PT506 – Decolonization, Difficult Conversations, and the Challenge of Merging Spirituality and Science, with Philip Wolf
Apr 23, 2024
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Philip Wolf, a cannabis industry figure, discusses decolonization in psychedelics. He highlights the importance of difficult conversations, asking questions, and changing consumer mindsets. Wolf also touches on merging spirituality and science, engaging with Indigenous tribes, and challenging the current regulatory focus on profit.
Respectful dialogue with Indigenous tribes is vital in the psychedelic movement.
Balancing scientific research with traditional healing methods is crucial for psychedelic therapy.
Advocating for research to enhance psychedelic safety and benefits while respecting traditional practices.
Challenges exist in merging spirituality and science in regulatory models for plant medicines.
Deep dives
The Importance of Etiquette in Indigenous Engagement
Starting with basic etiquette, asking for permission, and having respectful conversations with local tribes can lay a solid foundation for productive dialogs in the psychedelic movement.
Balancing Science and Ceremony
While scientific research can deepen understanding and effectiveness, there's a concern about replacing traditional ceremonial uses with clinical models to ensure a balanced approach.
Expanding Research for Safety and Efficacy
Advocating for continued research to enhance safety, performance, and benefits of psychedelics while respecting traditional healing methods and increasing therapeutic tools.
Weighing Urgency, Education, and FDA Approval
Striking a balance between urgent needs for mental health support, public education on responsible use, and navigating FDA approvals to address high suicide rates and enhance overall well-being.
The Intersection of Science and Spirituality in Understanding Plant Medicines
Exploring the concept that there are no scientific measurables for spirituality, the podcast delves into the challenges of incorporating spiritual wellness into regulatory models for plant medicines. It highlights the need to merge science and spirituality, referencing figures like James Lovelock and Alistair Crowley who skillfully navigate these concepts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the spiritual aspects of plant medicine use for holistic healing.
Cultivating a Mindful Relationship with Cannabis
The episode delves into the significance of cannabis beyond its recreational use, advocating for a mindful approach. It underscores the potential of cannabis in expanding consciousness and somatic exploration. The podcast encourages setting intentions, practicing reciprocity, and engaging in personal work post-experience to deepen the relationship with the plant. The focus shifts from an equivalent to wine culture to a tool for self-discovery and healing.
The Evolution of Cannabis Hospitality and the Path to Personal Transformation
Highlighted in the discussion is the journey of Cultivating Spirits, the pioneer of legal cannabis dinners, celebrating its 10-year anniversary. The episode reflects on the transformative power of plant medicines, shared experiences, and community support in personal growth. The importance of individualized care in mental health and the role of cannabis in expanding consciousness are emphasized, fostering connections to spirituality and fostering healing and personal development.
In this episode, Joe interviews Philip Wolf: writer, member of Rolling Stone's Culture Council, founder of Cultivating Spirits (the first company in the U.S. to offer legal culinary cannabis experiences), and founder of CashoM, an education company offering a certificate in cannabis stewardship.
He discusses his recent Rolling Stone article about the need to divorce ourselves from the colonial mindset that pervades the psychedelic movement, and he talks about the difficult conversation that came about when he asked a very critical group of psychedelic leaders how they felt about the article, and how it taught him just how powerful having these difficult conversations can be.
He also discusses:
The importance of asking questions and not making assumptions
Why we may need to abandon the "no justice, no peace" attitude if we ever want to move forward
The idea that instead of endlessly battling the establishment, maybe it makes more sense to change our consumer mindset and allow capitalism to do its thing
The importance of reaching out to local Indigenous tribes and allocating resources to go to them, not make them come to you
The challenge of merging spirituality and science, especially for a regulatory model focused on profit
