006: Courtney Barnes | The Road to Legalizing Psychedelics: Public Knowledge and Acceptance, De-stigmatization, Research, and Advocacy
“Engaging in advocacy and education relating to psychedelics is critical to the success of this movement. The research we see coming out is profound in the ability for these substances to heal and improve the well-being and lives of so many different people. I think that research and science is necessary to achieving drug policy reform, along with advocacy.”
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In this episode we talk about:
Courtneys impressive accomplishments in the space of cannabis and psychedelic advocacy
Mistakes that happened with Cannabis and how cannabis is paving the way for psychedelics
The primary issues that are most important for creating a future regulatory environment for psychedelics
Equitable access and equitable opportunity
Legalization vs. Decriminalization
Importance of public knowledge and acceptance for the movement for psychedelics
Why both the clinical therapeutic model and community access models are beneficial upon legalization
How Courtney got involved in decriminalization
De-stigmatization around mental health with psychedelics
The legality around microdosing and how to know if it’s legal in your country
Legal hurdles for psychedelics
Why Courtney continues to fight for the legalization of psychedelics
How you can get involved in policy reform
LISTEN
“There’s no such thing as perfect policy, and I will say that in my opinion, the successes of cannabis greatly outweigh the negative implications associated with complete prohibition. With that said, cannabis is really making a hugely positive impact relative to the lessons learned that we could use going forward having a cleaner slate with psychedelics.”
Where to find Courtney Barnes:
Courtney Barnes is a Founding Partner at Barnes Caplan LLP, a boutique law and policy firm, based in Denver, Colorado. Ms. Barnes specializes in advising clients on strategic operational matters concerning the production and distribution of hemp and other plant-based products in the United States. In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Barnes is a passionate criminal justice and drug policy reform advocate. Courtney serves as State Policy Advisor for Decriminalize Nature, and has extensive experience drafting and helping to implement state and local policy change relating to the regulation of cannabis and the decriminalization of psychedelics. She is also an advisory board member of the Society for Psychedelic Outreach, Reform, and Education (SPORE) and Heroic Hearts Project, Inc.
“One of the biggest things that I work on and feel passionate about is equitable access and equitable opportunity. Any future regulation relating to psychedelics needs to ensure and be understanding and thoughtful about the historic use of these substances by various cultures and groups, and the impact on use or accessibility that a particular regulatory regime will have.”
