The moral of the story… never befriend people in an ice-cream store!
One of those psychedelics stories that you really couldn’t make up
A couple of grifters were arrested after they allegedly posed as caregivers, moved into an eye surgeon’s home rent free, gave him psychedelics, and stole nearly $3 million from him.
The pair — Anthony Flores, 46, a former hair stylist from Fresno and Anna Moore, 39, a former yoga instructor from Monterrey, Mexico — are accused of taking advantage of 57-year-old Dr. Mark Sawusch, who was suffering from bipolar disorder. They allegedly “befriended” the doctor at an ice cream shop and days later began living with him, feeding him a steady diet of drugs — including ketamine, marijuana, magic mushrooms and LSD — and stealing money out of his bank accounts,according to the Los Angeles Times.
While the doctor was high on acid, Flores “allegedly changed the two-step authentication on a brokerage firm account and instead changed the information to his own phone number, giving him access to the $60-million account.”
After the doctor died in 2018, the couple, having by then been kicked out of the beach house, moved back in “and allegedly withdrew large amounts of money from his bank accounts.”
From the LA Times:
The couple were indicted by a grand jury Dec. 15 on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to engage in money laundering and other charges, according to court documents. …
Sawusch experienced a severe mental breakdown and was arrested, prosecutors said. Flores promised to post bail for Sawusch if he would sign powers of attorney over to Flores, who assured Sawusch once the bail was posted he would rescind the legal title.
But he later refused and claimed he wanted to help Sawusch pay for his bills and other finances by keeping the powers of attorney, according to prosecutors. …
Four days before Sawusch died, Flores initiated two wire transfers of $1 million from Sawusch’s brokerage account to Flores’ own bank account. …
His family sued to reclaim the stolen money, but Flores and Moore allegedly violated multiple court orders to return any funds or documents. They allegedly tried to launder the money by fraudulently transferring the funds through multiple bank accounts. Flores and Moore settled the lawsuit and agreed to pay back $1 million but have not done so, prosecutors said.
Moore and Flores could face decades in prison if convicted on all the charges.
Colorado Springs has recently become home to Colorado’s first psychedelic church dedicated to the use of magic mushrooms. The church, officially named the Sacred Tribe, represents a significant milestone in the broader acceptance and exploration of psychedelics within spiritual and religious practices. This development follows the state’s progressive stance on psychedelics, particularly after the passing of Proposition 122, which decriminalized the possession and use of certain natural psychedelics, including psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms.
The Sacred Tribe: A New Frontier in Spiritual Practice
The Sacred Tribe was founded with the belief that psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, can play a vital role in spiritual awakening and personal growth. The church aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where members can use magic mushrooms as a sacrament in their spiritual practices. The founders of the Sacred Tribe believe that these substances can help individuals achieve a deeper connection with themselves, others, and the universe, facilitating profound spiritual experiences and healing.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The opening of the Sacred Tribe raises important legal and ethical questions, particularly in the context of the United States’ complex relationship with psychedelics. While Proposition 122 decriminalized the personal use of psilocybin in Colorado, the establishment of a church centered around its use pushes the boundaries of current legal frameworks. The church operates under the protection of religious freedom, but it remains to be seen how this will be interpreted and enforced by state and federal authorities.
The Role of Psilocybin in Religious and Spiritual Contexts
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, has been used for centuries in various indigenous cultures for religious and spiritual purposes. The Sacred Tribe seeks to integrate these ancient practices into modern spiritual life, offering ceremonies and rituals designed to guide members through their psychedelic experiences. These practices are intended to help individuals explore their consciousness, heal from past traumas, and find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Community and Education at the Sacred Tribe
In addition to its religious ceremonies, the Sacred Tribe places a strong emphasis on community building and education. The church offers workshops, seminars, and group discussions on the safe and effective use of psychedelics, the history of their use in various cultures, and the potential benefits and risks associated with their consumption. By fostering a community of like-minded individuals, the Sacred Tribe hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding psychedelics and promote their responsible use.
Implications for the Future of Psychedelics in Colorado
The establishment of the Sacred Tribe is a significant development in the ongoing conversation about psychedelics in the United States. As the first psychedelic church in Colorado, it could set a precedent for similar organizations across the state and potentially the country. The church’s success or challenges could influence future legislation and public opinion on the use of psychedelics in both religious and therapeutic contexts.
Conclusion
The opening of Colorado’s first psychedelic church, the Sacred Tribe, marks a new chapter in the relationship between psychedelics and spirituality. As the church begins its journey, it stands as a testament to the growing acceptance of psychedelics as tools for spiritual and personal growth. How this development will shape the future of psychedelic use in Colorado and beyond remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly represents a significant step forward in the broader psychedelic movement.
Gorgona, an Italian island known for its historical connection to LSD research, is currently facing an unusual problem: an overpopulation of goats. In a bid to manage the growing number of goats, local authorities have decided to offer them for free to anyone willing to take them. This initiative, while solving a practical issue, also highlights Gorgona’s unique LSD history and the environmental challenges it now faces. As a result, this is your once in a life time opportunity, to get a free LSD Islad goat, whatever that means…
The Historical Connection to LSD
Gorgona, often referred to as “Italy’s LSD Island,” earned its nickname due to its association with Albert Hofmann, the Swiss chemist who first synthesized LSD. Hofmann’s early experiments with ergot alkaloids, which led to the discovery of LSD, were conducted on Gorgona. Though the island’s connection to LSD is more of historical interest today, it adds a layer of intrigue to the current situation involving the goats.
Why Free LSD Island Goats?
The goat population on Gorgona has surged dramatically following the closure of the island’s prison, which once managed the livestock as part of inmate rehabilitation programs (point to think about – LSD and prison…). With no active management, the goats have overgrazed the island, threatening its delicate ecosystem. This environmental degradation prompted local authorities to offer the goats for free, aiming to reduce their numbers and restore ecological balance.
A Creative Solution to a Growing Problem
The decision to give away goats for free is an innovative response to the overpopulation crisis. This initiative not only helps control the goat population but also involves the public in wildlife management efforts. Those who adopt the goats will play a role in preserving Gorgona’s environment, which is critical for maintaining the island’s biodiversity .
Implications for Conservation and Wildlife Management
The goat giveaway is part of broader conservation efforts on Gorgona. By reducing the goat population, authorities hope to prevent further damage to the island’s vegetation and support the regeneration of native plant species. Conservationists are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the island’s unique ecosystem is protected while addressing the practical needs of managing its wildlife.
Conclusion
Gorgona’s initiative to offer free goats reflects a practical solution to an environmental challenge, intertwined with the island’s rich LSD history. As the goats find new homes, the island will have a better chance of restoring its natural balance, preserving both its environment and its historical significance.
But focus on the impartance stuff: when was the last time you were offered free LSD? Even if it is only a goat…
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a 10-day hearing to discuss the potential Psychedelics Ban of two psychedelic substances, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine (DOC). This decision comes after increasing pressure from scientists, researchers, and advocates who argue that these compounds hold significant potential in treating mental health conditions and advancing scientific research. The hearing is set to begin on November 12, 2024, and will be crucial in determining whether these substances will be placed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
What Are DOI and DOC?
DOI and DOC are psychedelic amphetamines known for their hallucinogenic properties. Both compounds are known to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly 5-HT2A, which is crucial for mood regulation. These psychedelics have been used in research settings to study their potential impact on conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Despite their psychoactive properties, researchers argue that there is limited evidence of significant harm or high abuse potential associated with DOI and DOC. In fact, many scientists claim that these substances could be beneficial for advancing psychedelic therapy and exploring new treatments for mental health conditions. One report noted that while DOI and DOC do have hallucinogenic effects, there is little data to support claims of dependence or severe adverse health outcomes.
DEA’s Concerns and the Push for a Psychedelics Ban
The DEA initially proposed a ban on DOI and DOC in 2022, arguing that these substances pose a potential threat to public safety. The agency maintained that there is no recognized medical use for these psychedelics and cited concerns over high abuse potential. However, following significant pushback from the scientific community, the DEA postponed the decision and agreed to the upcoming 10-day hearing.
The DEA’s concerns primarily stem from anecdotal reports of hallucinogenic effects and one reported case where DOC was used in combination with other drugs, resulting in a death. However, critics point out that there is no strong scientific evidence directly linking these substances to widespread harm. Researchers have emphasized that placing DOI and DOC under Schedule I could severely hinder medical research on these compounds.
Why the Hearing Matters
This hearing represents a significant opportunity for researchers and advocates to present evidence supporting the continued legal use of DOI and DOC for scientific and medical purposes. Advocates argue that placing these substances under Schedule I would dramatically slow progress in the growing field of psychedelic-assisted therapy, which has already shown promising results in treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
For many in the research community, the upcoming hearing offers a chance to underscore the importance of keeping DOI and DOC accessible for further scientific study. This is particularly relevant as the mental health crisis continues to grow globally, with millions suffering from conditions that current treatments fail to adequately address.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Psychedelic Research
The DEA’s decision to hold a 10-day hearing on the proposed ban of DOI and DOC is a critical step in the ongoing debate over how psychedelics should be regulated in the United States. While the agency remains cautious about the potential risks, the research community sees this as an opportunity to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of these substances. The outcome of this hearing could have far-reaching consequences, not only for psychedelic research but also for the future of mental health treatment.
