PAST EVENT
The Canadian Psychedelic Association grew from a diverse group of individuals all wanting to do their part to usher psychedelics into the mainstream in a conscious and considered way. Their founding team includes people who have been active in Vancouver’s vibrant psychedelic community for decades, as well as medical and therapeutic professionals who are newer to the scene, but through their own experiences and research are waking up to the value of these powerful modalities.
In late 2019, they officially became a Canadian not-for-profit organization. They recognize the audacity of creating a national organization of this nature and at the same time feel that Canada is the perfect place for such an entity to be born. The professional psychedelic community is already well connected in Canada and there is opportunity to foster some real cohesion moving forward. They respect the incredible healing potential of these sacred substances, and hope to nurture a thriving community of people all dedicated to realizing the full potential of humanity.
Prohibiting drugs/intoxicants/psychoactive compounds has been traced back to 7th century. Drug policies have had a significant impact on people’s lives, depending on their race, where they live, and how the compounds are ingested.
In the first half of the 20th century, opium, cocaine, heroin and cannabis became illegal. President Nixon declared a war on drugs in 1972, and effectively put a stop to using psychedelics in any way, despite a couple of decades of promising research into their efficacy for mental health problems, including addiction.
We live in changing times. Trauma is beginning to be accepted as a root cause of many mental health issues, and psychedelics across the board are gaining attention and the respect of the modern medical system. Ayahuasca has travelled across the planet underground for several decades. The status quo is being questioned and people are starting to wake up.
How did we get here? What has the impact been on the human race? Could it be different this time – are we ready for the shift in drug policy reform, and raising consciousness?
Thank you for joining us for a stimulating conversation with our esteemed panel of experts on drug policy, the justice system, and social justice issues.
Neil Boyd
Professor in the School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University, and Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy at UBC Law, in B.C. Canada.
Deborah Small
Lawyer and social justice activist, challenging the inequities of the US government’s so-called ‘war on drugs’ and Executive Director of Break the Chains (USA) working to empower communities of colour.
Phil Mechuskosis L’Hirondelle
Cree Elder who brings a unique blend of Aboriginal and Eastern tradition to his present day Sacred Work teachings. He works as an Elder for Corrections Canada medium security prison in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver, B.C. Canada.
M.C: Gillian Maxwell
Founding board member of Canadian Psychedelic Association, coach, drug policy reform advocate and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for community service in introducing harm reduction and INSITE, to Vancouver, B.C. Canada.
JOIN US ONLINE FOR THE WHOLE CONVERSATION!
We’re very excited to share that this event is being made available LIVE online so that you can join us from wherever you may be! These days most of us have big full lives, and are dealing with various commitments around family, time, money and work. Digitally, you’ll have the speakers, conversation & community – all from the comfort of your own home.
LISTEN. ANSWER. ASK. CONNECT!
You’re not watching – you’re PARTICIPATING! Through our easy online webinar system, you can engage with other viewers, participate in polls & discussions, and even ask questions during question periods. You certainly CAN choose to just sit back and watch & listen, if you like – your active participation isn’t an expectation, but it IS an opportunity.
NO FANCY TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED
There’s nothing to install, nothing to download, nothing to figure out. Here’s what you need to participate and have a great viewing experience!
> a modern internet browser (we recommend Chrome or Firefox)
> a reliable internet connection (hardwired is better than wifi)
> earbuds, headphones or good computer speakers
