A significant event is scheduled to unfold at the Brava Theater Center in the heart of San Francisco on April 27th and 28th, 2024. The Bay Area’s Annual Spring Conference, hosted by Chacruna, promises to be a landmark gathering for enthusiasts, scholars, and advocates of plant medicines and psychedelic science. Building on a legacy that began in Mexico in 2015 and has become a staple on the West Coast since 2018, Psychedelic Culture 2024 aims to push the boundaries of the mainstream psychedelic conversation.
What Is Chacruna?
At the heart of the psychedelic renaissance, the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines stands out as a beacon of research, education, and advocacy. Co-founded by Dr. Beatriz Caiuby Labate, a distinguished Brazilian anthropologist, and Dr. Clancy Cavnar, an American psychologist, Chacruna is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional ceremonial use of psychedelics and their application in clinical and therapeutic settings.
The Visionaries Behind Chacruna
Dr. Beatriz Caiuby Labate, or Bia Labate, is a trailblazer in the field of psychedelic plant medicine. With a Ph.D. in social anthropology from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, her research spans the study of plant medicines, drug policy, shamanism, ritual, religion, and social justice.
Labate’s commitment to public education and cultural understanding of psychedelics is evident in her role as Executive Director of Chacruna, as well as her former involvement with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) (now Lykos Therapeutics) and other prestigious institutions. Her scholarly contributions include over twenty-eight books and numerous articles, making her a key figure in the academic and practical discourse on psychedelics.
Chacruna’s Mission and Programs
Chacruna’s mission is to produce high-quality research on plant medicines and psychedelics while making academic knowledge accessible to the public. The organization seeks to create cultural understanding and legitimacy for these substances, aiming to dismantle stigma and legal barriers.
By promoting dialogue between traditional uses of plant medicines and the emerging field of psychedelic science, Chacruna acts as a critical link between diverse worlds of knowledge. The institute employs a multi-faceted approach to achieve its goals, including:
- Education and Academic Research: Publication of groundbreaking social science health studies on psychedelic plant medicines.
- Chacruna Chronicles: A curated website featuring insights on culture, policy, gender, inclusion, and more related to the psychedelic experience.
- Public Events: Organizing conferences, panels, and forums to discuss shamanism, ritual, religion, and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
- Reciprocity and Psychedelic Justice: Initiatives like the Indigenous Reciprocity Initiative of the Americas and the Racial Equity and Access Committee focus on promoting inclusion, diversity, and access within the psychedelic field.
- Protection of Sacred Plants & Cultural Traditions: Efforts to raise awareness and create safeguards around the use of ayahuasca and other sacred plants globally.
Chacruna’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its efforts to include voices from diverse backgrounds, including women, queer people, indigenous peoples, people of color, and those from the Global South, in the field of psychedelic science. The organization’s work in education, research, and advocacy underscores its dedication to fostering cultural and political reflections on psychedelic science and addressing controversial topics head-on.
Based in Northern California, with strong ties to Brazil and Mexico, Chacruna operates as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its dedication to the advancement of psychedelic plant medicines and the communities connected to them positions Chacruna as a pivotal player in the ongoing dialogue around psychedelics, tradition, and healing.
A Tradition of Cutting-Edge Dialogue and Inclusivity
Chacruna’s commitment to exploring emergent themes in the psychedelic realm shines through in this year’s conference. With a focus on Indigenous Reciprocity & Decolonial Dialogues, Psychedelic Justice, Protection of Sacred Plants & Cultural Traditions, and elevating voices from the Global South, the conference is a beacon for those seeking depth in the psychedelic renaissance. Attendees can expect to engage in rich discussions encompassing Indigenous voices, biocultural conservation, religion’s interplay with psychedelics, and much more.
The conference is distinguished by its comprehensive panels and experiential opportunities, facilitating conversations on a wide range of topics. These include legislation reform, racial equity, queer perspectives on psychedelics, women’s roles, veteran leadership, and the inclusion of disabled populations within the psychedelic community. Critical reflections on psychedelic science, including assisted therapy, sexual abuse, and the ethics of touch, will be addressed alongside dialogues bridging neuroscience and shamanism.
A Space for Community, Activism, and Healing
Psychedelic Culture 2024 is not just a conference; it’s a community gathering that combines intellectual rigor with activism, heart, and soul. Amidst the so-called psychedelic renaissance, the event underscores the importance of dialogues between scientists and communities deeply involved with these medicines. The Brava Theater, a woman-led co-op in San Francisco’s traditional Latin neighborhood, offers the perfect backdrop for this memorable experience.
Participants will also have the opportunity to join music and meditation circles, as well as rapé (smokeless tobacco) ceremonies, fostering a holistic approach to understanding and experiencing psychedelic culture.
Supporting the Community and Promoting Inclusivity
Understanding the financial barriers that may prevent some from participating, Chacruna has made scholarships available, ensuring a diverse and inclusive audience. Moreover, attendees can enjoy a special discount at the Phoenix Hotel by using the code: CHACRUNA, further facilitating participation.
A Call for Sponsorship and Ethical Engagement
Chacruna extends an invitation to potential sponsors, offering them visibility and engagement opportunities while maintaining a clear stance on ethical considerations. Sponsors are assured recognition without influencing the event’s content, preserving the integrity and educational nature of the conference.
In a time when the exploration of plant medicines and psychedelics is more critical than ever, the Bay Area’s Annual Spring Conference stands as a testament to the power of community, dialogue, and inclusivity. Join the conversation and be part of a movement towards a more understanding and enlightened approach to psychedelic science and plant medicine.
