The Ethics of Mainstreaming Psychedelics

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?

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Ismail Ali

Ismail Ali

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

photo of Shelby Hartman

Shelby Hartman

DoubleBlind Magazine

photo of Sutton King, Mph, Nāēqtaw-Pianakiw

Sutton King, Mph, Nāēqtaw-Pianakiw

Urban Indigenous Collective

photo of Bennet Zelner

Bennet Zelner

Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, College Park

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