Our Mission
The Alaska Entheogenic Awareness Council is an association of practitioners, researchers and advocacy workers who support the use of entheogenic plant medicines for personal healing and growth. We share a common belief that no human being should ever be labeled a criminal for using plant medicines for healing, personal development, or spiritual practice.
AKEAC aims to inform the public about the therapeutic value of entheogenic plants and fungi. We promote the safe, informed and responsible use of entheogens to support healing and personal development and are working to expand access to entheogenic plants and fungi through community organizing, education and advocacy.
Mounting clinical research—and thousands of years of traditional use—suggests that entheogenic medicines could be a crucial missing piece in treating epidemic rates of mental illness, addiction and trauma-related conditions and empower people to realize greater wholeness, purpose and connection.
Society pays the price of inadequate mental-health treatments in loss of life and in unmet human potential. Those costs are far too high. Innovative methods must be added to our existing health-care system.“Increasing scientific evidence and burgeoning clinical experience show that, in the proper context, the use of plant medicines can be a positive adjunct to healing, with lasting positive impacts on mental well-being. In advocating for people's right to access these potentially beneficial traditional modalities, this petition is a step in the right direction."
- Dr. Gabor Maté - M.D.
What Are Entheogens?
An entheogen is a naturally occurring psychoactive plant or fungi that has the ability to induce an altered state of consciousness which can inspire cognitive, emotional, relational, and spiritual growth and healing. Entheogens have been used for thousands of years by societies around the world. In many cultures, entheogenic plant medicines are considered sacred sacraments and some are already recognized as such by existing U.S. law today. Leading medical researchers have clinically demonstrated that entheogens can produce significant healing outcomes for individuals suffering from debilitating conditions such as addiction, depression, trauma and terminal illness.
Why Decriminalize?
While important groundwork (such as funding critical scientific research and creating a legal therapeutic framework) is ongoing, there is an urgent need to make sure that those who require these medicines for their mental health and wellness are protected from criminal prosecution. Let's be clear, decriminalization does not mean legalization. Decriminalization does not authorize recreational use or retail marketing. It simply reduces people’s risk of arrest for using natural substances that can be used to treat addiction and common mental health conditions.
Mounting evidence from leading medical research institutions such as Johns Hopkins, UCLA, and NYU tell us that plant medicines are uniquely effective in treating depression, trauma and addiction, and end-of-life anxiety. These potentially life-saving medicines are currently illegal. Alaska, it’s time to decriminalize.
“The criminalization of substances for personal use has ruined lives and prevented important research into the positive benefits of plant medicines.” - Nathaniel Erskine-Smith
What About Safety?
Although entheogens have been used safely by various groups for thousands of years, we recognize that there are legitimate concerns around self-treatment. Anecdotally, we know that many of the lesser-known plant medicines that are used for more acute treatment, such as ibogaine and ayahuasca, are almost exclusively found in ceremonial and therapy-based settings, where they are administered by mental health professionals and/or those with deep traditional training. There is sound research into the more commonly self-administered substance, psilocybin (the key ingredient in magic mushrooms) that finds it is safer than all other drugs, including alcohol. According to Michael Winkelman, "evidence suggests that the psychedelics have a much greater safety profile than the major addictive drugs, having extremely low levels of mortality, and producing little if any physical dependence. "
Alaska has one of the highest alcohol, drug, and suicide death rates in the nation. Alaska's suicide rate remains among the highest in the country — around 30 deaths per 100,000 people. Experts warn that these "deaths of despair" may increase in the wake of Covid19.
It is time for a change.
Disclaimer
The Alaska Entheogenic Awareness Council and Alaska Entheogenic Awareness Council, LLC, does not endorse or promote any illegal usage of psychedelic substances. Our programs are solely designed for educational and harm reduction purposes. It is essential to be aware that certain psychedelic substances may still be classified as illegal in many jurisdictions, including under federal law in the United States. Our program and the content on our website should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment.
Alaska Entheogenic Awareness Council 2022