Exploring the Impact of Psychedelics on Public Health: Insights from UC Berkeley’s Moana Meadow
In a recent conversation with the staff director of the Psychedelic Facilitation Certificate Program at the University of California, Berkeley, Moana Meadow, we delve into the crucial role of facilitation in cannabis and psychedelic therapies.
A New Approach to Public Health
Understanding the significance of psychedelics in public health, according to Meadow, starts with reassessing our perceptions. For ages, the use of psychedelics and cannabis has been associated with recreation and, in some instances, abuse. However, a coordinated shift towards a more empathetic and therapeutic approach for both substances is now vital. Moreover, she calls for greater investment in psychedelic training as a strategy to address public health concerns.
“Psychedelic training”, explains Meadow, “is far more than understanding the substances themselves. It’s about creating a safe, understanding environment for individuals to connect with themselves, their trauma, and their healing.”
The Crucial Role of Facilitation
Meadow further emphasizes the role of facilitation to make these therapeutic sessions genuinely impactful. A facilitator should not only be well-versed in the theoretical aspects of psychedelics but also equipped with vital skills to create an encouraging environment during therapy.
Often, fear and bias can limit the effectiveness of psychedelic therapy. A properly trained facilitator can use their expertise to guide the subject back to a comforting place if things get challenging, thus enhancing the overall experience. In return, it results in a more beneficial outcome both in terms of individual and public health.
Implications for the Cannabis Industry
While the conversation largely focused on psychedelics, Berkley’s Program director also acknowledged the growing importance of medicinal marijuana. In states where medical marijuana is legalized, there’s a pressing need for trained facilitators to guide users through the process, analogous to psychedelics.
Meadow believes, “Training individuals on the correct use of medical marijuana is an investment in public health.” From understanding right dosages to knowing the legalities, trained facilitators could promote safe and effective medical marijuana use.
Summing it up
- Psychedelics and cannabis have a crucial role in addressing public health issues.
- Psychedelic training is an ‘investment’ in public health, states Moana Meadow.
- The role of a facilitator cannot be understated in the field of therapeutic psychedelics and medical marijuana use.
The discourse around psychedelics and cannabis has drastically transformed over time. Their therapeutic potential and the importance of accredited facilitators are now prominently acknowledged. Indeed, Moana Meadow’s insights provide a compelling argument for investing in psychedelic training as a strategic public health measure.
Article source: The original article, “Psychedelic training is an ‘investment’ in public health: Q&A with UC Berkeley’s Moana Meadow,” can be found at MJBizDaily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs.
