Diversity, Culture and Social Justice in Psychedelics

In partnership with the University of Ottawa School of Psychology, this course teaches students to consider the cultural, social, historical, and economic contexts influencing the psychedelic renaissance. It introduces basic concepts around psychedelics and justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JEDI) to explore their reciprocal influences on psychedelic science, therapies, and praxis. Topics covered include anti-racism, implicit bias, queer aspects, intersectionality, cultural humility, social identity, power and privilege, and the uses of Indigenous plant medicines. The course also addresses the challenges surrounding the mainstreaming and globalization of these substances. Designed to be intellectual, personal, and experiential, the program helps participants analyze how drug policies impact minoritized peoples, explain the potential for psychedelics to relieve racial stress and trauma, and discuss intersectionality theory and praxis.