The Time to Act: Reflections on the Inauguration Integration Expert Panel
This week, District216 proudly hosted the Inauguration Integration Expert Panel, a global livestream event organized by the Global Psychedelic Society (GPS). Together with 16 other societies across the US and Mexico, we tuned in to a critical conversation about the trajectory of President Trump’s drug policies and their far-reaching consequences.
The panel featured powerhouse speakers who illuminated the complexities of these policies and their implications for our communities and the global stage:
• Ismail Ali, J.D. (MAPS): Advocating for equitable access to psychedelics 🌿
• Maritza Perez Medina (Drug Policy Alliance): Fighting for systemic reform 💼
• Jason Ortiz (Last Prisoner Project): Championing justice for those criminalized by the War on Drugs 🕊️
• Moderated by Annie Oak Harrison (Lucid News): A fierce voice for truth and accountability 📰
Annie set the tone early, painting a stark picture of the administration’s authoritarian moves and oligarchic policies, even in its first week. Her words weren’t just a call to awareness—they were a call to action.
“This is not a moment to wait for change to come from above. This is the time to organize, to act, and to create ripples of change from right where we are.”
Following the livestream, our Santa Barbara community came together for an interactive roundtable discussion. The energy in the room was electric as we unpacked the panel’s insights, shared personal reflections, and brainstormed actionable steps we can take to address these issues locally.
From the audience Q&A to the deep dives during our roundtable, one theme was clear: community is where real change begins. While the challenges ahead may seem daunting, we have the power to act with intention, connect with one another, and create tangible impact right here in our backyard.
Enjoy some smiling faces of various psychedelic societies / clubs from 16 other cities nationwide and in Mexico!
What’s Next?
At District216, we are committed to fostering conversations that inspire action. This event is just the beginning of many more to come. We’ll continue to bring people together to learn, grow, and organize around the issues that matter most.
Let’s not wait for change to come to us—let’s be the change our world so desperately needs.
Stay connected, stay informed, and stay involved. Together, we can turn small ripples into waves of transformation. 🌊💪
