The Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, an organization founded by Brazilian anthropologist Dr. Bia Labate and American psychologist Dr. Clancy Cavnar, produces high-quality research on plant medicines and psychedelics, and helps propagate academic knowledge in more accessible formats. We educate the public and create cultural understanding and legitimacy regarding these substances so that they may cease to be stigmatized and outlawed. Chacruna also promotes a bridge between the world of plant medicines and the emergent field of psychedelic science, between “traditional ceremonial use” and clinical and therapeutic settings, bringing the knowledge and perspectives of the social sciences to health care professionals and practitioners of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Finally, we foster cultural and political reflections on the field of psychedelic science and facilitate conversations about controversial topics that have been simmering on the sidelines as psychedelics go mainstream.
Chacruna uses a multi-faceted approach to achieve our mission, including:
Education
Academic Research: Publication of original social science health studies on psychedelic plant medicines.
Chacruna Chronicles: curation of a popular specialized website with sections on culture, policy, sex & power, women, queer, inclusion & diversity, music, integration, science, spirituality, music power and discrimination, indigenous voices and news.
Trainings: Studies in Psychedelic Justice and Workshops
Public Events: Organization of conferences, panels, and community forums on shamanism, ritual, religion, the therapeutic potential of plant medicines, drug policy, gender, and the politics of psychedelic science.
Reciprocity: The Indigenous Reciprocity Initiative of the Americas
Psychedelic Justice
Racial Equity and Access Committee / Woman, Gender-Diversity, and Sexual Minorities Working Group: Promote access, inclusion, and diversity by including the voices of women, queer people, indigenous peoples, people of color, and the global South in the field of psychedelic science.
Protection of Sacred Plants & Cultural Traditions
Ayahuasca Community Committee: Raising awareness about key issues and creating community safeguards as ayahuasca goes global.
Council for the Protection of Sacred Plants: Documentation, education, and advocacy on the legality of sacred plants, as well as consultation in legal cases.
Our Set Up:
Our organization is based in Northern California and we maintain strong ties to Brazil and Mexico. We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and our EIN number is: 84 3076078. We gladly accept donations and are open to interns and volunteers.
Legal Information:
501c3 Bylaws
Privacy Policy
Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblower Policy
Tax Returns:
