Books & Bordeaux

Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind looks into the history of psycho-active drugs, including LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and MDMA (molly or x). The writing can be pedantic, but don’t worry, there is a well done Netflix series! You only need a moment of googling to learn that there are so many potential positive uses for psychoactive drugs, including treating addiction, depression, and fear of death in cancer patients. But there are also applications for treating ‘well’ people, such as spiritual exploration and personal growth. And there is growing bipartisan support for psychedelic therapy, with varying levels of legality and new proposals popping up in Michigan, Arizona, Virginia, New Hampshire, Oregon, Colorado, and also at the federal level.

What I took away from this book is that some substances need further study, and some substances need to be legalized, as studies have already shown the positive use applications for the treatment of PTSD for example. It’s long overdue to remove the stigma from these substances, and start reaping the benefits. But read Pollan’s book and decide for yourself…

Wine Pairing

Izak’s 177 Pinotage. This is a full-bodied red, from an area of South Africa known for such red and also fortified wines. I chose this wine as the pairing because of the line on the front “Single Origin”. Surely this is referring to the grapes, but I am linking here to the phenomenon in which psychedelics inspire a sensation or surety of oneness with all living things and often a greater power as well. Single origin indeed.

How to Change Your Mind Discussion Questions