Hot Goss with Mattha Busby: Drug Policy, Indigenous Rights, and Psychedelic Churches

Shelby Hartman sits down with journalist Mattha Busby, to discuss the evolution of psychedelic culture, the legalization and therapeutic use of substances like shrooms and DMT, and the broader implications for society and individual healing. Busby, a seasoned journalist, shares insights from his reporting on psychedelic movements, the ethical considerations surrounding the commercialization of these substances, and their biocultural significance. The conversation also touches on the challenges and potential dangers of psychedelic tourism and the corporatization of these compounds, highlighting the need for informed and ethical practices within the burgeoning industry. What We Cover (Expanded) Popularization of Psychedelics: The widespread growth in the use of substances like shrooms, DMT, and LSD. Psychedelic Movement and Culture: Insights into the internal dynamics and cultural shifts within the psychedelic community are explored. Legalization of Psychedelics: The conversation addresses the legal changes surrounding psychedelics, emphasizing their therapeutic applications. Commercialization and Ethics: The ethical concerns of turning psychedelic substances into commercial products. Psychedelic Tourism: The dangers and impacts of psychedelic tourism on indigenous cultures and communities. Journalistic Perspectives: Mattha shares his experiences and challenges in reporting on psychedelic topics. Veterans and Psychedelic Therapy: The use of psychedelics among veterans for dealing with psychological distress is highlighted. Church of Psilomethoxin: A story about a group claiming religious protection to use psychedelics in the U.S. Public Health and Psychedelics: The broader public health implications of psychedelic use and legalization are considered. Psychedelic Exceptionalism: The idea that not all drug users or drugs should be seen in black and white terms, promoting a nuanced view of drug policy. What We Cover (Shortened): Discussion on the increasing popularity and usage of substances like shrooms, DMT, and LSD. Insights into the changes and dynamics within the psychedelic community and culture. The evolving legal landscape surrounding psychedelics and their use in therapeutic contexts. Ethical concerns raised by the commercialization of psychedelic substances. The impact of psychedelic tourism on indigenous communities and cultural practices. The role of psychedelics in helping veterans manage psychological distress. A nuanced approach to drug policy that challenges the simplistic classification of drugs and drug users. Mattha Busby is a freelance journalist known for his work with The Guardian, Yahoo News UK, The Irish Times, and VICE Media. His reporting focuses on health, drugs, society, and drug policy reform. Busby explores the implications of drug use and legalization on society and has written extensively on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. His articles provide critical insights into political and social issues, making him a respected voice in the field. Episode Sponsors (Logos + UTM Links) Visit http://doubleblindmag.com/freemagic for one month free of our Membership Got stories and questions for Trip Tips? [e-mail] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleBlind DoubleBlind Across the Net: Web: www.doubleblindmag.com IG: @doubleblindmag X: @doubleblindmag FB: @doubleblind Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries:  [e-mail] [e-mail] Our theme song is Primordial Dance by OHMA Today’s medicine song is Sirenita Bobinzana by Shimshai & Susana Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices