First Responders, PTSD, And Safe Access To Plant Medicines - with Paul Walton скачать в хорошем качестве

First Responders, PTSD, And Safe Access To Plant Medicines - with Paul Walton

In this episode of the Psychedelic Scene podcast, host Jill Sitnick talks with New Mexico firefighter and advocate Paul Walton, executive director of Firefighters for Plant Medicine. Paul has spent more than seventeen years as a firefighter. Along the way he has dealt with the same mix of trauma, sleepless nights, anxiety, and chronic pain that so many first responders carry. Traditional talk therapy helped a little, but not enough. After an on-the-job injury and surgery, Paul tried medical cannabis instead of relying on opioids. It eased his pain, helped him sleep, and surprisingly, opened the door to deeper emotional healing and more honest therapy. From there, he and his union began the slow work of changing county policy so firefighters could use medical cannabis off duty without losing their jobs. They reviewed federal and state law, challenged misconceptions about “drug-free workplace” rules, and worked with county commissioners to update testing policies. Today, Bernalillo County firefighters in New Mexico are: No longer randomly tested for THC, unless there is reasonable suspicion or a serious incident Tested with saliva and blood instead of urine, which does not show actual impairment Able to use medical cannabis off duty under clear rules, similar to alcohol Paul is now involved in state-level conversations about psilocybin therapy. New Mexico is developing regulations for psilocybin-assisted treatment, and he is focused on ensuring first responders are included in a thoughtful, safe way. That includes questions about preparation, integration, microdosing support, and returning to work after a major therapeutic experience. We cover: Why trauma, sleep loss, and pain are so common in firefighting and EMS How cannabis, used intentionally, can support mental health and therapy What it actually took to change county-level policy How language like “safety sensitive” can block access to care Why peer support and culture-informed facilitation are so important What the future might look like for psilocybin therapy for first responders If you are a first responder, union leader, therapist, or policy maker who cares about mental health, this conversation offers practical steps, honest concerns, and a grounded look at what is possible. Always remember: this episode is for education and awareness only. It is not medical advice. Any use of cannabis or psychedelics should follow local laws and be discussed with qualified professionals. Find Paul at: www.firefightersforplantmedicine.org 0:00 – Intro, why first responders and plant medicine 1:00 – Paul’s background as a firefighter and advocate 3:00 – Early experiences with psychedelics and cannabis 4:30 – Injury, surgery, and turning to medical cannabis 6:00 – How cannabis supported pain relief and emotional healing 8:00 – New Mexico’s cannabis and psilocybin landscape 9:30 – Changing county policy for firefighters 12:00 – Rethinking drug testing and impairment 14:00 – Stigma, responsibility, and off duty use 17:00 – How the department responded, early outcomes 20:00 – Practical steps unions can take to start change 24:00 – Compassion, burnout, and why this matters for communities 30:00 – Psilocybin therapy plans in New Mexico 32:00 – Microdosing, integration, and returning to work 36:00 – Peer support, culture, and trust in therapy 44:00 – Personal tools for catching spiraling thoughts 47:00 – Why first responders need to be part of the psychedelic care conversation 49:30 – Final thoughts and where to find Paul