The Profound Realm of Cannabis Psychedelics
A Journey Through Healing, Trauma, and Expanded Consciousness. In the realm of consciousness exploration, cannabis psychedelics offer a unique and intricate tapestry of experiences that resonate deeply with the teachings of modern visionaries like Daniel McQueen, the trauma-informed insights of Gabor Maté, and the psychedelic pioneers Robin Carhart-Harris and Stanislav Grof. These luminaries bring their respective expertise and perspectives to a discussion that intertwines the meaning of cannabis psychedelics, the healing potential they hold for trauma, and the profound insights they can unlock within the human psyche.
Cannabis Psychedelics
A Gateway to Altered States of Consciousness Cannabis, often regarded as a milder psychoactive substance, possesses an intriguing duality. On one hand, it is a widely consumed recreational drug; on the other, it is an ancient and sacred plant that has been used for millennia in various spiritual and healing traditions. The cannabis plant, also known as hemp also is a source of food, fibre, fuel, plastics and building materials. And with cannabis psychedelics, the plants potential goes far beyond its recreational or industrial use.
Daniel McQueen, a pioneer in the field of cannabis-assisted psychotherapy, notes that cannabis can be a gateway to altered states of consciousness, akin to other classic psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD. McQueen believes that when used with intention and respect, cannabis can help individuals access the deeper realms of their psyche, offering profound insights and personal growth. As McQueen eloquently puts it, “Cannabis, like other psychedelics, has the potential to be a bridge between our ordinary, egoic consciousness and the vast, uncharted territories of our inner world.”
Trauma and Healing: Gabor Maté’s Perspective
Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and addiction specialist, brings a unique perspective to the discussion of cannabis psychedelics through the lens of trauma. Maté emphasizes the role of trauma in shaping our lives and behaviors, often leading to addiction and mental health issues.
Maté asserts, “Trauma is not what happens to us, but what happens inside us as a result of what happens to us.” Cannabis psychedelics, when used mindfully, can serve as a tool for individuals to confront and heal from the deep-seated traumas that have been silently affecting their lives.
The healing potential of cannabis psychedelics lies in their ability to unveil suppressed emotions, memories, and thought patterns, allowing individuals to process and release their trauma in a gentle, safe and supportive environment. This aligns with Maté’s belief that true healing involves addressing the root causes of suffering rather than merely masking symptoms.
Psychedelic Insights and Research
The Perspectives of Carhart-Harris and Grof Robin Carhart-Harris, a leading neuroscientist in the field of psychedelics, and Stanislav Grof, a pioneering researcher in the therapeutic use of LSD, provide a scientific and clinical backdrop to the exploration of cannabis psychedelics.Carhart-Harris emphasizes the potential of psychedelics, including cannabis, to induce transformative experiences and expand one’s sense of self. He notes, “Psychedelics are a powerful tool for unlocking the mind, revealing its hidden workings, and facilitating profound changes in perception and behavior.” Grof’s extensive work with LSD therapy underscores the value of altered states of consciousness in psychotherapy. He believes that cannabis psychedelics can serve as a valuable adjunct to traditional therapeutic approaches, enabling individuals to access deeper layers of their psyche and accelerate the healing process.
Cannabis psychedelics, when approached with intention, respect, and mindfulness, offer a profound journey into altered states of consciousness, a path to healing from trauma, and insights into the depths of the human psyche. Paul Benhaim, following on from his 3 decade work with this plant and learning from the lineages of Daniel McQueen, Gabor Maté, Robin Carhart-Harris, Stanislav Grof and more – all converge in the art of Cannabis Psychedelics to paint a rich tapestry of possibilities in the world of healing and human evolution.
As we continue to explore the intricate landscape of consciousness with cannabis psychedelics, it is essential to do so with reverence, understanding, and a commitment to personal growth and healing. In the words of our founder, Paul Benhaim “It is not us, as facilitators that do the healing work, it is the client and the Cannabis plant – and their relationship that guide us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and our the meaning of our place within the universe.”