Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 from 12:00-1:30pm PST

In this conversation, medical anthropologists Marty Otañez, PhD and Stacey McKenna, PhD share what critical medical anthropology of psychedelics looks like in areas of harm reduction, community-driven research on BIPOC and psilocybin in non-therapeutic spaces, and corporate accountability. As newcomers in psychedelic studies, they discuss the social and health implications of the corporatization of psychedelics, strategies to reduce the negative consequences of drug use through health policy and practices. Their conversation covers qualitative and ethnographic approaches to psilocybin use among BIPOC in non-therapeutic spaces, including ethics and representation. With their vision of a just and humane psychedelic sector, Marty and Stacey present ways to promote accountability and transparency among psychedelic-focused biopharma companies.

Marty Otañez born and raised in Marin County, California, Marty Otañez moved to Denver in 2008. Marty’s mom is from Chicago with roots in German/Irish culture and his father is from the Sierra region in Ecuador. Marty is a first-generation college graduate. For his doctoral work in anthropology at the University of California Irvine, he focused on the livelihoods of tobacco farmers and farm workers, labor union struggles and corporate accountability issues in Malawi’s tobacco growing sector. In 2022, Marty is administering a research project about BIPOC views and experiences with psilocybin in non-therapeutic spaces in Colorado. Currently, Marty Otañez the Chair and Associate Professor in the Anthropology Department, University of Colorado Denver.

Stacey McKenna born in the DC metro area, Stacy McKenna moved regularly as a kid and young adult, and has lived in Colorado since 2007. She received her doctorate in Health and Behavioral Sciences in 2012 from University of Colorado Denver, based on her research on media portrayals of amphetamines and the stigma and lived experiences of women who use them. She then went on to lead an NIH-funded study of methamphetamine use and acquisition and spent seven years as a freelance journalist before landing in her current position as a harm reduction policy researcher. Recognizing that abstinence is not possible or desirable for everybody; she researches, educates and advocates for policies that help facilitate safer use of substances including opioids, tobacco and psychedelics.

This talk will be recorded and immediately available for rewatch for all attendees.

Do you love Chacruna? Want free entry to events, access to our online member community and exclusive events, free merchandise, and much more! Become a member!

Psychedelics Corporatization: A Medical Anthropology Approach