Rethinking Drug Policy in Appalachia with Wisdom from a Reform Legend

Trump’s Executive Order & North Carolina's HEAL Act

In this episode, Justin, Ali, and Gina discuss the Trump executive order, psychedelic therapies, and the impact on North Carolina. They also explore the role of the federal government, state legislation, and the importance of therapy in psychedelic treatment. Gina's LInks: Website: https://carolinasforcare.org/ [https://carolinasforcare.org/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/91311438/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/91311438/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinasforcare [https://www.instagram.com/carolinasforcare] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090141325529 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090141325529] AppCoLab Links: Website: https://www.appalachianpsychedelicsociety.org/ [https://www.appalachianpsychedelicsociety.org/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appcolab_/ [https://www.instagram.com/appcolab_/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/appalachianconvergencelab [https://www.facebook.com/appalachianconvergencelab] Become a community sustainer for $8mo [https://appalachian-psychedelic-society.kit.com/products/hollers-horizons-monthl]and access our live and archived Virtual Town Halls on Psychedelics in Appalachian States Chapters 00:46 — The Psychedelic Executive Order Explained What President Trump's executive order actually does, why it's significant, and why many in the field were surprised by it. 03:13 — Mental Health, Suicide, and Federal Funding Why policymakers are paying attention to psychedelic research and what the new federal funding means. 05:28 — Is $50 Million Enough? 08:12 — Matt Zorn, Joe Rogan, and How the Executive Order Came Together 10:17 — Bicycle Day & The First LSD Experience 14:03 — Celebration, Caution, and Community Reactions 15:53 — What Has Happened Since the Executive Order? 18:11 — The MDMA Setback & Changing Public Attitudes 21:10 — Why State Policy Still Matters 22:30 — North Carolina's HEAL Act (SB 1018) An overview of North Carolina's new psychedelic legislation and its potential impact. 26:33 — What Is a Psychedelic Task Force? Who serves on these groups, what they do, and why they matter for implementation. 30:05 — Indigenous Communities & Psychedelic Policy Why tribal voices matter and how states are beginning to address indigenous leadership and participation. 32:58 — Psychedelic Hype vs. Reality The media narrative, public expectations, and what psychedelic healing actually looks like in practice. 37:12 — Therapy, Integration & Long-Term Healing Why preparation and integration may matter as much as the medicine itself. 44:54 — Carolinas for Care Gina introduces the new organization and its mission to advance education, policy, and community-building across North and South Carolina. 46:44 — Right to Try & Expanding Access How Right to Try policies could create earlier access pathways for people with severe mental health conditions. 48:30 — Looking Ahead Final thoughts on the future of psychedelic policy, research, and access.

Ibogaine: A Christmas Miracle of Recovery with Jessica Allen, MSW

In this conversation, Jessica Allen shares her profound journey of recovery from addiction through the use of Ibogaine, a psychedelic substance. She recounts how a chance encounter with a book led her father to seek alternative treatment options during her darkest times. Jessica describes her transformative experience in Mexico, where she found relief from addiction and a reconnection with her spirituality. The discussion also explores the role of family support, the challenges of returning home, and the cultural openness towards alternative treatments in Appalachia. Furthermore, Jessica highlights advocacy for the legalization and acceptance of Ibogaine as a treatment for addiction. Subscribe Here [https://appalachian-psychedelic-society.kit.com/products/hollers-horizons-monthl]to see live the Town Hall, 2025 Policy Report, & Historical Timeline of Psychedelics in Appalachia Follow Jess on instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jess.rhea/] Follow Appalachian Psychedelic Society [https://www.instagram.com/appalachianpsychedelicsociety/]

Rethinking Drug Policy in Appalachia with Wisdom from a Reform Legend

Described by Rolling Stone as "the point man" for drug policy reform efforts and “the real drug czar,” Ethan Nadelmann, JD, PhD, is widely regarded as the outstanding proponent of drug policy reform in the United States and abroad. After teaching politics and public affairs at Princeton University (1987-1994), he founded and directed first The Lindesmith Center (1994-2000) and then the Drug Policy Alliance (2000-2017). He also co-founded the Open Society Institute’s International Harm Reduction Development program.  Ethan has published extensively and spoken publicly in roughly forty states and forty countries.  His TED Talk, "Why We Need to End the War on Drugs" has over two million views. Ethan and his colleagues were at the forefront of dozens of successful campaigns to legalize marijuana, reduce the incarceration of drug law offenders, advance harm reduction approaches to drug use and addiction, and otherwise promote alternatives to punitive prohibitionist drug policies.  He played a key role as drug policy advisor to prominent philanthropists as well as elected officials ranging from mayors, governors and state and federal legislators in the U.S. to presidents and cabinet ministers outside the United States. He hosts the leading podcast about all things drugs: PSYCHOACTIVE.  He has become increasingly engaged in the debate over tobacco harm reduction. Ethan is currently working on a book – part memoir, part history of the drug policy reform movement, part lessons for activists, part reflections on the big questions and debates in the field. Ethan A Nadelmann Podcast Host: PSYCHOACTIVE [https://open.spotify.com/show/0pfK53IF7WhEWtntXAFQ4W?si=089e358f7d284368] Founder & Former Executive Director (2000-2017) [https://drugpolicy.org/staff/ethan-nadelmann-founder] of the Drug Policy Alliance [https://drugpolicy.org/] www.twitter.com/ethannadelmann [http://www.twitter.com/ethannadelmann] ethan@nadelmann.net [ethan@nadelmann.net]    +1 646 335 2240 117 W 74th St., #1C     New York, NY 10023-2211 Appalachian Psychedelic Society https://www.appalachianpsychedelicsociety.org/ [https://www.appalachianpsychedelicsociety.org/] https://linktr.ee/appalachianpsychedelicsociety [https://linktr.ee/appalachianpsychedelicsociety] https://www.instagram.com/appalachianpsychedelicsociety [https://www.instagram.com/appalachianpsychedelicsociety] Our mission is to be the stage for Appalachia to explore the potential of psychedelics in a responsible and informed manner without proselytizing their use. We aim to provide a space for exploring the study of psychedelics, offering thoughtful integration services for individuals who have experienced positive, negative, and/or challenging outcomes. Through education, coaching, and community-driven events, we support individuals and communities in building bridges between fear and understanding. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where the potential of psychedelics is explored with intention and respect, enhancing both personal growth and community cohesion.

The Roots of Appalachian Psychedelic Society with Justin Moore & Ali McGhee

Founders Justin and Ali McGhee share their personal journeys with psychedelics, discussing their experiences and the impact of these substances on their lives. They explore the intersection of psychedelics and parenting, the importance of education in psychedelic policy, and current events surrounding psychedelic legislation, particularly in Massachusetts. The conversation emphasizes the need to destigmatize both psychedelics and Appalachian identity, aiming to create a safe and informed community around these topics. In this conversation, Ali McGhee and Justin explore the multifaceted identity of Appalachia, discussing personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the complexities of regional stereotypes. They delve into the rich traditions and resilience of Appalachian communities, the historical nuances of the Civil War, and the importance of embracing diversity and complexity in conversations about identity. The discussion also touches on future community engagement and the role of psychedelics in fostering understanding and connection. Takeaways The Appalachian Psychedelic Society aims to educate and inform about psychedelics. Personal experiences with psychedelics can lead to profound insights and healing. There is a stigma associated with using psychedelics, especially among parents. Psychedelics can help reconnect individuals with their childhood and nature. Legislation around psychedelics is evolving, with varying degrees of success. Education is crucial for understanding the complexities of psychedelic policy. Community engagement is essential for destigmatizing psychedelics in Appalachia. The hosts emphasize the importance of personal stories in understanding psychedelics. There is a need for clear communication about psychedelic legislation. The hosts share their experiences of growing up in Appalachia and the associated stigma.  Ali reflects on her childhood experiences with horror films and their impact on her perception of Appalachia. The conversation highlights the importance of learning about local plants and traditions in Appalachia. Ali expresses a desire to reclaim and explore Appalachian cultural traditions that are fading away. Justin discusses the historical origins of the term 'Appalachian' and its connection to indigenous roots. Both speakers share their experiences of altering their accents and the implications of regional identity. The discussion emphasizes the diversity within Appalachia, challenging stereotypes often portrayed in media. Ali mentions the resilience of Appalachian communities in the face of adversity and historical challenges. Ali & Justin highlight the complexity of the Civil War's impact on Appalachian communities, noting divisions and conflicts. They advocate for embracing nuance in conversations about identity, history, and culture. The conversation concludes with a focus on future community engagement and the importance of being a resource for others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Appalachian Psychedelic Society 06:35 Personal Journeys with Psychedelics 11:31 The Intersection of Psychedelics and Parenting 16:41 Current Events: Hurricane Helene and the Election 22:51 The Importance of Education in Psychedelic Policy 28:34 Exploring Appalachian Identity and Heritage 36:19 Stereotypes and Resilience in Appalachia 40:51 Historical Nuances of the Civil War in Appalachia Learn More about APS: https://www.appalachianpsychedelicsociety.org/ [https://www.appalachianpsychedelicsociety.org/] Pastor, Educator, Teacher, Parent? Book Consulting

Jesus, MDMA, & a Conference in Kentucky

Benjamin Greenzweig is a seasoned events veteran, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Momentum Events and the recently launched Momentum Communities PBC, with a deep passion for destigmatizing the conversation on both the diagnosis and treatment of mental health, including psychedelic-assisted therapy. Greenzweig served as the Executive Producer of Psychedelic Science 2023, the world’s largest psychedelics conference, and Momentum Events proudly played the role of show organizer. Open about his personal wellness journey, Greenzweig passionately believes that everyone has the right to find their mental health balance, and he works tirelessly to create learning and community-building opportunities that can open minds and change hearts. Bens Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgreenzweig https://momentumevents.com/kentucky/ momentumevents.com Our Links: https://www.appalachianpsychedelicnews.org/ https://www.instagram.com/appalachianpsychedelicnews/