Psychedelics are a hallucinogenic class of psychoactive drug whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary states of consciousness and psychedelic experiences via serotonin 2A receptor agonism.[2] This causes specific psychological, visual and auditory changes, and often a substantially altered state of consciousness. "Classical" psychedelic drugs include mescaline, LSD, psilocybin, and DMT.

Most psychedelic drugs fall into one of the three families of chemical compounds: tryptamines, phenethylamines, or lysergamides. These chemicals all activate serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which modulate the activity of key circuits in the brain involved with sensory perception and cognition, however the exact nature of how psychedelics induce changes in perception and cognition through the 5-HT2A receptor is still unknown. The psychedelic experience is often compared to non-ordinary forms of consciousness such as those experienced in meditation,[3][4] mystical experiences,[5][6] and near-death experiences.[6] The phenomenon of ego dissolution is often described as a key feature of the psychedelic experience.[3][4][6]

Many psychedelic drugs are illegal worldwide under the UN conventions, occasionally excepting use in a religious or research context. Despite these controls, recreational use of psychedelics is common.[7][8] Legal barriers have made the scientific study of psychedelics more difficult. Research has been conducted, however, and studies show that psychedelics are physiologically safe and do not lead to addiction.[9][10] Studies conducted using psilocybin in a psychotheraputic setting reveal that psychedelic drugs may assist with treating depression and alcohol addiction, and possibly also nicotine addiction.[11][12] Although further research is needed, existing results are showing that psychedelics may be useful for treating certain forms of psychopathology.[13][14][8]

The term psychedelic is derived from the Greek words (psyche, "soul, mind") and (delein, "to manifest"), hence "mind manifesting", the implication being that psychedelics can develop unused potentials of the human mind.[15] The word was coined in 1956 by British psychiatrist, Humphry Osmond, the spelling loathed by American ethnobotanist Richard Schultes, but championed by the American psychologist, Timothy Leary.[16]

Aldous Huxley had suggested to Humphry Osmond in 1956 his own coinage phanerothyme (Greek phaneroein- "visible" and Greek thymos "soul", thus "visible soul").[17] Recently, the term entheogenic has come into use to denote the use of psychedelic drugs in a religious, spiritual, and mystical context.

Psychedelics have a long history of use in traditional medicine and traditional religion, for their perceived ability to promote physical and mental healing. In this context, they are often known as entheogens. Native American practitioners using mescaline-containing cacti (most notably peyote, San Pedro, and Peruvian torch) have reported success against alcoholism, and Mazatec practitioners routinely use psilocybin mushrooms for divination and healing. Ayahuasca, which contains the potent psychedelic DMT, is used in Peru and other parts of South America for spiritual and physical healing as well as in religious festivals.[citation needed]

Psychedelic substances which may have therapeutic uses include psilocybin, LSD, and mescaline.[14] During the 1950s and 1960s, lack of informed consent in some scientific trials on psychedelics led to significant, long-lasting harm to some participants.[14] Since then, research regarding the effectiveness of psychedelic therapy has been conducted under strict ethical guidelines, with fully informed consent and a pre-screening to avoid people with psychosis taking part.[14] Although the history behind these substances has hindered research into their potential medicinal value, scientists are now able to conduct studies and renew research that was halted in the 1970s. Some research has shown that these substances have helped people with such mental disorders as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcoholism, depression, and cluster headaches.[8]

Many of the currently known psychedelics are classified as having no accepted medical use in the United States.[18] However, in 2018 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression.[19] In 2019, the FDA also granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for psilocybin therapy treating major depressive disorder.[20] In 2017, a Phase II clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD led to a designation of breakthrough therapy status by the FDA.[21] The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and the FDA have agreed on the design for the Phase III trial, and if the trial is successful the treatment could be approved as early as 2021.[22]

Recreational use of psychedelics is common.[7][8]

Psychedelic microdosing is the practice of using sub-threshold doses (microdoses) of psychedelics in an attempt to improve creativity, boost physical energy level, emotional balance, increase performance on problems-solving tasks and to treat anxiety, depression and addiction.[23][24] The practice of microdosing has become more widespread in the 21st century with more people claiming long-term benefits from the practice.[25][26]

Tryptamine, along with other trace amines, is found in the central nervous system of mammals. It is hypothesized to play a role as a neuromodulator on classical monoamine neurotransmitters, such dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine (epinephrine). Tryptamine acts as a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist to activate serotonin receptors, and a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agent (SNDRA) to release more monoamine neurotransmitter, with a preference for evoking serotonin and dopamine release over norepinephrine( epinephrine) release.[27][28][29] This chemical class is well documented to cause classic psychedelic states, such as increased empathy, visual distorsions (drifting, morphing, breathing, melting of various surfaces and objects), auditory hallucinations, ego dissolution or ego death with high enough dose, mystical and spiritual experiences, closed eye hallucinations and complete detachment from reality with a high enough dose.[30] Psychedelic tryptamines that could be found in nature are psilocin, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT or they could be synthesised in a laboratory like 4-HO-MET or 5-MeO-DALT.

Phenethylamine is also a trace amine but to a lesser extent acts as a neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system. Phenethylamine instead regulates monoamine neurotransmission by binding to trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1), which plays a significant role in regulating neurotransmission in dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin neurons in the CNS and inhibiting vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) in monoamine neurons.[31][32] When VMAT2 is inhibited monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine cannot be released into the synapse via typical release mechanisms.[33]

Amides of lysergic acid are collectively known as lysergamides, and include a number of compounds with potent agonist and/or antagonist activity at various serotonin and dopaminereceptors. LSD is one of many lysergamides. A wide range of lysergamides have emerged in recent years, inspired by existing scientific literature. Others, have appeared from chemical research.[34]

Classic psychedelics are considered to be those found in nature like psilocybin, DMT, mescaline, and LSD which is derived from naturally occurring ergotamine, and non-classic psychedelics are considered to be newer analogs and derivatives of pharmacophore lysergamides, tryptamine, and phenethylamine structures like 2C-B. Many of these psychedelics cause remarkably similar effects, despite their different chemical structure. However, many users report that the three major families have subjectively different qualities in the "feel" of the experience, which are difficult to describe. At lower doses, these include sensory alterations, such as the warping of surfaces, shape suggestibility, and color variations. Users often report intense colors that they have not previously experienced, and repetitive geometric shapes are common. Higher doses often cause intense and fundamental alterations of sensory perception, such as synesthesia or the experience of additional spatial or temporal dimensions.[35] Some compounds, such as 2C-B, have extremely tight "dose curves", meaning the difference in dose between a non-event and an overwhelming disconnection from reality can be very slight.[citation needed] There can be very substantial differences between the drugs, however. For instance, 5-MeO-DMT rarely produces the visual effects typical of other psychedelics. It has long been known that psychedelics promote neurite growth and synaptic plasticity.[36][37][38] Psychedelics have also been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory activity and therapeutic effects in animal models of inflammatory diseases including asthma,[39] and cardiovascular disease and diabetes.[40]

Although not pharmacologically considered psychedelics, empathogen-entactogens are phenethylamines of the MDxx class such as MDMA, MDEA, and MDA have some overlap in the behaviors that they elicit with psychedelics. Their effects are characterized by feelings of openness, euphoria, empathy, love, heightened self-awareness, and by mild audio and visual distortions (an overall enhancement of sensory experience is often reported). Their adoption by the rave subculture is probably due to the enhancement of the overall social and musical experience.

Salvia divinorum is a dissociative that is sometimes classified as an atypical psychedelic with some overlap in its perceptual effects with serotonergic psychedelics. The active molecule in the plant, salvinorin A, is a kappa opioid receptor agonist, working on a part of the brain that deals with pain. Activation of this receptor is also linked to the dysphoria sometimes experienced by users of opioids either therapeutically or recreationally. An unusual feature of S. divinorum is its high potency (dosage is in the microgram range) and extremely disorienting effects, which often include "entity contact", complete loss of reality-perception and user's experiencing their consciousness as being housed in different objects, for example a pane of glass or a pencil. Cannabis (containing THC), particularly when taken in edible form is commonly referred to as a mild psychedelic, and produces behavioral effects with some similarity to true psychedelics.

Psychedelic drugs are not addictive.[9][10] There is also no evidence that they cause long-term harm to mental health.[41]

Ira Byock wrote in 2018 in the Journal of Palliative Medicine that psilocybin is safe when administered to a properly screened patient and supervised by a qualified professional with appropriate set and setting. However, he called for an "abundance of caution" because in the absence of these conditions a range of negative reactions are possible, including "fear, a prolonged sense of dread, or full panic." He notes that driving or even walking in public can be dangerous during a psychedelic experience because of impaired hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.[42]

Many psychedelic drugs have been declared illegal under the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. In addition, many countries have analogue acts that automatically forbid any drugs sharing similar chemical structures to common illicit substances regardless of whether or not they are harmful.

Psychedelic culture includes manifestations such as psychedelic music,[43] psychedelic art,[44] psychedelic literature,[45] psychedelic film,[46][47] and psychedelic festivals.[48]

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Psychedelic drug - Wikipedia

Psychedelics, while they can cause pleasurable side effects, are mostly Schedule I classified drugs that are not only illegal but dangerous. While psychedelics can cause a person to feel a sense of oneness with the universe and experience spiritual or enjoyable hallucinations and distorted perceptions, they can also cause intense fear, paranoia, and panic.

Whether or not a person has a good trip or a bad tripall depends on many variables, and there is no assurance that even the same individual will experience a positive reaction twice. This is only one of the dangers of psychedelics which, while they have been used in spiritual rituals for centuries, can cause many harmful effects.

We can help you quit using psychedelic drugs. Call 800-895-1695 today.

The effects of psychedelics are extremely hard to predict. As stated by CESAR, psilocybin or psychedelic mushrooms are one of the most popularly abused psychedelics to this day, and the effects produced by psilocybin are highly variable and depend on several factors including the age, type, and dosage amount of the mushroom used, the setting the mushroom is used in, the users expectations, past drug experiences, and personality.

This is what makes psychedelic drugs so different from other commonly abused substances; it is very difficult to pinpoint how a person will react to these drugs or what they should even expect. While some effects like hallucinations, nausea, and an altered perception of space and time can all be expected to be experienced by the user, psychedelics may cause a different type of high in every user (each and every time) and their effects could last anywhere from an hour to six or more.

Psychedelic drugs can cause severe psychological distress and other harmful side effects.

While there isnt a strong amount of research on the issue of psychedelic drug addiction, it is possible in some instances. Especially with a drug like MDMA, some users report symptoms of dependence, including continued use despite knowledge of physical or psychological harm, tolerance (or diminished response), and withdrawal effects (NIDA).

Some other drugs (like LSDand peyote) only cause tolerance while the effects of salvia divinorum have not yet been researched enough to provide any conclusive results. The question of whether or not addiction to certain psychedelic drugs exists can be puzzling. In many cases, though, treatment may still be necessary to help with the effects abusing psychedelic drugs can cause.We can help you find the treatment you need. Call 800-895-1695 toll free today.

If you are concerned about your psychedelic drug abuse or that of another individual, here are some steps to follow in order to better the situation.

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Psychedelics - Mushrooms, LSD, Salvia

Most herbal formulas in our selection contain seeds with the well-known alkaloid LSA and other psychedelic, hallucinogenic ingredients. These substances are best used in the company of trusted friends and in a natural environment that you feel safe in. Psychedelics function in the same way as LSD. The difference between LSD and psychedelics is that the latter does not contain any synthetic substances that could be hazardous. In general, psychedelics are natural products and often mimic medications that doctors prescribe to their patients.

Product 1 to 9 (of 9 products) Result:1

Product 1 to 9 (of 9 products) Result:1

There are various types of psychedelics, which can be broken down into the form that you consume the substance and its chemical structure. The different usage types are:

Chemical structure varies for each psychedelic. Some contain the compounds that are also in alcohol. As such, these create a similar effect, but without the hangover, dehydration, or nausea. Others directly mimic the substances in LSD, but the psychedelic itself is different. However, the effect is practically the same. There are also substances that contain LSA, a substance that changes your sense of awareness in a variety of ways. You may see things differently than they are and think about them differently.

Psychedelics will make you hallucinate. This can happen in a number of ways. Some people only see moving images, while others begin to view the world in a totally different way. Hallucination is typically a fun experience. However, people can also have a bad trip. This is a trip that causes fear, sadness or other negative emotions. For this reason, it is important to use these substances in the company of people you trust.

Do you have any questions about our selection or using the psychedelics? Dont hesitate to contact us!

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Buy psychedelics online | Avalon Magic Plants

As recent trials of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy enter the last phase of testing, the coming need for many trained therapists and guides seems inevitable. Until recently, the only opportunity to train and work legally as a psychedelic therapist was in clinical trials. That will likely change over time as expanded access becomes the next step for current trials (evaluating MDMA and psilocybin) and if psychedelic-assisted therapies become FDA approved.

Many people are looking for information about psychedelic therapy and opportunities to become guides or therapists after reading Michael Pollans new book HowtoChange Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us about Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence [1]. Providers are seeking trainings to become more informed about psychedelic experiences. They also want to know how to become certified to administer psychedelics in clinical trials and potentially post approval.

Still, there remain many unknowns about what training programs outside of the drug sponsors will be acceptable by FDA to dispense MDMA or psilocybin post-approval. FDA has never regulated psychotherapy, but medical devices often require training in a certified program. Demonstration of competency and maintaining of the acquired skills is required for compliance with regulatory agencies. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is one example of a specialized device with specific training requirements. Its not yet known how FDA will regulate trainings for psychedelic-assisted therapies.

The FDA may approve MDMA for PTSD treatment as early as2021, as MAPS has projected based on an optimistic (and likely realistic)finding of significant and positive results from two on-going Phase 3 trials.If so, thousands of therapists and doctors will be needed to meet the increaseddemand and opportunity for greater access. PTSD can be a difficult to treatcondition with many individuals not accessing or responding to availabletreatments, so this call for expanded access will be an exciting opportunity toprovide care to a much larger number of people who are currently suffering.

The next likely candidate for FDA approval after MDMA is psilocybin for the treatment of depression. In late 2018, the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, which will help expedite its approval as long as results from clinical trials remain positive

Despite many unknowns, some training programs already exist,and many more are expected to become available.

In 2015, the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) started a formal training program called the Certificate in Psychedelic-assisted Therapies and Research. The hybrid residential, in-person and online curriculum is a roughly 9-month course with rotating guest lecturers and a weeklong retreat. This program is broad in focus, interdisciplinary, and covers classic psychedelic medicines (e.g., psilocybin, ayahuasca, peyote, LSD) as well as the newer medicines (sometimes labeled empathogens or entactogens) like MDMA and ketamine.

To enroll in the CIIS certificate program, interestedindividuals must fill out an application, complete an interview, and receive anoffer from the programs selection committee. Applicants are required to be alicensed mental health or medical professional, counseling attorneys, or ordainedor commissioned clergy and chaplains. The tuition cost is currently set at$10,000. There are several information sessions scheduled throughout the yearto explain more and answer questions about the program. Each cohort generallystarts in the Spring and graduates in December.

More substance-specific trainings also exist. In anticipation of Expanded Access approval, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has now posted an application for the MDMA Therapy Training Program with an invitation to apply. Training is currently prioritized for providers who would likely qualify for the Expanded Access program. If accepted by FDA, more clinics will open for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD treatment during expanded access. Requirements for clinics and providers are provided as is a forum for providers to connect with others who are interested in starting up MDMA clinics.

While no strict criteria have been released about who would qualify, the MAPS website states that at minimum one person in the therapy team pair must be licensed to conduct psychotherapy. While the other person does not need to be licensed, they must display training in therapeutic relationship, ethics, and traumas.

Each clinic also needs a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license, which requires a licensed medical provider who can prescribe (e.g., medical doctor (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), or other eligible prescriber). MAPS encourages interested providers to apply now in preparation for the expected post-FDA approval. The cost for training and supervision is currently set at $9,000.

Other industry drug sponsors, such as Usona Institute and COMPASS Pathways, and researchers at various universities have devised their own trainings and ways to prepare clinicians to work on clinical trials of psychedelics. At this time, there are no details posted on websites about what the trainings consist of, but journal publications have described procedures, such as the Usona Guide Manual [2].

The CIIS program is approximately 180 hours and covers awider range of topics related to psychedelic therapies. More time is spent onhistorical and philosophical aspects of non-ordinary states of consciousness,including non-substance induced ones as seen in Holotropic Breathwork and deepmeditation. The learning objectives are focused more broadly on psychedelicsand empathogens, rather than specifically on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy [3].

The MAPS program is a 5-part course with didactic training and experiential learning components. Trainees start with online e-learning modules covering MDMA pharmacology and its clinical safety profile, an introduction to the MDMA Treatment Manual [4], and some basics about clinical trials. A week-long, in-person training follows where MDMA session videos are viewed and discussed with the therapists who treated the study participants. The next parts involve role playing, observing MDMA sessions, and then treating a patient with supervision and evaluation from the trainers.

Some parts of these two programs overlap significantly. For example, the weeklong in-person retreat for both programs focuses on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and are taught by Michael and Anne Mithoefer, MDMA study therapists and lead instructors at MAPS.

Dating back to the first research studies of LSD in the1950s, a first-hand experience in a non-ordinary state of consciousness hasbeen perceived valuable for administering psychedelics. Its thought that byunderstanding the drug effects, the therapists can more readily establishempathetic rapport and presence to support a persons therapeutic process. Theycan also be better able to respect the power and significance of theseexperiences.

For indigenous communities, its deemed essential thatshamans or ceremonial leaders have personal experience with the psychoactive plantsthey give to others. But in Western medical practices, it is rarely the case thatdoctors are encouraged (or even allowed) to take a medication to understand theeffects a patient would feel.

Thus, psychedelics present a new challenge for psychiatricmedical training. If there is value in having a personal experience, then howcan providers legally pursue an experiential learning component to theirtraining? To date the evidence of potential benefits of doing so remainanecdotal due to lack of approved controlled research.

CIISs program is an above board program with no use of illicit substances. MAPS, however, received approval in their sponsored, FDA-approved study that allows trainees in their program to receive one dose of MDMA in a clinical setting if they also are eligible for the research study as a participant. As with all clinical trials, participants in the approved study must meet criteria to enroll and provide data to assess potential benefits or harms. Even if they meet the basic inclusion criteria, trainees are not required to undergo an MDMA session. Some might have conditions that would counter-indicate the use of MDMA. For example, pregnant women or individuals with cardiac disease would be excluded. Trainees may also simply not want to take a drug.

As alluded to earlier, Holotropic Breathwork is one alternative to reach a non-ordinary state of consciousness without consuming any substance. Through accelerated breathing and stimulating music, a person can enter into states similar to ones induced by drugs.

CIIS incorporates Holotropic Breathwork as experiential learning in their program. Therapists may consider alternatives, but they should do so while considering carefully the legal and ethical guidelines of their licensing board and professional organizations. Psychedelic Support and its partners do not encourage or condone the illegal use of substances.

Given this reality, other possible alternatives for experiential learning do exist. They include attending plant medicine ceremonies in other countries where it is legal, shamanic drumming/chanting practices, or extended meditation. Research is needed to understand if first-hand exposure by therapists impacts patient outcomes, and if so, what type of drugs or experiences are best for training. We encourage therapists exploring this new area to consult with their colleagues and even seek out legal counsel as they deem appropriate.

If becoming a psychedelic therapist is of interest to you, then there are things you can do now to help figure out if this path is right for you and if so, prepare for the future. You can start by reading books and articles about psychedelic-assisted therapies. If you want hands-on experience supporting individuals undergoing a difficult psychedelic experience, one great way to do so is to volunteer for harm reduction services at festivals.

Already a health provider? Network with other professionals interested in this topic and attend psychedelic conferences. If you are a clinician, consider joining a Psychedelic 101 and 102 Introductory Course by Psychedelic Support providers, Dr. Elizabeth Neilson and Dr. Ingmar Gorman. Check out our website Psychedelic.Support to view a current list of organizations offering professional trainings related to psychedelics.

Lastly, educate yourself and share what you are learning with others. A new profession is evolving, and more opportunities are becoming available for those who wish to pursue a career in psychedelic medicine.

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How to Become a Psychedelic Therapist - Training Opportunities

Last week was a rough one for me.

I woke up on Monday morning with a severe case of vertigo.

Nothing like this has ever happened to me before.

The room was spinning so fast, and it didnt take long for me to start freaking out.

I had no idea what was going on.

I managed to get out of bed and walk to the kitchen where I attempted to sit down, but ended up losing my balance and falling over.

I really thought that something terrible was about to happen. I thought I was about to die. And as most folks do in such situations, I quickly started evaluating my life. Getting somewhat philosophical, if you will.

Has my life had purpose?

Have I offered any positive contributions to my community?

Have I offered any real value to society?

Have I offered value to my friends, co-workers, colleagues, and you, as well?

I have close to 50 years on me, and Im now looking back on nearly five decades, questioning whether or not Im content or satisfied with what Ive learned, what Ive offered, and what Ive contributed to the world.

Yes, these are big philosophical questions, and questions that I probably havent pondered since my college days. Back when books and teachers and peers challenged my limited world view, and schooled me and exposed me to new worlds and ideas that ultimately made me the person I am today.

For better or worse, Im content with the person I am today.

But is that enough?

If someone were to ask you at age 16, whether youd like your life to be considered one of contentment or one of great joy and extreme fulfillment, which would you choose?

Sitting here today at my laptop, typing out these words, Im forcing myself to face this question.

Am I truly happy and fulfilled? And if not, then why?

Truth is, I have no reason to complain.

I have an amazing family, great friends, and a job I absolutely love.

You know, I watched my father work two jobs for most of his working life. And I can tell you, the man never looked forward to going to work. As far as I know, anyway.

I dont think he ever liked his jobs, but he had a responsibility to take care of his family. He needed a paycheck, and didnt have the privilege of time or inherited wealth that wouldve allowed him the opportunity to pursue any kind of real passion. Yet, without much in the way of complaining, he took his responsibility to his family very seriously. And despite spending more than 40 years working jobs he didnt enjoy, he sucked it up so that his kids could have a good life. I believe that he sacrificed his happiness so that I could have certain advantages he never had: a stable home, a safe neighborhood in which to grow up, and a world where I never had to worry about having a roof over my head or food on the table.

Both my parents worked their asses off so I could have a good life. And yet here I am, questioning the value of this amazing life Ive been gifted.

Honestly, I feel pretty shitty even talking about it. How unappreciative I must sound. The fact that I even have the privilege of questioning the value of my existence is because of what my parents did for me.

Of course, it doesnt take a near death experience (or perceived near death experience), to be forced to confront our lives, goals, and purpose in a different way. Certainly not over the past few months, anyway.

Being on lock-down, worrying about pandemics, watching my country come to terms with a long history of intolerance and violence in a way that we havent seen since the 1960s. Or in my case, for the very first time. This is all very intense.

Ive actually been thinking about this a lot lately, particularly with how Ive been watching the United States become further divided. And I watch politicians use the recent uprisings in our country as fodder for sound bytes and re-election campaigns. They use these crises to their advantages by manipulating us to fight against each other, when in fact, the things we seem to be fighting about are shared concerns. Things that should actually be bringing us together, not separating us.

Are our jobs safe?

Do we have enough savings set aside for a rainy day (or many rainy days)?

Are our constitutional and civil rights still valid?

Is our personal safety at risk?

Is our food safe to eat, our water clean to drink, and our air safe to breathe?

These are not left vs. right issues.

These are issues that affect all of us, no matter which side of the aisle we call home.

But instead of uniting to address these issues, we are allowing these politicians and opportunistic media pundits to play us against each other.

How has this happened?

How did we get here?

Ive had a lot of time to think about this, and I really believe that much of this has to do with economics.

I know, it sounds weird, but bear with me, because my argument is sound.

Ive long been an unapologetic supporter of capitalism. Its just always made sense to me. This idea where individuals and businesses freely produce, buy and sell goods and services based on voluntarily agreed upon contracts.

I grow apples. You want an apple. I will sell you an apple for a mutually agreed upon price whereby we both benefit. You walk away with the apple, and I am compensated for the time, energy, and capital it took me to grow that apple, and have the ability to continue growing apples.

Yes, this is incredibly simplistic, but I am not an economist. So dont expect more from me on this.

But generally speaking, this works. Its a good thing, as such transactions are done voluntarily without interference or threats of violence, and with the goal of both parties gaining something of value.

Although, like all good things, sometimes flaws can be found in systems weve always believed to be inherently sound. The argument can be made that this is the case when it comes to what we understand as free market capitalism.

Im not saying these flaws render this system irrelevant. Quite the contrary, actually. Identifying those flaws, and addressing those flaws to make the system better is beneficial for all of us, and can strengthen the bedrock of this system that has allowed so many people to not only be lifted out from under the burdens of poverty, but actually prosper.

About 15 years ago, I read a book called Natural Capitalism, which suggests that natural and human capital are not adequately figured into the equation of what we would describe as industrial capitalism.

Human and natural capital are not free amenities in inexhaustible supply, but instead, finite and integrally valuable factors of production.

The authors argue that the traditional system of capitalism "does not fully conform to its own accounting principles. It liquidates its capital and calls it income. It neglects to assign any value to the largest stocks of capital it employs the natural resources and living systems, as well as the social and cultural systems that are the basis of human capital."

While I didnt find all of the arguments made in the book to be entirely valid, the basic fundamentals of Natural Capital are completely on point. The authors dont suggest that capitalism is ineffective or inferior to other economic models, but the points that are made serve as a reminder that our understanding of how economic systems work dont have to remain static. They can develop and evolve.

Look at our understanding of science, for instance.

The greatest minds once believed the earth was flat, fevers could be cured with blood-letting, and the earth was the center of the universe.

But as we evolved as a species, and continued learning and developing new understandings of biology, physics, and chemistry, our applicable systems and models also evolved.

While I maintain that the basic building blocks of capitalism are reliable, it is also potentially absent additional building blocks that could actually make capitalism an even stronger force for prosperity and freedom. Not just in the way we understand it today, but in a way that also takes into account the value of health, wellness, and equal opportunity.

In other words, imagine a system of free trade whereby there are fewer negative social, health, and ecological effects resulting from the production and consumption of goods and services.

It may be a bit hard to wrap your head around this at first, as our general understanding of what capitalism is, has been limited by what weve been taught up to this point.

As I noted, theories and systems are not always static. They can change and evolve. And such is the case with a relatively new model of capitalism that has been dubbed Doughnut Economics.

Despite the somewhat silly name, the concept is actually quite fascinating, and further strengthens my argument that investors can do well by doing good.

Doughnut Economics, in my opinion, is a more defined framework of what the authors of Natural Capitalism brought us, arguing that more prosperity can be created for more people if we're willing to look beyond the constraints of contemporary capitalism.

Kate Raworth, the architect of this model, proposed this framework to regard the performance of an economy by the extent to which the needs of people are met without overshooting Earth's ecological ceiling.

The main goal of the new model is to re-frame economic problems and set new goals. In this model, an economy is considered prosperous when all twelve social foundations are met without overshooting any of the nine ecological ceilings. This situation is represented by the area between the two rings as the safe and just space for humanity.

Heres the model that illustrates what shes talking about

At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive, as this is a bit of a departure from everything weve ever learned about free market capitalism, but Raworths argument deserves some consideration. That is, that a healthy economy shouldnt necessarily be designed to just grow, but instead thrive.

Understand, Im not saying Doughnut Economics is the perfect model for freedom and prosperity. I dont know. And surely there are plenty of economists that could counter the arguments made by those who say Doughnut Economics is superior to what weve been taught for decades about the benefits of capitalism. But on its surface, it sure as hell makes a lot of sense to me.

I'm particularly fascinated by this idea of distributive economics, not by way of increased taxation or a centrally-controlled distribution of income (two things I find to be at odds with wealth creation and prosperity for all), bur rather fair access to the wealth that exists in land and resources, the controlling of money creation, and owning technology and knowledge.

Certainly digital currencies, blockchain technology, and open source software have already given us a small peak at what the benefits of this could be.

Either way, I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about all of this in the coming weeks and months.

After all, if my life is to have any purpose, it must include educating myself on ways in which I can be an ally in the move to create a more prosperous and just world for everyone. Not just those born into privilege. This could be a way to further accomplish that.

Photo by Marcel Strau on Unsplash

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The Evolution Of Capitalism: A Cannabis And Psychedelics Investor's Proposal - Benzinga

Chris Webby holding a psilocybin mushroom

Honest, sincere and unapologetic. Chilled out, yet energetic. Smart, yet unpretentious. Successful and prolific, yet humble. Thats Chris Webby for you.

Guess cannabis, a bit of whisky, and the occasional psilocybin microdose have made him this way.

But whats behind this self-managed rappers success, both in music and business?

What inspires a guy who can talk about getting high by the beach and owning gold toilets as eloquently as he can talk about political corruption, sexual abuse, or racial issues?

This is the story of a white Connecticut rapper, his cannabis-infused rise to stardom, his entry into the business world, and all the things that have helped make this atypical musician one of the most prominent lyricists of the last few years.

Webby catapulted to fame in 2008 with a weed-themed song, LaLaLa, which to date remains his most listened-to track on YouTube.

Ever since, hes managed to build one of the most loyal fan bases in rap, largely on a pro-cannabis, anti-mumble rap, anti-creeps, anti-corruption, pro-freedom platform. Hes also dropped a few infamous freestyles on radio shows down the way, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, from Mac Miller and B-Real, to Tech N9ne and Justina Valentine.

LaLaLa was the song that got me going in the first place, and it was a total weed song. But I dont consider myself to be a weed rapper, he said during a recent conversation. But some of my weed songs have been my biggest songs; they are a very important staple of my catalogue... I drop a weed song every 4/20, so theres at least one completely weed-themed song every year And this without considering the countless songs that reference weed.

See also: More Potent Than CBD, THC: Dr. Raphael Mechoulam Explains His Latest Discovery

Music and weed have always been such a hand in experience for me But I feel like Im so much more than a weed rapper: I stand for stuff.

And indeed, he does. Over the years, hes come after almost every major politician in the U.S., a long list of high profile sexual predators, and countless mumble rappers in his songs.

Since I last spoke with Webby a couple years ago, the rapper launched a new label, EightyHD, and signed hip hop artist ANoyd.

Chris Webby

Its nice to have something thats bigger than myself, he said. Instead of just working on Chris Webby stuff, I'm really trying to build a brand and work with other artists.

Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges for a business that relies heavily on live shows, but Webby says hes managed to weather them relatively well.

As someone running a business, you need to adapt and adjust, he explained.

However, in spite of the popular belief about artists making a large majority of their money from live shows nowadays, one would be surprised to know that this is not the case for everyone.

Streaming is a pretty incredible revenue source when you own your masters, he voiced, adding that dropping new music consistently and understanding streaming services algorithms are key elements to success.

But playing the system wont get you anywhere on its own. For Webby, building a strong team around you is equally important.

In recent months, Webby also got into psychedelics, joining the many people advocating for the renaissance of psychedelics as a valid therapeutic option to treat certain mental ailments.

I haven't been smoking a ton of weed lately, but I've been taking mushrooms... I've really started to embrace psychedelics in a new way than I did as a kid. They can be used in a way that can be so productive, use them as an alternative to many other medicines The gate is really opening and people are seeing psilocybin really differently and I think thats a great thing because it can do a lot of good, he said.

See also: Mike Tyson Will Print (Yes, Print) Cannabis Beverages

Interestingly, Webby credits SNL comedian Pete Davidson for his newfound (or rediscovered) love of psychedelics. I visited him on a set and he was microdosing, and I did it with him. I felt great: it was not intense, I was around people and not freaking out, just feeling like it was really nice.

Ever since, the rapper has educated himself on the medical benefits of microdosing psilocybin, and doing it the right way by dosing it properly in a controlled environment.

It was, in fact, psychedelics that led Chris to one of the most important realizations of his life so far: love is the most powerful thing.

Chris Webby

This new-found appreciation for love as a whole, and as a tool, he says, has been a constant throughout his trips. The reckoning of the value of love.

I can be a pretty harsh critic. But sometimes you realize that the only way to combat this is with love, in a lot of cases. And that is a realization that Im always reminded of when I open that psychedelic door in my head.

I would also say that everything is connected. As an environmentalist, that's something that really rings true. You look at the tree in your yard and you think the tree has been around for a long time; a lot of animals have lived in this tree; this tree has provided food for the ecosystem of my lawn I've always looked at nature that way, but psychedelics really remind you we're just part of this whole thing, we're part of nature, and we're f*cking it up, obviously.

This year, before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Chris rented a cabin in upstate New York, near Woodstock, and got all of his team up there. After a few days of administrative work, it was time to get to creating.

There's nothing like the energy of a roomful of people with a common goal in mind, he said.

Once again, psychedelics would come play for the team, inspiring recording sessions and even an entire song.

The song Drugs in a Suitcase came out of we tried the approach of watching movies with the sound off, which was a Mac Miller album. I had never really done that in the studio before and someone suggested it I thought it was an incredible idea, because movies are art, and to play a movie without the sound while you're working on music, and letting one inspire the other

See also: Little Dragons Yukimi Nagano On Psychedelics, Isolation And Connection

As a little gift to his fans, Chris Webby shared his video for Drugs in a Suitcase ahead of its official release on Friday. Check it out:

At the end of the day, its all about overcoming the stigma. Webbys ultimate goal is for people to understand that, even though he consumes cannabis and mushrooms, he is a productive human being. And others can be too.

Until recently, Webby was not a big believer in the benefits of CBD. He thought of it, like many others do, like snake oil.

Chris Webby

But quality and dosing are everything. Find the right product and dose for you, and youll likely feel the propper effects.

I have a new respect and love for CBD and hemp; CBD joints specifically. I'm someone who deals with mild-but-chronic back pain and, you know, that really, really helps and anxiety and stress

I feel like some people see CBD like it's just kind of all smoke and mirrors, but I will speak to the medical benefits of it and it's real. It can really chill you out, ease the aches and pains, and I'm a big fan.And so, in becoming a fan, Webby, in his characteristic entrepreneurial fashion, got into the CBD business.

See also: UNM Study: Cannabis Is Effective In Treating Depression, Improving Mental Health

I actually recently aligned myself with a really great cannabis company up in Maine called Humble Family Farms. One of the things were doing together is developing a CBD line, he concluded. Were really focused on genetics, and putting the quality and the farmers before profits.

Stay tuned for more on all things Chris Webby and cannabis.

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Chris Webby Talks Cannabis, Psychedelics, Rap And Business: Everything Is Connected - Forbes