Tehseen Noorani - Reflections on Community Strategising about Psychedelic Therapy in Aotearoa

Tehseen Noorani discusses the ongoing Community Strategising about Psychedelic Therapy in Aotearoa, a project exploring the ethical, cultural, and political dimensions of integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy in New Zealand. The initiative prioritizes Maori sovereignty, known as Tino Rangatiratanga, and harm reduction, aiming to address the limitations of Western psychiatric models. Central to this approach is the recognition of Maori, Pasifika, and other indigenous knowledge systems that challenge dominant medicalized frameworks. A key focus is the cross-cultural dialogue between indigenous traditions and global psychedelic science. Noorani highlights the importance of re-contextualizing concepts like set and setting, which historically prioritize psychological, individualistic assessments. By framing psychedelic substances as sacred medicines and plant teachers, the project promotes deeper, reciprocal relations within human and non-human ecologies. The talk identifies significant considerations regarding the commodification of these practices and the potential for a collective, community-led model of therapeutic access that honors local history and ancestral connection.