I recently published an article about Oregon’s pioneering psilocybin services program and its appeal to older adults, in the online magazine Next Avenue.
As a writer, I consider addressing misunderstandings and stigma about consciousness-expanding drugs to be a big part of my job. That’s why I appreciate the opportunity to publish in this very mainstream website targeted at adults over 50, affiliated with Twin Cities (Minnesota) PBS. To their credit, they’ve been very open-minded about psychedelics – I’ve yet to see AARP cover the topic (but when they decide do, I hope they’ll reach out to me!)
I titled my article, “A Changing Legal Landscape for Psychedelics Opens New Opportunities for Older Adults.”
Of course the editor changed it – their prerogative for sure.
The new title, “Are Hallucinogens for You?” was not my favorite. But it did inspire readers to respond on their Facebook post – about 10 to 1 answering in favor. That was a pleasant surprise!
Then the article was picked up by MarketWatch, a website subsidiary of Dow Jones, and run again – with a much better title: Baby boomers, contemplating their mortality, are taking psychedelics again.
Again, the comments run positive.
In the coming year, I’m going to be ramping up my writing about the intersection between older adults and the emerging psychedelic space here on this blog. If this is a topic that interests you, I hope you’ll subscribe!
In the meantime, I’ll share my evergreen wish for peace, compassion and an end of suffering for all beings!
