This week’s latest cannabis and psychedelics education resources that have come across my desk
Psychology education at Sofia University, located in California, includes understanding Psychedelics. Previously known as the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Sofia was founded by two paragons in psychedelics in the US, James Fadiman and Robert Frager.
The Masters in Transpersonal Psychology accredited and predominantly online with a few weeks in person for a residency component. The approach is formed around the belief that as the use of psychedelics continue to grow, there is a growing need for professionals working with people in and after such states that are versed and experienced in the kinds of experiences that occur. As clinical trials using psilocybin (from ‘magic mushrooms’) to treat depression, anxiety, addictions and end-of-life fear of death show that a high dose of the psychedelic together with therapy has enormous potential in lessening symptoms over extended periods of time.
Alef Trust, located in the U.K., offers a one-year, completely online Psychedelics, Altered States and Transpersonal Psychology Certificate Programme.
This programme studies the transpersonal nature of the psychedelic experience, altered states of consciousness and exceptional experiences. It is broadly targeted to clinicians and those with a background in psychology but also to the interested lay person. What I love about this certification and its website is that it prominently states that the certification is a stepping stone to learning about the field and not necessarily an end goal qualifying someone to work as a therapist.
In 2018, South Africa legalized cannabis for personal use only in the home. Cheeba Cannabis Academy with multiple campuses in South Africa has established Africa’s first Cannabis Academy.
The Academy offers in person and online workshops, short courses and master classes. Courses include commercial cultivation and medical cannabis as well as several Cannabis 101 courses. There is also an internship program allowing for hands-on experiential learning. The website is comprehensive making it easy for students to enroll and understand course components. Cheeba also has Cannabis TV on YouTube highlighting the industry and its growth in Africa. This is an exciting development for Southern Africa.
