I found this article a while back and only just got around to reading it now. Some of the conclusions drawn seem more like general observations and for me they leave something to be desired, but even so I think it deserves a mention here.
The Responsible Use of Entheogens in the Context of Bioregionalism by Eleonora Molnar seeks to address the apparent contradiction between the espoused values of psychedelic culture and the actual behavior of those who use entheogens. The article touches on issues of sustainability, cultural appropriation, and social well-being within the context of plant-based entheogen use; but also offers viable alternative models to the current paradigm.
Abstract:
Quote:The use of entheogens tends to particularly thrive in the western regions of North America, in places also characterized by a strong ecological ethos, sometimes expressed as bioregionalism (i.e., Vancouver, Portland, San Francisco). Although entheogens and bioregionalism coincide and arguably have some significant things in common, there has been, to date and in practice, very little explicit connection between these two phenomena. More precisely, there is little evidence that users of entheogens are guided or influenced much by bioregional thought, or by related ecological values and frameworks. The academic literature on this topic is virtually non-existent. Nevertheless, there are some relevant ethical considerations regarding the use of plant-based entheogens (including fungi) outside of the geographic areas in which they were grown. This article explores various ways in which this apparent disconnect may be problematic, and discusses possible connections which, if pursued, could foster more responsible use of entheogens from a global and ecological perspective. An overview of bioregionalism and related concepts is offered next. Following that, some of the issues and impacts raised by non-bioregional uses of entheogens are discussed, and the article concludes with some thoughts on approaches to reconciling these problems.
"Consciousness grows in spirals." --George L. Jackson
If you can just get your mind together, then come across to me. We'll hold hands and then we'll watch the sunrise from the bottom of the sea...
But first, are you experienced?