be dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding around the dynamics of power and discrimination within institutes and individuals. It is important to address power dynamics and discrimination specifically within the psychedelic community. Inspired by the recent Frontiers special issue on power and discrimination, edited by Dr. Monnica Williams and Dr. Sonya Faber, both board members of Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, alongside the Director, Dr. Bia Labate, we now invite submissions for short articles that further explore the intersections of power, discrimination, and psychedelics. Join us in continuing this vital conversation and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Prejudices and biases permeate societies, leading to various forms of discrimination and inequities. From structural racism to gender-based barriers, and from economic oppression to systemic colonization, the misuse and imbalance of power lie at the heart of these issues.

This call seeks to shed light on covert or under-examined aspects of power, exploring its effects on individuals and institutions. We encourage submissions that uncover hidden power structures, examine psychological consequences, and propose mechanisms for positive change.

Topics of interest include:

• •         Exploration of power dynamics within psychedelic therapy sessions and research settings.
  •         Analysis of how societal power structures influence access to psychedelic-assisted therapy and plant medicines.
  •        Examination of the role of privilege and marginalization in psychedelic communities and research.
  •         Investigation into the historical and cultural contexts of power dynamics in indigenous and traditional psychedelic practices.
  •         Exploration of psychedelic experiences as catalysts for personal and collective empowerment or disempowerment.
  •         Discussion on the potential of psychedelic therapy to address and dismantle systemic power imbalances and discrimination.
  •         Exploration of covert institutional power structures and their psychological effects.
  •         Analysis of individual decision-making influenced by power dynamics.
  •         Examination of the relationship between power and moral growth.
  •         Investigation into the construction and administration of policy as a tool for power hoarding.

We welcome original insights, theoretical perspectives, personal reflections, and commentary on these themes. Submissions should be concise and accessible, aiming to stimulate further discussion and scholarship in the field.

Join us in uncovering the complexities of power and discrimination, and in fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

Submission Guidelines:

• • Length: Short articles, approximately 800-2000 words.
  • Format: Please submit in Word or PDF format.
  • Deadline:

We look forward to your contributions.

Please read our Chacruna Chronicles Author Guide and publishing agreement before submitting.

Best regards,
Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines