Hyper-Local Action: Climate and Psychedelic Policy with Aaron Genuth and Madeleine MacGillivray
At the Launch of Psychedelic-Climate Week, we interviewed Aaron Genuth of Decriminalize Nature and Madeleine MacGillivray from Seeding Sovereignty, exploring the intersection of local climate action and psychedelic policy reform. Their insights remind us that significant change often begins at the community level, and they shared actionable ways to push for progress in both arenas.
Q: Can you tell us why you see local policy as a powerful tool for climate justice?
Madeleine: Local policies are really where the impact begins. When we advocate for changes in our own cities and communities, we’re directly influencing our everyday environment. Look at the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), for instance. It’s brought tax credits, clean energy investments, and green job opportunities to communities that were previously underserved. This type of federal policy trickles down to support local action, which in turn empowers people on the ground to lead climate initiatives.
We’re also seeing progress with policies like “Extended Producer Responsibility,” which puts the responsibility of waste management on corporations rather than consumers. This kind of shift is helping several states make strides in holding companies accountable for their environmental impact.
Q: In what ways is local action driving psychedelic policy reform?
Aaron: Local advocacy has been crucial. With Decriminalize Nature, we’ve seen city council resolutions pass in several U.S. cities to decriminalize plant-based psychedelics like psilocybin and DMT. These changes often happen through direct dialogue with city officials, which proves how much power we have at the community level.
In New York, for example, we’re actively working on state legislation to legalize and decriminalize psychedelics. It’s not easy, but there’s a lot of momentum, and every local victory gets us one step closer to larger policy changes.
Q: How can individuals get involved in their communities on these issues?
Madeleine: Start by getting to know your local representatives and building relationships. Politicians, especially on the local level, often respond positively to constituents’ concerns. Direct engagement with officials lets them know that their communities want to see action on issues like climate and psychedelic reform.
Aaron: I agree. The other important part is finding something you genuinely care about. If you’re passionate about the impact psychedelics could have on mental health, focus on advocating for that. The same goes for climate action. Aligning your activism with what really matters to you can make the whole process feel less daunting and more sustainable.
Q: Do you see a connection between climate and psychedelic policy reform?
Aaron: Absolutely. Both movements share a grassroots spirit and a belief in pushing boundaries. Decriminalizing psychedelics, like climate activism, starts with city councils and small communities before growing into larger conversations. It’s about changing perspectives and challenging systems from the ground up.
Madeleine: Right. In both movements, we’re fighting for a shift in consciousness, whether it’s how we treat our planet or how we view mental health. These issues might seem different, but they’re linked by a vision of creating a world where sustainability and well-being are prioritized.
Q: What would you say is the biggest takeaway from your work in local advocacy?
Madeleine: For me, it’s realizing the power each of us has to create change in our communities. And honestly, making activism enjoyable is key. When you find joy in the work, you’re more likely to keep going.
Aaron: Agreed. Local action doesn’t just change policy – it builds community. Whether you’re working on climate issues or psychedelic reform, engaging with others around shared goals can be incredibly fulfilling. It’s what keeps me committed to this work, knowing that these small victories have a broader impact.
Q: Final thoughts on where local action is headed for climate and psychedelic policies?
Madeleine: I’m hopeful. Seeing initiatives like the IRA and corporate accountability measures gaining traction shows that we’re moving in the right direction. But there’s still work to be done, and it starts with all of us making noise in our communities.
Aaron: Change is happening, step by step. Each city that passes a resolution for decriminalization or enacts climate-conscious policies is part of a growing movement. I think the more we engage, the more momentum we’ll see.
Creating Intersectional Change in Climate and Psychedelic Policies
Both Madeleine and Aaron identified common ground between climate and psychedelic policy: a willingness to push boundaries and tackle issues from a grassroots perspective. The recent progress in psychedelic decriminalization echoes the strides made by climate advocates in tackling corporate accountability, reducing plastic waste, and pushing for clean energy. Each field is advancing by advocating for policies at the municipal level, then scaling these successes to broader contexts.
Their parting message was clear: each of us holds the power to make a difference, starting with our communities. Whether through voting, volunteering, or simply getting to know our neighbors, local action forms the foundation for wider change. As these movements grow, the impact of grassroots initiatives will continue to ripple outward, shaping a future we can build collectively.
Resources cited in the talk include: