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https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-170/issue-129/extensions-of-remarks-section/article/E809-3

Summary of the letter:

• The PATH Caucus was created to raise awareness about the therapeutic potential of psychedelic and entactogenic drugs for mental health conditions.
• The Caucus is seeking input on implementing programs and policies for novel therapies using these substances.
• The Caucus aims to gather input from the public, those who have received psychedelic-assisted therapies, and stakeholders in the behavioral health ecosystem.
• The Caucus acknowledges the cultural significance of certain psychedelic substances and seeks input from indigenous communities.
• The Caucus is interested in input on risk mitigation frameworks, including public education, substance misuse prevention, and safety monitoring strategies.
• The Caucus is seeking input on how to support states in developing infrastructures and service delivery systems for these therapies.
• The Caucus is interested in input on how to ensure equitable access to these therapies.
• The Caucus is seeking input on data standards and repositories for collecting data on the use of these substances.
• The Caucus is seeking input on how to protect public health and safety when implementing these novel therapies.

Response:

Episode 7 of The Sacred Synthesis Podcast

2025 Jan 08 UPDATE: OLCC clarified that Oregon prohibits the sale of artificially derived cannabinoids. There is no prohibition against possession. You can verify this by visiting Chapter 845 and searching for “penalty.”

Oregon’s approach to regulating synthetically derived cannabinoids has evolved significantly in recent years. Initially, the focus was primarily on controlling their sale and distribution, while possession was treated as a minor infraction under Measure 110, which broadly decriminalized drug possession.

I had lunch at La Fondita 2 (3330 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301) today at around 11 a.m. A man I had barely met paid for my burrito. 🌯 He didn’t mention his name, and the restaurant staff didn’t know him either. Apparently, I was the accidental beneficiary of a random act of kindness. I’m not sure whether this has ever happened to me before. ♥️

Here’s a satirical take on polypaternity, parodying the concept of polyamory.

Scenario #

Suppose your relationship with your dad is loving but falls short of idyllic expectations. This isn’t attributable to paternity uncertainty; he is your biological dad, sharing 50% of his DNA.¹ So what do you do? You obviously have only two options:

• Work through existing conflicts with your dad to improve your relationship.
• Abandon the pursuit of expansive satisfaction and contentment with one dad figure, instead seeking to fill the void with multiple dad figures.

Note that the belief that a single dad can never suffice is potentially self-fulfilling. The more firmly you hold this belief, the more likely you normalize and accept a mediocre relationship, allowing it to remain unimproved.

A vibrant bouquet of flowers in watercolor. The composition includes a variety of blooms, primarily featuring roses in different shades. There are yellow, orange, and deep red roses, each detailed with delicate petal layers. Accompanying the roses are white hydrangea clusters, adding a soft contrast to the vivid colors. Additionally, there are smaller pinkish flowers and green leaves interspersed throughout the bouquet, providing a lush and natural backdrop. The artist has used a delicate, almost translucent wash technique, allowing for a gentle blending of colors and soft edges that enhance the overall elegance and freshness of the floral arrangement. The piece exudes a sense of lightness and grace, capturing the beauty of the flowers with a refined touch.

Introduction #

Update Aug 2025: Connect this to self-like parts.
Update Oct 2024: I had the opportunity to receive consultation from Dick on this topic. I added the transcript with my reactions.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy emphasizes the client’s Self as the core element for achieving healing. The therapist guides and supports the client. They help connect the client’s parts with their Self. This connection is crucial for progress. Without it, healing can be significantly slowed down or even blocked. This is especially true for exiled parts that experience disconnection and carry emotional pain.

Reference on left, drawing on right.

A set of four watercolor paintings of cats. Each painting is done in a loose, expressive style, with delicate washes of color.