It should surprise no one that Asheville and other parts of Western North Carolina have become launching pads for a nascent industry of psychedelics. What is surprising is the recent state-sanctioned research into psychedelics and the legislative openness to legalization.

My guest today is Daniel Walton, an Asheville journalist who reported and wrote an engaging story about this for the online publication The Assembly of North Carolina. 

We talk about how the culture around psychedelics has evolved over the past half-century. Daniel tells us about the increasing interest in psychedelic therapy and a utopian retreat in Mars Hill for guided psychedelic exploration. We also discuss pioneering efforts in Oregon and Colorado to decriminalize psychedelics and potentially provide a roadmap for legalization here.

00:47 Understanding the Role of Psychedelic Guides
01:54 Legal Status of Psychedelics
04:17 Psychedelics and Mental Health
04:47 Psychedelic Practices in North Carolina
07:40 The Psychedelic Society of Asheville
09:02 The Role of Research in Psychedelic Acceptance
22:56 The Cost and Accessibility of Psychedelics
25:04 The Future of Psychedelics
26:51 Conclusion: The Potential of Psychedelics

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