Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines

The Chacruna Institute of Psychedelic Plant Medicines, an organization founded by Brazilian anthropologist Dr. Bia Labate, produces high-quality research on plant medicines and psychedelics, and helps propagate academic knowledge in more accessible formats. We educate the public and create cultural understanding and legitimacy regarding these substances so that they may cease to be stigmatized and outlawed. Chacruna also promotes a bridge between the world of plant medicines and the emergent field of psychedelic science, between “traditional ceremonial use” and clinical and therapeutic settings, bringing the knowledge and perspectives of the social sciences to health care professionals and practitioners of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Finally, we foster cultural and political reflections on the field of psychedelic science and facilitate conversations about controversial topics that have been simmering on the sidelines as psychedelics go mainstream.

Our Programs:
Chacruna uses a multi-faceted approach to achieve our mission, including:

Academic Research: Publication of original social science health studies on psychedelic plant medicines.

Chacruna Chronicles: curation of a popular specialized website with sections on culture, policy, sex & power, women, queer, inclusion & diversity, music, integration, science, spirituality, and news

Ayahuasca Community Committee: Raising awareness about key issues and creating community safeguards as ayahuasca goes global.

Council for the Protection of Sacred Plants: Documentation, education, and advocacy on the legality of sacred plants, as well as consultation in legal cases.

Psychedelic Therapy Music Forum: Hosting a space with playlists and articles exploring the role of music in psychedelic therapy.

Racial Equity and Access Committee / Woman, Gender-Diversity, and Sexual Minorities Working Group: Promote access, inclusion, and diversity by including the voices of women, queer people, indigenous peoples, people of color, and the global South in the field of psychedelic science.

Public Events: Organization of conferences, panels, and community forums on shamanism, ritual, religion, the therapeutic potential of plant medicines, drug policy, gender, and the politics of psychedelic science.

Our Set Up:
Our organization is based in Northern California and we maintain strong ties to Brazil and Mexico. We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and our EIN number is: 84 3076078. We gladly accept donations and are open to volunteers.