Steve DeAngelo: Cannabis, Plant Medicine & the Fight to End the Drug War

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Steve DeAngelo. Steve DeAngelo is a world-renowned activist, author, and entrepreneur often recognized as the "Father of the Legal Cannabis Industry." He co-founded Harborside Health Center and the Last Prisoner Project, a non-profit dedicated to freeing those incarcerated for cannabis. With over four decades of activism, Steve has been a central figure in transforming cannabis from a prohibited substance into a respected plant medicine and a global industry.

We touch upon topics of:

• 04:10 – Steve’s first spiritual experience with cannabis at age 13 in a neighborhood park.

• 06:30 – The racist origins of cannabis criminalization and its use as a tool of oppression.

• 09:15 – The devastating toll of the "War on Drugs" and mass incarceration on families.

• 11:50 – How targeting cannabis ships in the 1980s inadvertently sparked the cocaine surge.

• 16:40 – The counterproductive nature of drug prohibition and the rise of fentanyl.

• 20:25 – The mission of the Last Prisoner Project: Seeking justice for those still serving time.

• 24:10 – Cannabis as Mother Nature’s "kindest and most gentle plant teacher."

• 26:50 – Archeological evidence of shamanic cannabis use dating back 12,500 years.

• 29:30 – The historical spread of cannabis from Central Asia through India, Africa, and Europe.

• 32:15 – Cannabis in ancient religion: Its presence in Egyptian mythology and the holy anointing oil of Jesus.

• 36:45 – The industrial versatility of hemp: From Levi’s jeans to construction materials like "Hempcrete."

• 41:20 – The "Decriminalize Nature" movement and the rise of mushroom churches in Oakland.

• 45:00 – Resisting corporate colonization: The importance of community-centric psychedelic access.

• 48:30 – The fusion of traditions: Rastafari communities integrating Ayahuasca and Iboga into their practice.

• 52:15 – Exploring the feminine spirit of cannabis and its role in a world needing more cooperation.

If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com

Find more about Steve DeAngelo at www.stevedeangelo.com and www.lastprisonerproject.org