I ask Karina what brought her to psychedelics in terms of developing a legal practice.

How she’s developing a practice that builds ESG, ethics and creating best practice in the world of psychedelics whether it be the corporate sector the public service or non profit sector.

How to create the values of this new area with the pressures of other forces?

As the psychedelics wave moves into new states what does the conversation look and like as discussions opoen about decriminalization and legalization for therapy.

https://antithesis.law/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/antithesislaw/

Karina began her career with a prominent Washington DC law firm focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulatory, enforcement, and litigation issues, as well as AML and FCPA compliance and internal investigations. As a human rights advocate, Karina has also worked extensively with refugees and migrant populations in both the United States and the Middle East.

At Antithesis, Karina guides clients on a range of core business and regulatory issues, including corporate formation, contract review and drafting, dispute resolution, along with ESG advice. As a leading voice on regulatory matters and best practices, she advises and collaborates with impactful organizations to develop and improve business guidelines. Her enduring commitment to social justice and intellectual curiosity continue to propel her leadership and advocacy in the psychedelic field.

Assisted with formation of psychedelic coaching company, trademark review and advice

Contributed to a broad internal investigation for a large EU bank regarding historical AML and OFAC compliance. Supported the client in responding to US government inquiries, and assisted with numerous ongoing EU criminal and regulatory inquiries.

Assisted with presentations to large international investment banks on the risks to companies and board members from greenwashing litigation in the United States, advised US investment managers on implementing SEC-compliant ESG programs, including marketing materials, GRI-compliant Corporate Sustainability Reports, UN PRI submissions, and written supervisory procedures.

Contributed to a broad internal investigation for a European financial institution regarding historical AML compliance, supported cooperation with US authorities, and assisted with numerous ongoing criminal and regulatory inquiries in Europe.

Advised clients on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) national security review process for foreign acquisitions in the United States.

https://psychedelics.top200lawyers.com/item/karina-bashir-antithesis/

Taylor Loyden (she/her/they) is the Managing Attorney at Terrapin Legal, a pioneering psychedelic law firm dedicated to advancing ethical and sustainable practices within the psychedelic ecosystem. Having spent over a decade working as a wilderness therapist, educator, medic, search and rescue responder, and guide in remote settings, Taylor brings a multidisciplinary approach to her legal practice.

Her path to law was inspired by profound experiences working alongside indigenous communities, which nurtured a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of natural systems and the mutual support they foster. This appreciation for holistic relationships, along with her interest in ethnobotany, ecological integrity, and mycology, continues to guide her approach to her legal practice.

Taylor focuses much of her legal practice on supporting clients to align their practices under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), advising on DEA and FDA compliance, and providing strategic guidance to practitioners within the psychedelic ecosystem. Her approach is oriented towards guiding clients to operate within nuanced legal frameworks while staying true to the medicines and practices they work with. Whether advising spiritual communities, therapists, practitioners, researchers, or harm-reduction organizations, Taylor ensures clients are empowered to minimize liability, avoid government interference, and maintain alignment with their values.

At Terrapin, Taylor prioritizes creating pathways for ethical and sustainable practices, advocating for reciprocity with Indigenous communities, advancing evidence-based policies, and educating clients on the complex intersection of law, culture, and transformative healing practices. She is deeply committed to protecting not only her clients but also the people and ecosystems they serve.

https://www.terrapinlegal.com/

Download The Podcast At Podomatic

I speak to Varin about the parlous state of the Northern Ireland hemp industry.

It has remained too long a cottage industry and without buy in from local government, Stormont and of course Westminster that’s the way it’s going to stay.

It’s the story I hear the planet over, a complete lack of investment to develop proper processing facilities for industrial hemp.

Being part of the UK Northern Ireland has the same issues as England & Scotland a beyond useless  labour government with zero understanding  of and desire to develop hemp and don’t forget the standard UK party political nepotism which means quietly a limited number of people get to line their pockets.

Also, being Northern Ireland,  there is also an element of Irish politics at play where north and south aren’t really talking to one another in anything but the flimsiest way.

Now.. wouldn’t it be great if it were hemp and cannabis that led the charge in change. Yes i know that’s somewhat naive looking at the power of the black market drugs trade in the south at the moment but it’s a nice thought.

Thankyou Varin for talking to the Karma Koalas but also finding positives in a landscape that isn’t offering too many at the moment.

Varin Marshall

Founding Director at Northern Ireland Hemp Association

Varin founded the Northern Ireland Hemp Association in early 2019 after life long passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of hemp. With a vision of protecting the fast emerging industry here in Northern Ireland he brought to life a fully transparent body of representatives who support the hemp industry across Ireland and the UK through education, business consultation, networking and advice in all areas of the industry.

Having developed his networking skills through an 18 year tenure in digital media production with multiple businesses and music industry promotion with globally known artists, currently operating Botanic Media (Belfast) As the previous owner of Azora Health & Wholefoods (Hillsborough) now ‘Azora Cooperative’ and Eatwell Foods (Belfast), he leverages 10 years of invaluable health foods knowledge and industry experience to strengthen Ireland’s resurgent hemp industry.