Psychedelics, Religion and Cultural Translation

Psychedelics, Religion and Cultural Translation 
San Gabriel C, Lobby Level
In the 20th century, ayahuasca and other indigenous healing medicines have spread beyond their native origins and have been incorporated into syncretistic practices that are being adopted by non-indigenous peoples in modern Western contexts, including scientific research into possible therapeutic uses of these medicines. This growing interest from modern non-indigenous peoples poses significant conceptual challenges regarding drugs and drug policies. What are the indigenous roots of plant-based medicines and what is their relation to Western psychonauts? Are psychedelics a medicine or a sacrament … or something else?    

Moderator: Jill Harris, Acting Deputy Director, Drug Policy Alliance

• Neal M. Goldsmith, Ph.D., Psychotherapist, New York, NY
• Bia Labate, Brazil
• Ralph Metzner, Co-Founder and President, Green Earth Foundation
• Mona Polacca, International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
• Kenneth Tupper, Educational Studies, University of British Columbia