Psychedelics in Scotland: The Future of Mental Health

In February 2023 SPRG held a 3 day Celebration of Scotland's Indigenous Apothecary encompassing cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms, as well as other healing plants indigenous to the Scottish land. The events were organised to coincide with the international movement #thankyouplantmedicine. They collaborated with the Scottish Cannabis Consortium, the University of Edinburgh, and many other organisations and people involved in both plant medicine and drug policy reform in Scotland in order to explore the healing potential of these plants. The final day involved two events: a panel event in which we heard from a range of expert speakers ranging from academic, research and importantly several lived experience voices, and a Scottish Parliament event, sponsored by Pauline McNeil MSP, with the same speakers and focus, but with MSP’s in attendance. In keeping with the power of this medicine to inspire and create community, this day was packed full of energy and inspiring, at times painful, stories of healing and gratitude for the plants, and the potential they have to heal, connect and transform individuals and communities. One of the most powerful moments was when a mother, Karen Llewellyn, spoke of the harm that had been done to her sons and her family by the drug policy and medical frameworks. In a tragic turn of events Karen's son Jake passed away 2 months later. Inquiries are ongoing. Similarly, John Anderson, a neuroscientist, counsellor and board member of SPRG presented the story of his own healing which sent shivers around the room. The power of being heard and having the opportunity to speak our truth in these environments cannot be understated. Drugreporter produced a new documentary on the struggle to liberate psychedelic medicine in Scotland. In the film, people with lived experience provide testimony on the healing powers of psychedelic drugs. We decided to publish the uncut interviews as well, for a more in-depth analysis of the situation of psychedelics in Scotland. To watch the film, Psychedelics in Scotland, click here: https://youtu.be/7JMpPTvTXo0

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