In today’s episode of Mycopreneur Podcast, we embark on a thought-provoking journey into the world of psychedelics and drug policy with renowned drug policy analyst and multimedia producer Soren Shade.

Soren is a researcher and advocate in the field of psychedelics, with a focus on drug policy and its societal impacts. He is perhaps best known as the producer for Season 3 of Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia on Vice and as the Founder of kratom-leaf tea company Top Tree Herbs.

His work explores the intersection of drugs and broader social issues such as housing insecurity and institutionalized racism. Soren is also known for his work with Kratom, a plant with psychoactive properties, and has been active in discussions around its regulation and use. His approach often emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and the need for sensible drug policies.

In regards to the mycopreneurial landscape, we cover evolving Amanita muscaria regulation and psilocybin mushroom decriminalization extensively in this episode among many other topics.

Here's a detailed look at what we covered in this interview:

We begin by examining how drug policies have evolved over the years, particularly focusing on the intersection of psychedelics with societal issues. Our discussion highlights the impact of these policies on personal freedoms and the broader societal implications. We explore how the narrative around psychedelics is changing, with increasing acceptance in some circles and continued resistance in others.

Our conversation delves into the intersection of psychedelics with critical societal issues such as housing insecurity and institutionalized racism. We discuss how these substances, often stigmatized, are intertwined with broader social challenges. The conversation sheds light on the disproportionate impact of drug policies on marginalized communities and the need for a more equitable approach.

We take a deep dive into Kratom, a substance that has sparked significant debate in the realm of drug policy. Our discussion covers its historical use, current legal status, and the controversies surrounding its regulation. We explore how Kratom serves as a case study for understanding the complexities of drug policy and the challenges of balancing public health with personal freedom.

As we look to the future, we consider the potential for psychedelics to play a transformative role in society. Our conversation touches on the possibilities for these substances to contribute to mental health treatment, personal growth, and societal change. We also discuss the challenges that lie ahead, including the need for sensible regulation and the importance of public education.

This episode is a call to action for listeners to engage with these critical topics. We invite you to join us in exploring the potential of psychedelics to shape a more just and equitable society. Whether you're a seasoned psychonaut or new to the conversation, there's something in this episode for everyone.

Thanks for checking out today’s Mycopreneur Newsletter and listen to the full episode below (or anywhere that podcasts stream)

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My latest piece for Lucid News is out today - it complements a fair amount of what is discussed on the podcast with Soren today re: Frontier markets and evolving regulatory pathways

I’ve done a mushroom gift themed piece for different platforms each of the last few years. This year the list is published in GreenState, a media property belonging to the Hearst Communications empire. If you attend the Mycopreneur Incubator or listen to the Mycopreneur Podcast, you’ll definitely recognize a few of these brands.

This week we announced the Laughter Is Medicine retreat March 15-20 at Coral Cove Wellness Resort in Jamaica. This is a private event at a beachfront resort in collaboration with Andy Sudbrock (pictured above), who is the Director of Retreats for Coral Cove and an experienced facilitator who previously worked in Jamaica with internationally renowned Beckley Retreats.

The theme of the retreat is flipping the traditional retreat model on it’s head by emphasizing fun and recreation over deep serious shadow work; as Anjdy says, we’re putting the FUN in Fungi.

The full schedule and more info is linked below. Hit me up with any questions you may have and please forward to anyone in your network who might be interested in joining us!

Thanks for reading this bonus edition of the Mycopreneur Newsletter, and hit me up in the replies or share with a friend if you enjoyed this!

DW